USDA Forest Service releases final decision on the Nantahala Mountains Project

The USDA Forest Service today released its final decision on the Nantahala Mountains Project, which aims to restore wildlife habitat and improve forest conditions across approximately 870 acres of the Nantahala National Forest.

Under development since 2017, the Nantahala Mountains Project is designed to help produce healthier and more resilient forests through a series of timber removals, followed by replanting native trees.

“After years of careful planning, this project will help us reestablish a healthy mix of young and older native hardwoods that have been in decline for more than a century,” said Nantahala District Ranger Troy Waskey.

Introducing younger trees into the area will have the added benefit of improving wildlife and game habitats by creating openings in the forest canopy and allowing more sunlight through to promote oak regeneration and overall forest vitality. The project also includes plans for creating two stream crossings with fish passages, expanding aquatic habitats for species such as brook trout. 

“The need to improve wildlife habitat, particularly for species of concern like the golden-winged warbler, was a driving factor in why we pursued this project,” said Waskey. “Letting more sunlight through the canopy will create more nesting sites and food opportunities as low-lying plants begin to flourish.”

The area of the Nantahala Mountains Project was generally unaffected by Hurricane Helene, which had a limited impact on the Nantahala National Forest. Geographically, the more heavily damaged portions of the Pisgah National Forest are more than 80 miles from the project area. While recovery efforts are underway to repair areas impacted by the storm, projects like the Nantahala Mountains Project can act preemptively to make forests more resilient.

The Forest Service led the collaborative effort to develop the project, including coordinating with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that biological, cultural and recreational resources are protected. 

The final Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for the Nantahala Mountains Project are available at www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/projects/61088.