4.2.8

4.2.8 Cultural Resources
4.2.8.1 Methodology for Assessing Impacts to Cultural Resources
Potential impacts have been assessed for three types of cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites, histaric
structures, and TCPs) and one separate potential resource, the AT. Direct impacts to cultural resources
include those to archaeological sites that are intersected by the proposed construction footprint. Indirect
impacts would include impacts to cemetery access routes, as well as visual impacts to the AT. Since the
Cemetery Decoration TCP includes 27 spatially distinct and widely dispersed cemeteries as contributing
resources (Appendix G), the potential indirect impacts to each cemetery have been assessed and listed
separately. First, a combination of existing data (Webb 2004), sample surveys and other studies (Appendix
G; Webb and Jones 2005), and predictive modeling (Webb 2004; Webb and Jones 2005) was used to
generate information concerning the nature and potential location of potentially significant cultural resources
within the study corridors. These resources were then mapped as GIS layers. Potential impacts were then
identified by comparing the construction footprint for each alternative with maps of the various types of
resources.
Type
Impacts were categorized as adverse or beneficial, as defined for each type of cultural resource in Table 4-
12. Some of the impacts to TCPs were found to be indeterminate based on changes to access trails and roads
that were not clearly adverse or beneficial or that might result in some effects of both types. Impacts were
also classified as indirect or direct, following the definition in Table 4-12. The potential for cumulative
impacts associated with cultural resources is discussed in Section 4.2.8.4.
Roxie McClure Dismantled Mill
Duration
Impacts to cultural resources are characterized as short-term if they
would occur only during the construction period, which is anticipated
to last just one or a few years in any given locality. An example of a
short-term impact might be disturbance to access to a TCP due to
construction effects on trail use. Long-term impacts extend beyond the
construction period into the indefinite future. Examples of a long-tenn
impact might be destruction of part of an archaeological site by
construction activities ar a permanent change in access to a TCP due to
elimination of vehicular access via a Park Administrative Road.
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 — 4-85
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THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
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 — 4-86
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Cultural Resource
Archaeological Sites
Historic Structures
No/Negligible
Impact(s) to a NHRP-listed
or eligible site(s) is not
measurable or at the lowest
level of detection — barely
measurable with no
perceptible consequences,
either adverse or beneficial.
For purposes of Section
106, the determination of
effect would be no historic
properties affected or no
adverse effect.
Impact(s) to a NRHP-listed
or eligible structure(s) or
building(s) is not measurable
or at the lowest level of
detection — barely
measurable with no
perceptible consequences,
either adverse or beneficial.
For purposes of Section
106, the determination of
effect would be no historic
properties affected or
adverse effect.
Table 4-12. Cultural Resources Threshold Definitions
Impact Thresholds
Minor
Adverse impact — disturbance of a
site(s) results in little effect on any of
the characteristics that qualify it for the
NRHP, and little loss of integrity or
information potential (the ability to
provide information relevant to
significant research questions), and the
NHRP-listing/eligibility of the site is
unaffected. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect would
be no adverse effect.
Beneficial impact—the alternative
would result in retention of the site(s) in
its existing condition. For purposes of
Section 106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.
Adverse impact — impact results in
little effect on any of the character
defining feature(s) of a NRHP-eligible or
listed structure(s) or building(s), and
little loss of resource integrity, and its
NRHP-listing/eligibility is unaffected. For
purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
Beneficial impact—the alternative
would maintain the existing integrity and
condition of character-defining features
of the building or structure in
accordance with the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for Treatment of
Historic Properties. For purposes of
Section 106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.
Moderate
Adverse impact — disturbance of a
site(s) would affect any of the
characteristics that qualify it for the
NRHP, or result in loss of integrity or
information potential to the extent that
its NRHP-listing/eligibility is jeopardized
For purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be
adverse effect.
Beneficial impact —the alternative
would noticeably enhance the
protection or preservation of a site(s).
For purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
Adverse impact — impact would alter a
character defining feature(s) of the
structure(s) or building(s) and would
diminish the integrity of the resource to
the extent that its NHRP-listing/eligibility
is jeopardized. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect would
be adverse effect.
Beneficial impact—the alternative
would noticeably enhance the
protection or preservation of the
character-defining features of a building
or structure in accordance with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
the Treatment of Historic Properties.
For purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
Environmental Consequences — 4-87
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Major
Adverse impact — disturbance of a
site(s) would result in substantial
effect on one or more of the
characteristics that qualify it for the
NRHP, resulting in loss of integrity
or information potential to the
extent that it would no longer be
eligible for listing in the NRHP. For
purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be
adverse effect.
Beneficial impact—the alternative
would substantially enhance the
ability to protect and interpret
important archaeological
resources. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.
Adverse impact — impact would
alter a character defining feature(s)
of the structure(s) or building(s)
diminishing the integrity of the
resource to the extent that it is no
longer eligible to be listed in the
NRHP. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect
would be adverse effect.
Beneficial impact—the alternative
would substantially enhance the
preservation or protection of the
character-defining features of a
building or structure in accordance
with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.

Cultural Resource
Traditional Cultural
Properties
No/Negligible
Impact(s) to a NRHP-listed
or eligible property(ies) is
not measurable or at the
lowest level of detection,
and would not alter resource
conditions, such as access
or site preservation, nor the
relationship between the
resource and the affiliated
group's body of beliefs and
practices. For purposes of
Section 106, the
determination of effect would
be no historic properties
affected or no adverse
effect.
Table 4-12. Cultural Resources Threshold Definitions
Impact Thresholds
Minor
Adverse impact — impact(s) would be
slight but apparent, but would neither
appreciably alter resource conditions,
such as access or site preservation, nor
the relationship between the resource
and the affiliated group's body of beliefs
and practices. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect would
be no adverse effect.
Beneficial impact — impact would
accommodate a group's traditional
practices or beliefs. For purposes of
Section 106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.
Moderate
Adverse impact — impact(s) would be
apparent and would alter resource
conditions, such as access or site
preservation, and/or the relationship
between the resource and the affiliated
group's beliefs and practices, even
though those beliefs and practices
would survive. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect would
be adverse effect.
Beneficial impact — impact would
facilitate a group's beliefs and practices.
For purposes of Section 106, the
determination of effect would be no
adverse effect.
Environmental Consequences — 4-88
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Major
Adverse impact — impact would
alter resource conditions, such as
access or site preservation, and/or
the relationship between the
resource and the affiliated group's
body of beliefs and practices, to the
extent that the survival of a group's
beliefs and/or practices would be
jeopardized. For purposes of
Section 106, the determination of
effect would be adverse effect.
Beneficial impact — impact would
encourage a group's beliefs and
practices. For purposes of Section
106, the determination of effect
would be no adverse effect.

Intensity
Impacts were categorized as no/negligible, minor, moderate, or major based on the available information on
each resource and in accordance with the impact definitions and thresholds provided for each type of cultural
resource in Table 4-12 in accordance with NPS guidance. The guidance and the definitions also cross-
reference the impact assessments to effect determinations under Section 106 of the NHPA.
4.2.8.2 Regulations and Policies Concerning Cultural Resources
The CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508) implementing NEPA require consideration of "historic and
cultural resources" (40 CFR 1500.16) during the EIS process, as well as "the degree to which the action may
adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing in the NRHP or
may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources" (40 CFR 1508.27).
See Cultural Resources, Section 3.2.4.1 for definitions of the NRHP eligibility criteria. An NRHP-eligible
property might also be eligible for determination as a NHL (see Section 3.2.4.1). Because of the special
importance of NHLs, special requirements and procedures for protecting them are provided in 36 CFR
800.10, Special Reguirements for Protecting National Historic Landrv�arks.
In addition to these regulations, other relevant laws and regulations include the National Park Service Act of
19] 6, as amended (] 6 USC 1 et seq.); the 1926 Enabling Legislation for GSMNP (] 6 USC 460a-2 et seq.);
the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 USC 470 et seq.) and its implementing
regulations; the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of l 978 (42 USC ] 996); the Archaeological
Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended (16 USC 470 et seq.); the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 USC 3001); and Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment
(Executive Order 1] 593). Relevant NPS policies are outlined in DO-12 and arders 28 (Cultural Resource
Management), 28B (Archaeology), and 28C (Draft Handbookfor Oral History in the National Park
Service).
4.2.8.3 Impacts to Cultural Resources
The following sections present impacts to cultural resources by alternatives. Unless otherwise noted, all
impacts discussed are direct and long-term.
Impacts to the TCP cemeteries are assessed based on the potential impact of the alternatives on the current
access to those properties. NPS provides annual ferry service for cemetery access on a scheduled basis for
the public. Eleven trips are made to visit 20 cemeteries along the northern shore of Fontana Lake each year.
The annual ferry service would continue i£
■ an alternative does not include provisions for a new road,
■ a partial-build or build alternative does not intersect an administrative road, or
■ a partial-build or build alternative only reaches a portion of the cemeteries.
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 — 4-89
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

If a partial-build or build alternative intersects a maintained GSMNP administrative road, the public would
be allowed access to the administrative road on a scheduled basis for cemetery visitation. Transportation
would be provided by NPS or personal vehicle, depending on the condition of the road.
4.2.8.3.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative would have no foreseeable impacts to cultural resources. The archaeological
sites within the proposed impact footprints would remain in their current state, as would any historic
structures that might be present. Similarly, the No-Action Alternative would have no impacts to TCPs. The
eligible TCP (Decoration Day Cemeteries) and potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP would be
unaffected, and access to these resources would continue in the present manner. Any American Indian TCPs
that might be present would also be unaffected by this alternative. Finally, there would be no impacts to the
AT, a potential historic property, under the No-Action Alternative.
42.8.32 Monetary Settlement
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would have no or negligible impacts to cultural resources. As with the
No-Action Alternative, resources within the Park would not be affected by this alternative.
4.2.8.3.3 Laurel Branch Picnic Area
Impacts to Archaeological Sites
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative would result in no impacts to known archaeological sites,
although there is one potential bistoric period archaeological site and about 3.95 ac (1.60 ha) of unsurveyed
area with moderate to high probability for archaeological sites (area of l 5 percent or less slope) within the
construction footprint.
Impacts to Historic Structures
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative would result in no impacts to histaric structures.
Impacts to Traditional Cultural Properties
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative would result in no impacts to TCPs.
Impacts to Other Cultural Resources
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area Alternative wolild result in no impacts to the AT, a potential historic
property.
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 — 4-90
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

4.2.8.3.4 Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road)
Impacts to Archaeological Sites
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in major, adverse impacts to
two archaeological sites (31 SW336 and 31 SW422) and a minor adverse impact to a third site (31 SW424).
(As discussed in Section 4.2.8.4, if those impacts cannot be avoided or minimized through redesign, they can
potentially be reduced to the moderate level through implementation of mitigation measures.) This option
would also impact three potential historic period archaeological sites and 7.66 ac (3.10 ha) of unsurveyed
moderate to high probability area.
Impacts to Historic Structures
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in no impacts to historic
structures.
Impacts to Traditional Cultural Properties
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse, indirect
impact to one contributing resource to the Cemetery Decoration TCP (Hoyle Cemetery) and a minor to
moderate, indeterminate or adverse, indirect impact to a second contributing resource (Woody Cemetery), in
both cases by cutting current NPS-provided vehicular access. The option also would result in a major,
beneficial, indirect impact to the McClure Cemetery and a minor, beneficial, indirect impact to the Welch
Cemetery, however, in both cases by improving current access. Finally, the option would result in minor,
short-term, adverse, indirect impacts to the Woody and McClure cemeteries, and a minar to moderate, short-
term, adverse, indirect impact to the Hoyle Cemetery due to trail disruptions during construction.
Impacts to Other Cultural Resources
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in no impacts to the AT, a
potential historic property.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment were chosen for the Primitive Park Road Type, this
option would result in one less adverse impact to a significant archaeological site (31 SW336), but would
potentially impact one identified but unevaluated site (Unrecorded site 3). It would no longer impact any
potential histaric period archaeological sites, but would impact an additiona14.42 ac (1.79 ha) of unsurveyed
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 — 4-91
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

moderate to high probability area. The long-term and short-term indirect impacts to the Hoyle and Woody
cemeteries would also be eliminated. This option would also result in a minor, adverse, indirect impact to
the AT, a potential historic property, due to construction of a bridge across the Forney Creek embayment that
would be visible from the trail.
Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road)
Impacts to Archaeological Sites
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would result in major, adverse impacts to
two archaeological sites (31 SW336 and 31 SW422) and a minor, adverse impact to an additional site
(31 SW424). This option would also impact one identified but unevaluated site (Unrecorded site 3) and two
potential historic period archaeological sites, and would impact about 6.87 ac (2.78 ha) of unsurveyed
moderate to high probability area.
Impacts to Historic Structures
The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would result in no impacts to historic
structures.
Impacts to Traditional Cultural Properties
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse, indirect
impact to one contributing resource to the Cemetery Decoration TCP (Woody Cemetery) by cutting current
NPS vehicular access. The option also would result in a major, beneficial, indirect impact to the McClure
Cemetery and a minor, beneficial, indirect, impact to the Welch Cemetery, in both cases by improving
current access. Finally, the option would result in a minar to moderate, adverse, short-term, indirect impact
to the Woody Cemetery and a minor, adverse, short-tetm, indirect impact to the McClure Cemetery due to
trail disruptions during construction.
Impacts to Other Cultural Resources
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) might result in a negligible, adverse, indirect
impact to the AT, a potential historic property, due to construction of a bridge across at the north side of the
Forney Creek embayment that might be visible from the trail.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment were chosen for the Principal Park Road, it would result
in one less adverse impact to an archaeological site (31 SW336). There would be no changes in impacts to
unevaluated sites or potential historic period archaeological sites, but there would be an increase of 3.65 ac
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 — 4-92
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

(1.48 ha) of unsurveyed moderate to high probability area that would be impacted. The long-term and short-
term indirect impacts to the Woody Cemetery would be eliminated. This option would also result in a minor,
adverse, indirect impact to the AT, a potential historic property, due to construction of a bridge across the
Forney Creek embayment that would be visible from the trail.
4.2.8.3.5 Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Roac�
Impacts to Archaeological Sites
The Northern Shore Corridar (Primitive Park Road) would result in � �I
major, adverse impacts to two archaeological sites (31 SW336 and Chambers Creek Church
31SW422) and minor adverse impacts to an additional site
(31 SW424). This option would also impact one unevaluated site
(31 SW56) and 45 potential historic period archaeological sites, and would impact about 5935 ac (24.02 ha)
of unsurveyed moderate to high probabiliry area. Many of these potential sites are in the Proctor area, which
also contains potential historic structures and is being studied by the Park as a potential NRHP district. If not
avoided, minimized, or mitigated, impacts to this complex of resources would potentially constitute a major,
adverse impact.
Impacts to Historic Structures
The Northern Shore Corridar (Primitive Park Road) would result in major impacts to up to six potentially
significant historic structures, should those be deten�nined eligible for the NRHP.
Impacts to Traditional Cultural Properties
The Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would result in moderate, adverse, indirect impacts to
three contributing resources to the Cemetery Decoration TCP (Hoyle, Pilkey and Posey cemeteries) and a
minor to moderate, indeterminate, impact to the Woody Cemetery due to elimination of current NPS-
provided vehicular access. It would result in major, beneficial, indirect impacts to the Bradshaw, McClure,
and Proctor cemeteries and to the potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP, moderate, beneficial,
indirect impacts to the Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Mitchell, Walker, and Wike
cemeteries, and minor, beneficial, indirect impacts to the Cook and Fairview cemeteries due to increased
ease in private vehicular access, and minor, indeterminate, indirect impacts to the Orr and Payne cemeteries.
The option would also result in a minor to moderate, short-term, adverse, indirect impact to the Hoyle
Cemetery and minor, short-term, adverse, indirect impacts to the Bone Valley, Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall,
Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Mitchell, Orr, Payne, Pilkey, Posey, Proctor, Walker, Wike, and Woody
cemeteries and to the potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP due to trail disruptions during
construction.
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 — 4-93
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Impacts to Other Cultural Resources
The Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would result in moderate, adverse, direct and minor,
indirect impacts to the AT, a potential historic property, due to the road's intersection with the trail near the
west end of the corridor and visibility from other points along the trail in that area. (For additional impacts to
the AT see Visitor Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5.)
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment were chosen far the Primitive Parlc Road, it would result
in one less adverse impact to an archaeological site (31 SW336), but would result in an additional potential
adverse impact to an unevaluated site (Unrecorded site 3). It also would impact an additional 4.42 ac (] .79
ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to bigh probability area. The long-term and short-term, indirect impacts to the
Hoyle and Woody cemeteries would be eliminated. This option would also result in an additional minor,
adverse, indirect impact to the AT, a potential historic property, due to construction across the Forney Creek
embayment of a major bridge structure that would be visible from the trail.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive Park Road) were chosen, this
option would result in one less potential impact to an unevaluated site (31 SW56), 27 fewer impacts to
potential historic period archaeological sites and would impact 14.67 fewer ac (5.94 ha) of unsurveyed,
moderate to high probability area. This option would eliminate potential impacts to six potentially
significant historic structures in the Proctor viciniry. This option would also eliminate the major, beneficial
impacts to the potentially eligible Proctar Baptizing Hole TCP and to the Bradshaw and Proctor cemeteries;
the moderate, beneficial impacts to the Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Walker, and
Wike cemeteries; and the minor, short-term, adverse impacts to the potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing
Hole TCP and to the Bone Valley, Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Proctor, Walker,
and Wike cemeteries. This option would also result in additional minor, adverse, indirect impacts to the AT,
a potential historic property, due to construction of bridges across the embayments of Hazel and Eagle creeks
that would be visible from the trail.
So�uthern Option Crossing Fontana Dain (Primitive Park Road)
If the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam were chosen (Primitive Park Road), this option would result
in five fewer impacts to potential historic period archaeological sites and would impact 4.43 fewer ac (1.79
ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. This option would result in a negligible to minor,
adverse impact to Fontana Dam, an NRHP-eligible property and potential NHL, as it would tie directly into
the existing road across the dam. There would be two fewer minor, long-term, indeterminate impacts and
two fewer short-term, adverse, indirect impacts to the Orr and Payne cemeteries. This option would also
result in both direct and indirect impacts to the AT, a potential historic property. It would run along 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 — 4-94
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

existing AT route for about 3,800 ft(1,158 m), resulting in a moderate, adverse, direct impact to the trail and
would also be visible from the trail at several locations in the Park, constituting minor, adverse, indirect
impacts to the trail.
Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Roac�
Impacts to Archaeological Sites
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in a major, adverse, impact to one
archaeological site (31 SW336); a inoderate, adverse, impact to one site (31 SW426); and a minor, adverse
impact to one site (31 SW425). This option would also impact 3 unevaluated sites (Unrecorded site 3,
3] SW56, and 31 SW445) and 41 potential historic period archaeological sites and would impact
approximately 63.81 ac (25.82 ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. Many of these potential
sites are in the Proctar area, which also contains potential historic structures and is being studied by the Park
as a potential NRHP district. If not avoided, minimized, ar mitigated, impacts to this complex of resources
would constitute a major, adverse impact.
Impacts to Historic Structures
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in major impacts to up to six potentially
significant historic structures, should those be determined eligible far the NRHP.
Impacts to Traditional Cultural Properties
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse, indirect impact to
one contributing resource to the Cemetery Decoration TCP (Woody Cemetery) and minor, indeterminate,
indirect impacts to the Orr and Payne cemeteries, but would have major, beneficial, indirect impacts to the
Bradshaw, McClure, and Proctor cemeteries and to the potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP;
moderate, beneficial, indirect impacts to the Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap,
Mitchell, Walker, and Wike cemeteries; and minor, beneficial, indirect impacts to the Cook and Fairview
cemeteries. The option would also result in minor, short-term, adverse indirect impacts to the Bone Valley,
Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Mitchell, Orr, Payne, Pilkey, Posey, Proctor, Walker,
Wike, and Woody cemeteries and to the potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP due to trail
disruptions during construction.
Impacts to Other Cultural Resources
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in moderate, adverse direct, and minor,
indirect impacts to the AT, a potential historic property. It would cross the trail near the west end of the
corridor, resulting in a minor, adverse, direct impact; other minor, adverse, indirect impacts would result
from the visibiliry of this alternative from the trail in that area, as well as the potential visibiliry of the bridge
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 — 4-95
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

structure on the north side of the Forney Creek embayment. (For additional impacts to the AT see Visitor
Use and Experience, Section 4.2.5.)
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment were chosen for the Principal Park Road, it would result
in one less adverse impact to an archaeological site (31 SW336). It also would impact an additional 3.65 ac
(1.5 ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. The long-term and short-term impacts to the
Woody Cemetery would also be eliminated. This option would also result in an additional minor, adverse,
indirect impact to the AT, a potential historic property, due to construction of a bridge across the Forney
Creek embay�nent that would be visible from the trail.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Principal Park Road)
If the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embaymenis were chosen for the Principal Park Road, this
alternative would result in one less potential impact to an unevaluated site (31 SW56), 27 fewer impacts to
potential historic period archaeological sites, and impact 17.40 fewer ac (7.04 ha) of unsurveyed moderate to
high probabiliry area. Tl�is option would eliminate potential impacts to six potentially significant historic
structures in the Proctor viciniry. The option would eliminate major, beneficial impacts to the potentially
eligible Proctar Baptizing Hole TCP and to two contributing resources to the Cemetery Decoration TCP (the
Bradshaw and Proctor cemeteries); the moderate beneficial impacts to the Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall,
Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Walker, and Wike cemeteries; and minor, short-term, adverse impacts to tbe
potentially eligible Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP and to the Bone Valley, Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon,
McCampbell Gap, Proctor, Walker, and Wike cemeteries. This option would also result in additional minor,
adverse, indirect impacts to the AT, a potential historic properly, because bridges across the embayments of
Hazel and Eagle creeks would be visible from the trail.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Principal Park Road)
If the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Principal Park Road) were chosen, it would result in five
fewer impacts to potential historic period archaeological sites and would impact 5.32 fewer ac (2. ] 6 ha) of
unsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. This option would result in a negligible to minor, adverse
impact to Fontana Dam, an NRHP-eligible property and potential NHL, because it would tie directly into the
existing road across the dam. There would be two fewer minor, long-term, indeterminate impacts and two
fewer short-term, adverse, indirect impacts to the Orr and Payne cemeteries. This option would also result in
additional direct and indirect impacts to the AT, a potential historic property. It would run along the existing
AT route far about 3,800 ft(1,158 m) , resulting in a moderate, adverse, direct impact to the trail, and would
also be visible from the trail at several locations, constituting minor, adverse, indirect impacts to the trail.
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 — 4-96
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

42.8.3.6 Cumulative Impacts
Some of the projects listed in Section 4.1.2, including the construction of Fontana Dam and Lake, the
Ravensford Land Exchange, the Cades Cove Opportunities Plan, seasonal hame construction, and aggregate
surfacing of cemetery access roads, have affected or have the potential to affect cultural resources in the
study area and vicinity. When added to those projects, it is possible that the impacts to archaeological sites,
and possibly to other cultural resources, to be caused by the North Shore Road Project would constitute
cumulative adverse impacts on the cultural resources of the region. Most of those impacts would be minor.
However, the potential adverse impacts to the former Ritter Lumber Mill complex and associated structural
and archaeological resources at Proctor that might result from selection of the Northern Shore Corridor could
constitute a major, cumulative impact on cultural resources. When considered with the aggregate surfacing
of cemetery access roads, the changes in cemetery access due to selection of the Northern Shore Corridor
could constitute a minor, cumulative, beneficial impact on the Cemetery Decoration TCP.
4.2.8.4 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
Several strategies can be used to mitigate impacts to cultural resources. Adverse impacts to archaeological
sites would be avoided entirely with the No-Action or Monetary Settlement alternatives. They would be
minimized with the partia]-build alternatives or Northern Shore Corridor options (specifically the Southern
Options at Forney Creek Embayment, Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments) that avoid large expanses of
stream floodplains and terraces, such as those at Gray Wolf Creek and around Proctor and Shehan Branch.
Impacts to individual archeological sites also would be minimized, if not avoided, through minor road
modifications and/or realignments. In cases where impacts cannot be entirely avoided, they can be mitigated
through data-recovery excavations and accompanying displays, publications, and other measures, as
provided for in the (Programmatic Agreement [PA]) (Appendix H) concerning cultural resources. Such
mitigation measures would reduce the impacts from major to moderate under NEPA and the definitions
provided in Section 4.2.8.1, although they would not eliminate adverse effects under Section 106 of NHPA.
If the alternative selected in the ROD is a partial-build or build alternative, the signatories of the PA will
consult to determine what additional identification and evaluation efforts are needed.
The potential adverse impacts to historic structures associated with the Northern Shore Corridor would be
eliminated with the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments. With the baseline Northern
Shore Corridor Alternative, impacts to structures in the Proctor vicinity would potentially be avoided or
minimized through modifications to the road alignment, the use of sensitive design techniques, and such
measures as plantings. The potential minor, adverse, impact to Fontana Dam would be eliminated with the
baseline Northern Shore Corridor Alternative (i.e., if the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam was not
chosen).
Adverse impacts associated with the partial-build and build alternatives to TCPs would likely be avoided or
minimized through design modifications, such as modifications to roadway designs to provide bridges over
existing access routes, realignment of sections of the intersecting access routes to accommodate vehicular
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 — 4-97
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

access, ar by the addition of steps along grade changes between the roadway and access routes and/or the
addition of parking areas.
Adverse impacts associated with the partial-build and build altematives to the AT, a potential historic
property, would be reduced, but not entirely eliminated, with the two southern options at tbe three
embayments, elimination of the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam, and use of appropriate design
practices to minimize road visibility from the trail.
4.2.8.5 Impairment Evaluation
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) to the cultural resources of GSMNP and the AT would not occur
under the No-Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic Area, and the
Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell. Tbe Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair the cultural
resources of GSMNP or the AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to the magnitude of this
alternative, it is likely that additional NEPA documentation would be required to address sit�specific
impacts not currently known, to determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as
they relate to final design, and to re-evaluate the impairment determination related to cultural resources.
4.2.9 Public Health and Safety
Within GSMNP, the Ranger Activities Division oversees all aspects of law enforcement. In addition to law
enforcement, rangers provide search and rescue and emergency medical services (EMS); manage the
campgrounds, backcountry campsites, and group camping areas; monitor road conditions; and provide fire
protection. There are 15 rangers for the North Carolina side of the Park (Dutton 2005). These rangers
provide coverage from 7:00 a.m. to midnight during the summer months, with rangers called out to after-
hours incidents as needed. No ranger stations are in the study area. Two are in the vicinity of Bryson Ciry,
at Oconaluftee and Deep Creek, and another is at Twentymile, west of the study area along NC 28.
Although some rangers are certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), GSMNP has mutual aid
agreements with local responders far medical evacuations. These agreements allow the responders to cross
county, but not state, lines.
4.2.9.1 Summary of Impacts
4.2.9.1.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative is not expected to have an impact on the public health and safety of GSMNP ar
the local area surrounding GSMNP.
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 — 4-98
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement