River Issues

Upper Chattooga River
After much study, the United States Forest Service selected a preferred alternative that allows restrictive boating on the upper Chattooga River. Restrictive boating would be allowed on approximate 21 miles of river from Whiteside Cove Road at the Jackson/Macon County line down to Russell Bridge on Hwy. 28 where unrestrictive boating begins. Restrictions will apply to number of boats, number of days, and water level conditions. Early on J-MCA joined the Friends of the Upper Chattooga in opposition to boating on the pristine upper reaches of the river. Our opinion stands that boating should not be allowed on the headwater region of the river, but if the USFS makes this alternative the final decision then they must assure proper management of the restrictions.

Tuckasegee River
Development is threatening the Tuckasegee River and the latest is from the Legasus development, five tracts totaling 3,500 acres designed for 1,000 homes and a golf course. Development plans were “grandfathered” in when Jackson County’s development ordinances were approved and were therefore exempt from the more stringent regulations. Although this development has been slowed by the recession, a number of concerned groups, including J-MCA, are allied in opposition because of the potentially huge environmental impact this large scale resort will have on the river and the Tuckasegee community.

Horsepasture River
The Horsepasture River has been designated by the NC Environmental Management Commission as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW). J-MCA actively participated in the hearing process and recommended that the headwaters area should remain in the current classification of High Quality water, but managed as ORW. Our position hinged on the wastewater needs of the Cashiers area and balancing public and environmental health. J-MCA fully supports the ORW classification with this caveat.

Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for the Upper Little Tennessee River Basin
The Partners for the Little Tennessee (PLT) consists of 15 state, federal and tribal agencies and 9 non-profit organizations (including J-MCA) that have joined together as a dedicated group working to enhance and conserve the natural resources in the Little Tennessee River Basin. The basin area includes the upper Tennessee, Tuckasegee, and Cullasaja Rivers and numerous tributaries. This large scale cooperative effort to protect these rivers and critical habitats for threatened species has identified crucial areas and areas requiring further study, such as the upper Tuckasegee River. The PLT continues to coordinate resources and activities for collaborative efforts, pool our scientific knowledge, and promote public awareness through educational workshops and demonstrations. Visit http://littlebasin.org/the_team.html for more information.