20221681 Ver 1_Signed DM_20221128

United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest
Service Decision Memo
November 2022
Beachertown Road ERFO Project
National Forests in North Carolina
Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
Macon County, North Carolina
For Additional Information Contact: Nantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
[phone]

Decision
I have decided to implement a project to reconstruct approximately 140 feet of stream bank along the
Nantahala River adjacent to the Beachertown Road where a 2018 storm event resulted in severe bank
erosion and damage to the Forest Service road. The existing rip -rap will be removed and reconstructed
while also incorporating an in -stream rock structure to turn water flow away from the stream bank and
protect the road. One -additional culvert nearby will be replaced. The areas proposed for work have been
previously disturbed by road construction and prior maintenance activities.
*The flagged section will be designated as `no work' until the Heritage component is satisfied
(TOT concurrence is required on segment of NFSR-308 that is within V2 mile of the TOT
corridor).
Reasons for Categorical Exclusion of Project
Decisions may be categorically excluded from documentation in an Environmental Impact Statement or
Environmental. Assessment when they are within one of the categories identified in the Code of Federal
Regulations 36 CFR 220, and when there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed
action. This project is excluded under 36 CFR 220.6(d)(4) Repair and maintenance of roads, trails, and
landline boundaries and 36 CFR 220.6(e)(18): Restoring wetlands, streams, riparian areas or other
water bodies by removing, replacing, or modifying water control structures such as, but not limited to,
dams, levees, dikes, ditches, culverts, pipes, drainage tiles, valves, gates, and fencing, to allow waters to
flow into natural channels and floodplains and restore natural flow regimes to the extent practicable
where valid existing rights or special use authorizations are not unilaterally altered or canceled.
a. Federally listed threatened or endangered species (TES) or designated critical habitat,
species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or regionally sensitive (S)
species
Biological reviews conducted in September 2022 determined that the actions will have no effect
to any TES species, or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing, proposed
critical habitat, or sensitive species.
b. Floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds
A small portion of the floodplain of the Nantahala River would be affected but the design would
provide improved hydrologic function at the site. No other floodplains would be affected.
c. Congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national
recreation areas
No project activities are proposed in any congressional designated areas.
d. Inventoried roadless areas (IRAs)
No project activities are proposed in any IRAs.
e. Research natural areas (RNAs)
The project area does not include any RNAs.
f. American Indian and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites, archaeological sites, or
historic properties or areas
The proposed undertaking would occur within the 0.5-mile consultation corridor for the National
Parks Service Trail of Tears route. No construction or ground disturbing activities will occur
within this corridor until concurrence is received from consulting Tribes through coordination

with the Regional Office. The TOT corridor boundaries on Beachertown Road have been flagged
for avoidance until concurrence is obtained.
Purpose and Need for the Action
The purpose of the project is to repair a Forest Service road which was damaged during a storm event in
2018. The site was temporarily stabilized but does not meet forest safety guidelines for roads open for
public use. The reconstruction would provide a safer road prism while also improving the hydrologic
function at the site.
Scoping and Public Involvement
The scoping process - - the means to identify the presence or absence of any extraordinary
circumstances that would warrant further documentation in an EA or EIS - - and the public notification
process were conducted in September 2022. The Interdisciplinary team for the Nantahala National
Forest conducted site visits and completed the determinations of effects analyses summarized in the
Reasons for Categorical Exclusion of Project section of this DM. Public outreach was conducted
through telephone calls and email correspondence with individuals, other government agencies (North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission), and organizations (Nantahala Outdoor Center) known to be
interested in the management of streams and aquatic ecosystems on the Nantahala Ranger District. The
project received universal support.
Findings Required by Other Laws
Forest Plan Consistency — The actions in this decision are consistent with the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, with the LRMP, and with all amendments to the LRMP.
Endangered Species — Implementing the actions in this decision will not affect threatened or endangered
species, or result in loss of any other species' viability, or create significant trends towards Federal
listing of the species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Cultural Resources — Consistent with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the actions in this
decision will not adversely affect any sites listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of
Historic Places, nor will they cause the loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or historic
resources.
Notice, Comment, and Appeal Opportunities
This decision is not subject to appeal pursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 214.4.
Implementation Date
Implementation of this decision may occur immediately.
TROY Y Date
District anger
Nantahala Ranger District