Forest Service resumes Uwharrie National Forest planning

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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The U.S. Forest Service has commenced the 90-day comment period on a proposed revision to the land management plan for the Uwharrie National Forest. 

Some highlights from the forest supervisor:

This Proposed Plan focuses around three main themes: 

1. Restoring the forest to a more natural ecological condition. The primary change would be reducing the amount of loblolly pine plantations in favor of reestablishing longleaf pine forests or oak-hickory forests. 

2. Better managing heritage resources. The historic and prehistoric sites and artifacts found on the Uwharrie would be protected, but we would also use them to provide opportunities for research, teaching, and interpretation. 

3. Providing outstanding and environmentally friendly outdoor recreation opportunities, with excellent trails and facilities: Our focus for this program would be on improving the conditions of the horse and off-highway vehicle trails in the Badin Lake area and working to complete the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail. 

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I know there is some concern within the equestrian community over the desired condition to have horses only on “designated trails,” as opposed to allowing cross-country travel. This desired condition would not be put in place until a site-specific plan is developed and analyzed in collaboration with the equestrian community. I hope that comments regarding this topic will keep this in mind. 

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