|
I. Public Involvment
A. Public Meeting Process
A public meeting concerning management of Jocassee
Gorges was held on January 8, 1998, at Pickens High School. Approximately
800 people attended the meeting to provide management suggestions. The
group was briefed on the Jocassee Gorges area, after which the entire
group was split up into 20 rooms to allow all attendees an equal
opportunity to express their ideas. Dr. Chris Sieverdes of Clemson
University, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, conducted
the meeting. Each room had a facilitator and a recorder. The facilitators
allowed each person to state issues they felt should be considered in the
management plan, and recorders recorded the ideas. Each participant was
given equal opportunity to discuss the importance of his issue(s) before
the group. At the end of the discussion, each participant was given the
opportunity to vote five times on the management issues they felt were
most important. A compilation of all issues presented along with the
number of votes they received is presented in Appendix A-1. The top five
issues raised in each of the 20 facilitated working groups is presented in
Appendix A-2.
Many letters, resolutions, petitions, and phone calls
regarding management of the property also were received prior to
development of a management plan. This information was thoroughly reviewed
and considered by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
staff.
Following this process, a draft Jocassee Gorges
Resource Management Plan was prepared by SCDNR staff with assistance from
a committee composed of representatives from South Carolina Department of
Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT), South Carolina Forestry Commission
(SCFC), Duke Power Company (DPC), and Crescent Resources, Inc. (CRI). The
management plan was placed in public libraries in Oconee, Pickens,
Greenville, and Anderson Counties for public review on March 19, 1998. The
plan was placed in 17 SCDNR offices state-wide and was available on the
SCDNR web site. On March 16, 1998, The SCDNR issued a state-wide news
release publicizing the availability of the plan, where public comments on
the plan could be directed, and announced upcoming public meetings where
the plan would be available for review and comments. Two additional public
meetings were held; one on March 26, 1998 in Pickens and another on April
2, 1998 in Columbia, to gather public comments on the draft management
plan. SCDNR staff was available during both public meetings to answer
questions and discuss the plan with the public. All attendees were allowed
to vote to express their approval or disapproval of the plan, and to
provide written or oral comments on the plan. Votes received during both
public meetings were compiled. Results of the voting were as follows:
Fifty-seven (57) individuals indicated they supported the draft plan
without change; Ninety-nine individuals (99) supported the draft plan with
minor changes; Thirty-six individuals (36) indicated they did not support
the draft plan; Two individuals did not enter a vote on the plan.
A SCDNR news release set a deadline of April 9, 1998
for any additional public comments on the management plan. All ideas
concerning the draft management plan that were received through public
hearings, letters, E-mail, personal contacts, consultations with
conservation groups, etc. were thoroughly considered by SCDNR staff. A
summary of major issues brought forth are included in Appendix A-3.
The variety of issues proposed to SCDNR throughout the
entire public planning process are wide-ranging and diverse. In the area
of natural resource management and recreational opportunities, public
comments have emphasized the need for scientific-based, multi-use
management, and opportunities for the public. This plan strives to
incorporate all public comment received to date.
Management decisions will be made using the premise
that the natural resources and character of the area are of primary
importance. Natural resource recreation that is compatible with the area's
natural character is considered and addressed. Initial economic
constraints (currently no funding available for management) have forced
many good issues to be reconsidered at a future time. For example, SCDNR
has received numerous requests for "reasonable access". Initial
funding may not allow for two vehicular access points into the main
section of the Jocassee Gorges. When funding allows, a second access will
be provided. The most important issue with the public has been to
"maintain the status quo" or provide the same opportunities as
in the past. This plan meets that expectation while striving to improve in
the area of natural resource conservation.
B. Consultation with Conservation Groups
A number of conservation organizations have a history
of working voluntarily on the protection and enhancement of natural
resources in the Jocassee Gorges and on the upkeep of user facilities
within the area (trails, etc.). SCDNR has consulted with representatives
of many of these conservation organizations. Consultations have involved a
review of 1) the draft management plan, 2) the natural resource projects
that these organizations have been involved with in the Jocassee Gorges,
and 3) the items that the organizations think are pertinent for planning,
protection and management of the area's natural resources. Consultations
have, in some cases, identified areas where conservation organizations can
assist SCDNR in managing the property, possibly through volunteer efforts.
The SCDNR will continue to consult these groups on a routine basis in
order to ensure a complete review of ongoing activities and to gain
important planning input.
| |