This alternative (Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell) has some adverse environmental consequences, but allows greater access to areas within the national park. In addition, it provides for improved private and concessionaire boating opportunities on Fontana Lake and continuing cemetery access. In a perfect world, the pristine nature of the park should be protected, but I believe the improved access provides a significant benefit to the public.

Bushnell is a good idea. The Park could make money off a campground, etc., heritage center.

It provides most of the functions of the flooded NC 288, to at least some extent. It provides local access to additional cemetery and historic sites, additional tourist access within GSMNP, and access to the Little Tennessee River. In fact, this is the only alternate that provides any access to the river. It fails only on the function of providing an alternate east-west through route in the region.

It balances impacts to all types of visitors, with negative impacts to only a small area of Active Visitor only areas, and some positive impacts for both Casual Visitors and Passive Visitors.

Because this alternate is a partial-build alternate, it allows for future flexibility. If a full-build alternate were chosen, all negative environmental impacts would occur in the near future. However, with a partial-build alternate the current characteristics of the park can be preserved for another generation or more. If at some future date population pressures dictate additional park development that could be accomplished at that time, and probably with the benefit of improved technologies for addressing the environmental impacts. Alternate methods of access can also be considered, such as concession boat access from the new Bushnell site to the Proctor area.

The Principal Park Roadway would reduce some negative environmental impacts as compared to the Primitive Park Roadway. This would also produce a greater positive visitor experience, especially for the Passive Visitor, as they are primarily users of the roadways.