|
|
|
|
ECOLOGY
| |
Many comments centered on the concept that one of the many purposes of the NPS is to protect the natural environment for future generations to enjoy the natural resources as current generations have. Many comments noted that building the roadway would alter the greatest undeveloped area east of the Mississippi and create a species barrier, which will decrease diversity. A road will disrupt sensitive ecological habitats, provide a conduit for invasive species, and allow greater access for poaching. Suggestions include allowing more time for data collection, educating residents on environmental laws and regulations, and inventorying all species in the area to be able to fully evaluate the impacts a road may cause.
Although the condition of the environment is a concern, other comments focus on the human aspects of the project. Some comments address the issue that the area is not pristine because settlers lived there before Fontana Dam was built and believe that the human species should be the primary concern of the project. Other comments question why environmental concerns were not an issue when the Fontana Dam was built. It was noted that the dam construction project caused much more environmental damage than a road would.
|
|
The summary of public comments was derived from individual input related to the North Shore Road EIS Project. These comments were obtained through transcripts
and other written correspondence collected at the Public Scoping Meetings and written correspondence sent to the Project P.O. Box, the North Shore Road website, the National Park Service, and the Federal Highway Administration.
The tone and content of these comments represent the views of the individuals providing input and do not necessarily reflect actual events and/or factual information.
While a brief summary of unique comments is included, the original statement in its entirety has been retained for record purposes.
Action items requested by the public will be evaluated and addressed during the EIS process.
|
|
|
