Jocassee Gorges at Sunset

Resource Management Plan for Jocassee Gorges Property, Oconee and Pickens Counties, South Carolina

Prepared by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division

Daniel M. Rankin, Editor

Paul A. Sandifer, Ph. D., Director

W. Brock Conrad, Deputy Director

May 8, 1998

Contents

  1. Public Involvement 1

    1. Public Meeting Process 1
    2. Consultation with Conservation Groups 3

  2. Guiding Management Principles 4

  3. Introduction 7

    1. History 7
    2. Project Description 15
    3. Management Plan Development 16
    4. Plan Implementation and Management 17
    5. Resource Description 18

  4. Primary Management Objectives 28

  5. Secondary Management Objectives 29

  6. Natural Resource Monitoring and Management 29

    1. Archaeological Resources and Surveys 30
    2. Biological Surveys and Monitoring 30
    3. Natural Resource Management 38
    4. Technical Assistance 42

  7. Forest Management 44

    1. General Approach 44
    2. Forest Management Guidelines 46
    3. Forest Health 47
    4. Wildfire Control 48

  8. Road Access and Maintenance Plan 49

    1. Vehicle Access 49
    2. Road Maintenance 52

  9. Outdoor Recreation 53

    1. Hunting 55
    2. Fishing 55
    3. Hiking 56
    4. Camping 58
    5. Horseback Riding 59
    6. Mountain Bike Riding (Non-motorized) 60
    7. Off Highway Vehicle / All Terrain Vehicle Access 61
    8. H. Rock Climbing and Rappelling 61
    9. I. Miscellaneous Activities 61

  10. Powerline Rights of Way (ROW): Duke Electric Transmission 62

    1. Public Access 63
    2. Wildlife Management 63
    3. Protection of Unique Natural Resources 64

        D. Management Planning Process and Schedule for the ROWs 65

  11. Education Opportunities 66

  12. Sign Plan for Property 66

  13. Law Enforcement Assessment 67

    1. Personnel 68
    2. Training 69
    3. Traditional Fish and Wildlife Enforcement 69
    4. Search and Rescue 72
    5. Property Crime 73
    6. Liaison with Other Divisions/Agencies 73
    7. Equipment 74
  1. Budgetary Issues 76

    1. Management Funding for Jocassee Gorges / Trust Fund 76
    2. User Fees 77

  2. References 78

  3. Appendices 86

    1. Appendix A 87
    2. Appendix B 118

  4. Glossary 120