Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Plan Revision
The U.S. Forest Service has revised the land management plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The forest plan provides a strategic framework for managing the Forests over the next 20 years. The plan includes desired conditions for the future of the Forests and objectives that describe actions the Forest Service will take to move toward those conditions.
The plan addresses the impacts of development pressure on adjacent private lands; unprecedented increase in recreation; the growth of wildland urban interface; the spread of insects, disease, and invasive species; and the escalating impacts from climate change. In this time of accelerated change, ensuring our forest ecosystems are healthy and resilient is critical to long-term sustainability of the diverse habitats these forests provide for wildlife and plants, and for supplying the clean water and other ecosystem benefits that we all depend on.
We have worked with diverse members of the public to build a broadly supported and implementable forest plan that will connect people to the land; restore forest resiliency, forest health, and wildlife habitat; provide clean and abundant water; support recreation and local jobs; and provide a platform for working together toward shared goals.
For a brief overview of the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan Revision with Forest Supervisor James Melonas and Planning Team Leader Michelle Aldridge view the video below.
4 Unifying Themes
Revised Forest Plan
Reader's Guide
This guide provides an overview of key documents now available for your review.
Revised Forest Plan
The forest plan establishes a vision for how the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will be managed for the next 20 years, and establishes the strategic framework for achieving that vision. Changes between the draft and revised forest plans are highlighted in grey.
All future projects, everything from trail building to tree harvesting and stream restoration, will be consistent with the forest plan.
Draft Record of Decision
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
The FEIS is the environmental analysis of how the forest plan would affect natural and cultural resources on the Nantahala and Pisgah NFs. This document also provides information on the issues that have been raised through public involvement and how different alternatives were developed in response to issues. Changes between the draft and final EIS are highlighted in grey.
Appendix A. Response to Comments
Appendix B. Description of the Analysis Process
Appendix C. Ecological Sustainability Analysis
Appendix D. Vegetation Modeling Methods
Appendix E. Wilderness Evaluation Process
Appendix F. Wild and Scenic River Evaluation Process
Appendix G. Coordination with other Public Planning Efforts
Appendix H. Public and Government Involvement
Maps
PDF format maps (FEIS Appendix I)
Geospatial datasets used in FEIS analysis
Species of Conservation Concern
Species of Conservation Concern list from the Regional Forester: July 2015 letter
Species of Conservation Concern list from the Regional Forester: December 2021 letter
Additional Information and Background
Federal Register Notice of Objection (NOO) January 21, 2022
Legal Notice January 21, 2022
Quick Links
Alerts & Warnings
- Moss Knob Shooting Range temporary closure
- Catawba Falls Trail (TR 225) Closed
- Camping and other restrictions now in effect at Max Patch
- Nantahala RD: Multiple areas under construction
- Appalachian RD: NCDOT construction near Harmon Den may affect Forest access
- Grandfather RD: Old House Gap Rd (FS192) temporarily closed
- Recreate responsibly
- Joyce Kilmer Trail Lower Loop Closed due to rain damage
- Target Shooting prohibited on Croatan National Forest