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FINAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Final Project Goals:
While addressing the project's purpose and need, and ensuring that resources within GSMNP, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, are unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations, the following goals will be fulfilled:
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Ensure that proposed management actions are consistent with legislative and executive mandates and NPS policies. |
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Protect the significant and diverse natural resources and ecosystems (forest communities, water resources, and soundscapes) and the intangible benefits (peace and solitude) currently available in the areas where natural processes dominate. |
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Protect the tangible (archaeological sites, cemeteries, historic structures, landscapes, and Traditional Cultural Properties) and the intangible (feelings of attachment, family life, myth, folklore, and ideology) aspects of the cultural resources. |
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Foster and build relationships with Swain County and other North Carolina gateway communities. |
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Continue to provide the traditional recreational activities of hiking, camping, fishing, and horse use. |
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Avoid alternatives that would require taking of privately held lands. |
Final Project Objectives:
Alternatives will incorporate natural resource management strategies that include the following elements:
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Protect streams, seeps, wetlands, floodplains, and other water resources. |
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Protect federally-listed threatened and endangered species and their habitats. |
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Develop alternatives that minimize areas of disturbance. If disturbance is required, maximize the use of previously used roadway corridors. |
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Protect park resources from adverse effects of problematic geologic formations and acidic runoff. |
Alternatives will incorporate cultural resource management strategies that include the following elements:
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Ensure that any human remains, funerary objects, objects of cultural patrimony, or traditional grave sites are treated in accordance with the provisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and any other applicable laws and regulations. |
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Protect Traditional Cultural Properties present within the study area. |
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Ensure that all cultural resources located within the study area are evaluated and considered in accordance with the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act. |
Complete a comprehensive and inclusive public involvement program that will incorporate full consideration of all input provided by the public. |
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