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VISITOR USE
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GSMNP serves many purposes, including preservation of the natural environment and use for recreational activities such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, camping, and water sports. Comments reflect the desire to add another park access point in North Carolina in order to increase the recreational use of the land, provide handicapped and elderly accessibility, increase trailhead parking, and promote tourism (therefore promoting economic growth).
The public lands must also support and protect the plant and animal life within the park, which would be more difficult with additional land being used for recreational purposes. Concerns regarding making the park more accessible include protecting:
• Existing tourism industries and park facilities in the area;
• The primitive environment in the park;
• Public health; and
• Visitor safety.
Increased litter and the potential safety issues of a winding road are also concerns. Comments indicate even recreational access would degrade the natural environment inside the park by allowing too many visitors to remote locations. .
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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.
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