UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL STRATEGY December 10, 2015.

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL STRATEGY

December 10, 2015

51,006 acres in theNorth Carolina

Piedmont

Within a two hour drive of

6 million people

Hiking trailsMountain Bike TrailsOff-highway Vehicle Trails

Equestrian TrailsCampingGold PanningFishing

Boating/Kayaking

Hunting (mostly turkey and deer)

OrienteeringGeocacheMilitary TrainingResearch

WHO USES THE UWHARRIE?

Hiking

Mountain Biking

Horseback Riding Off-Highway

Riding

Signed in 2012, sets the course for next 10-15 yearsEstablished three themes for the forest

Restore the forest to a more natural ecological condition Better manage cultural resources Provide outstanding and environmentally friendly outdoor

recreation opportunitiesTargets non-native invasive species for control

Directs the forest to develop a designated trail system for equestrian and mountain bikes, maintain designated trail for off-highway vehicles

UWHARRIE LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Resource protection Protected (listed) species Heritage resources Water quality

Create sustainable trails that we can maintain Improved experience for all visitorLimited funds available for maintenance and

expansion

WHY DESIGNATED TRAILS?

Initial public meeting - September 18, 2014Second public meeting - December 11, 2014Working Group meetings

March 18 and 19, 2015June 4 and 9, 2015July 9, 2015August 13, 2015

Working Group Final Product – September 24, 2015

PUBLIC MEETINGS ANDWORKING GROUPS

You REALLY LOVE your trails!Better trail system, sustainable trailsImprove trail signageDisperse recreation use across more of

the ForestProvide connector trailsBetter use of closed roadsWillingness to pay for use – trail fees

WHAT DID WE HEAR?

Expand into new areas for equestrian and mtn bike use – Morris Mountain– design for multi use

Expand equestrian use into Pekin Area

Badin Lake Recreation Area - equestrian/hiking trails

Wood Run Area – mtn bike/hiking trails

Develop additional parking areas

Relocate Old/Badin Horse Camp to new location in north

Incorporate closed roads into trail system

CHANGES TO TRAIL SYSTEM

Requests to expand into new areas not owned by FS, will defer until lands become available

Some connector trails through resource sensitive areas

All trails multi use

NOT INCLUDED FROM WORKING GROUPS

TRAIL STRATEGY GOALS PROVIDE OUTSTANDING & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OUTDOOR

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH EXCELLENT TRAILS & FACILITIES

FOCUS ON QUALITY TRAIL EXPERIENCES VS. QUANTITY OF TRAIL MILES

MUST BE ENVIRONMENTALLY, FINANCIALLY & SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE

EMPHASIZE LOOPS, CONNECTORS & TRAIL RELOCATIONS VS. NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION

DESIGNATE A MT. BIKE & EQUESTRIAN TRAIL SYSTEM & IMPROVE THE MOTORIZED TRAIL SYSTEM

REDUCE MAINTENANCE NEEDS & COSTS

MINIMIZE USER CONFLICTS & IMPROVE USER SAFETY

ENSURE TRAIL FACILITIES ACCOMMODATE INTENDED USE

ENCOURAGE GOOD LAND & TRAIL ETHIC – TREAD LIGHTLY!

Trail Strategy Rapid Assessments

Assessments completed by each working group

Assessments of Resource Protection and Visitor Satisfaction

Summary of mileage in different quadrants – the mileage of trails in the red, green, red-yellow, and green-yellow quadrants indicates the mileage in the different conditions (marginal, most desirable and least desirable)

Includes some non-system trails

Additional resource assessments during planning and analysis phase

Highlights from Motorized Working Group

Find an alternative to Kodak Rock and Daniel Trail (eastern end)

Loop trails instead of dead-end trails

Connector trail from campgrounds

Increase enforcement and/or find alternative ways to enforce trail rules

Separation of vehicle types onto different trails

Motorized Trails Rapid Assessment ToolScore Sheet

Forest/District Name: Uwharrie National Forest Date: September 24, 2015

Trail or Trail System Designed Use Trail Class Miles of Trail Resource Protection Visitor Satisfaction

COMMENTS

WOLF DEN TRAIL TR89 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 1.3 Moderate ModerateGOOD ROUTES FOR BEGINNERS WITH SOME MODERATE CHALLENGES

SLAB PILE TRAIL TR79 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 1.2 Moderate HighGOOD ROUTES FOR BEGINNERS WITH SOME MODERATE CHALLENGES

DUTCH JOHN TRAIL TR90 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 2.1 Very Low HighFIX HILL CLIMB / ENTRENCHED SECTION ON THE EASTERN END.

ROCKY MT LOOP TRAIL TR92 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 2.8 Very Low High CLOSE KODAK ROCK SECTION OF TRAIL

SAWMILL TRAIL TR93 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 1.1 High Low TOO EASY AND ROAD LIKE

FALLS DAM TRAIL TR96 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 2.8 Moderate High DEAL WITH ARCH ISSUES & ILLEGAL TRAILS.

DICKEY BELL TRAIL TR91 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 3.5 Very Low High DEAL WITH ARCH ISSUES & ILLEGAL TRAILS.

DANIEL TRAIL TR390 MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED TC3-DEVELOPED 2.1 Very Low High DEAL WITH ARCH ISSUES & ILLEGAL TRAILS.

LAKEVIEW TRAIL - New Trail Idea MOTORIZED-FULLSIZEDNEW TRAIL/REROUTE OF OLD TRAIL 2.02 Moderate High

ADD NEW TRAIL & CLOSE KODAK ROCK SECTION OF RML. PUT TRAIL IN LOCATION THAT IS "OK" FOR RESOURCE CONCERNS.

DANIEL TRAIL LOOP ON THE EASTERN END - New Trail Idea MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED

NEW TRAIL/REROUTE OF OLD TRAIL 1.16 Moderate High

ADD NEW TRAIL OR LOOP AT THE EASTERN END OF DANIEL TRAIL TO IMPROVE SAFETY & GET RID OF THE DEAD END. PUT IN LOCATION THAT IS "OK" FOR RESOURCE CONCERNS.

TRAIL TO END OF FR576/DEEP WATER CAMP - New Trail Idea MOTORIZED-FULLSIZED

NEW TRAIL/REROUTE OF OLD TRAIL 0.87 Moderate High

ADD NEW TRAIL OR LOOP AT THE EASTERN END OF DANIEL TRAIL TO IMPROVE SAFETY & GET RID OF THE DEAD END. PUT IN LOCATION THAT IS "OK" FOR RESOURCE CONCERNS.

Rapid Trails Assessment for Motorized Trails – Rated by Motorized Working Group

Resource Protection Visitor Satisfaction Number of Trails Miles of Trail

MOTORIZED TRAILS 8 8 High High 0 0

8 6 High Moderate 0 0

8 4 High Low 1 1.1

8 2 High Very Low 0 0

6 8 Moderate High 5 8.05

6 6 Moderate Moderate 1 1.3

6 4 Moderate Low 0 0

6 2 Moderate Very Low 0 0

4 8 Low High 0 0

4 6 Low Moderate 0 0

4 4 Low Low 1 0

4 2 Low Very Low 0 0

2 8 Very Low High 4 10.5

2 6 Very Low Moderate 0 0

2 4 Very Low Low 0 0

2 2 Very Low Very Low 0 0

Total Miles = 20.95

Rapid Trails Assessment for Motorized Trails – Number and Miles of Trails in different categories for use in the Rapid Trails Assessment Chart on next slide

Rapid Trails Assessment Chart indicate the mileage of trails in the different quadrants

Highlights from Hiking Working Group

Reconnect historic Uwharrie National Recreation Trail (UNRT)

Improve trail signage

Add trail loops and connector trails from adjacent state lands

Add trails in the Morris Mountain Area and connect trails to parcels on east and west side of NC Hwy 109

Update USGS trail maps

Hiking Trails Rapid Assessment ToolScore Sheet

Forest/District Name: Uwharrie NF Date: September 2015

Trail or Trail System Designed Use Trail Class GIS Miles of Trail Resource Protection Visitor Satisfaction

COMMENTS

BIRKHEAD MOUNTAIN HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC2- Moderately Developed 5.59 High High

UWHARRIE NRT (NC24/27 to Yates) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 8.00 High High UWHARRIE NRT (Yates to NC109) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 3.00 High High

UWHARRIE NRT (NC109 to Jumpin off Rock) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 8.00 High High

UWHARRIE NRT- Nonsystem Trail (Jumpin off rock to Luther - King Mt & Little Long Mt included) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN ADD AFTER LAND ACQUISITION 7.00 High High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD & INCLUDE JOE MOFFIT TRAILHEAD ON THAYER RD. Not sure of the mileage.

UWHARRIE NRT (SHELTER CONNECTOR TO TOP OF LITTLE LONG MT SHELTER) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN ADD AFTER LAND ACQUISITION 0.75 High High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD & INCLUDE SHELTER THAT IS ON TOP OF LITTLE LONG MT. Not sure of the mileage.

UWHARRIE NRT - Nonsystem Trail (KING'S MT TO MCARTHUR TRACT & HIGH PINES CH RD) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN ADD TO TRAIL SYSTEM 6.00 High High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD & EVENTUALLY ACQUIRE MCARTHUR TRACT & ADD TRAILHEAD ON MCARTHUR TRACT. Not sure of the mileage.

YATES PLACE CONNECTOR to UNRT HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 0.29 High Moderate HANNAH'S CREEK HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC2- Moderatly Developed 1.37 High High ROBBINS BRANCH HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC2- Moderatly Developed 3.12 High High THORNBURG HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC2- Moderatly Developed 1.88 High High UWHARRIE FITNESS HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 0.35 High Low UWHARRIE FITNESS CONNECTOR HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 0.20 High Low BADIN LAKE HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 6.13 Moderate Low

WEST MORRIS MTN Connector to UNRT HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC2- Moderately Developed 0.96 Moderate Moderate DENSON'S CREEK OUTER LOOP HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC4- Highly Developed 2.41 High Moderate DENSON'S CREEK INNER LOOP HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC4- Highly Developed 1.00 High Moderate DUTCHMAN'S CREEK HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN TC3- Developed 11.17 Moderate High

Camp 3 Loop - Nonsystem Trail HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN NONSYSTEM TRAIL TO ADD 2.12 Moderate Moderate WOULD LIKE TO ADD - on the east side of the Birkhead Trail

BIRKHEAD MOUNTAIN - Reroute trail so don't cross pvt prop HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN REROUTE OF TRAIL 2.50 Moderate High

WOULD LIKE TO REROUTE THE BIRKHEAD MT TRAIL SO THAT IT DOES NOT GO OVER PVT PROPERTY. TAKE TRAIL TOWARD THE KLAUSSNER TRACT TO THE EAST OF THE TOTHILL TH & THEN BRING TRAIL BACK TO THE SOUTHWEST OVER COOLER'S KNOB MT TO CONNECT TO BIRKHEAD MT TRAIL OR GET A ROW OVER 0.5 MILE GAP THAT TRAIL IS ON PVT PROPERTY. Not sure of the mileage.

Walker Creek Connection & Loop - New Trail Idea (south of McArthur Tract) HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN NEW TRAIL IDEA 6.00 Low High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD - CONNECTS UT FROM KM TO MCARTHUR TRACT & ALSO HAS LOOP THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM LUTHER PLACE ON LASSITER MILL RD. ALSO ACCESS FROM CONNECTOR FROM HAWKS NEST ROAD. THE WALKER TRAIL CONNECTOR / LOOP IN CURRENTLY FLAGGED LOCATION IS OF HIGH CONCERN FOR ARCH WHICH IS WHY CONSIDERED LOW FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION. CAN BE IMPROVED BY DIFFERENT LOCATION. Not sure of the mileage.

Luther Tract - UNRT connector from gate road to the Luther Tract HIKE - HIKER/PEDESTRIAN

UNRT needs to reblazed and maybe some new construction & then added to trail system 0.57 High Moderate

ADD TO TRAIL SYSTEM AFTER FIND OLD SECTIONS OF UNRT. THIS IS AN CONNECTOR FROM GATE HIKING ON AN OLD ROADBED FOR THE MOST PART OR COULD DELETE THIS FROM THE UNRT AND JUST KEEP THE ADMIN ACCESS ON THE ROAD.

Rapid Trails Assessment for Hiking Trails – Rated by Hiking Working Group


Hiking Trails 8 High High 10.0 44.7

6 High Moderate 4.0 4.3

4 High Low 2.0 0.6

2 High Very Low 0.0 0.0

8 Moderate High 2.0 13.7

6 Moderate Moderate 2.0 3.1

4 Moderate Low 1.0 6.1

2 Moderate Very Low 0.0 0.0

8 Low High 1.0 6.0

6 Low Moderate 0.0 0.0

4 Low Low 2.0 0.0

2 Low Very Low 0.0 0.0

8 Very Low High 0.0 0.0

6 Very Low Moderate 0.0 0.0

4 Very Low Low 0.0 0.0

2 Very Low Very Low 0.0 0.0

Total Miles = 78.41

Rapid Trails Assessment for Hiking Trails – Number and Miles of Trails in different categories for use in the Rapid Trails Assessment Chart on next slide

Highlights from Mt Bike Working Group

Add Whitetail Trail to the system

Utilize closed roads and construct trail connections to create loops

Increase mileage to make the Uwharrie NF more of a weekend and weeklong destination location

Increase parking and add scenic vista points along trails

Expand trail system into others areas on the Forest (Morris Mtn Area)

Connect to Yates Place Camp and improve camping area

Bike Trails Rapid Assessment ToolScore Sheet


Trail or Trail System Designed Use Trail Class Miles of Trail Resource Protection Visitor Satisfaction

COMMENTS

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K1 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1 Moderate HighFROM WOOD RUN HUNT CAMP TO END OF WALKER MT ROAD

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K2 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.6 High HighFROM WALKER MT ROAD TO OTHER JCT W/ WALKER MT ROAD

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K3 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1.2 High High FROM WALKER MT ROAD TO UPPER WOOD RUN CREEK

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K4 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.75 Moderate ModerateFROM UPPER WOOD RUN CREEK TO UNNAMED CREEK CROSSING

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K5 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.75 High High FROM UNNAMED CREEK TO UWHARRIE TRAIL INTERSECTION

KEYAUWEE TRAIL TR395A K6 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 2 High Moderate

FROM UWHARRIE TRAIL INTERSECTION TO WOOD RUN ROAD - REDUCTION OF USER SATISFACTION WHERE IT IS BACK ON THE OLD ROAD.

WOOD RUN TRAIL TR396 W1 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1.4 High High

NEW REROUTE THAT MOVED TRAIL OFF OF THE ROAD. GREAT TRAIL BUT WOULD BE GREAT TO EXTEND IT TO THE TRAILHEAD.

SUPERTREE TRAIL TR395 S1 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.5 High Low

FROM WOOD RUN HUNT CAMP TO THE CREEK CROSSING / UTILITY CORRIDOR. ON FOREST ROAD SO NOT INTERESTING TO RIDE.

SUPERTREE TRAIL TR395 S2 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.5 High Low

FROM CREEK CROSSING / UTILITY CORRIDOR TO THE NEXT SIGNIFICANT TURN - ONE SMALL REROUTED SECTION OF SINGLE TRACK THAT IS REALLY NICE BUT SHORT. REST OF TRAIL ON LOGGING ROAD & DOZER FIRE LINE.

SUPERTREE TRAIL TR395 S3 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1 Moderate Moderate

FROM THE SIGNIFICANT TURN AT THE SOUTH END OF TRAIL TO THE 1ST CROSSING OF THE DUTCHMAN'S CREEK TRAIL. EROSION PROBLEMS NEAR THE BIG TURN AT THE SOUTH END BUT A REROUTE IS ALREADY PLANNED FOR THIS SECTION THAT WILL BE DON BY SPRING OF 2016

SUPERTREE TRAIL TR395 S4 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1.25 Moderate Low

FROM 1ST CROSSING OF DUTCHMAN'S CREEK TRAIL TO THE 2ND CROSSING OF DUTCHMAN'S CREEK TRAIL. EROSION PROBLEMS BUT REROUTE ALREADY PLANNED & WILL BE DONE BY SPRING OF 2016

SUPERTREE TRAIL TR395 S5 BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 0.55 Moderate Low

FROM 2ND CROSSING OF DUTCHMAN'S CREEK TRAIL TO THE INTERSECTION WITH FR517 - WOOD RUN ROAD. SOME EROSION ON THE OLD ROAD BUT REROUTE ALREADY PLANNED THAT WILL BE DONE BY SPRING OF 2016

WHITETAIL TRAIL - Nonsystem trail BIKE/HIKE TC3-DEVELOPED 1.58 Moderate High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD THIS TO THE SYSTEM. IT CUTS ACROSS THE MIDDLE OF SUPERTREE TRAIL. GULLY EROSION IN THE SADDLE

Rapid Trails Assessment for Biking Trails – Rated by Biking Working Group


BIKE TRAILS 8 8High High 4 3.95

8 6High Moderate 1 2

8 4High Low 2 1

8 2High Very Low 0 0

6 8Moderate High 2 2.58

6 6Moderate Moderate 2 1.75

6 4Moderate Low 2 1.8

6 2Moderate Very Low 0 0

4 8Low High 0 0

4 6Low Moderate 0 0

4 4Low Low 2 0

4 2Low Very Low 0 0

2 8Very Low High 0 0

2 6Very Low Moderate 0 0

2 4Very Low Low 0 0

2 2Very Low Very Low 0 0

Total Miles = 13.08

Rapid Trails Assessment for Biking Trails – Number and Miles of Trails in different categories for use in the Rapid Trails Assessment Chart on next slide

Highlights from Equestrian Working Group

Expand trails to other areas on the Forest (Birkhead Wilderness, Morris Mtn Area and Southeastern Area)

Consider access from adjacent private property

Need a 60 + mile trail system to attract endurance riders and competitive events

Add trail loops & connector trails & trailheads to accommodate horse trailers

Consider trail use fees to support trail maintenance

Equestrian Trails Rapid Assessment ToolScore Sheet


Trail or Trail System Designed Use Trail Class Miles of Trail Resource Protection Visitor Satisfaction COMMENTS

Greg's Loop TR700 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.7 High ModerateGOOD FOOTING & NICE HARDWOODS & BOULDERS. RECENTLY REHABILITATED SO IMPROVED RESOURCE PROTECTION & VISITOR SATISFACTION.

Blackburn 1 TR701 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.7 Low Moderate

RHODEDENDRON VIEW THAT'S NICE. ENTRENCHED OLD ROADBED & IT STAYS WET DUE TO SEEPS AND BERM FROM OLD FIRE LINE. A LOT OF WET SECTION/PONDING IN THE OLD ROADBED SECTIONS.

Blackburn 2 TR701 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.7 Moderate ModerateVERY PRETTY SECTION THAT OVERLOOKS CREEK & FERNS. NATURAL SEEP KEEPS LOWER 1/3 WET. CREEK CROSSING NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED.

Blackburn 3 TR701 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.65 Low Moderate BIG HOLES, ROCKY UPHILL CLIMB & DOWNHILL. FIRST 1/3 IS IN GOOD CONDITION.

Josh 1 TR702 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.3 Low ModerateNECESSARY TO GET TO LAKE & NORTH TRAILS. SOME AREAS NEED TO BE REROUTED. LOW WET AREAS. THIS IS THE SECTION BETWEEN CANEBRAKE & FR597.

Josh 2 TR702 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.6 High HighRECENTLY REHABBED & RESURFACED SO IS IN GOOD SHAPE. THIS IS THE SECTION BETWEEN FR597 & LAKE TRAIL.

Lake TR703 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.01 High High

PROVIDES LAKE ACCESS. NEW TURNPIKE & TRAIL REHAB HAS IMPROVED TRAIL A LOT. ISSUES WHEN GET CLOSER TO LAKE WITH TRASH FOR CAMPERS & BOATERS AND DOWNHILL IS RUTTED & NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

Lake Connector TR703A Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.21 High High

Leslie 1 TR704 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.8 Moderate HighREROUTE AWAY FROM THE ARROWHEAD SPRAYFIELD & TO A BETTER ROAD CROSSING TO GET FROM TODD TRAIL OVER TO BIG ROCKS.

Leslie 2 TR704 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.5 Moderate HighREROUTE AWAY FROM THE ARROWHEAD SPRAYFIELD & TO A BETTER ROAD CROSSING TO GET FROM TODD TRAIL OVER TO BIG ROCKS.

Big Rock TR705 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.08 Moderate High

GOOD PLACE TO ACCESS BADIN LAKE SHORELINE & GREAT LAKE VIEWS & ISLAND VIEWS. BOATERS & CAMPERS LEAVE TRASH & HUMAN WASTE. PROPOSE TO USE THIS TRAIL TO CONNECT TO A USER TRAIL THAT GOES AROUND NIFTY ROCKS & LAKE SIDE & THEN UP TO TONY TRAIL. REROUTE TONY TRAIL CLOSER TO BIG ROCKS TO ELIMINATE A DEAD END TRAIL TO THE ROCKS.

Tony TR706 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.79 Moderate High

THE 900 FT SECTION OF REROUTE COMPLETED A FEW YEARS BACK IS GREAT. ROAD CROSSING NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED. SOME ROCKING AREAS AND THERE IS A POSSIBLE REROUTE TOWARDS THE DEEP WATER SECTION. STREAM DEGENERATION AT THE END BEFORE FR576?

Todd TR707 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 2.09 Moderate High GOOD TRAIL & PAST REPAIRS & CULVERT INSTALLATION HAS IMPROVED IT.

Indian 1 TR708 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.78 Very Low Very Low

NEEDS A LOT OF WORK IN THE ENTRENCHES SECTIONS, AT THE STREAM CROSSINGS & ALONG THE FLAT. LOOK INTO MAKING SEVERAL REROUTES OF THIS TRAIL. FROM FR544 OVER TO WALMART/ TR707,709 INTERSECTION

Indian 2 TR708 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.4 Moderate High

LAST SECTION AS IT COMES DOWN OLD ROAD INTO HOME TRAIL IS ENTRENCHED & NEEDS WORK. IMPROVE SECTION IN THE FIELD AT ROAD CROSSING. FROM FR544 TO HOME TRAIL BEHIND CANEBRAKE HORSE CAMP.

Megan TR709 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.69 High HighMAJOR CONNECTOR FROM WALMART TO HOME TRAIL. NICE HILL CLIMBS & IN GOOD SHAPE.

Home 1 TR710 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.75 Very Low Moderate

NEEDS A LOT OF WORK & REROUTES AROUND OLD HORSE CAMP & TO CONNECT OVER TO HELEN'S TRAIL. VERY ENTRENCHED FROM BLUE HOLE OVER TO CANEBRAKE.

Home 2 TR710 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.95 Very Low ModerateFROM CANEBRAKE TO LARRY'S LINK TRAIL IT IS HEAVILY USE & IT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR TO BE REROUTED. IN BAD SHAPE.

Home 3 TR710 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.5 Low Moderate HIGH USE TRAIL & NEEDS WORK TO IMPROVE IT.

Canebrake Loop TR710A Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.4 High HighLOOP AROUND THE CAMPGROUND CONNECTS TO HOME TRAIL AND GOES OVER TO OVERFLOW. NEED TO FIX SECTION TOWARDS OVERFLOW.

Larry's Link TR711 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.52 Moderate HighIN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE FOR MOST PART. NEEDS SOME WORK NEAR THE FR544 CROSSING

Helen's 1 TR712 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1 Low High

NEEDS A LOT OF WORK DUE TO POOR LOCATION SO IT IS VERY MUDDY & BRAIDED. NEED TO CHOOSE WHERE TO CROSS THE CREEK & IMPROVE CROSSING & GET RID OF BRAIDS.

Helen's 2 TR712 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.1 High High GATED FOREST ROAD SO IT'S FLAT AND IN GOOD CONDITION.

Rapid Trails Assessment for Equestrian Trails – Rated by Equestrian Working Group

River TR713 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 3.55 Low High

NEEDS IMPROVED STREAM CROSSING OF MCLEAN'S CREEK OR TO REROUTE IT TO OTHER SIDE OF ROAD. SEVERAL ISSUES WITH BELOW GROUND WATER CREATING COLLAPSES OF THE TRAIL. A LOT OF THIS TRAIL NEEDS TO BE REROUTED & IMPROVED WITH TURNPIKES OR SOMETHING. NEED AN IMPROVED WATERING AREA FOR HORSES.

Wren TR714 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.31 Moderate High

TOO SHORT OF A TRAIL IS IT REALLY NEEDED? NEED BETTER APPROACH TO CREEK OR BETTER CREEK CROSSING. BAT CAVE JUST CLOSED UP WITH MINE SAFETY MONEY IN SUMMER 2015.

Tanager TR715 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.74 Moderate LowJUST GOT SOME WORK DONE ON IT TO ACCESS BAT CAVE FOR MINE SAFETY CLOSURE. FALL LINE SECTIONS ARE ENTRENCHED ON OLD ROAD. GOOD CREEK CROSSING.

Rudolph TR716 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.29 High ModerateOLD ROADBED IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. BORING / EASY TRAIL THAT IS A GOOD CONNECTOR FROM TANAGER TO BURL TREE WAY. NO PROBLEMS.

Burl Tree Way TR717 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.66 Moderate High

NICE VARIETY OF OAK SPECIES AND IS A MAJOR CONNECTOR TO GO FROM HOME TRAIL & MORGAN TRAIL OVER TO RIVER TRAIL. AS IT APPROACHES FR576 IT NEEDS TREAD WORK & DRAINAGE WORK. LOWER ARE FROM COTTON PLACE RD. TO RIVER TRAIL HAS WET FALL LINE SECTION IN BAD SHAPE.

Morgan TR718 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.74 Moderate High

IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE FOLLOWING THE ARRA MAINTENANCE. NEED TO DO REROUTE OUT OF THE ARCH SITE. MODERATE RATING FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION DUE TO ARCH SITE. NEED TO BLOCK VEHICLE TRAFFIC FROM FR533 DOWN TO STREAM & STOP CAMPING NEXT TO STREAM & ON TRAIL.

Hang Glider TR719 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.32 Low High

HANG GLIDER TRAIL IS LOW RATING FOR RESOURCE PROTECTION DUE TO ARCH SITE IMPACTS. NEED TO REROUTE & PERMANENTLY CLOSE OFF VIEW POINT. IT IS A VERY POPULAR VIEW POINT AND NEED TO FIND A REPLACEMENT IN ORDER FOR CLOSURE TO WORK.

Buttermilk TR720 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.93 Moderate High

STEEP SECTION SHOULD BE REROUTED TO CLIMB UP HILL BETTER & MORE SUSTAINABLY. CONNECTS RIVER TRAIL AT THE SOUTHERN END TO THE REST OF THE TRAIL SYSTEM. RHODODENDRONS & NICE OAK FOREST TO RIDE THROUGH. CONNECTS TO HANG GLIDER TRAIL. BIT OF A CHALLENGING TRAIL DUE TO THE HILL CLIMB.

Berner TR721 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 0.53 High High

CONNECTS HANG GLIDER & MORGAN TRAILS TO FRALEY & BATES TRAILS. A LOT OF STREAM CROSSINGS OR RIDE IN THE STREAM DIRECTLY. GOOD WATER ACCESS POINT FOR HORSES ON A ROCKY STREAM.

Fraley TR722 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 2.18 High High

NICE CHALLENGING TRAIL GRADES AND GOOD CONNECTOR FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. CONNECTS TODD TRAIL NEAR THE RANGE TO GO SOUTH. MAYBE REROUTE TO A DIFFERENT ROAD CROSSING ON FR576 AWAY FROM THE RANGE.

Bates TR723 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.62 High High

NEED TO MOVE THE NORTHERN END OF TRAIL OFF OF FR516 - WOLF DEN ROAD. DANGEROUS TO RIDE ON THE ONE LANE ROAD WITH THE OHV TRAFFIC. VIEWS OF LAKES ARE NICE. REROUTE THE SOUTHERN END FROM THE VIEW ARE TO FOLLOW CONTOURS DOWN TO CROSS DUTCH JOHN TRAIL. SECTION OF TRAIL THERE IS STEEP & HAS A LOT OF LOOSE ROCKS FOR DIFFICULT FOOTING FOR HORSES.

Robbins TR724 Pack/Bike/Hike TC3- Developed 1.58 High High

CONNECTION TO DEEP WATER CAMP BUT NEED A LOOP CONNECTOR TO COME BACK UP TOWARD ART LILLEY. NICE RIDGE TRAIL AND COMES CLOSE TO THE UPLAND SWAMP ALONG FR576. HAWTHORNE TREES AND DRYSLOPE PLANTS ON SOME SECTIONS TOO.

Kaitlyn K1 - Nonsystem trail 1 Moderate High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD FOR ACCESS FROM PVT LAND. HIGH POINT HAS A NICE SEASONAL VIEW. NICE CLIMB & ELEVATION CHANGE. WET AREA IN OLD ROADBED SECTION. OLD CRUMP MINE MAY NEED TO BE CLOSED OR REROUTED.

Kaitlyn K2 - Nonsystem trail 2 Moderate High

WOULD LIKE TO ADD FOR ACCESS TO PVT LAND. NICE HARDWOODS & RIDGE RIDE. SEASONALLY WET. BIG ROCKS. MAYBE ADD A PARKING AREA ON FR597 - BADIN LAKE RD. MINIMAL EROSION AND ONE SEASONALLY WET AREA.

Short S1 - Nonsystem trail 0.75 Moderate HighWOULD LIKE TO ADD. PRETTY CREEK & HARDWOODS. ROCK PILES & BOTTOMLAND HARDWOODS & GOOD CREEK CROSSING. ENTRENCHED ON OLD ROADBED.

Laurel Hill - LH1 - Nonsystem trail 0.5 Moderate Moderate

NICE RHODODENDRON & MT LAUREL AONG THIS SECTION. OPEN, PARKLIKE AREA ON EACH SIDE OF THE RIDGE. AT THE NORTH END NEAR CREEK IT'S STEEP & ERODING. REROUTE THE NORTH END OF BLACKBURN 1 TO HERE MAYBE. THIS GIVES ACCESS TO NORTHERN TRAILS W/O CROSSING FR544.

Rapid Trails Assessment for Equestrian Trails – Rated by Equestrian Working Group(continued data table)

Equestrian Trails Rapid Assessment ToolScore Sheet


Trail or Trail System Designed Use Trail Class Miles of Trail Resource Protection Visitor SatisfactionCOMMENTS


Equestrian Trails 8 8 High High 10 10.92

8 6 High Moderate 2 1.99

8 4 High Low 0 0

8 2 High Very Low 0 0

6 8 Moderate High 14 16.57

6 6 Moderate Moderate 2 1.2

6 4 Moderate Low 1 0.74

6 2 Moderate Very Low 0 0

4 8 Low High 3 5.87

4 6 Low Moderate 4 3.15

4 4 Low Low 0 0

4 2 Low Very Low 0 0

2 8 Very Low High 0 0

2 6 Very Low Moderate 2 1.7

2 4 Very Low Low 0 0

2 2 Very Low Very Low 1 0.78

Total Miles = 42.92

Rapid Trails Assessment for Equestrian Trails – Number and Miles of Trails in different categories for use in the Rapid Trails Assessment Chart on next slide

IMPLEMENTATION IS LONG TERM – NO QUICK FIXES

NEW TRAILS & REROUTES NEED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (NEPA) REGARDLESS OF LENGTH

NEED COMMITMENT FROM VOLUNTEERS TO MAINTAIN DESIGNATED TRAIL SYSTEM

IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE LIMITED BY AVAILABLE FUNDING

EXPANSION OF FOREST SERVICE FACILITIES MAY BE LIMITED BUT WE CAN EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES WITH PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

TRAIL STRATEGY DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION CONSTRAINTS

Pros and ConsPros

Can cover more areaReduces need for more trailsMaximize construction funds

ConsSafety when passingRider inconvenienceUser conflict

WHAT ABOUT MULTI-USE TRAILS?

Trail users willing to contribute to maintenance – volunteer work days

Need for access from private landsMany areas of Forest not usedMulti-use trails must be carefully

planned and designedWe have much work to do

WHAT DID WE LEARN?

Scoping letter on proposed actionProgrammatic analysis to identify designated

trail system (NEPA)Use priority list to develop plan of actionFuture site specific analysis to implement trail

changes including decommission/rehab of non-system trails

Volunteer commitments to develop trail system and maintain existing trails

Lakeview and Wood Run Extension proposed action

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL STRATEGY December 10, 2015.

Documents

Transcript of UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL STRATEGY December 10, 2015.