3.5

barnesiana), wavy-rayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola), Little Tennessee mussel (Lexingtonia sp. cf.
dolabelloides), and rainbow (Villosa iris); one crustacean: French Broad crayfish (Cambarus reburr�us); nine
terrestrial snails and slugs: pink glyph (Glyphyalinia pentadelphia), blu�footed lancetooth (Haplotrema
kendeighi), spiral coil (Helicodiscus bonamicus), Smoky Mountain covert (Inflectarius ferrissi), ramp cove
supercoil (Paravitrea lacteodens), lamellate supercoil (P. lamellidens), open supercoil (P. umbilicaris),
glossy supercoil (P. placentula), and Appalachian gloss (Zonitoides patuloides); one spider-like specimen: a
harvestman (Fumontana deprehendor); and one dragonfly: mountain river cruiser. During field surveys,
Euchlaena milnei, a moth, was found within the project study corridors. This species had not been observed
in the state in over 50 years. However, with this discovery, it will most likely be added to the state's FSC list
(Ratzlaff, pers. comm. 2005).
Plants
There are three vascular plants listed as FSC or state protected that have been identified as occurring directly
in or within 2 mi (3.2 km) of the project study corridors. These species include the butternut (Juglans
cinerea), sweet pinesap (Monotropsis odorata), and Carolina saxifrage (Saxifi°aga caroliniana). No non-
vascular plants with special protection are known to occur within the project study corridors. Two additional
vascular plants including piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) and hairy blueberry (T�accinium hirsutum),
and three non-vascular plants including Plagiochila sharpii (no common name), Plagiochila sullivantii var.
sullivanti (no common name) and Porella wataugensis (no common name) have available habitat within the
project study corridors.
3.5 Aesthetics and Visual Resources
Aesthetics and scenic views are important characteristics of GSMNP and the study area. The preservation of
the land in its natural state has attracted tourists from all over the world in search of the unfettered scenery at
GSNINP. The scenic environment of the study area is also integral to recreational resources throughout the
area.
Federal land management (FLM) agencies, such as the NPS and the FHWA-EFLHD, are charged with
managing the nation's federally-owned lands in an effort to protect our natural resources for passive and
active recreational purposes. In addition, NEPA mandaYes the assessment of impacts to visual resources as
part of the EIS process. Therefore, the aesthetic and visual resources in the study area were analyzed to
comply with NEPA and satisfy the requirements of the FLM agencies that are affected by the project.
Special areas of concern include those areas that have high visual quality or should not be visually impacted
for reasons of resource protection. Some landscape components are considered visually sensitive far
historic, scientific, or recreational reasons, while other landscapes and resources may be important only to
the local community. The GSMNP's standing as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage
Site and the local community's historical connection to the study area make it particularly sensitive to visual
resource impacts.
Citizen participation activities and interagency coordination revealed that special areas of concern are views
along the AT, the view from High Rocks, and the aesthetic character at Proctor. Within the interior of
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GSMNP, there are numerous areas of unique visual quality. The wide valleys of Hazel and Eagle creeks
provide a clear view to the top of the highest ridges in the Park. The lookout atop Shuckstack Mountain in
the westernmost portion of the study area gives a panaramic view that includes Fontana Lake. Scenic
overlooks are plentiful throughout the study area in locations such as along NC 28, various hiking trails, and
Fontana Dam. Thiriy views were initially identified and described. The selection of the 30 viewpoints
included input from the USFS, TVA, NPS, the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC), and the public. These
views were then narrowed down to 14 that have the potential to be substantially altered by the alternatives.
These 14 viewpoints are illustrated in Figure 3-7. The 14 views underwent detailed study, including field
inspection and GIS analysis.
Further information, including the process to select the views for additional study, can be found in the
Aesthetic and Visual Resources Technical Report (Appendix O).
3.5.1 Summary of Existing Conditions
3.5.1.1 Fontana Dam (Viewpoint 1)
This viewpoint is located just north of NC 28 at the westem end of Fontana Lake. This view is a panoramic
lake and mountain scene, as it includes the western-most section of Fontana Lake and surrounding
mountains. This view was observed standing on the north side of the dam looking east and is located on the
AT, which crosses the dam. Generally, visibility extends approximately 5 mi (8 km) across Fontana Lake
and west along the Little Tennessee River. The degree of discernable detail is good up to the foreground (0
to 0.5 mi [0 to 0.8 km]), and decreases in the middle ground (0.5 to 4 mi [0.8 to 6.4 km]). Seasonal
variations do not obstruct the view.
3.5.1.2 Shuckstack (Viewpoint 2)
This viewpoint is located at the top of Shuckstack Mountain on the AT in the westernmost portion of ihe
study area. The observation tower provides an elevated view into the study area. The accessibility of this
view, as well as the duration of the view, ranks it high compared to the other viewpoints for viewer
frequency. The western slopes of the ridges in the westem portion of the study area are visible from the
observation tower. This view offers a high degree of discernable detail of the area north of Fontana Lake.
Despite the length of the view, which continues into the horizon because of the height of the observation
tower, the details of the view are best within the immediate foreground to the middle ground. Seasonal
variations will alter the view as the vegetation visible from this location is estimated to be 70 percent
deciduous species.
3.5.1.3 NC 28 Overlook at Hazel Creek (Viewpoint 3)
This viewpoint is located at one of the overlooks along NC 28 between Bryson Ciry and Fontana Dam. This
viewpoint faces north toward the Hazel Creelc arm of the backwaters of Fontana Lake. The location of this
view along NC 28 allows easy accessibiliry because people can drive to it. Therefore, the frequency of
visitors at this viewpoint is high compared to other viewpoints that are accessible via hiking trails. Visibility
is approximately 3.5 mi (5.6 km) to the north. The view is intact and vivid in the immediate foreground
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providing a view of the vegetation sloping toward the lake from the south shore. Seasonal variations at this
viewpoint will affect the view as the vegetation is a mix of species (70 percent deciduous and 30 percent
coniferous). During leaf-off conditions, a portion of the lake would likely be visible from this viewpoint.
3.5.1.4 Cable Cove (Viewpoint 4)
This viewpoint is located at the boat ra�np at the Cable Cove Recreation Area, with a view looking
north/northwest toward Fontana Lake and its northern shoreline. From the boat ramp, one can see a view of
the southern facing ridges. The enclosed nature of the landscape contributes to the small scale of this view
because it is blocked by landforms to the north, east, and west. The majoriry of viewers at this location are
boaters. The duration of the view extends to the middle ground. Beyond the middle ground, the degree of
discernable detail declines. Seasonal variations will be noticeable at this location because of the lake level
fluctuations between the summer and winter months and because of the mix of tree species inhabiting the
surrounding mountains (70 percent deciduous and 30 percent coniferous).
3.5.1.5 Appalachian Trail South of Shuckstack (Viewpoint 5)
This viewpoint is located along the AT approxiinately three-quarters of the way up to the Shuckstack
observation tower from the dam. The direction of the view is looking approximately south/southwest down
the valley that Lewellyn Branch flows through. It is an obvious overlook as it is the first clear panoramic
view available from this section of trai] coming from the dam. Generally, the viewers at this viewpoint are
hikers along the AT or day hikers in the area. The degree of discemable detail is good up to the middle
ground. Seasonal alterations of this view are likely as the dominant vegetation visible from this location is a
mix of deciduous (70 percent) and coniferous (30 percent) species.
3.5.1.6 Black Gum Gap (Viewpoint 6)
The view from the Yellow Creek Mountains was suggested by both USFS personnel and Appalachian Trail
Conference (ATC) personnel. In addition, it is one of the views suggested in public comments. In
attempting to locate a representative view from the Yellow Creek Mountains, three sites along this section of
the AT were observed. They were Bee Cove Knob/Bee Cove Lead, Black Gum Gap, and Wallcer Gap.
None of these approximate locations offered a view of the study area during the month of June (leaf-on
conditions).
The view from Black Gum Gap was enclosed by the surrounding vegetation and offered only a short glimpse
to the north in the direction of Fontana Lake (June 2004). A subsequent site visit, during January 2005,
offered a panoramic view of the northern shore of Fontana Lake, demonstrating the substantial seasonal
variations in the view.
3.5.1.7 Fontana Lake below Lakeshore Trail (Viewpoint 7)
This view was observed fro��n a boat on Fontana Lake, just west of Whiteside Creek and north of Poison
Cove. Because this view is only accessible by water, all of the viewers at this location are boaters. The view
from the boat offers a panorama of a portion of the northern shoreline of Fontana Lake. The first ridges
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north of the lake are visible from this vantage point. The degree of discernable detail from this viewpoint
depends on the boater's distance from the shoreline. The further from the shoreline, the less detail one can
see. Many local residents and vacationers own or rent boats to frequent the lake. Seasonal variations at this
viewpoint are noticeable. In addition, the lake's water levels have as much as an 80-foot (24-m) lake-level
difference between the summer and winter seasons.
3.5.1.8 Proctor (Viewpoint 8)
This viewpoint is located at the former town of Proctor within GSMNP. This view was observed from the
south side of Hazel Creek, adjacent to the bridge at Struttin' Street. The view is enclosed. Visible from this
viewpoint are the main streets in the former town of Proctor, and the Calhoun House.
Details in this view are most vivid in the immediate foreground. Seasonal variations affect the colors in the
landscape. This view is unique compared to the other viewpoints because it is one of the few locations in the
northern part of the study area with standing structures from a former town.
3.5.1.9 Tsali Recreation Area (Viewpoint 9)
This viewpoint is located at the overlook at the left loop trail at Tsali
Recreation Area (Overlook #1) on land owned by the USFS. The
view from Tsali Recreation Area overlooks Fontana Lake and offers a
feature landscape view of the northern shareline in this area,
specifically; the former Bushnell area. Details can be seen up to the
foreground. Seasonal variations affect this view because of the
drawdown of the lake levels exposing the shoreline and the leaf-off
conditions. The frequency of viewers at this viewpoint is high
because of Tsali's fame as a recreational area in the mountains of
North Carolina.
3.5.1.10 High Rocks (Viewpoint 10)
v. :.,.;i:3�;:,:: . _ _,
Tsali Overlook on NC 28
This viewpoint is located at High Rocks, approximately 5,188 ft(1.6 km) above msl north of Fontana Lake.
It is accessed via Welch Ridge Trail or Cold Spring Gap Trail in GSMNP and overlooks the area north of
Fontana Lake, providing a panarama that includes where the Little Tennessee River flows into Fontana
Lake. This view is unique to the area and the Park because it provides a broad overlook and elevated
vantage point to view the northern shore of Fontana Lake. The degree of discernable detail is good up to the
foreground. In the middle ground, the view becomes hazy even on a clear day.
3.5.1.11 Clingmans Dome (Viewpoint 11)
At 6,643 ft(2 km) msl, Clingmans Dome is GSMNP's highest point and North Carolina's second highest
point. This viewpoint is located at the observation tower at Clingmans Dome looking southwest toward the
study area. The view from Clingmans Dome is typically cloudy and misty, with a blue tint that is
characteristic of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fraser fir and red spruce, a large number of which are dead due
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to invasive exotic pests and diseases, populate Clingmans Dome. The view from this location is vivid in the
immediate foreground; however haze and clouds often overtake the view. Although this is a magnificent
view, the invasive exotic pests and diseases have compromised the scenic integrity of the view from
Clingmans Dome.
3.5.1.12 NC 28 Overlook East of Tsali Recreation Area (Viewpoint 12)
This view was observed from a well maintained pull-off along NC 28 approximately 0.25 mi (0.4 km) east of
Tsali recreation area. This is one of two overlooks along NC 28 between Bryson City and Fontana Dam.
The view from this location is directed toward the north/northwest toward the northern shore of Fontana
Lake. This is a panaramic view of the mountains and Fontana Lake where the Little Tennessee River enters
it. This large-scale panoramic view depicts some development on the south side of Fontana Lake from
private owners; however, the remainder of the view is of the backcountry.
From this location, one can see at least 8 to 10 mi (13 to l6 km) to the north, northeast, and northwest. The
view to the west/northwest is blocked by the trees along NC 28. Likewise, the view looking east/northeast is
blocked by vegetation. The degree of discernable detail and vividness is good up to the foreground.
3.5.1.13 Meetinghouse Mountain (Viewpoint 13)
This view was observed from a horse trail ]ocated on USFS lands on Meetinghouse Mountain. The only
view available from Meetinghouse Mountain overlooks Pendleton Creek on the west side of Meetinghouse
Mountain, and offers a view of USFS lands on the south side of Fontana Lake. Because of the direction of
the view from this location, the area north of Fontana Lake was not visible.
3.5.1.14 Cheoah Bald (Viewpoint 14)
This view was observed from Cheoah Bald along the AT. Looking north toward the study area is a wide
panorama; however, it is not possible to discern elements of the study area due to the distance of the view.
This view includes some development on private land on the south side of the lake. The duration of the view
is approximately 10 mi (16 km) on a clear day. The degree of discernable detail is best in the immediate
foreground.
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