PROTECT WILSON CREEK

PETITION

To:       Caldwell County, Lenoir, NC and the State of North Carolina 

We, the undersigned, hereby express opposition to the Day-Use Park at Wilson Creek as planned.

Our opposition is based on our belief that such a park is in conflict with the Wilson Creek Management Plan as a Wild and Scenic River. 

Specifically, we believe the proposed park will result in:

• Increased traffic congestion on Brown Mountain Beach Road (SR 1328) and Hwy. 90
• Increased automobile accidents along these roads
• Critical delays in response time for County Sheriff and EMS 
• Increased trash along the roads and Wilson Creek shoreline
• Need for expanded Sheriff patrols
• A negative impact on the trout fishing, especially within the Delayed Harvest segment
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs within the National Forest
• Increased gang and criminal activities within the National Forest
• Increased graffiti and general scarring of trees, rocks, and structures in the area

We believe the people of the County and State and those who visit this area would be better served if the option presented under the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement for the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project, FERC Project No. 2232 (see Page 44, 10.27.5.2) were exercised.  This is a much more suitable site for a day-use park.  A park here would enhance the entrance to the National Forest, be much less expensive to maintain, and protect the river from trash and unwanted activities.  A park in this area would be a great site for marathon staging, camping, hiking, and kayaking excursion rendezvous, and parking for touring bikers.  In addition, it would be much easier for Sheriff%u2019s patrols and EMS response.  It would alleviate confusion over jurisdictional authority for enforcement, reduce much of the traffic demands along SR 1328 and Hwy. 90, and not threaten the fishing.  It would be much less of a financial burden to the County and add to, rather than detract from, one of the County%u2019s and State's most precious assets, Wilson Creek.

Respectfully submitted,

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