4.2.4

The economic effects of the North Shore Road alternatives when combined with these past actions, existing
conditions, current trends and planned actions in the region were taken into account in assessing the
economic impacts of the alternatives. Those impacts are summarized here.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative has the potential for substantial cumulative economic impacts in the
study area, because the proceeds of the Monetary Settlement Alternative would provide a unique opporiunity
for Swain County to spur local economic and communiry development efforts. This alternative could
stimulate economic diversification and sustainability and result in shifts in intraregional competitiveness to
an extent not achieved with other alternatives. However, the nature and extent of these economic changes
would depend on how Swain County uses the funds.
The limited economic impacts resulting from the Laurel Branch Picnic Area would not be likely to result in
cumulative impacts even when combined with other planned actions and existing trends in the area.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads) would result in some
cumulative economic impacts to the study area, but these economic impacts would be limited by relatively
low levels of projected visitation and the large portion of this visitation that would be local users.
The Northern Shore Corridor would result in the greatest cumulative impacts among the partial-build and
build alternatives, attracting more new visitors to the study area from outside the region. The cumulative
impacts would be substantially greater for the Principal Park Road due to higher levels of projected
visitation.
4.2.4 Land Use
4.2.4.1 Methodology for Assessing Land Use Impacts
Figure 3-2 illustrates the GSMNP GMP Proposed Management Zoning. Also included on Figure 3-2 are the
wilderness recommendation boundary and the potential wilderness addition.
In order to assess the impacts of the study alternatives on GSMNP GMP land use and land use outside
GSMNP, the following were considered: (1) existing land use in the study area, especially along the
proposed roadway alternatives; (2) land management plans and policies in the study area; (3) traffic volumes
projected for roadway alternatives; (4) land ownership (public or private) in the study area, particularly along
the proposed roadway alternatives; and (5) future land use in the area under a No-Action Alternative.
Projected change in travel pattems within and through the study area, as well as economic drivers and
projected econo�nic impacts of the alternatives, were also considered in determining potential indirect and
cumulative impacts on land use. The direct and indirect consequences of the project-related changes were
assessed for each alternative. For example, direct land use impacts would include revisions to the GSMNP
GMP and indirect land use impacts could include induced development outside GSMNP. Land use impacts
are assessed in terms of type, duration, and intensity.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-47
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Type
In regards to land use effects, few standards exist as to what constitutes beneficial or positive changes and
which are considered adverse or negative. For example, the conversion of an undeveloped property to a
commercial use may be viewed to some as beneficial if the new use provides a needed community service.
Others may view this change in land use as adverse if it alters the natural landscape and impacts community
character. Those desiring improved economic conditions may welcome any new development as beneficial.
Therefore, the impacts of the project alternatives to land use outside of GSMNP are described without any
attempt to determine whether the impact would be beneficial or adverse. Impacts to land use in GSMNP
were determined to be adverse if they would require reclassification of existing land uses in the Park.
Duration
Land use impacts attributed to the project alternatives can be temporat-y or extend over a longer period. Land
use impacts are characterized as short-term if they are temparary or transient in nature, for example, a change
in land use or development associated with construction activities. Land use impacts are characterized as
long-term if they would occur regularly for many years or on an ongoing basis into the foreseeable future, for
example, a change in land use or development to provide services for tourists.
Intensity
The scale or intensity of the land use impacts refers to the relative change(s) associated with the project
alternatives when compared with current conditions or future conditions under the No-Action Alternative.
The following thresholds were used to detemline the magnitude of land use change that would likely result
from the alternative being considered. These thresholds consider the degree of detection of the changes and
the geographic area affected.
No/Negligible
Any change in land use and/or development is barely perceptible and has no discernable effect on the
character of the area.
Minor
While some change in land use and/or development would be detectable, it would be slight and
geographically limited and would have minimal effect on the character of the area. Existing land use and
development patterns would not change.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-48
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Moderate
Changes in land use and/or development would be readily apparent, affecting somewhat larger areas, but
would remain geographically localized, resulting in a detectable, long-term effect on the character of these
areas. Existing land use and development pattems in these areas would be altered.
Major
Changes in land use and/or development extend across an entire community or region; resulting in a
substantial and highly noticeable effect on the character of the area. Existing land use and development
patterns for the community or region would be altered.
4.2.4.2 Summary of Land Use Impacts
42.4.2.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative would not impact land use or affect development in GSMNP or the study area.
Land use changes and development in the region outside of GSMNP would be driven by economic forces
including the relocation of the GSMR headquarters to Bryson City, gaming operations and associated
development in Cherokee, the continuing trend for increased second home construction in western North
Carolina, and general increases in tourism and outdoor recreation in response to regional and national
growth.
4.2.4.2.2 Monetary Settlement
The Monetary Settlement Altemative would not directly impact land use or affect development in GSMNP
or the study area. With the Monetary Settlement Alternative, indirect land use change outside GSMNP is
likely, as these funds would provide a unique opporiuniry for Swain Counry to stimulate local economic and
community development efforts. The flexibility offered by the Monetary Settlement Alternative would
provide Swain County with the potential to pursue a wide range of options. While it is unknown how funds
would be utilized, it is assumed that they would be used for some purpose that would directly or indirectly
create jobs and/or increase tourism in Swain County, both of which would induce development to a degree.
Whether funds are used for some type of capital project(s), an economic development program, or other use,
the Monetary Settlement Alternative would provide Swain County with a competitive edge over adjacent
counties. Specific impacts would depend on how the county uses the funds.
4.2.4.2.3 Laurel Branch Picnic Area
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area includes additional picnic facilities in the Park in compliance with the
GSMNP GMP. This alternative would not otherwise directly impact land use or affect development in the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-49
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

study area. The alternative would have only a slight impact on GSMNP visitation and other economic
indicators; therefore a negligible impact on land use and development patterns would be expected.
4.2.4.2.4 Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell would have a moderate, adverse, long-term impact on land use in
GSMNP with both the Primitive and Principal Park Roads. With the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell,
approximately 8 ac (3.24 ha) would be reclassified from "Natural Environment — Type I" to "General Park
Development." The road corridor leading to the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell site would be
reclassified from "Natural Environment — Type I" to "Transportation" subzone, which is a classification for
public road corridors. The Primitive Park Road corridor includes approximately 205 ac (82.96 ha) and the
Principal Parlc Road includes approximately 155 ac (62.73 ha).
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would also reduce the area that would potentially be eligible for
wilderness designation. The size of the excluded area would vary depending on which road type is selected.
With the Primitive Park Road approximately 1,839 ac (744.20 ha) would be excluded and with the Principal
Park Road approximately 1,658 ac (670.96 ha) would be eXCluded. These reductions do not affect the
potential far the future wilderness designation of the remaining acreage within GSMNP discussed in Section
3.2.5.1.1 of this document.
In addition, upon construction of the roadway and the facilities, portions of Lakeshore Trail would be
eliminated, along with some backcountry camping sites. Backcountry use would shift away from the
roadway corridor and the facilities at Bushnell (Visitor Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5). Frontcountry use
would increase, particularly in the vicinity of the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell recreational facilities.
The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell would have a minor, indeterminate, indirect, long-term impact on
land use change and development patterns in the area outside GSMNP due to increased visitor use, traffic
volumes and associated economic activity (Economics, Section 4.2.3). The higher visitor use estimated with
the Principal Park Road would result in a slight difference in economic effects, but no discernable difference
in land use effects. Some change in land use would likely occur along Fontana Road between downtown
Bryson City and the GSMNP entrance due to increased visitor use and traffic volumes. New development
could provide services and supplies for Park visitors. To reach this new facility, visitors would travel
through downtown Bryson City, exposing them to services and attractions in the town and nearby areas. In
addition, this alternative is projected to increase jobs and local personal income. For these reasons, indirect
land use impacts are expected, particularly in Bryson City, although such change is not anticipated to be
extensive.
Overall land use impacts resulting from the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell would be moderate, as land
use change would be detectable but geographically limited. The slightly higher visitor use and traffic
volumes estimated with a Principal Park Road would result in a slight difference in economic and land use
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-50
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

effects outside the Park (Economics, Section 4.2.3), but land use impacts remain within the threshold of a
moderate effect for both road types.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would slightly alter land use impacts in GSMNP as
compared to the baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell. Far example, the size of the area to be
reclassified from "Natural Environment — Type I" to "Transportation" would be reduced by approximately
40 ac (16.19 ha) with the Primitive Park Road and by approximately 34 ac (13.76 ha) with the Principal Park
Road. Also with this option, less area would be excluded from future consideration of wilderness
designation as compared with the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. With the Primitive Park
Road approximately 451 ac (182.51 ha) less would be excluded and with the Principal Park Road
approximately 258 ac (] 04.41 ha) less would be excluded.
Impacts to backcountry use in GSMNP would be slightly altered in the vicinity of Forney Creek and the
embayment due to the more southerly route and altered proximiry to trails and backcountry campsites
(Visitor Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5). These slight changes would not alter overall land use impacts
of the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. Indirect impacts to land use outside the Park would not change
from the impacts expected with the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell.
4.2.4.2.5 Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Northern Shore Corridor would have a major, adverse, long-term impact on land use in GSMNP with
both road types. A new roadway would change the current land use by introducing manmade features (e.g.,
the roadway, retaining walls, and bridges) and vehicular traffic. The proposed roadway would also require
cuts and fills that would alter the current landscape. The roadway corridor would be reclassified from
"Natural Environment" to "Transportation" subzone. The Primitive Park Road corridor includes
approximately 906 ac (366.64 ha) and the Principal Park Road includes approximately 823 ac (333.05 ha).
In addition, the Northern Shore Corridor traverses the Park's potential wilderness designation area. If this
alternative were constructed, the area generally from the roadway to Fontana Lake would be excluded from
potential consideration of wilderness designation. The size of the excluded area would vary depending on
which road type is selected. Witb the Primitive Park Road approximately 5,314 ac (2,150.46 ha) would be
excluded and with the Principal Park Road approximately 5,215 ac (2,110.40 ha) would be excluded. These
reductions do not affect the potential for the future wilderness designation of the remaining acreage within
GSMNP discussed in Section 3.2.5.1.1 of this document.
Upon construction of the Northern Share Corridor, approximately 31.1 mi (50 km) of Lakeshore Trail would
be eliminated and backcountry use would shift away from the roadway corridor. These changes in visitor
use are further described in Section 4.2.5.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-51
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The potential for indirect land use impacts outside the Park was also considered. 1'he Northern Shore
Corridor connects directly to NC 28 to the west of Fontana Dam. If the baseline Northern Shore Corridor
were selected, some land use impacts would be likely to result in this area. Development potential exists on
privately owned properties on the south side of NC 28 outside GSMNP. (These private in-holdings are
within the boundary of tbe Nantahala National Forest. Private in-holdings are discussed in Section 4.7.)
Based on traffic volumes, the probability for induced development at the western terminus resulting from a
Principal Park Road is projected to be somewhat higher than with a Primitive Park Road. However, due to
the limited amount of land in private ownership in this area, this potential land use impact would be localized
regardless of road type.
Long-term indirect land use impacts would not be fully realized until the road is complete. The Northern
Shore Corridor would likely increase the number of Park visitors and vehicle trips and thus induce some
development in the area. Bryson City would likely see most of this increased development. The roadway
would also likely to influence regional development decisions. New services to accommodate travelers
would include restanrants, grocery stores, hotels, gas stations and convenience stores, other retail
establishments, and entertainment facilities. Due to the higher volume of traffic projected with a Principal
Park Road there is greater potential far induced development with this design. Land use impacts outside of
the Park would be moderate and land use impacts outside of the Park for the Primitive Park Road would be
minor.
Overall land use impacts resulting from the Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would be major
due to land use change inside GSMNP and revisions to the GMP. Most land use change outside GSMNP
would be localized at the western terminus and in Bryson Ciry. Overall land use impacts resulting from the
Northern Share Corridar (Principal Park Road) would also be expected to be major. Land use change
outside GSMNP would result in detectable effects on the character of some local communities, most
noticeably Bryson City, but not extending across nor altering development patterns for an entire community
or the entire region.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would slightly alter land use impacts in GSMNP as
compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. For example, the size of the area to be reclassified from
"Natural Environment — Type I" to "Transportation" subzone would be reduced by approximately 40 ac
(16.19 ha) with the Primi�ive Park Road and by approximately 34 ac (13.76 ha) with the Principal Park
Road. Also with this option, less area would be excluded from future consideration of wilderness
designation as compared with the baseline Northern Shore Corridar. With the Primitive Park Road
approximately 451 ac (182.51 ha) less would be excluded and with the Principal Park Road approximately
258 ac (104.41 ha) less would be excluded.
Impacts to backcountry use in GSMNP would be slightly altered in the vicinity of Forney Creek and the
embayment due to the more southerly route and altered proximity to trails and backcountry campsites
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-52
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

(Visitor Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5). These slight changes would not alter overall land use impacts.
Indirect impacts to land use outside the Park would not change from the impacts expected with the baseline
Northern Share Corridor.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would also alter land use impacts in GSMNP as
compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. The size of the area to be reclassified from "Natural
Environment — Type I" to "Transportation" subzone would be reduced by approximately 60 ac (24.28 ha)
with the Primitive Park Road and by approxirnately 83 ac (33.59 ha) with the Principal Park Road. Also
with this option, less area would be excluded from future consideration of wilderness designation as
compared with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. With the Primitive Park Road approximately 687 ac
(278.01 ha) less would be excluded and with the Principal Park Road approximately 630 ac (254.95 ha) less
would be excluded, due to the mare southerly route of this option.
Impacts to backcountry use in GSMNP would be altered in the vicinity of Proctor and of Hazel and Eagle
creeks and their embayments due to the more southerly route location and altered proximity to trails and
backcountry campsites (Visitor Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5). These slight changes would not alter
overall land use impacts. Indirect impacts to land use outside the Park would not change from the impacts
expected with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would slightly affect land use impacts in the Park as compared
to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. The size of the area to be reclassified from "Natural Environment —
Type I" to "Transportation" subzone would be reduced by approximately 42 ac (17.00 ha) with the Primitive
Park Road and by approximately 41 acres (16.59 ha) with the Principal Park Road. Also with this option,
less area would be excluded from future consideration of wilderness designation as compared with the
baseline Northern Shore Corridor. With the Primitive Park Road approximately 550 ac (222.57 ha) less
would be excluded and with the Principa] Park Road approximately 551 ac (222.98 ha) less would be
excluded.
The route across the dam eliminates the potential for development at the immediate western terminus of the
project. Impacts to backcountry use in GSMNP would be slightly altered in the vicinity of Fontana Dam due
to the route location and altered proximiry to trails and backcountry campsites (Visitor Use and Experience,
Section 4.2.5). These slight changes would not alter overall land use impacts.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-53
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

4.2.4.2.6 Cumulative Impacts
Past federal actions such as the purchase of farestland in the region beginning in 1911, the establishment of
GSMNP in 1934, the completion of Fontana Dam in 1944, and the expansion of the Park to include land
purchased on the north shore of Fontana Lake, had a considerable impact on land use in the Park and study
area. In addition, the construction of Lake View Road, the Ravensford Land Exchange, and the Cades Cove
Opportunities Plan have affected or have the potential to affect land use in the Park. Lake View Road is a
7.2-mi (1 ].6-km) segment of the originally proposed North Shore Road that was extended into the Park,
converting a natural area to transportation use. Through the Ravensford Land Exchange, the ECBI acquired
an undeveloped site far construction of new schools. The Cades Cove Opportunities Plan includes options
that have the potential to alter land use, such as completing roadway and parking improvements and
constructing visitor centers. Tl�e impacts to land use in the Park are considered in the context of decreases in
open space, farested land, and other natural areas in the eastern United States as a result of overall patterns of
urbanization and suburbanization. As discussed in Section 4.l .2.1.6, the GSMNP has been identified as
having the largest total area (more than 464,000 ac [187,800 ha]) without public vehicular access roads in the
Southern Appalachian region.
Land use outside GSMNP will continue to change. Development in ihe study area region will be primarily
due to the relocation of the GSMR headquarters to downtown Bryson City, the trend for increased seasonal
home construction in western North Carolina, and gaming operations in Cherokee. The railway headquarters
relocation will result in development in Bryson City, including renovation of existing buildings and new
construction. The railway headquarters will attract additional tourists who support restaurants, grocery
stores, gas stations, hotels, and other entertainment venues. An increase in seasonal population in the region
would likely result in the need for additional services and would also promote development in the
foreseeable future. The seasonal population would support many of the same services, with the exception of
hotels. In addition, overall Park visitation will change over time.
Cumulative impacts to land use in the Park are not expected with the monetary settlement. Cumulative
impacts to study area land use outside the Parlc due to the Monetary Settlement are likely, especially if Swain
County uses funds for some purpose that would enhance current trends.
Due to the negligible impacts to land use, no cumulative effects were identified with the Laurel Branch
Picnic Area.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, when combined with other projects that altered or have the
potential to alter land use in the Park, would result in some cumulative land use impacts in the Park.
Cumulative impacts due to the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell are also likely outside the Park, as the
land use change in the study area expected with this alternative would combine with land use change
expected under current trends. Based on current assumptions, land use change resulting from this alternative
would be localized, following existing development patterns.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-54
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

When added to other projects in the Park, construction of the Northern Shore Corridor would result in
cumulative land use impacts in the Park. Long-term indirect land use impacts outside the Park, especially in
Bryson Ciry, are expected upon completion of the Northern Shore Corridor. These impacts, when added to
the development expected in Bryson City and Cherokee and in Swain, Graham and surrounding counties
under current trends, would result in greater cumulative impacts to the study area than would other
alternatives, but cumulative land use impacts would still be somewhat localized in nature. Overall
development in the region is limited due to the large percentage of land under public ownership.
4.2.4.3 Options to Address Potential Impacts
The GMP establishes broad management strategies for the Park. These strategies, along with Park
operational decisions, could be used to manage the impacts to backcountry use in the vicinity of the Partial-
Build Alternative to Bushnell or Northern Shore Corridor.
4.2.5 Visitor Use and Experience
This section documents the impacts that the detailed study alternatives would have on the visitor use and
experience of GSMNP, including the segments of the AT within the Park. The GSMNP recorded 2004
recreation visitation of 9.2 million (NPS 2005a). The highest recorded GSMNP visitation occurred in ] 999
when there were ] 0.3 million visitors, with lower levels of recreation visitation recorded in recent years.
However, recreation visits to GSMNP have trended upwards over the long-term, despite similar periodic
declines, and this long-term upward trend in visitation is expected to continue. More information on
GSMNP visitation trends is presented in the Regional Economic Impacts Technical Report (Appendix F).
Accarding to the GSMNP GMP, the Park manages the portion of the study area within its jurisdiction as
primarily "Natural Environment - Type I" subzone. There is a pocket of "Natural Environment - Type IP'
subzone near Proctor at the Hazel Creek embayment and a linear designation of "Natural Environment -
Type II" subzone following Noland Creek. Lake View Road and Fontana Dam are managed as
"Transportation" subzones. Prior to the existing Lake View Road tunnel, there is a small pocket of land
classified as "General Park Development" subzone. This location is the future site of a day-use area. It also
would be the location of the Laurel Branch Picnic Area.
Hiking and backcountry camping are allowed in the "Natural" management zones, with the "Natural
Environment - Type II" subzone designating areas of cemetery and utiliry access roads, stables, and paved,
or heavily used trails. Public road access is allowed in the "Transportation" subzone. Picnic areas, camping
areas, lodging areas, interpretive centers, major parking areas, Park operational and maintenance facilities,
and staff housing are allowed in the "General Park Development" subzone. Additional information on these
management zones is included in Land Use (Existing and Future), Section 3.2.2. Information on the
management of GSMNP with regards to the recommended Wilderness designation, the backcountry permit
system, and the need for and use of administrative roads is discussed in Parkland, National Forest, and
Recreational Facilities, Section 3.2.5. Detailed information on changes to the management zones and the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-55
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement