Summary

Summary
In accordance with Section ] 02(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 USC 4321 et.
seq.), the National Park Service (NPS) has prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze
alternatives for resolving issues related to the North Shore Road. The project study area is in western North
Carolina and includes a partion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP, also referred to as
the Park) in Swain County and a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) in Swain and
Graham counties. Both the GSMNP and the AT are individual units of the national park system within the
NPS. All alternatives requiring construction are located within tbe GSMNP and some alternatives cross the
AT. The Record of Decision for this EIS would serve as a General Management Plan (GMP) Amendment
for GSMNP if an alternative that is not consistent with the Park's GMP were selected for implementation.
S-1. Project Background
In July ] 943, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the U.S.
Department of the Interior (DOI), the state of North Carolina, and Swain
County, North Carolina, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement
(1943 Agreement) that dealt with the creation of Fontana Dam and
Reservoir and the resultant flooding of lands and roads within Swain
County. As part of the 1943 Agreement, 44,170 acres (17,875 hectares
[ha]) of land were ultimately transferred to the DOI and made part of
GSMNP. The 1943 Agreement also contained a provision by which the
state of North Carolina was to construct a road from Bryson City to the
GSMNP boundary, and the DOI was to construct a road ihrough
GSMNP, along the north shore of the newly formed Fontana Reservoir, to replace the flooded NC 288. The
state of North Carolina completed this obligation in 1959.
The obligation of the DOI to construct the road was subject to and contingent on an appropriation by
Congress of all funds necessary for the road's construction. The United States was at war when the 1943
Agreement was executed, and no funds were appropriated for construction. After the war, between ] 948 and
1970, the DOI, through the NPS, built 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers [km]) of the proposed road
(Approximately 30 miles [48.3 km] have not been constructed.)
During the early construction projects, it was discovered that the route of the proposed road would be
through very unstable terrain, resulting in the possibility of landslides, both during and after construction,
and requiring more invasive engineering techniques tban originally considered. In addition, a particular
stratum encountered produced acidic drainage when disturbed and not properly handled and contained. Due
to these environmental concerns and associated costs, construction was stopped in 1972.
In October 2000, Congress appropriated $16 million to the U.S. Department of Transportation "for
construction of, and improvements to, North Share Road in Swain Counry, North Carolina." Advocates of
building a road maintain that the government has an obligation to uphold the 1943 Agreement as a matter of
principle and credibility. Families that lived along the north shore of the Little Tennessee River prior to the
flooding of the river and the transfer of land to GSMNP feel that the road would allow access to old home
sites and family cemeteries. Other proponents believe the road would provide economic benefits to Swain
County in the form of increased tourism. Local and national environmental groups contend that construction
Summary — S-1
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

and use of the road would harm Park resources. Some support a cash
settlement in lieu of the road to boost Swain County's economy.
S-2. Purpose and Need
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The purpose of this action is to discharge and satisfy any obligations on -�� �
the part of the United States that presently exist as the result of the 1943 '.`'�;- `�' ��� -'
Agreement. The need of the project is to deter►nine wbether or not it is Tunnel at end of Lake View Road
constructed in 1970.
feasible to complete the road and to evaluate other alternatives that
would satisfy the obligation.
While addressing the project's purpose and need and ensuring tbat resources within GSMNP, as well as
along the AT, are unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations, the following goals will be fulfilled:
■ Ensure that proposed management actions are consistent with legislative and executive mandates and
NPS policies.
■ Protect the significant and diverse natural resources and ecosystems (forest communities, water
resources, and soundscapes) and the intangible benefits (peace and solitude) currently available in the
areas where natural processes dominate.
■ Protect the tangible (archaeological sites, cemeteries, historic structures, landscapes, and Traditional
Cultural Properties [TCPs]) and the intangible (feelings of attachment, family life, myth, folklore, and
ideology) aspects of the cultural resources.
■ Foster and build relationships with Swain County and other North Carolina gateway communities.
■ Continue to provide the traditional recreational activities of hiking, camping, fishing, and horse use.
■ Avoid alternatives that would require taking of privately held lands.
S-3. Public Involvement and Agency Coordination
Large constraints map illustrated sensitive
The North Shore Road Project has over a 60-year history related
to the construction of the Fontana Dam in western North
Carolina. For decades prior to the onset of the EIS and official
start of the public involvement program, the public and media
have commented on issues surrounding the land that is now
included in the EIS study area and on the North Shore Road.
There is a strong interest in this project among numerous people
with various viewpoints, both locally and nationwide. Public
involvement has been an essential component of the EIS,
areas. supporting an informed decision-making process. It has been
integral in selecting appropriate study alternatives, analyzing
potential impacts, and fulfilling NEPA requirements. In accordance with NEPA and implementing
regulations, the NPS and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed an extensive public
involvement program. The North Shore Road Public Involvement Program has included a variety of inedia
to inform the public on the status of the EIS planning process and to solicit and incorporate public feedback.
It included numerous public meetings at multiple locations, social advertisements in local newspapers,
Summary — S-2
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

national press releases, a comprehensive mailing list for project newsletters, and an interactive project
website.
In addition, interagency coordination and informal consultation facilitated distribution of project information,
open communication, and the collection of comments. Input from state and federal resource and regulatory
agencies was incorporated throughout all phases of the project's planning process. Meetings were held to
collect existing data, discuss necessary fieldwork, solicit comments on the planning process, obtain
concurrence on the draft EIS (DEIS) detailed study
alternatives, review impacts, and provide an opportunity
for the public to comment on the DEIS.
S-4. Proposed Alternatives
S-4.1 Development of
Preliminary Study Alternatives
An extensive list of approximately 100 initial options to
be considered was compiled after review of previously
documented concepts and recommended alternatives.
Alternatives were evaluated based on a list of variables
that includes environmental, social, economic, and
engineering constraints, as well as documented data on
existing conditions. Those alternatives that were likely
to have the greatest impacts or that appeared to offer
little benefit to the study area were eliminated from
further study. The results of this initial review assisted
in the decision to suggest six preliminary study
alternatives for more detailed evaluation in the DEIS.
These six alternatives were presented to the public and
resource agencies. Public and agency comments and
review of GSMNP visitor needs were considered in
determining the facilities, amenities, and alternatives to
be studied in the DEIS. One alternative was eliminated
due to conflicts with the United States Forest Service
(USFS) Nantahala/Pisgah Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan). Other alternatives
that included additional corridar options to cross Forney
Creek, as well as another to access the Proctor area,
were considered.
S-4.2 Detailed Study Alternatives
As a result of the preceding review and input from the
public, resource agencies, NPS, FHWA, and private
consultants, five alternatives were selected for detailed
study in the DEIS. Two of the alternatives, the Pa�tial-
Simplrfied List
of the Five Detailed Study Alternatives
1) No-Action
2) Monetary Settlement
3j Laure! Brench PicnicArea
4) Partial-Build Aftemalive ta Bushnell (two route options and two road type
options)
5) Northern Shore Corridor {eight route options and two road kype options)
Comprehensive List
of Options for Route and Road Type Cornbinatians
Partial-Build ARernative to Bushnell:
A) Baseline {narthem route ak Forney Creek), Primitive Park Road
B) Baseline (northern route at Forney Creek�, Principal Park Road
C') Southem Option at Forney Creek Embayment, Primitive Park Road
Di Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment, Principal Park Road
Northern Shore Corridor:
A1 Baseline {northem routes at Forney, Hazel, and Eagle creeks with a
terminus at NG 28), Primitive Park Road
B) Baseline {northern routes at Forney, Hazel, and Eagle creeks wikh a
terminus at NG 28), Principal Park Road
Cl Southern Optian at Forney Creek Embayment, northern route at Hazel
and Eagle creeks, and terminus af NC 28, Rrimitive Park Road
DI Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment, northern route at Hazel
and Eagle creeks, and terminus at NC 28, Principal Park Road
E7 Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment, Southern �ption at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments. and terminus at NC 28, Primiti�e
Park Road
F} Southem �ption at Forney Creek Embayment, Southarn Option at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments, and terminus at NC 28, Principal
Park Road
GI Southern Option at Forney Creek Embaymenf, SouEhern Opfion at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments, and Southern Option Crassing
Fontana Dam, Primitive Park Road
HY Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment, Southern Opfion at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments. and Southem Option Crossing
Fontana �am, Principal Park Road
I} Southern Option at Forney Greek Embayment, norfhem route at Hazel
and Eagle creeks, and Southern Option Crossing Fontana dam,
Primitive Park Road
T1 Southern �ption at Forney Creek Erribayment, norfhern roufe at Hazel
and Eagle creeks, and Sauthern Qption Crossing Fontana Qam,
Principal Park Road
Ki Northem routes at Forney. Hazel. and Eagle creeks, and Soulhern
Optian Crossing Fantana Dam, Primitive Park Road
L) Northem routes at Forney, Hazel. and Eagle creeks, and Southeen
Option Crossing Fontana Dam, Principal Park Road
�I) Northem route at Forney Creek, Southern Option af Hazel and Eagle
Greek Embayments, and Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam,
Primitive Park Road
>il Northem route at Foeney Creek, Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle
Greek Embayments, and Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam,
Principal Park Road
OI Northern route at Forney Greek, Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle
Creek Emheyments, and terminus at NG 28, Primitive Park Road
P} Northern route at Forney Creek, Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle
Creek Embayments, and terminus ai NC 28. Principal Park Road
See Figure 2-8 for routa locations,
Summary — S-3
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

BuildAlternative to Bushnell and the NoNthei^n Shore Corridor, aNepresented throughout the document
as baseline routes with segment options and two road type options. The baseline routes for these
alternatives share the sarne northern alignmentfor 8.0 �niles related to the Primitive Park Road and 5.8
nziles related to the Principal Park Road. Baseline routes for each road type have been compared to
existing conditions (i.e., the No-Action Alternative). Impact ar�alyses for the options are shown as a
dzfference from the associated baseline route. Southern crossings of embayments and the ter�ninus
location provide options that �nay be used in any combination to form alternate routes for the Northern
Shore Corridor and the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. These two alternatives are described and
were analyzed in this fashion to simplify the information for the public and reviewers. Refer to the
previous page.for a comprehensive list of route and road type combinations.
The study alternatives analyzed in Chapter 4 are described below:
No-Action Alternative: NEPA requires the No-Action Alternative as a basis for comparing the potential
benefits and impacts of other alternatives. This alternative would avoid study area disturbance and adverse
impacts to cultural and natural resources.
Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative): The Swain County Commissioners passed a
resolution on February 1 l, 2003, that stated the counry would accept a monetary settlement to settle the ] 943
Agreement. The use of the Monetary Settlement Alternative proceeds would be at the discretion of Swain
County and a range of potential uses could exist. In their resolution, the county indicated that the proceeds
of a settlement would allow the county to avoid tax increases, fund services such as education and social
services, and establish a favorable bond rating. Swain County may choose to pursue economic development
opportunities within the county's jurisdiction, which would potentially enhance public facilities, employment
opportunities, and/ar the local tourism industry. Without a defined list of projects (including details
regarding timing, cost, and specific project descriptions) that might be planned by Swain Counry, the precise
impacts to the environment of the surrounding
region are not fully known. Swain County
would need to conduct the appropriate
environmental documentation and permitting for
these projects as required.
Laurel Branch Picnic Area (partial-build): The
Laurel Branch Picnic Area would consist of a
day-use area on the north side of existing Lake
View Road, just east of the existing tunnel
parking area. A new, two-way, paved
entrance/exit road would provide access to the
day-use area. Outdoor facilities would include a
Laurel Branch Picnic Area — Conceptual Plan multt-use picmc shelter, ptcmc tables, several
loop trails, drinking fountains, and restrooms.
The trails would provide an opporiunity to explore stream ecology along Laurel Branch and to present local
history. Wayside exhibit panels would provide a tribute to local heritage. Occasional ranger-led programs
would be conducted from the day-use area, including educational programs.
Summary — S-4
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell: This alternative would include up to 8 miles (] 2.9 km) of new roadway
from the existing tunnel west to the vicinity of the former Bushnell settlement. This alternative would
include a bridge crossing Forney Creek north of the impounded waters (also referred to as the baseline). The
alternative would provide a boat-launching ramp and restricted boat dock. The dock would accommodate
NPS or concession-operated boats that would provide transportation on Cemetery Decoration Days from
Bushnell or Cable Cove, as appropriate. The boat dock would also be used for scenic boat tours and would
be a�ailable to the public for temporary docking to access concessions, restrooms, and other facilities.
Exhibit space would be designed to highlight local heritage of the area and may include concession
opporiunities. Located near the terminus of the new roadway would be a multi-use picnic shelter and picnic
tables, a backcountry permit station, an information kiosk, restrooms, and a parking area. Interpretive, self-
guided loop trails would recognize local heritage through a series of wayside exhibits explaining particular
points of interest along the trails.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would also include provisions for enhancements at Hazel Creek for
the former community of Proctor. A new, accessible trail from the boat dock to Proctor and new wayside
exhibits would convey the histot-y of the area.
The Bushnell Area would
provide a unique park
experience because it would
have the only boating access
directly in GSMNP
boundaries. It would likely
attract a broad range of visitors
to the Nortb Carolina side of
GSMNP. If this alternative
were selected, a Commercial
Services Plan would be
prepared to determine the type
of concessions that would be
necessary and appropriate,
financially viable, and of
service to the public. In
to Bushnell —
conjunction with the design
and construction of tbe roadway leading to the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell's destination, planning
and public involvement activities would be conducted to detail the final complement of facilities and design
their location on the landscape.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment: A major bridge crossing of the Forney Creek embayment
was studied as an option to the baseline corridor. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would
continue west past the existing tunnel and turn to the south to cross the Forney Creek embayment. This route
is approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to 1.5 ruiles (2.4 km) shorter in length than the baseline.
Northern Shore Corridor: The Northern Shore Corridor is the only full-build alternative evaluated in the EIS.
It would connect Lake View Road to NC 28. The alternative (or baseline corridor) would include a small
Summary — S-5
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

bridge crossing of
Forney Creek north of
the impounded waters
and would avoid
major bridge crossings
of the Hazel Creek
and Eagle Creek
embayments. The
corridor would turn
north just west of
Calhoun and Mill
branches to follow
Lakeshare Trail to the
vicinity of the former
Proctor settlement.
Once north of the
The Northern Shore Corridor ranges from 25 to 34 miles.
Hazel Creek embayment, the corridor would turn to the west and continue through a portion of Flint Gap.
West of Eagle Creek, the corridor would turn to the south and continue west to NC 28 toward Deals Gap.
The estimated length of the baseline corridor is 30.8 miles (49.6 km) or 34.3 miles (55.2 km) depending on
road rype. Depending on options chosen at Forney, Hazel, and Eagle creeks and the western terminus, the
length ranges from approximately 249 to 34.3 miles (40.2 to 55.2 km). These three options are discussed in
mare detail below.
The Northern Shore Corridor would include provisions for the development of an auto-tour guide describing
the historic and natural points of interest along the route for the study area, telling loca] history, and
illustrating the location of trails and backcountry campsites. Wayside exhibit panels would be provided
along the new road and at appropriate pull-off areas and overlooks. Interpretation would be provided at
Proctor. Also, restrooms would be built at appropriate locations.
Major bridge crossings of the embayments of Forney, Hazel, and Eagle creeks were studied as options to the
baseline corridor. In addition to these options, another option for ihe western terminus would involve the
corridor tying into Fontana Dam Road and crossing Fontana Dam before intersecting with NC 28. (Lengths
vary depending on the road type.)
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment: This option would continue west past the existing tunnel and
turn to the south to cross the Forney Creek embayment. This route is approximately 13 miles (2.1 km) or
1.5 miles (2.4 km) shorter in length than the baseline.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments: This option would continue west past Calhoun and
Mill branches, bridging Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek embayments. This route is approximately 2.3 miles
(3.7 km) or 3.1 miles (5.0 km) shorter in length than the baseline. This option would turn to the north near
Calhoun and Mill branches.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam: This option would tie the Northern Shore Corridor into the
existing GSMNP roadway segment that crosses Fontana Dam. This connection would have less roadway
Summary — S-6
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

construction (approximately ].5 miles [2.4 km] or 1.6 miles [2.6 km] shorter in length than the baseline
corridor).
All detailed study alternatives include continued cemetery access into GSMNP. Annual ferry service, as it is
currently provided by the NPS, would continue under alternatives that would not include provisions for a
new road, would not intersect an administrative road, ar would reach only a portion of the cemeteries.
Several enhancement features are
recommended for consideration with all
detailed study alternatives. These include
coordinating with the TVA to rehabilitate and
enhance interpretive exbibits at the Fontana
Dam visitor information center to include loca]
history; adding informational exhibits at the
GSMNP boundary, in the viciniry of Bryson
City, to orient the public; and providing
scheduled, ranger-led programs.
Road Types: Two road types, Principal Park
Road and Primitive Park Road, were
recommended for detailed study in the DEIS
far the partial-build and build alternatives.
Principal Park Road: The proposed roadway
typical section for the Principal Park Road has
a two-way, asphalt surface witb two 10-foot (3-
meter [m]) travel lanes and 3-foot-wide (1-m)
grass shoulders. It has a maximum posted
speed limit of 30 mph (50 kilometers per hour
[�hD�
Top Photo: Principal Park Road (example)
Primitive Park Road: The proposed roadway Bottom Photo: Primitive Park Road (example)
typical section for the Primitive Park Road has
a two-way, gravel surface with two 9-foot (2.8-
m) travel lanes and 2-foot-wide (0.6-m) grass shoulders. It has a maximum posted speed limit of 15 mph (25
kph).
S-4.3 Cost
Costs were developed for construction, operation, and maintenance of the detailed study alternatives. Costs
for the detailed study alternatives are presented in Table S-1.
Summary — S-7
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Alternative
No-Action
Monetary
Settlement
Laurel Branch
Picnic Area
Table S-1. Costs (in 2006 dollars)
Total Additional GSMNP
Operations and
Capital Costs and/or Funding Maintenance Costs
Associated with
Construction
N/A N/A
$52,000,000
$13, 700,000
N/A
$454,000
Increases to GSMNP
Annual Operations and
Maintenance Costs'
Post-Construction
N/A
N/A
$313,000
Primitive Principal Primitive Principal Primitive Principal
Park Road Park Road Park Road Park Road Park Road Park Road
Partial-Build
Alternative to $92,200,000 $148,600,000 $4,110,000 $4,110,000 $951,000 $951,000
Bushnell (baseline)
Southern Option at
Forney Creek +$7,600,000 -$18,900,000 No change No change No change No change
Embayment from baseline from baseline from baseline from baseline
Northern Shore $344,900,000 $589,700,000 $14,284,000 $14,310,000 $1,391,000 $1,523,000
Corridor (baseline)
Southern Option at
Forney Creek +$7,600,000 -$18,900,000 No change No change No change No change
Embayment from baseline from baseline from baseline from baseline
Southern Option at
Hazel and Eagle +$37,000,000 -$24,500,000 No change No change No change No change
Creek Embayments from baseline from baseline from baseline from baseline
Southern Option
Crossing Fontana -$9,800,000 -$13,600,000 No change No change No change No change
Dam from baseline from baseline from baseline from baseline
Notes: Numbers for options are the difference in cost compared with the baseline corridor. The southern options do not
alter the operations and maintenance costs for the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell or the Northern Shore Corridor. Costs
include currently anticipated mitigation. Additional mitigation would be identified during final design.
1 Since 1980, the Park has been committed to providing access to cemeteries along the northern shore of Fontana Lake as
discussed in the Park's GMP (NPS 1982). The Park has provided this service without any allocation or budget increases.
Because the Park is committed to maintaining current cemetery visitation practices for all the alternatives, the Park will prioritize
a budget increase that will specifically describe the operations and maintenance costs to continue these activities.
S-5. Environmental Consequences
The following section summarizes the primary impacts by resource topic. Impact topics were based on
federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders; NPS management policies; and resource studies and
knowledge of existing conditions. Impact topics were identified by the study team (NPS, FHWA, private
consultants) and finalized through input from the public.
Summary — S-8
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The potential impacts of each altemative, including road type where applicable, were analyzed and
quantified to establish an understanding of the magnitude of the likely impact. Potential impacts were also
evaluated for consideration of potential impairment to the resources and values of GSMNP and the AT.
Alternatives that would avoid impacts or have negligible impacts are generally omitted from the following
summary; however negligible in�pacts are identified with some impact topics for clarification, as well as
for the Preferred Alternative in all cases.
The Summary of Impacts Table (Table S-2) included at the end of this Summary provides a comparison
matrix of the study altematives by impact topic. More detailed impact evaluations are provided in Chapter 4.
Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts were analyzed. Direct effects are caused by the action and occur at
the same time and place. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) defines indirect impacts as those
"that are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably
foreseeable" (40 CFR l 508.8). The CEQ regulations to implement the NEPA require assessment of
cumulative impacts in the decision-making process. Cumulative impacts are defined as "impacts on the
environment which result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal) or person undertakes
such other actions" (40 CFR 1508.7). Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the area are
discussed throughout Chapter 4 and summarized in
Section 4.12.1.
This ETS documents the analysis of impacts without
detailed initigation, based on information known to date.
Detailed mitigation plans would be developed before
implementation of a partial-build or build alternative. A
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be
developed between the NPS and FHWA to document
the commitment of the two agencies to jointly produce
detailed mitigation plans if a partial-build ar build
alternative were selected for implementation. Final
design and detailed mitigation may reveal site-specific
impacts that are not currently known. Additional NEPA
analysis would be required if impacts were found to be
greater than identified in this EIS for any of the partial-
build ar build alternatives.
S-5.1 Traffic, Mobility, and Access
Each of the partial-build and build alternatives is
expected to generate a relatively low volume of traffic.
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road)
would generate the most traffic, 475 annual average
daily traffic (AADT), followed by the Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) which would generate 226 AADT. The Laurel Branch Picnic
Area would generate the least amount of traffic, 64 AADT.
Summary — S-9
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

During construction, traffic would increase in the areas surrounding the project, including Bryson City and
the Fontana Dam area. The construction traffic, composed primarily of trucks hauling materials and
equipment, would adversely affect local intersection and roadway capacities during this phase of the project.
The Northern Shore Corridor (any option) would result in beneficial or indeterminate, long-term changes to
mobility and access in the study area and the surrounding region. These impacts would be moderate for the
Principal Park Road, but minor for the Primitive Park Road due to the additional length and the extremely
low-speed road conditions. The Northern Share Corridar (any option and either road type) would create a
new travel route between Deals Gap and Bryson City, providing between 249 (40.1 km) to 343 miles (55.2
km) of additional road into the Park and improved access to some cemeteries. The Northern Shore Corridor
(any option) would also result in moderate, adverse impacts during the 15-year construction period.
The effects of the Partia]-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any option) on
mobility and access would be minor for the Principal Park Road and �"�;,�'�
negligible to minor for the Primitive Park Road, due to road conditions ' �" �� � i
and lower traffic volumes. Tbe Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell ��'��_�
(any option) would also result in moderate, adverse impacts during the `� �
1 �%��g �
five-year construction period and would actually result in the greatest oq��
daily truck t►-affic due to the ainount of earthwork and the construction �`-"�"�'�
schedule.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would
result in negligible, indeterminate changes to mobility and access in the
study area and surrounding region.
S-5.2 Community Impacts
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NC 28 serves as the main route
from Bryson City to Fontana in
western NC.
Community impacts consist of population, housing, and community infrastructure impacts and social
infrastructure impacts. In regard to communiry effects, few standards exist as to what constitutes beneficial
or positive changes and those considered adverse or negative. For example, the TVA's construction of
Fontana Dam during World War II resulted in new jobs but required relocations. This event may be viewed
as adverse by some and beneficial by others. For this analysis, an attempt was made to capture the major
issues that frame whether various groups view an alternative positively or negatively. Local and national
special interest groups have expressed deep-rooted concern, as well as passionate support for different
alternatives. It is important to note that while representative groups share some issues and values, an
individual may hold any one or a set of these values differently than another individual and may feel much
more or less strongly about a given value than others do.
S-5.2.1 Population, Housing, and Community Infrastructure
The Northern Shore Corridor, the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, and the Monetary Settlement
Alternative (Preferred Altemative) would lilcely result in changes to population, housing, and infrastructure
in the communities in and around the study area. Rental and permanent housing stock may increase in
response to increased demands for housing associated with jobs created by road construction in the short-
term, as well as the additional Park staff required and related jobs generated over the long-term once
construction is completed. The degree of impact to the community would depend on these economic
Summary — S-10
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

impacts. The construction of the Northern Shore Corridor (any option and either road type) would result in
moderate, beneficial or indeterminate, short-term impacts to population, housing and infrastructure in the
communities in and around the study area. The long-term impacts to population, housing, and infrastructure
would be moderate, beneficial or indeterminate for the Principal Park Road and minor, beneficial or
indeterminate for the Primitive Park Road. The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any option and either
road type) would result in moderate, beneficial or indeterminate, short-term and minor, beneficial ar
indeterminate, long-term impacts to the population, housing and infrastructure of the communities located in
or around the study area. The impacts resulting from the Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred
Alternative) would be minor, indeterminate, short- to long-ter►n in Swain County, with negligible to minor
changes in Graham and other surrounding counties.
S-5.2.2 Social Infrastructure
All of the alternatives would ha�e social impacts,
some adverse and others beneficial, on a variery of
people, depending on an individua]'s values or
focus. For example, to individuals focused on
settling the 1943 Agreement with a full-build
alternative, the Northern Shore Corridor would
have majar beneficial impacts, and the selection of
any other alternative, especially the No-Action
Alternative, could be viewed as a broken contract
Downtown Bryson City
by the federal government. Conversely, to
individuals focused on resource protection and an
undisturbed environment, the selection of the Northern Shore Corridor would have major adverse impacts,
while the No-Action Alternative would have beneficial impacts.
The Northern Shore Corridor (any option and either road type) would have major, adverse impacts in the
short-term and long-tenn or major, beneficial impacts in the short-term and long-term, depending on an
individual's values or focus. The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (any option and either road type)
would have moderate, beneficial impacts or moderate, adverse impacts in the short-term and long-term,
depending on an individual's values or focus. The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would have major, beneficial
impacts and moderate, adverse impacts in the short-term and long-term, depending on an individual's values
or focus. The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would have moderate, beneficial
impacts or moderate, adverse impacts in the short-term and long-term, depending on an individual's values
or focus. The No-Action Alternative would have moderate to major, adverse, short-term and long-term
impacts or minor, beneficial, short-term and moderate, indeterminate long-term impacts, depending on an
individual's values or focus.
S-5.3 Economic Impacts
Construction of one of the partial-build or build alternatives ar the Monetary Settlement Alternative
(Preferred Alternative) would provide a new stimulus to the regional economy, generating economic benefits
for residents, businesses, and local governments in the area.
Summary — S-11
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) and the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal
Park Road) would result in major, short-term economic benefits to the area, primarily in Swain and Graham
counties, as jobs would be created during construction. Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) and
the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in moderate, short-term
economic benefits to the area, associated with construction. Differences in short-term impacts to jobs,
incoine, and retail sales, both in magnitude and duration, would be attributable to differences in project
construction costs (Table S-1).
After construction, these alternatives are expected to increase Park visitation, resulting in minor to moderate
long-term economic benefits to the area. The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road, any option)
would yield the greatest economic benefits in the long-term, due to greater expected increases in visitation.
This alternative would also result in some redirection of travel flows within the region, potentially altering
the established geographic distribution of economic stimulus associated with existing visitation patterns.
Moderate, long-term benefits are expected with the Principal Park Road (any option) and minor, long-term
benefits are expected with the Primitive Park Road (any option). Minor, long-term benefits are also expected
with the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any option).
The proceeds of the Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would result in moderate,
beneficial, short-term and long-term impacts. The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative)
would provide Swain Counry with an opportunity to spur local economic and communiry development
efforts.
S-5.4 Land Use Impacts
The Northern Shore Corridor (any option and either road
rype) and the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any
option and either road type) would change land use within
the Park, resulting in major and moderate impacts,
respectively. Impacts for both alternatives would be
adverse and long-term. These alternatives are not in
compliance with the current GSMNP GMP. With the
Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road),
approximately 823 acres (333.05 ha) would be reclassified
from "Natural Environment — Type I" to "Transportation"
subzone. With the Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive
Park Road) approximately 906 acres (366.64 ha) would be
reclassified. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
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Embayment would reduce the area to be reclassified by approximately 34 acres (13.76 ha) with the Principal
Park Road and by approximately 40 acres (16.19 ha) with the Primitive Park Road. The Southern Option at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would reduce the area to be reclassified by approximately 83 acres
(33.59 ha) with the Principal Park Road and by approximately 60 acres (24.28 ha) with the Primitive Park
Road. With the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam, the size of the area to be reclassified from "]�Tatural
Environment — Type I" to "Transportation" subzone would be reduced by approximately 41 acres (16.59 ha)
with the Principal Park Road and by approximately 42 acres (17.00 ha) with the Primitive Park Road.
Summary — S-12
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

With the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell, the road corridor would also be reclassified from "Natural
Environment" to "Transportation" subzone. For the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the
Principal Park Road would include approximately 155 acres (62.73 ha) and the Primitive Park Road corridor
would include approximately 205 acres (82.96 ha). The southern option would reduce the size of the
reclassified "Transportation" subzone by approximately 34 acres (13.76 ha) with the Principal Park Road
and by approximately 40 acres (16.19 ha) with the Primitive Park Road. With the Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell (either road type or option), approXimately 8 acres (3.24 ha) would be reclassified from "Natural
Environment — Type I" to "General Park Development."
In addition, the Northern Shore Corridor would reduce the area that
would potentially be considered for future wilderness designation, with
the Primitive Park Road having the greatest impact. The Principal Park
Road would eliminate approximately 5,215 acres (2,110.40 ha) from
future wilderness consideration and the Primitive Park Road would
eliminate approximately 5,314 acres (2,150.46 ha) from future
consideration. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would
reduce the impact by approximately 258 acres (104.41 ha) with the
Principal Park Road and by approximately 451 acres (182.51 ha) with
the Primitive Park Road. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments would reduce the impact by approximately 630 acres
(254.95 ha) with the Principal Park Road and by approximately 687
acres (278.01 ha) with the Primitive Park Road. With the Southern
Option Crossing Fontana Dam, the impact would be reduced by
approximately 551 acres (222.98 ha) with the Principal Park Road and
by approximately 550 acres (222.57 ha) with the Primitive Parlc Road.
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Old roadbeds are maintained as
hiking trails and administrative
access roads.
With the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the area that would potentially be considered for
future wilderness designation would be reduced by approximately 1,658 acres (670.96 ha) with the Principal
Park Road and by approximately 1,839 acres (744.20 ha) with the Primitive Park Road. If the Southern
Option at Forney Creek Embaytnent were selected, this impact would be reduced by approximately 258
acres (104.41 ha) with the Principal Park Road and by approximately 45l acres (182.51 ha) with the
Primitive Park Road.
The reduction of acreage potentially considered for future wilderness designation resulting from the Northern
Shore Corridor and the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell does not affect the potential for the future
wilderness designation of the remaining acreage within GSMNP. However, urbanization and
suburbanization along the eastern seaboard of the United States have resulted in a reduction in the amount of
undeveloped areas including open space, forested land and other natural areas. The portion of the project
study area within GSMNP, along with a larger portion of GSMNP contiguous to the study area, is one of the
largest land tracts in the eastem United States that is not impacted by or easily accessible from modern roads.
Land use outside GSMNP is likely to be affected by the construction of either the Northern Shore Corridor
or the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. The Northern Shore Corridor would bave a minor (Primitive
Park Road) to moderate (Principal Park Road) indirect impact on land use outside the Park, especially in
downtown Bryson City. At the western terminus, the Northern Shore Corridor would likely create
development potential on privately owned properties on the soutb side of NC 28 outside GSMNP. The
Summary — S-13
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would ha�e a minor, indeterminate impact on land use change and
development patterns outside the Park, primarily along Fontana Road and in downtown Bryson City.
Development potential is also likely as a cumulative impact if either the Northern Shore Cor►-idar (either road
rype or any option) or the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (either road rype or any option) is
constructed. Impacts resulting from the Northern Shore Corridor, when added to the development expected
in Bryson City, Cherokee, and surrounding counties, would result in greater cumulative impacis to
surrounding cammunities than would other altematives. However, development potential in the region is
limited by the large percentage of land under public ownership.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact land use or affect
development in GSMNP or the study area. It would not impact the area that would potentially be considered
for future wilderness designation.
S-5.5 Visitor Use and Experience
The majority of impacts would be felt by the casual and active visitor.
In most cases, the active visitor would be displaced to other areas of
GSMNP. Over time, the loss of this backcountry area and the
displacement of visitors to other areas would deteriarate resources,
causing some active users to no longer recreate in GSMNP. Some
new opporiunities would be created for the passive and casual
visitors, including additional driving, day-hiking, and picnicking
opportunities. New interpretive opportunities would be created for all
visitors. The opportunity for visitors to experience the Park as a Kiosk provides visitor information.
sanctuary and refuge from life's daily activities and routines would be
impacted. The intrusion of the partial-build and build alternatives into the backcountry would reduce the
sense of wildness and solitude in this area of the Park. While the loss of some resources could be mitigated,
the intangible values and experiences that some Park visitors desire during their visit could not. Overall,
visitor experience would be adversely impacted as a result.
The Northern Shore Corridor (any option and either road type), the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell
(any option and either road rype), and the Laurel Branch Picnic Area are likely to impact visitar experience
in the Park. Whether impacts are perceived as adverse or beneficial depends upon the perspective of the
individual visitor. Three visitor types -- passive, casual, and active -- were used to differentiate between
adverse and beneficial impacts. In general, all the partial-build and build alternatives would have beneficial
effects on the passive visitor. The Northern Shore Corridor and the Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell
would adversely impact the casual and active visitor by reducing opportunities for backcountry experiences
and solitude.
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would have major, adverse, long-term impacts, resulting
from the loss of seven backcountry campsites and impacts to three trails, including the loss of 309 miles
(49.7 km) of Lakeshore Trail. This alternative would require the AT to cross a new roadway, resulting in a
major, adverse, and long-term impact to the AT. This alternative would also result in major, adverse, long-
term impacts to horse use; moderate, adverse, long-term impacts to wildlife viewing, photography, and
nature study; major, adverse, long-term impacts to nostalgia/refuge; and moderate to major, adverse, long-
Summary — S-14
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

term impacts to solitude far casual and active visitors. This alternative would also result in major, adverse,
long-term impacts to general scenic views; and major, adverse, long-term soundscape impacts, which affect
the visitor's experience. Long-tenn impacts to fishing would be moderate and adverse related to boat and
trail access changes and moderate and beneficial due to improved access related to trailhead parking. Minar
to moderate beneficial, long-term impacts provided by this alternative include interpretive and scenic driving
opportunities, as well as opporlunities for wildlife viewing, photography, nature study, nostalgia/refuge,
general scenic views, and solitude for passive visitars. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment
would avoid impacts to one trail, including 0.8 miles (1.3 km) of Lakeshore Trail. The Southern Option at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would avoid impacts to one trail, including 5.7 miles (9.2 km) of
Lakeshore Trail. Tbe Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would entai] r�routing a 0.8 mile (1.3 km)
portion of the AT.
The Northern Shore Corridor (Priinitive Park Road) would also have major, adverse, long-term impacts,
resulting from the loss of seven backcountry campsites and impacts to six trails, including the loss of 3l .3
miles (50.41an) of Lakeshore Trail and impacts to the AT. Adverse impacts to fishing would be major in the
long-term. This alternative would also result in moderate, adverse, long-term soundscape impacts. Other
impacts are similar to the impacts resulting from the Principal Park Road for this alternative. The Southern
Option at Forney Creek Embayment would avoid the loss of one backcountry campsite and impacts to three
trails, including 1.2 miles (19 km) of Lakeshore Trail. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments would avoid the loss of two backcountry campsites and impacts to one trail, including 5.7 miles
(9.2 km) of Lakeshore Trail. The impacts resulting from the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam
(Primitive Park Road) would be the same as the impacts resulting from the Principal Park Road for this
option.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would have moderate impacts, resulting in
the loss of two backcountry campsites and impacts to three trails, including 79 miles (12.7 km) of Lakeshore
Trail. This alternative would result in minor to moderate, adverse, long-term impacts to horse use. Impacts
to wildlife viewing, photography, and nature study would be minor, adverse, long-term for casual and active
visitors and minor to moderate, beneficial, long-term for passive visitors. Impacts to nostalgia/refuge would
be moderate, adverse, long-term for casual and active visitors and minor to moderate, beneficial, long-term
for passive visitors. Long-term solitude impacts would be minor to moderate, adverse for casual visitors and
major, adverse for active visitors, but minor to moderate, beneficial for passive visitors. This alternative
would also result in major, adverse impacts to general scenic views for casual and active visitors and
moderate, adverse soundscape impacts, which affect the visitor's experience. Long-term impacts to fishing
would be moderate and adverse related to boat and trail access changes and moderate and beneficial related
to the new boat ramp. Benefits would also include minor to major impacts for new interpretive, scenic
driving, day-hiking, and picnicking opporiunities. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would
avoid impacts to one trail, including 0.8 miles (1.3 km) of Lakeshore Trail.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would have moderate impacts, resulting in
the loss of two backcountry campsites and impacts to five trails, including the loss of 8.3 miles (13.4 km) of
Lakeshore Trail. Adverse soundscape impacts would be minor, while impacts to fishing would be major in
the long-term. Other impacts are similar to the impacts resulting from the Principal Park Road far this
alternative. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would avoid the loss of one backcountry
campsite and impacts to three trails, including 1.2 miles (29 km) of Lakeshore Trail.
Summary — S-15
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would not impact existing campsites or trails and would add interpretive,
scenic driving, day-hiking, and picnic opportunities, resulting in a minor, beneficial impact. However, the
development of the day-use area and associated increase in visitors would result in minor, adverse impacts to
the sense of wildness and solitude currently experienced by active visitors in this area of the Park. In
addition, the Laurel Branch Picnic Area site development would have minor, adverse, long-term impacts to
scenic views for casual and active visitors.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) is anticipated to have negligible impacts to
camping, hiking, horse use, fishing, interpretive opportunities, scenic/driving opportunities, other visitor
experiences (wildlife viewing, photography, nature study, and nostalgia/refuge), solitude, and general scenic
views.
S-5.6 Cultural Resources
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) requires the identification and
evaluation of impacts to historic properties. As part of the Section l 06 consultation, a Programmatic
Agreement (PA) was developed to document the Section 106 process as it pertains to the North Shore Road
EIS. Potential impacts were assessed far three types of cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites, histaric
structures, and TCPs) and one separate potential historic resource, the AT.
S-5.6.1 Archaeological Sites
NPS conducted sample archaeological surveys of approximately 10 percent
of the study corridor between the Chambers Creek vicinity and the Lake
View Road tunnel to predict landforms likely to contain significant
archaeological sites. Approximately 15 percent of the unsurveyed parts of
the study corridors (excluding Fontana Lake) are considered to be moderate
to high probability areas for site occurrence. If the alternative selected in the
Reco�d of Decision is a partial-build or build alternative, additional
identification and evaluation efforts may be needed.
The Northern Share Corridar (both road types) would result in the most
adverse impacts to archaeological resources. The baseline Northern Shore
Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in adverse, long-term impacts to
European-Americans began
entering the area in the
1820s.
six known archaeological resources, including one major impact, one moderate impact, and one minor
impact, as well as impacts to three unevaluated sites. This altemative would also impact 41 potential historic
period archaeological sites, and approximately 63.81 acres (25.8 ha) of unsurveyed moderate to high
probability area. If the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment were chosen (Principal Park Road), it
would result in one less impact to an archaeological site and would impact an additional 3.65 acres (1.5 ha)
of unsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments (Principal Park Road) would result in one less potential impact to an unevaluated site, 27 fewer
impacts to potential historic period archaeological sites, and would impact 17.40 fewer acres (7.04 ha) of
unsurveyed moderate to high probability area. The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Principal Park
Road) would result in five fewer impacts to potential histaric period archaeological sites and would impact
5.32 fewer acres (2.16 ha) of unsiirveyed, moderate to high probability area.
Summary — S-16
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Impacts resulting from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would vary slightly from
the impacts due to the Principal Park Road Tbis alternative would result in adverse, long-term impacts to
four known archaeological resources, including two major impacts and one minor impact, as well as impact
one unevaluated site. This alternative would also impact 45 potential historic period archaeological sites and
would impact approximately 59.35 acres (24.02 ha) of unsurveyed moderate to high probability area. The
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive Park Road) would result in one less major impact
to an archaeological site but would add a potential adverse impact to an unevaluated site. It also would
impact an additiona14.42 acres (1.79 ha) ofunsurveyed, moderate to high probability area. The Southern
Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive Park Road) would result in one less potential
impact to an unevaluated site, 27 fewer impacts to potential historic period archaeological sites, and would
impact 14.67 fewer acres (5.94 ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to higb probability area. The Southern Option
Crossing Fontana Dam (Primitive Park Road) would result in five fewer impacts to potential historic period
archaeological sites and would impact 4.43 fewer acres (1.79 ha) of unsurveyed, moderate to high
probabiliry area.
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Remaining structure associated
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The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road)
would result in major, adverse, long-term impacts to two archaeological
sites and a minor adverse impact to an additional site. This option would
also impact one identified but unevaluated site, two potential historic
period archaeological sites, and about 6.87 acres (2.78 ha) of unsurveyed
moderate to high probability area. The Southern Option at Forney Geek
Embayment (Principal Park Road) would result in one less impact to an
archaeological site and an increase of 3.65 acres (l .48 ha) of unsurveyed
moderate to high probabiliry area that would be impacted.
Impacts to known archaeological sites would be similar if the Primitive
Park Road is selected for the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. The only difference is that the Primitive
Park Road would not impact an unevaluated site. However, because of its length and location, the Partial-
Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would have slightly greater potential for impacts to
unknown archaeological resources than the Principal Park Road. This option would impact three potential
historic period archaeological sites, and 7.66 acres (3.l 0 ha) of unsurveyed moderate to high probability area.
The Southern Option at Forney Creek would result in one less major impact to an archaeological site, but
would potentially impact one identified but unevaluated site. It would no longer impact any potential
histaric period archaeological sites and would increase the unsurveyed moderate to high probability area by
4.42 acres (] .79 ha).
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would impact one potential historic period archaeological site and
approximately 3.95 acres (] .60 ha) of unsurveyed area with moderate to high probability for archaeological
sites.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not affect archaeological sites within the
Park.
Summary — S-17
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

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S-5.6.2 Historic Structures
, � The Northern Shore Corridor (both road types) would result in
„�.,: impacts to up to six historic structures that are potentially eligible
�'� for listing in tbe National Register of Historic Places. The
����� Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (both
road types) would eliminate those potential impacts, while the
�� Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (both road types) would
impact the Fontana Dam, a NRHP-eligible property and potential
National Historic Landmark. The Monetary Settlement
Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not affect historic structures within the Park.
S-5.6.3 Traditional Cultural Properties
Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs) are defined as places that are associated with the cultural practices or
beliefs of a living community. Both beneficial and adverse indirect impacts to TCPs, primarily related to
Decoration Days, would result from the Northern Shore Corridor and the Partial-Build Altemative to
Bushnell. These impacts would be due to either elimination of current NPS-provided vehicular access or
increased ease in private vehicular access to cemeteries resulting from the elevation and location of a new
roadway. None of the alternatives would involve relocation of known grave sites.
The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse access impact to one
contributing resource to the Cemetery Decaration Days TCP (Woody Cemetery) and minor, indeterminate,
access impacts to two cemeteries (Orr and Payne cemeteries), but would have major, beneficial, access
impacts to three cemeteries (Bradshaw, McClure, and Proctor cemeteries) and to the potential Proctor
Baptizing Hole TCP; moderate, beneficial, access impacts to eight cemeteries (Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall,
Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Mitchell, Walker, and Wike cemeteries); and minor, beneficial, access impacts to
two cemeteries (Cook and Fairview cemeteries). All these impacts would be long-term. This option would
also result in adverse, short-term impacts due to trail disruptions during construction. These impacts include
minor access impacts to 15 cemeteries (Bone Valley, Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap,
Mitchell, Orr, Payne, Pilkey, Posey, Proctor, Walker, Wike, and Woody cemeteries) and to the potential
Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road)
would eliminate the long-term and short-term access impacts to the Woody Cemetery. The Southern Option
at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would eliminate major, beneficial access impacts to the potential
Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP and to two contributing resources to the Cemetery Decoration Days TCP
(Bradshaw and Proctor cemeteries); the moderate, beneficial access impacts to seven cemeteries (Bone
Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Walker, and Wike cemeteries); and minor, short-term,
adverse access impacts to the potential Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP and to nine cemeteries (Bone Valley,
Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Proctor, Walker, and Wike cemeteries). The Southern
Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Principal Park Road) would eliminate two minar, long-term, indeterminate
access impacts and two short-term, adverse, access impacts (Orr and Payne cemeteries).
The Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would result in moderate, adverse access impacts to
three contributing resources to the Cemetery Decoration Days TCP (Hoyle, Pilkey and Posey cemeteries)
and a minor to moderate, indeterminate, access impact to one cemetery (Woody Cemetery) due to
elimination of current NPS-provided vehicular access. It would result in major, beneficial, access impacts to
Summary — S-18
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The Orr Cemetery is one of 27 cemeteries
three cemeteries (Bradshaw, McClure, and Proctor
cemeteries) and to the potential Proctar Baptizing Hole TCP;
moderate, beneficial access impacts to eight cemeteries
(Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap,
Mitchell, Walker, and Wike cemeteries), and minor,
beneficial, access impacts to two cemeteries (Cook and
Fairview cemeteries) due to increased ease in private
vehicular access, and minor, indeterminate, access impacts to
two cemeteries (Orr and Payne cemeteries). All these
impacts would be long-term. The option would also result in
the following adverse, short-term impacts: a minor to
located north of Fontana Lake. moderate access impact to one cemetery (Hoyle Cemetery)
and minor access impacts to ] 5 cemeteries (Bone Valley,
Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap, Mitchell, Orr, Payne, Pilkey, Posey, Proctor, Walker,
Wike, and Woody cemeteries) and to the potential Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP, all due to trail disruptions
during construction. The Southern Option at Fomey Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road) would
eliminate the long-term and short-term access impacts to the Hoyle and Woody cemeteries. The Southern
Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would eliminate the major, beneficial access impacts to the
potential Proctor Baptizing Hole TCP and to two cemeteries (Bradshaw and Proctor cemeteries); moderate,
beneficial access impacts to seven cemeteries (Bone Valley, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell Gap,
Walker, and Wike cemeteries); and the minor, adverse, short-term access impacts to the potential Proctor
Baptizing Hole TCP and to nine cemeteries (Bone Valley, Bradshaw, Calhoun, Hall, Higdon, McCampbell
Gap, Proctor, Walker, and Wike cemeteries). Tbe Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Principal Park
Road) would eliminate the minor, indeterminate, long-term access impacts and the adverse, short-term
access impacts to two cemeteries (Orr and Payne cemeteries).
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse, long-
term access impact to one contributing resource to the Cemetery Decoration Days TCP (Woody Cemetery)
by eliminating current NPS-provided vehicular access. The option also would result in a major, beneficial,
long-term access impact to the McClure Cemetery and a minor, beneficial, long-term access impact to the
Welch Cemetery, in both cases by improving current access. Finally, the option would result in a minor to
moderate, adverse, short-term access impact to the Woody Cemetery and a minor, adverse, short-term access
impact to the McClure Cemetery due to trail disruptions during construction. The Southern Option at Forney
Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road) would eliminate the long-term and short-term access impacts to the
Woody Cemetery.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would result in a moderate, adverse, long-
term access impact to one contributing resource to the Cemetery Decoration Days TCP (Hoyle Cemetery)
and a minor to moderate, indeterminate or adverse, long-term access impact to a second contributing
resource (Woody Cemetery), in both cases by eliminating current NPS-provided vehicular access. The
option also would result in a major, beneficial, long-term access impact to the McClure Cemetery and a
minor, beneficial, long-term access impact to the Welch Cemetery, in both cases by improving current
access. Finally, the option would result in minor, adverse, short-term, access impacts to the two cemeteries
(Woody and McClure cemeteries), and a minor to moderate, adverse, short-term access impact to one
cemetery (Hoyle Cemetery) due to trail disruptions during construction. The Southem Option at Forney
Summary — S-19
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Creek Embayment (Primitive Park Road) would eliminate the long-term and short-term access impacts to
two cemeteries (Hoyle and Woody cemeteries).
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not affect TCPs within the Park.
S-5.6.4 Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT)
Adverse impacts to the AT, a potential histaric property, would
result where a partial-build or build alternative crosses the trail
or where an alternative is visible from the trail. Compared to the
baseline Northern Shore Corridor (both road types), the southern
options are likely to result in greater impacts to the AT. Visitor
use and experience impacts associated with the AT are
summarized in Section S-5.5.
AT covers 2,167 miles from Maine to Georgia.
The baseline Northem Shore Corridor (both road types) would result in moderate, direct, and negligible to
minor indirect, adverse impacts to the AT. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Principal
Park Road) would also result in an additional minor, indirect, adverse impact to the AT, due to construction
of a bridge across the Forney Creek embayment that would be visible from the trail. Tbe Southern Option at
Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would also result in additional minor indirect, adverse impacts to the
AT because bridges across the embayments would be visible from the trail. The Southern Option Crossing
Fontana Dam (Principal Park Road) would result in additional direct and indirect, adverse impacts to the AT.
It would run along the existing AT route for about 3,800 feet (1,158 m), resulting in a moderate, indirect
iinpact to the trail, and would also be visible from the trail at several locations, constituting minor, indirect
impacts to the trail.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell with the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (both road
types) would also result in an additional minor, indirect, adverse impact to the AT, due to construction of a
bridge across the Forney Creek embayment that would be visible from the trail.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact the AT.
S-5.7 Topography, Geology, and Soils
Major adverse impacts to geology would occur with all partial-build and build alternatives because they
would require rock and soil excavation and embankment with the potential to produce acid. All disturbed
rock and soil would require testing for acid potential and could require majar mitigation and monitaring
efforts such as encapsulation, removal, and pr� and post-construction monitoring. Capital costs (Table S-1)
capture the costs associated with encapsulation methods, based on functional designs and an assumption that
all excavation requires treatment.
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would involve excavation of approximately 2.9
million cubic yards (2.2 million m3) and embankment of approximately 2.5 million cubic yards (1.9 million
m3) of rock and soil, resulting in a major, adverse, long-term impact. The baseline Northern Shore Corridor
(Primitive Park Road) would involve excavation of approximately 1.7 million cubic yards (13 million m3)
and embankment of approximately 13 million cubic yards (1.0 million m3), also resulting in a major adverse
Summary — S-20
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

impact. The southern options (both road types) would decrease these volumes. While problematic rock
formations are located throughout the study area, the Northern Shore Corridor would involve construction
west of the confluence of Hazel Creek and Fontana Lake, where the underlying rocks are believed to have
the highest potential far acid production and are likely to contain higher concentrations of inetallic minerals
than the surrounding rocks.
The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would involve excavation of
approximately 945,100 cubic yards (722,600 m3) and embankment of approximately 662,800 cubic yards
(506,700 m3), while the Primitive Park Road would involve excavation of approximately 693,900 cubic
yards (530,600 m3) and embankment of approximately 356,500 cubic yards (272,500 m3). Adverse impacts
due to both road types would be major and long-term.
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would involve excavation of approximately 24,700 cubic yards (18,900 m3)
and embankment of approximately 23,300 cubic yards (19,300 m3), resulting in a major, adverse, long-term
impact.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) is not expected to cause adverse impacts to
topography, geology, or soils.
S-5.8 Floodplains and Floodways
The Northern Shore Corridor (all options and either road rype) and the
Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (all options and either road rype)
would encroach on the 100-year floodplain at major stream crossings.
The encroachments consist of fill in the existing floodplains due to
roadway embankments. The intensities of the impacts result from the
increase in 100-year flood elevations due to the size of the proposed
drainage structures and the site topography. All impacts noted would be
adverse and long-term. The intensity of the impacts would vary with the
amount of fill and length of bridge encroachment within the floodplain.
If an alternative involving construction were selected for
implementation, encroachments could be minimized during mare
detailed design.
Stream impacts may be avoided
and/or minimized by bridging the
streams and associated floodplains.
Impacts for the baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would include approximately 4.8
acres (2.0 ha) of minor impacts, 1.6 acres (0.7 ha) of moderate impacts, and 1.6 acres (0.6 ha) of major
impacts caused by fill. This alternative would also include 570 linear feet (174 m) of minor impacts caused
by bridge encroachment within the floodplain. As compared to the baseline, the Southern Option at Forney
Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road) would have approximately 100 additional feet (30 m) of bridge
encroachment related to minor impacts. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments
(Principal Park Road) would avoid minor and major impacts caused by fill and have approximately l.2 fewer
acres (0.5 ha) of fill related to moderate impacts. Tbis option would also have approximately 180 fewer
linear feet (55 m) of bridge encroachment related to minor impacts. The Southern Option Crossing Fontana
Dam (Principal Park Roads), as compared to the baseline, would have approximately 0.2 fewer acres (0.08
ha) of fill related to moderate impacts.
Summary — S-21
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Local impacts for the baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would include approximately
3.7 acres (1.5 ha) of minor impacts, 2.3 acres (0.88 ha) of moderate impacts, and 1.7 acres (0.7 ha) of major
impacts caused by fill. This alternative would also have approXimately 1801inear feet (55 m) of minor
impacts caused by bridge encroachment within the floodplain. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment (Primitive Park Road) would have approximately 0.3 fewer acres (O.12 ha) of fill related to
moderate impacts. However, it also would have roughly 420 additional feet (128 m) of bridge encroachment
related to minor impacts. As compared with the baseline, the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments (Primitive Park Road) would have 3.7 fewer acres (1.5 ha) of fill related to minor impacts, 1.3
fewer acres (0.5 ha) of fill related to moderate impacts, and 1.6 fewer acres (0.6 ha) of fill related to major
impacts. This option would also have 180 fewer linear feet (55 m) of bridge encroachment related to minor
impacts. The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam (Primitive Park Road), as compared to the baseline,
would have approximately 0.2 fewer acres (0.08 ha) of fill related to moderate impacts.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would include approximately 390 linear feet
(119 m) ofbridge encroachment, resulting in minor impacts. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment far the Principal Park Road would include an additional 1001inear feet (30 m) of bridge
encroachment.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive Park Road) would include approximately 0.3 acre (0.12
ha) of fill within the floodplain, resulting in moderate impacts. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment for the Primitive Park Road would avoid fill within the floodplain; however, the southern option
for the Primitive Park Road would have roughly 420 feet (128 m) of impacts related to bridge encroachment
within the floodplain.
Impacts far the Laurel Branch Picnic Area would include approximately 0.5 acre (0.2 ha) of fill within the
floodplain. While the areas of impact would be smaller than those for the Northern Shore Corridor (all
options and either road type), the impacts would be major due to anticipated inundation of the entrance/exit
road during storm events.
In compliance with Executive Order ll 988 and Director's Order #77-2, a Statement of Findings for
floodplains would be developed and released for public review if a partial-build or build alternative were
selected for implementation.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact floodplains in the
project study corridors.
S-5.9 Air Quality
Air qualiry impacts are likely to occur during construction for the proposed partia]-build and build
alternatives as a result of the actions of disturbing soil, clearing timber, and paving. Concurrently, the
internal combustion engines in the construction equipment used for the project, such as excavators, dozers,
and dump trucks, would also contribute emissions of regulated air pollutants within the area of construction.
Emissions from these activities are estimated to produce localized impacts on air quality, especially for
particulate matter (dust). These impacts were estimated for each partial-build and build alternative using
emission rate calculations, emission rate models and dispersion modeling techniques.
Summary — S-22
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Air quality impacts from construction activities are expected to be major and adverse for particulate matter
with aerodynamic diameters ofup to 10 microns (PMio) and sulfur dioxide (SOz); moderate and adverse for
nitrogen oxides (NOX); minor and adverse far carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds
(VOC); and negligible and adverse for benzene at various locations for each of the partial-build and build
alternatives. These activities may cause reductions in visibility and increased pollutant deposition that are
considered major. The location of the highest impacts is likely to occur predominantly within the immediate
viciniry of the active construction area (approximately 1,000 feet [300 m]), dissipating rapidly with distance.
Consequently, as the active construction area would proceed over the length of the project for the 5-year and
15-year construction periods for the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor,
respectively, so too would the location of the maximum air quality impacts of these pollutants. Generally,
the areas requiring the greatest volume of earthwork (i.e. highest intensity of construction activity) were
found to have the highest impacts of these pollutants to air quality. Impacts to visibility would be major and
adverse at low levels near the construction area, but are expected to decline rapidly with height. Impacts to
sulfur and nitrogen deposition would be major and adverse for every partial-build and build alternative.
Once the roadway is open to traffic, the internal combustion engines in the vehicles traversing the road
would produce emissions of regulated air pollutants. Emissions of NOX and CO from motor vehicles have
the greatest potential to impact the local air quality. Using projected traffic volume information, emission
rate models, and air dispersion and deposition modeling techniques, the potential impacts from tail-pipe
emissions are shown to have negligible impacts of PM�o, PM2.5, SOz, CO, and benzene. Impacts of NOx and
VOC are also negligible for the partial-build alternatives, but minor for the Northern Shore Corridor (either
road type). Potential effects of tail-pipe emissions on visibiliry are estimated to be negligible once the road
alternatives are in operation. Nitrogen deposition rates and sulfur deposition rates were also evaluated within
the GSMNP (specifically at Clingman's Dome) and are expected to be negligible for all partial-build and
build options.
The draft air quality conformiry analysis indicates that the projected future vehicle emissions for the Partial-
Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Roads) as potential worst-
case alternatives are expected to be lower than 20021evels and, therefore, the partial-build and build
alternatives conform to the regional plan to attain the 8-hour ozone standard (NCDOT 2006).
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not change ambient levels of regulated
air pollutants originating in GSMNP.
S-5.10 Soundscapes
Compared with the overall size of GSMNP, soundscape impacts from traffic noise are small for the partial-
build and build altematives. However, Park visitars that have an aversion to any perceptible change in sound
levels would be adversely affected even with a relatively small impact area. An increase of 1 dBA is the
smallest change in sound levels that can be detected by people during active listening.
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) has the highest projected traffic volumes of the
study alternatives, and adverse soundscape impacts would be moderate and long-term. This alternative
would result in sound level increases at or greater than 1 dBA above the existing levels within 202 feet
(61.6 m) of the edge of roadway. Soundscape impacts related to traffic noise far the Northern Shore
Corridar (Primitive Park Road) would include sound-level increases equal to or greater than 1 dBA above
Summary — S-23
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

the existing levels within 82 feet (25.0 m) of the edge of roadway. Soundscape impacts would also be
moderate and long-term. The traffic noise associated with all of the southern options (both road types)
would be equivalent to the sound levels expected with the baseline route.
Soundscape impacts from traffic noise for the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would include
increases equal to or exceeding 1 dBA above existing levels within 169 feet (5 ].5 m) of the edge of the
Principal Park Road and 94 feet (28.7 m) of the edge of the Primitive Park Road. Adverse impacts would be
moderate and long-term with the Principal Park Road and minor and long-term with the Primitive Park
Road. The traffic noise associated with the southern options (both road types) would be equivalent to the
sound levels expected with the baseline route.
Soundscape impacts from traffic noise for the Laurel Branch Picnic Area would include sound level
increases at or exceeding 1 dBA of existing conditions within approximately 58 feet (17.7 m) of the edge of
roadway. Long-term impacts for the Laurel Branch Picnic Area would be adverse and minor.
An individual event, such as a motorcycle or other loud vehicle, may produce a higher level of sound
traveling a further distance at a given point in time compared with the traffic noise level impacts above,
which represent the overall profile of traffic over a period of an hour. The Northern Shore Corridor
(Principal Park Road) would attract a substantially higher percentage of motorcycle traffic, especially during
peak tourist seasons in the summer and fall months.
The highest sound levels would occur during construction. The equivalent sound levels would likely be
greater than 80 dBA 100 feet (30 m) from the roadways during the construction period. These impacts are
considered short-term.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not change sound levels in GSMNP.
There are no anticipated short-term or long-term impacts to soundscapes.
S-5.11 Natural Resources
S-5.11.1 Wetlands
Field surveys within the study corridors identified 69 wetlands
totaling approximately 6.9 acres (2.8 ha). Direct impacts to
wetlands would occur within the construction footprint of a
partial-build or build alternative due to a new roadway's
embankment (fill), or due to significant alteration of hydrology
or vegetation. Changes to hydrology, vegetation, or other
environmental factors that influence the composition and
function of wetlands may result in indirect impacts upstream or
downstream from the construction footprint. Impacts would be
adverse and permanent.
Many mountain wetlands are small in
area, but have a high diversity of plant
and animal species.
The Northern Shore Corridor would have greater impacts than the other alternatives. With the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor, the Principal Park Road would have more direct impacts than the Primitive Park
Road and approximately equal indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats. The
Summary — S-24
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Principal Park Road would directly affect 15 jurisdictional wetlands comprising approximately 1.60 acres
(0.65 ha). Of the 15 wetlands, 13 are rare communities and comprise approximately 0.98 acre (0.40 ha).
These direct impacts would be major. The Principal Park Road would directly impact two special aquatic
habitats comprising approximately 0.03 acre (0.0] ha); however, both are rare communities, so the impacts
would be moderate. The Principal Park Road would indirectly impact 16 jurisdictional wetlands comprising
approximately 2.09 acres (0.85 ha), of which approximately 1.85 acres (0.75 ha) are rare, and eight special
aquatic habitats comprising approximately 0.57 acre (0.23 ha), of which all are rare. Therefore, indirect
impacts would be major to both wetland types far the Principal Park Road.
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would directly impact 10 jurisdictional
wetlands comprising approximately 1.23 acres (0.50 ha), of which nine are rare communities comprising
approximately 1.02 acres (0.41 ha). These impacts would be major. The indirect impacts from the Primitive
Park Road would be similar to the indirect impacts from the Principal Park Road. The Primitive Park Road
would indirectly impact 16 jurisdictional wetlands comprising approximately 2. ] 8 acres (0.88 ha) and six
special aquatic habitats comprising approximately 0.53 acre (0.2] ha). Thirteen of the ] 6 jurisdictional
wetlands are rare (approximately 1.61 acres [0.65 ha]), and all of tbe special aquatic habitats are rare.
Similar to the Principal Park Road, the Primitive Park Road would have majar indirect impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats.
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This relict pond is now a wetland
providing unique habitat in GSMNP
Selection of any of the southern options would reduce the potential for
direct wetland impacts. As compared with the baseline Northern
Shore Corridor, the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment
(both road rypes) would avoid impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and
special aquatic habitats associated with Forney and Gray Wolf creeks
by bridging the Forney Creek arm of Fontana Lake. However, this
option would impact wetlands associated with Glady Branch. The
Principal Park Road would reduce direct impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands, including rare communities. Indirect impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands from the Principal Park Road would increase,
but indirect impacts to rare communities would decrease. The
Principal Park Road would directly and indirectly impact fewer acres of special aquatic habitat. All of these
special aquatic habitat areas are classified as rare communities. The Primitive Park Road would reduce
direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, but increase indirect impacts. With the Southern Option at Forney
Creek (Primitive Park Road), there would be no change in the amount of direct or indirect impacts to special
aquatic habitats from the baseline Northern Share Corridor.
When compared with the baseline Northem Shore Corridor, the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments would eliminate impacts to wetlands associated with these two stream systems but would
increase indirect impacts. For this option, both road types would have similar footprints with almost
identical impacts. The Principal and Primitive Park Roads would reduce direct impacts to two jurisdictional
wetlands; both are rare communities. There would be no change from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor
in the direct impacts to special aquatic habitats for both road types. The indirect impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands would also be the same for both road types. There would be an increase in indirect impacts, all of
which are in rare communities. There would be a slight difference in the amount of indirect impacts to
special aquatic habitats far the two road types. The Primitive Park Road would impact one additional special
Summary — S-25
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

aquatic habitat, and there would be no change from the baseline Northern Share Corridor for the Principal
Park Road.
The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would only decrease impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats, as this section of road
would not impact any additional wetlands (far both Principal and Primitive �
Park Road designs). All impacts would be reduced from the baseline �
Northern Shore Corridor due to the avoidance of wetlands. In addition, the j
f-�.
reductions would be the same for both road types and are discussed together.
The direct and indirect impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would be reduced
by avoiding five wetland areas, all of which are rare communities. There
would be no change from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor in the
amount of special aquatic habitats directly impacted for either road type, but
indirect impacts would be reduced by a�oiding one rare wetland community.
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Wetlands and small streams
provide habitat for
salamanders and other
amphibians.
The baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell would impact wetlands in
three general areas: Gray Wolf Creek, Forney Creek, and Glady Branch. The Principal Park Road would
directly impact five jurisdictional wetlands totaling approximately 0.42 acre (0.17 ha), of which
approximately 0.13 acre (0.05 ha) are classified as rare, and indirectly impact two jurisdictional wetlands
totaling approximately 0.13 acre (0.05 ha), which are also classified as rare. The direct and indirect impacts
would be major due to the presence of rare communities. Impacts to special aquatic habitats may also occur
from the Principal Park Road. Impacts would directly occur to one special aquatic habitat comprising
approximately 0.007 acre (0.003 ha) and indirectly occur to three special aquatic habitats comprising
approximately 0.26 acre (0.1 l ha). All four are rare communities. The direct impact to special aquatic
habitat for the Principal Park Road would be moderate, and the indirect impacts would be major. The
Primitive Park Road would directly impact one jurisdictional wetland totaling approximately 0.21 acre (0.09
� r/_ .
ha) and indirectly impact four jurisdictional wetlands totaling
,' . r x, � approximately 0.22 acre (0.09 ha). All four of the jurisdictional
,.� _ �a :. ����. �`'��' ,�"; wetlands that may be indirectly impacted are rare. The Primitive
Park Road would have no direct impacts to special aquatic habitat
areas, but may indirectly impact approximately 0.26 acre (0.10 ha) of
three wetlands classified as rare. Direct impacts to jurisdictional
wetlands and special aquatic habitats would be moderate; however,
due to the presence of rare comtnunities, the indirect impacts would
be major.
Appalachian Montane Alluvial Forests
are found along medium-sized
streams and are rare in GSMNP. As compared to the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell,
the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (both road rypes)
would avoid impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and special aquatic habitats associated with Gray Wolf and
Forney creeks. However, this option would impact wetlands associated with Glady Branch. The Principal
Park Road would reduce direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, including rare communities. Indirect
impacts to jurisdictional wetlands from the Principal Park Road would increase, but indirect impacts to rare
communities would decrease. The Principal Park Road would directly and indirectly impact fewer acres of
special aquatic habitat. All of these special aquatic habitat areas are classified as rare communities. The
Primitive Park Road would reduce direct impacts to jurisdictional wetlands but increase indirect impacts.
Summary — S-26
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

For the Primitive Park Road, there would be no change from baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell
for direct or indirect impacts to special aquatic habitats.
In compliance with Executive Order 1] 990 and Director's Order #77-1, a Statement of Findings for wetlands
would be developed and released for public review if a partial-build or build alternative were selected for
implementation.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact jurisdictional
wetlands or special aquatic habitats in the project study corridors.
S-5.11.2 Water Quality
Each stream crossing creates an opportunity for a water quality impact. The steep terrain causes streams to
respond quickly to rainfall events, and any pollutants would quickly enter waterbodies during these events.
The entire watersheds of all streams and creeks that drain to the north shore of Fontana Lake between Eagle
Creek and Forney Creek (inclusive) have been designated as part of the Fontana Lake North Shore
Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) Area.
The primary water quality concerns for the construction of a road in the project study area are the presence of
potentially acid-producing rock and sedimentation due to land-disturbing activities. Exposure or disturbance
of acid-producing rock could result in increased acidity, increased sulfates, increased heavy metals, and
aquatic wildlife mortality in streams and lakes within the project study area. Construction activities would
likely result in decreased dissolved oxygen from decomposition of organic material in receiving waters and
from increased sedimentation from land-disturbing activities and erosion. These adverse impacts would
result from all the partial-build and build alternatives.
I�npacts with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor would be the greatest of the partial-build and build
alternatives, due to its ]ength, proximity to known acid-producing rock, and 141 stream crossings. The
southern options, which have 12 to 17 fewer stream crossings, would reduce the potential water quality
impacts. However, the intensity of the impacts would not change. Impacts to water quality would still occur
but at fewer locations. For the most part, little difference in impacts is expected between the Principal Park
Road and the Primitive Park Road
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact water quality in
GSMNP.
S-5.11.2.1 pH
Impacts to pH with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor (any option and both road types) would be major
(violations likely to occur), long-term and permanent due to intrusive rock between Eagle and Hazel creeks.
Since detailed geology is unknown, impacts for the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would be
moderate (violations may occur), long-term and permanent due to the potential of acid-producing rocks (any
option and both road types). With the Laurel Branch Picnic Area, impacts would be moderate (violations
may occur), long-term and permanent if there were no special mitigation or avoidance of acid runoff.
Summary — S-27
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

S-5.11.2.2 Dissolved Oxygen
With the Northern Shore Corridor (any option and both road rypes), the short-term and long-term impacts
from decreased dissolved o�ygen (DO) would be moderate (violations may occur). After construction was
completed, the DO concentrations would return to pre-construction levels since no additional organic matter
(vegetation) would be entering the system. Thus, permanent impacts to DO would likely be negligible. The
short-term and long-term impacts resulting from the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any option and
both road types) would be moderate (violations may occur), and the permanent impacts would be negligible.
Moderate (violations may occur), short-term impacts would be anticipated with the Laurel Branch Picnic
Area.
S-5.11.2.3 Heavy Metals
Based on the geology for the Northern Shore Corridor, there would be major (violations likely to occur)
impacts for the baseline Northern Share Corridor. The potential for the impacts would exist in the short-term
and long-term during construction, when the minerals could be exposed at unknown locations. There would
be subsequent permanent impacts if these areas were not mitigated. Due to the low traffic volumes, the
permanent impacts from vehicular sources of inetals would be negligible for the Principal Park Road and
minor for the Primitive Park Road.
Based upon the geology for the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (any option and both road types),
moderate (violations may occur), short-term, long-term, and permanent impacts would be anticipated from
potential naturally occurring heavy metals. Due to the potential recreational and parking facilities at
Bushnell, minor, long-term and permanent impacts are anticipated from vehicular sources and runoff from
parking areas.
Minor, short-term, long-term, and permanent impacts would be anticipated with the Laurel Branch Picnic
Area if there were no avoidance or minimization techniques. Due to the anticipated traffic volume, impacts
from vehicular sources of heavy metals would be minor, long-term, and permanent.
S-5.11.2.4 Turbidity
Sedimentation and an increase in turbidiry would have the greatest impact at stream crossings. The baseline
Northern Shore Corridor (both road rypes) would have major (violations likely to occur), short-term and
long-term impacis during constniction. The permanent impacts would be negligible for the Principal Park
Road and minor for the Primitive Park Road. The southern options would reduce stream crossings, but
overall impact intensities would not change.
Major, short-term and long-term impacts due to construction runoff and sedimentation would occur with the
Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (both road types). The permanent impacts would be negligible for the
Principal Park Road. The permanent impacts would be minor for the Primitive Park Road due to runoff from
the grave] surface of the road.
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would have major (violations would likely occur), short-term impacts due to
sedimentation from construction-related activities. Long-term and permanent impacts from runoff from the
parking lot and recreational activities would be minor.
Summary — S-28
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

���±�����/��,���,���;; �,�.�s�;�� S-5.11.3 Aquatic Ecology
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, ,� ,� �.��„ ��; Adverse impacts to aquatic wildlife within lakes, streams, and
�!i��'��'��,���r��� r;�;, ��..r:�:�..�
���,��� - ����,�,;� wetlands (collectively referred to as aquatic habitat) are expected as a
�'� *����� �,����� ����� �� �'� result of a partial-build or build alternative. Impacts to aquatic
„C�� +� 1!` � '�1 sie'' ;�'�' F M" '~ ^-'•�,.+ �i%�..;,
,��, ��,�,� ����� �:�,�_„�,�� �. wildlife habitat could result from sedimentation altering habitat or
���,��:�:��:��;`� �;�,� �`:�,�,�'w decreasing visibility, stream crossings causing fish-passage barriers,
��f��,�,�,���� ;� * ; b ���_;.. �r�!
--•+��- - -•-a- `� ��-�� riparian buffer removal altering available food and thermal
The olive darter is a Federal Species regulation, runoff from exposed acid-producing rock, and water-level
of Concern.
fluctuations. Any partial-build or build alternative would have
impacts to aquatic wildlife, with the Northern Shore Corridor having the greatest potential and the Laurel
Branch Picnic Area having the least potential.
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor would have major, and long-term to permanent impacts to aquatic
wildlife habitat within streams for both the Principal and Primitive Park Roads. This alternative would
potentially impact greater than 0.5 mile (0.8 km) of riparian buffers along three streams: Shehan Branch,
Hazel Creek, and an unnamed tributary to Cheoah Lake. The Southern Option at Forney Creelc Embayment
would avoid impacts to Forney Creek. This option would reduce direct impacts of the Principal and
Primitive Park Roads by approximately 10 percent as compared with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor.
Indirect impacts would still occur, but would be reduced from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. The
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would reduce direct impacts by approximately 36
and 41 percent, respectively, for the Principal and Primitive Park Roads, as compared with the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor. Indirect impacts would be expected, but would be reduced from the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor due to fewer stream crossings. The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would
avoid up to 16 stream crossings, potentially reducing the direct and indirect impacts to aquatic wildlife
streams by approximately 11 percent for each road type.
The baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell, which includes a boat ramp, would result in tbe complete
loss of approximately 0.34 acre (0. ] 4 ha) of aquatic habitat within Fontana Lake. Impacts from the boat
ramp would be moderate and permanent. Indirect impacts to aquatic habitat within Fontana Lake would be
moderate, long-term, and permanent. Impacts from both road types, based upon the area of impact, would
have major, permanent direct impacts and major, long-term indirect impacts to stream and wetland aquatic
habitat. With the Southern Option at Fomey Creek Embayment, the potential for direct and indirect impacts
to aquatic habitat would be reduced from the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell far both road
types by crossing 50 percent fewer streams.
Direct impacts to aquatic wildlife habitat within streams would be moderate and permanent with the Laurel
Branch Picnic Area. Indirect impacts would be moderate, and short-term and long-term.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly impact aquatic wildlife in
the project study corridors.
Summary - S-29
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

S-5.11.4 Vegetation Communities
Direct impacts to vegetation communities would occur as land is disturbed
in constructing a partial-build or build alternative. Potential alteration of
downstream hydrology; changes in environmental conditions associated
with edge effects such as alteration of atmospheric moisture levels,
increased wind and sunlight eXposure, and changes in temperature regimes;
and the increased potential for human disturbance have the potential to
indirectly impact the distributions of vegetation species and thus alter the
vegetation community type. These impacts would be adverse and
permanent.
� ril The Northern Shore Corridor (both road rypes) would result in major
Yellow-fringed orchid can be impacts to rare vegetation co�nmunities and major impacts to secure
found in upland hardwood
communities. vegetation communities. The Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park
Road) would directly impact approximately 36.4 acres (14.7 ha) of rare
vegetation communities and approximately 351.53 acres (142.26 ha) of secure vegetation communities. The
Northern Share Corridor (Primitive Park Road) would directly impact approximately 38.1 acres (15.8 ha) of
rare vegetation communities and approximately 358.95 acres (1�45.26 ha) of secure vegetation communities.
For both road types, the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment and the Southern Option at Hazel and
Eagle Creek Embayments would reduce direct and indirect impacts. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment (Principal Park Road) would reduce the direct impacts to rare vegetation communities by
approximately 7.29 acres (2.95 ha), and to secure communities by approximately 8.00 acres (3.24 ha). The
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive Park Road) would reduce the direct impacts to rare
vegetation communities by approximately 5.51 acres (2.23 ha) and to secure communities by approximately
4.30 acres (] .74 ha). There would be an associated proportional decrease in the indirect impacts (both road
types). Far the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments, the Principal Park Road would
reduce the direct impacts to rare vegetation communities by approximately 18.47 acres (7.48 ba), and to
secure communities by approximately 19.02 acres (7.70 ha), while the Primitive Park Road would reduce the
direct impacts to rare vegetation communities by approximately 19.49 acres (7.89 ha), and to secure
communities by approximately 10.18 acres (4.12 ha). There would also be an associated proportional
decrease in the indirect impacts to both community categories. For the Southern Option Crossing Fontana
Dam, there would be no change from impacts to rare vegetation communities from the baseline Northern
Shore Corridor (both road types). However, the impacts to secure communities would be reduced by
approximately 18.80 acres (7.61 ha) with tbe Principal Park Road, and by approximately 18.86 acres (7.64
ha) with the Primitive Park Road with an associated proportional decrease in the indirect impacts to the
secure vegetation communities.
Impacts resulting from the partial-build alternatives would be
less than from the Northern Shore Corridor. The Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would directly
impact approximately 19.90 acres (8.05 ha) of rare vegetation
communities and approximately 71.53 acres (28.95 ha) of secure
vegetation cominunities. The Primitive Park Road would impact
approximately 18.34 acres (7.34 ha) of Appalachian Montane
Alluvial Forest, a rare community. Additionally, approximately
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Summary - S-30
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

80.76 acres (32.70 ha) of secure vegetation communities would be directly impacted. The direct and indirect
impacts to rare communities were assessed to be major and the direct and indirect impacts to the secure
communities would be minar (both road types). The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment
(Primitive Park Road) would reduce the direct impacts to Montane Alluvial Forest Community by
approximately 5.5] acres (2.23 ha), and to secure communities by approximately 4.30 acres (1.74 ha). The
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Principal Park Road) would reduce the direct impacts to rare
vegetation communities by approximately 7.29 acres (2.95 ha), and to secure communities by approximately
8.00 acres (3.24 ha).
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would directly impact approximately 3.40 acres (1.38 ha) of Appalachian
Montane Alluvial Forest. This impact to this rare community would be minor, while the indirect impacts to
the remaining local portions of the rare vegetation communities would be minor. In addition, approximately
5.54 acres (2.24 ha) of secure vegetation communities would be directly impacted. The direct and indirect
impacts to the secure communities from this altemative would be negligible.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not directly ar indirectly impact
vegetation communities in the project study corridors.
S-5.11.5 Terrestrial Wildlife
All of the undeveloped areas within the study corridors are considered to
be habitat for the range of terrestrial wildlife known to live in GSMNP.
Both direct and indirect impacts to terrestrial wildlife may result from a
partial-build or build alternative. A direct impact to terrestrial wildlife
would be the loss of habitat within the construction footprint, while
indirect impacts could include habitat fragmentation, interruption of
migration patterns, increased sound from human activity, and decreased
habitat quality. Impacts are adverse and directly related to the length of
the partial-build or build alternative and its distance from the northern
shore of Fontana Lake.
Eastern American Toad
(Bufo americanus americanus)
The geatest impacts are associated with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor, which would result in the
direct loss of approximately 392.2 acres (158.8 ha) and 400.6 acres (1622 ha) of potential terrestrial habitat
associated with the Principal Park Road and Primitive Park Road, respectively. Impacts due to the direct loss
of habitat, as well as from ecosystem fragmentation, are anticipated to be majar and permanent (both road
rypes). Impacts related to sound level increases would most lilcely be major and long-term. The southern
options, which bypass a more interior portion of the Park, would result in less fragmentation of habitat. For
the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment, the Principal Park Road would reduce the direct loss of
habitat by approximately 15.9 acres (6.4 ha), and the Primitive Park Road would reduce the direct loss of
habitat by approximately 9.5 acres (3.8 ha). The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments
would reduce the direct ]oss of habitat by approximately 37.1 acres (15.0 ha) with the Principal Park Road,
and by approximately 25.4 acres (10.3 ha) with the Primitive Park Road. With the Southern Option Crossing
Fontana Dam, direct loss of habitat resulting from construction of the Principal Park Road would be reduced
by approximately 21.2 acres (8.6 ha), and direct loss of habitat associated with the Primitive Park Road
would be reduced by approximately 20.7 acres (8.4 ha).
Summary — S-31
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Timber rattlesnakes are found in
mixed oak-pine forests, open grassy
areas, and mature cove forests.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would result in the same
rype of impacts that would result from tbe Nortbern Shore Corridor,
but the area of direct impact would be reduced. The baseline Partial-
Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would result in
the direct loss of approximately 92.4 acres (37.4 ha) of habitat. The
Primitive Park Road would result in the direct loss of approximately
99.4 acres (40.2 ha) of habitat. Impacts due to ihe direct loss of
habitat within the construction footprint and due to habitat
fragmentation (both road types) would be minor and permanent.
Impacts due to sound created by human activiry, such as roadway
construction, would be minor and long-term (both road types). As compared to the baseline Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell, the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would reduce the overall impacts
within the project study corridors. The Principal Park Road would reduce the direct loss of habitat by
approximately ] 5.6 acres (6.3 ha) and the Pri�nitive Park Road would reduce the direct loss of habitat by
approximately 9.5 acres (3.8 ha).
An estimated 9 acres (3.6 ha) of habitat would be lost from building the Laurel Branch Picnic Area. Impacts
from direct loss of habitat would be negligible and permanent. The sound created by construction and other
human-caused disturbance activities would directly affect wildlife by causing avoidance of habitat.
Soundscape impacts from traffic noise would be negligible and long-term.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not impact terrestrial wildlife within
GSMNP.
S-5.11.6 Migratory Birds
The migratory bird species that winter and breed in the project
study area are critical components of ecosystems within
GSMNP. Assessment of impacts to migratory birds and their
habitats is required by law prior to any action, as directed by
Executive Order 13186 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA). Secondly, these impacts are outlined due to the
importance of migratory birds to biodiversity, ecosystem
functions, and to human monitoring of environmental
conditions.
Potential impacts resulting from the partial-build and build
alternatives include migratory bird habitat loss, habitat
fragmentation/edge effect, and soundscape disturbance. Impacts
would be adverse and permanent, with the exception of
construction-related impacts, which would be long-term. The
Northern Shore Corridor would have the greatest impact on
migratory birds, as compared with the other alternatives, due to
the size of the construction footprint and the expected duration
of constniction. The Principal Park Road would impact
approximately 392.2 acres (158.8 ha) of migratory bird habitat,
Montane Oak-Hickory Forest
Summary — S-32
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

and the Primitive Park Road would impact approximately 400.6 acres (162.2 ha) of migratory bird habitat.
Potential impacts due to habitat loss, impacts fro�n sound generated by construction activities and facility
operations, and effects related to habitat fragmentation and edge effects would be major (both road rypes).
Impacts would be slightly reduced with the southern options, as these options would impact less migratory
bird habitat than would the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. Also in these options, decreases in sound
levels and habitat fragmentation inay accompany the smaller construction footprint. For both road rypes, the
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would provide a small decrease in the construction footprint,
soundscape intrusion, and possible negative effects of habitat fragmentaYion relative to the baseline Northern
Shore Corridar. The Principal Park Road would reduce the construction footprint by approximately 15.9
acres (6.4 ha.), and the Primitive Park Road would reduce the construction footprint by approximately 9.5
acres (3.8 ha.). The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would impact approximately
37.1 fewer acres (15.0-ha) of habitat witb the Principal Park Road, and approximately 25.4 fewer acres (10.3
ha) of habitat using the Primitive Park Road. These options would also result in less soundscape intrusion
and habitat fragmentation than with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. Construction of the Southern
Option Crossing Fontana Dam using the Primitive Park Road would impact approximately 20.7 fewer acres
(8.4 ha) of migratory bird habitat than the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. The Principal Park Road under
this option would affect approximately 21.2 fewer acres (8.6 ha) than the baseline Northern Shore Corridar.
The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell, which has a smaller construction footprint and shorter
construction period, would result in fewer in�pacts than the Northern Shore Corridor. Possible impacts far
this alternative also include migratory bird habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and soundscape disturbance.
These impacts would be minor for the Principal Park Road and Primitive Park Road. The construction
footprint resulting from the Principal Park Road would be approximately 92.4 acres (37.4 ha), and the
construction footprint resulting from the Primitive Park Road would be approxi�nately 99.4 acres (40.2 ha).
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not impact migratory birds within
GSMNP.
S-5.11.7 Invasive Exotics
The partial-build and build alternatives would create conditions such as
disturbed roadside, forest edges, and open spaces that favor invasive
exotic species. These adverse impacts would cause the loss of native
plant habitat due to the loss of shading, temperature changes, new wind
patterns, changes in soil conditions, and creation of roadside habitats.
Hemlock woolly adelgid has become
a serious threat to the survival of
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor would have the greatest potential hemlock trees.
to create favorable conditions for invasive exotics, as compared with the
other alternatives. The baseline Northern Shore Corridor would impact 30.8 miles (49.6 km) with the
Principal Park Road and 34.3 miles (55.2 km) with the Primitive Park Road. These impacts would be major
and permanent. The southern options decrease the potential for invasive species to penetrate to more interior
portions of the Park. The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would result in 1.3 fewer miles (2.1
km) of impact for the Principal Park Road and 1.5 fewer miles (2.4 km) of impact for the Primitive Park
Road. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would have 3.1 fewer miles (5.0 km) of
impact for the Principal Park Road and 2.3 fewer miles (3.7 km) of impacts from the Primitive Park Road.
Summary — S-33
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would have 1.5 fewer miles (2.4 km) of impact from the
Principal Park Road and 1.6 fewer miles (2.6 km) of impact for the Primitive Park Road.
The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would cause approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of impact
from the Principal Park Road and approximately 8.0 miles (12.9 km) of impact from the Primitive Park
Road. Impacts from both road rypes would be minor and permanent. The Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment would have 1.3 fewer miles (2.0 km) of impact for the Principal Park Road and 1.5 fewer tniles
(2.4 km) of impact for the Primitive Park Road.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not involve alterations to the natural
environment within GSMNP. Therefore, this alternative would likely have no impact from invasive exotics
to existing Park flora and fauna.
S-5.11.8 Protected Species
S-5.11.8.1 Federally Protected Species
Impacts are assessed on the known population of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and potential
habitat for the bald eagle and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) within or near the study corridors. The Indiana bat
is listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as endangered. The USFWS has delisted
the bald eagle in the lower 48 states of the United States from the federal list of endangered and threatened
wildlife, effective August 8, 2007. Prior to delisting, the bald eagle had been listed as a threatened species.
Surveys, resulting documentation and information discussed in the FEIS were conducted and developed
while this species was federally listed as threatened. Text pertaining to the bald eagle has been retained for
informative purposes.
The Final Rule pertaining to the determination of recovery and delisting of the bald eagle was published in
the July 9, 2007 Federal Register Part III 50 CFR Part l 7. The bald eagle will continue to be protected by
the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and populations will
continue to be monitored for at least another five years under provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Direct loss of habitat for botb the Indiana bat and the bald eagle would occur within construction limits.
Soundscape impacts from traffic noise associated with road construction activities and human disturbances
from the utilization of a roadway and any associated facilities are anticipated with the Northern Shore
Corridor and Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell for the bald eagle and with the Laurel Branch Picnic Area
for the Indiana bat. These impacts would be adverse and permanent. Section 7 of the ESA requires federal
agencies to consult with the USFWS when any action that the agency carries out, funds, ar authorizes may
affect a listed endangered or threatened species.
Indiana Bat
Impacts to the Indiana bat due to direct habitat loss and potential reduction in habitat utilization surrounding
the new roadway and any associated facilities would be greatest with the baseline Northern Shore Corridor.
Approximately 387.03 acres (156.63 ha) of potential habitat would be impacted by the Principal Park Road.
The Primitive Park Road would impact approximately 397.79 acres (160.98 ha) of potential habitat. Impacts
due to direct habitat loss and potential reduction in habitat utilization surrounding the road and facilities
Summary — S-34
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

would likely be minor. These impacts are the same for both the Primitive and Principal Park Roads. All of
the southern options would likely decrease possible impacts due to decreases in the construction footprint,
human influence zone, and habitat fragmentation.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would impact approximately 91.43 acres (37.02 ha) of habitat with
the Principal Park Road and approximately 100.42 acres (40.64 ha) of habitat with the Primitive Park Road.
Impacts due to direct habitat loss and potential reduction in habitat utilization surrounding the road and
facilities would lilcely be minor. These impacts are the same for both the Primitive and Principal Park
Roads. As compared to the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the impacts would likely be
reduced far the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment.
Approximately 8.96 acres (3.63 ha) of babitat within GSMNP would be impacted by the Laurel Branch
Picnic Area. Impacts due to direct loss or potential reduction of habitat utilization surrounding the road and
facilities would likely be minor.
If a partial-build ar build alternative is selected, NPS would develop a comprehensive survey plan for the
Indiana bat to determine this species' status in the vicinity of the alternative. Coordination with the USFWS
would be ongoing to determine the need for additional recommendations to protect or mitigate for impacts to
the Indiana bat.
Bald Eagle
As noted previously, the USFWS has delisted the bald eagle from the federal list of endangered and
threatened wildlife, effective August 8, 2007. Surveys, resulting documentation and information discussed
in the FEIS were conducted and developed while this species was federally listed as threatened. The
following text pertaining to the bald eagle has been retained for informative purposes.
The majority of the construction footprint for any option, as well as both road types, associated witb the
Northern Shore Corridor is located within 1.0 mile (1.6 km) of open water, resulting in potential impacts to
the bald eagle habitat. Approximately 300 linear feet (91 m) of the baseline Principal Park Road would be
within the secondary management zone for bald eagles. Impacts due to sound associated with construction
activities and due to human disturbance from utilization of the road and facilities would likely be minor,
long-term to permanent with the Principal Park Road and the Primitive Park Road. For the Southern Option
at Forney Creek, approximately 2,375 linear feet (725 m) of the Principal Park Road and 3,7751inear feet
(l,] 50 m) of the Primitive Park Road would be located in the secondary eagle management zone. Tbis
option has an increased potential for impacts due to its greater presence in the viciniry of a bald eagle nest.
The remaining southern options would likely increase possible impacts due to proximity to bald eagle
habitat.
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would impact foraging activities of the bald eagle due to increased
boating associated with lake access at the proposed facility. Development of the Bushnell area, especially
the boat ramp, would lilcely lead to increased boating activity in the vicinity of a known bald eagle nest.
Portions of Fontana Lake in the vicinity of the eagle nest are within areas designated as primary and
secondary bald eagle management zones. Approximately 3001inear feet (91 m) of the baseline Principal
Park Road are within the secondary bald eagle management zone. Impacts due to sound associated with
construction activities would likely be minor and long-term. Impacts due to human disturbance from
Summary — S-35
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

utilization of the road and facilities would likely be minor and permanent. Impacts on foraging activities due
to increased boating associated with potential increased lake access at the proposed facility would likely be
adverse, local to regional, permanent, and moderate.
As compared to the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the Southem Option at Forney Creek
would have approximately 2,375 linear feet (725 m) of the Principal Park Road and 3,775 linear feet (1,150
m) of the Primitive Park Road within in the secondary eagle management zone. The possibilities for other
impacts are likely to be increased due to proximity to bald eagle habitat.
If an alternative involving construction, other than the Laurel Branch Picnic Area, were selected for
implementation, NPS would develop a comprehensive survey and monitoring plan for the bald eagle to
determine this species' status in the Park. Coordination with USFWS would be ongoing to determine the
need for additional recommendations to protect or mitigate for impacts to the bald eagle.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not impact bald eagles or Indiana bats
within GSMNP.
S-5.11.8.1 Other Species
The USFWS has identified 25 Federal Species of Concern (FSCs) for Graham County, North Carolina and
46 FSCs and one candidate species for Swain County, North Carolina. These species are not protected under
the provisions of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Additional species receive protections under
North Carolina General Statutes or state laws. NPS policy includes protection of FSC, candidate, and state
protected species to the same level as threatened and endangered species. Of these species (FSC, candidate
or state protected), there are l2 vertebrates, 5 invertebrates, and 3 plant species known to occur within the
project study corridors.
The total range and status of FSC and state protected species in GSNINP is not complete. Investigations
undertaken for this study have discovered species new to the Park, new records for species known from the
Park, and species new to science. These investigations did not constitute a comprehensive survey of the
project study corridors and they covered less than 1 percent of the total land contained within the Park.
Olive Darter
There are two confirmed populations of the olive darter within GSMNP, one each in Fomey and Hazel
creeks. There is also a potential population in Noland Creek; however, this population has not been
observed in the last 15 years.
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Principal Park Road) would have major impacts due to potential
loss of individuals, habitat modification, and negative changes in water quality. Impacts from this
alternative could reduce one population of this fish. The baseline Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive Park
Road) would have major impacts due to potential loss of individuals, habitat modification, and negative
changes in water quality. Tbese impacts could lead to a reduction in two populations of olive darter. The
southern options for this alternative (both road rypes) would likely reduce the impacts.
Summary — S-36
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Principal Park Road) would have minor impacts. The
Primitive Park Road would have major impacts due to potential loss of individuals, habitat modification,
and negative changes in water quality. These impacts could lead to a reduction in one population of olive
darter. The southern options for these alternatives (either road type) would likely reduce the impacts.
Impacts to FSC, candidate, and state listed species would not be anticipated from the Monetary Settlement
Alternative (Preferred Alternative).
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S-5.12 Aesthetic and Visual Resources
The Northern Shore Corridor and the Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell would adversely impact
visual resources in the project area. All impacts
would be long-term. Impacts were evaluated by
assessing 14 views that have the potential to be
substantially altered by the partial-build or build alternatives.
Within the study area, viewpoints located at higher locations would generally have greater impacts because
more segments are visible from the higher elevations. The magnitude of bridges necessary to cross the
embayments of Eagle, Hazel, and Forney creeks with the southern options would result in a greater impact at
the viewpoints along the AT and those at lake level. Other visual impacts resulting fram partial-build and
build alternatives would include light pollution due to car headlights and the sun reflecting off vehicles,
producing glare visible to nearby hikers.
Portions of the baseline Northern Shore Corridor (both road types) would be visible from seven of the 14
viewpoints, resulting in major impacts to the viewpoints at Shuckstack, AT South of Shuckstack, Proctor,
Fontana Dam and High Rocics; and minor impacts to the viewpoints at Tsali and Meetinghouse Mountain.
The Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment would result in one less major impact to the view from
High Rocks. The Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments would be visible from 6
viewpoints, including additional major impacts to the views from Black Gum Gap (during leaf-off
conditions), Fontana Dam, Shuckstack and the NC 28 Hazel Creek Overlook; a moderate impact to the view
from Cable Cove; and a minor impact to the view from Fontana Lake (below Lakeshore Trail). The intensity
of the impact to the view from the Sbuckstack viewpoint would increase with this option, and the major
impact to the view from Proctor would be avoided. The Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would
result in an additional major impact to the viewpoint at Fontana Dam, but would avoid the majar impact to
the view from the AT South of Shuckstack.
Portions of the baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (both road types) would be visible from two
viewpoints, resulting in major impacts to the views at High Rocks and Tsali. The Southem Option at Forney
Creek Embayment would eliminate the major impact to the view from High Rocks.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would result in no direct impacts to the views
from the viewpoints chosen for detailed analysis.
Summary — S-37
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

S-5.13 Collective Impacts, Sustainability, and Long-Term Management
A review of collective impacts was undertaken to consider all impacts to social, economic, natural, and
cultural resources that would result from the proposed alternatives. Sustainability and long-term
management of GSMNP resources and the ecosystem and the biodiversiry values for which the Park was
created were considered. The Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell (both road rypes) and the Northern Shore
Corridor (both road types) would have the greatest effects on both short-term uses of the environment and
the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity within ecological systems. Effects of all of the
partial-build and build alternatives would involve permanent changes to a variery of social, economic,
natural, and cultural resources.
The local short-term impacts of Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (both road rypes) and the Northern
Share Corridor (both road rypes) would be largely related to construction and include substantial impacts
related to air quality; disturbance of acid-producing rock and related impacts to water quality, wildlife, and
vegetation; introduction of invasive exotics; alteration of the backcountry landscape and potential for
wilderness designation; and visual resources. The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative)
would not affect short-term uses of the environment, and maintenance and enhancement of long-term
productivity of ecological systems within the Park.
An EIS should disclose to the public the long-term, permanent effects of proposed actions on a park's
resources. "Irreversible impacts are those effects which cannot be changed over the long-term, or are
permanent. An effect to a resource is irreversible if it (the resource) cannot be reclaimed, restored or
otherwise returned to its condition priar to disturbance. An irretrievable commitment of resources is an
effect to a resource that, once gone, cannot be replaced" (NPS 200] a).
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (both road types) and the Northern Shore Corridor (botb road
types) would result in the permanent loss of aquatic and terrestrial habitat, affect movement of species, and
introduce roadway mortality and habitat fragmentation. The long-term effects to water quality and aquatic
species would be substantial for these alternatives, caused by construction and disturbance of the geology,
soils, and hydrology of the area. These alternatives would impact the maintenance and enhancement of
GSMNP's aesthetic experience as well as the backcountry experience by altering the landscape and
eliminating backcountry campsites and portions of Lakeshore Trail. Increased sound levels also would be
disruptive to backcountry visitors, as well as to some wildlife species. New recreational amenities would be
provided and new access would be added to cultural resources in GSMNP, including areas with local
traditional importance. Visitation increases associated with the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (both
road types) and the Northern Shore Corridor (both road types) would require in an increase in NPS
management of these areas. The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would not
irreversibly or irretrievably commit Park natural, cultural, or recreational resources.
Federal funds would be committed to both the construction and long-term maintenance of the partial-build
and build alternatives. The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Altemative) would also involve a
commitment of federal funds. The economic investments for all of the action alternatives would result in
short-term economic benefits during construction and long-term benefits to the local tourism industry.
Proposed actions may result in impacts that could not be fully mitigated or avoided if the proposed action
were implemented. The majority of social, economic, natural, and cultural resource impacts associated with
Summary — S-38
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

the Laurel Branch Picnic Area are substantially less than impacts for the Partial-Build Altemative to
Bushnell (both road types) and the Northern Share Corridor (both road types). The southern route options
for the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (both road types) and the Northern Shore Corridor (both road
types) could avoid or minimize some of the short and long-term effects to natural resources, geology and
soils, backcountty campsites, and cultural resources, although the bridges would introduce aesthetic impacts.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would likely avoid impacts within the Park.
If any partial-build or build alternative route or road type were selected for implementation, avoidance,
minimization, and mitigation would be undertaken to reduce individual and collective impacts to resources.
However, construction of any of the partial-build or build alternatives would result in adverse impacts to the
local geology, soils, backcountry campsites, trails, visual resources, cultural resources, and natural resources
that cannot be avoided or fully mitigated.
S-6. Impairment Evaluation
The purpose of GSMNP is provided in the NPS Organic Act of 1916 and in the legislation establishing the
Park. The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 states that the NPS: "shall promote and regulate the
use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified.. .by
such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and
reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife
therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them
unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." The Park's enabling legislation states that GSMNP is
"for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and directed that the newly created parlc be administered,
protected and developed under the direction of the Secretary of Interior. As further refined in the Park's
2005-2008 St�ategic Plan, the purpose of GSMNP is "to preserve its exceptionally diverse natural and
cultural resources, and to provide for public benefit from and enjoyment of those resources in ways that will
leave them basically unaltered by modern human influences."
NPS Management Policies define "impairment" as "an impact that, in the professional judgment of a
responsible NPS manager, would harm the integrity of park resources or values, including the opportunities
that otherwise would be present for the enjoyment of those resources or values" (NPS 2006b). An impact
would be more likely to constitute an impairment (as defined by NPS policy) to the extent that it affects a
resource or value whose conservation is:
■ necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of the park;
■ key to tbe natural or cultural integriry of the park or to opporiunities for enjoyment of the park; or
identified as a specific goal in ihe park's general management plan or other relevant NPS planning
documents.
This EIS evaluates several build and partial-build alternative corridors, as well as the "no action" and
monetary settlement alternatives. A thorough evaluation of social, economic, natural, and cultural resource
impacts has been undertaken. There are various environmental impacts associated with the build and partial-
build alternatives, some of which likely would be reduced when designing the project; however, all impacts
cannot be eliminated. T'he DEIS concluded that, as planned, the proposed alternatives were not likely to
harm the integrity of GSMNP or AT resources or values, including the opportunities that otherwise would be
Summary — S-39
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

present for the enjoyment of those resources or values. Based on both individual resource and cumulative
environmental impacts identified, it is anticipated that any alternative being considered could be
implemented without creating impairment to GSMNP or the AT.
For the partial-build and build alternatives, there is a potential for impairment should best management
practices as related to a context sensitive design that minimizes and mitigates impacts fail, specifically in the
area of natural and cultural resources. However, NPS policy guides park managers to make a determination
of impairment based on the action, not far the potential of a failure of the action. That is the basis of the no
impairment decision for these alternatives. NPS fully comprehends the magnitude of the impacts that would
be created by any of the partial-build and build alternatives and the potential for impairment to GSMNP ar
AT resources should best efforts fail.
The Monetary Settlement Altemative (Preferred Alternative) will not impair resources of the GSMNP or the
AT. The Monetary Settlement allows continued fulfillment of the specific purposes identified in the
enabling legislation of these parks; it has the least potential to impair the resources that are key to the natural
and cultural integrity of these parks or to opportunities for enjoyment of them; and it is consistent with the
goals in the general management plans of these parks and other relevant NPS planning documents.
S-7. Environmentally Preferred Alternative
As defined by the CEQ: "The environmentally preferable alternative is the alternative that will promote the
national environmental policy as expressed in NEPA's Section 101. Ordinarily, this means the alternative
that causes the least damage to the biological and physical environment; it also means the alternative which
best protects, preserves, and enhances historic, cultural, and natural resources" (CEQ 2005a). After
consideration of Section 101 with regards to the detailed study alternatives, the Monetary Settlement
Alternative (Preferred Altemative) was selected as the Environmentally Preferred Alternative for this project
because it best adheres to the goals described by CEQ. This alternative is not necessarily the same as the
Preferred Alternative nor is the NPS required to select this alternative as the Preferred Alternative.
S-8. Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative
The Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines, publishedby the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in
conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), contain substantive environmental
criteria used in evaluating discharges of dredged or fill material. Under these guidelines, no discharge can be
permitted if a practicable alternative with less adverse impact on the aquatic environment (unless the
identified alternative poses other significant environmental consequences) is available. The USACE requires
that an EIS, being prepared for an action which will require a Section 404 permit, identify the Least
Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) on the aquatic environment in accordance with
the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. In that the Monetary Settlement Alternative (Preferred Alternative) would
not involve fill in "Waters of the United States," and would have no effect on the aquatic environment, it
would not require a Section 404 permit. If a partial-build or build alternative were selected for
implementation, a LEDPA would be documented in the ROD.
Summary — S-40
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

S-9. Preferred Alternative
The Preferred Alternative is the alternative that best meets a project's purpose and need and accomplishes
the project's goals and objectives. "T'his is the alternative the park service believes would best accomplish its
goals after the in-house NEPA analysis has been completed, when the choice of an alternative as `preferred'
is appropriate" (NPS 2001 a). After full review of the DEIS and careful consideration of comments, the
Monetary Settlement Alternative has been identified by NPS as the agency's Preferred Alternative.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative has the potential to discharge and satisfy any obligations on the part of
the United States that presently exist as a result of the 1943 Agreement among the DOI, TVA, Swain
County, and the state of North Carolina by providing an alternative that can achieve the consent of the
signatories to settle the agreement, thus meeting the Purpose and Need described in Section ].1. As
discussed in Section 2.2.2, the Swain County Commissioners passed a resolution on February 1 l, 2003, that
stated the county would accept a monetary settlement to settle the 1943 Agreement (Appendix D).
Correspondence from the Governor's office of the state of North Carolina has been submitted to the project
supporting a monetary settlement for Swain County (Appendix P). The use of the funds would be at the
discretion of the county and as discussed in Section 4.2.3.2.2, these proceeds would provide an opportunity
for Swain County to spur local economic and communiry development, stimulate economic diversification,
and enhance intraregional competitiveness.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would avoid impacts to natural, cultural, and recreational resources
within GSMNP, including the AT. While addressing the project's purpose and need, and ensuring that
resources within GSMNP, including the AT, are unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations, the
Monetary Settlement Alternative would fulfill the project Goals and Objectives presented in Section 1.2.
The Monetary Settlement would allow for the continued protection of the significant and diverse natural
resources and ecosystems of the Park (forest communities, water resources, protected species, soundscapes).
It would avoid disturbance to the Park and allow the Park to protect resources from adverse effects of
problematic geologic formations and acidic runoff. The Monetary Settlement would also allow for the
continued protection of the tangible (archaeological sites, historic structures, landscapes, cemeteries, and
TCPs) and intangible (feelings of attachment, family life, ��nyth, folklore, and ideology) aspects of cultural
resources in the Park. As noted in Table S-1, for this or any altemative, NPS is committed to maintaining
current cemetery visitation practices and the Park will prioritize a budget increase that will specifically
describe the operations and maintenance costs to continue these activities, including annual ferry service.
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would be consistent with NPS management of the portion of the Park
within the study area as backcountry, as well as NPS policies regarding management of potential wilderness
areas. The Monetary Settlement Alternative would allow for the continued provision of the traditional
recreational activities of hiking, camping, fishing, and horse use in this backcountry area of the Park. It
would maintain the existing balance of visitors and resource use in this backcountry area of GSMNP and
preserve the associated peace and solitude currently available there. The Monetary Settlement Alternative
would not require the GMP to be amended.
In addition to meeting project goals and objectives, the Monetary Settlement Alternative would be consistent
with goals established in Section ] O1 of NEPA which are discussed in Section 2.6. The Monetary
Settlement Alternative would allow the Park to continue to accommodate the existing uses of this area of the
Summary — S-41
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Park, while stewarding the resources of this portion of tbe Park for future generations. It would permit the
Park to continue to preserve the beauty and recreational opportunities of this area, and maintaining visitor
safety. The Monetary Settlement Alternative would allow for the preservation of important historic, cultural,
and natural aspects of our national heritage present in the Park. It would permit the continued provision of
backcountry choices in this area of the Park that support diversity of experiences and variety of individual
choice for visitors to the Park. As noted previously, the Monetary Settlement Alternative would maintain the
existing balance of visitors and resource use in this backcountry area of GSMNP, allowing visitors to
continue to enjoy the existing amenities in the area, including the peace and solitude currently available
there.
Public and agency input, including comments from individuals, organizations, agencies, elected officials, and
tribal representatives, was fully considered in the identification of the Preferred Alternative. NPS conducted
a comprehensive and inclusive public involvement progran� as a part of the EIS. The public involvement
program is discussed in Section 6 and public comment summaries are presented in Appendix J.
THIS SPACE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
Summary — S-42
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
144 AADT Same as baseline 150 AADT Same as baseline Same as baseline Same as baseline
Bushnell Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access: Corridor Corridor Corridor
Traffic volumes 64 AADT Primitive Park Moderate, adverse, Mobility and Access: Moderate, adverse,
depend on local use Road: short-term; Negligible Similar to baseline short-term and minor, Mobility and Mobility and Mobility and
of funds to minor, Bushnell beneficial or Access: Similar to Access: Similar to Access: Similar to
Mobility and indeterminate, long- indeterminate, long- baseline Northern baseline Northern baseline Northern
Traffic, Mobility, and Mobility and Access: Access: Minor, term term Shore Corridor Shore Corridor Shore Corridor
adverse,short- --------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Access Negligible, 226 AADT Same as baseline 475 AADT Same as baseline Same as baseline Same as baseline
indeterminate, term; Negligible,
beneficial, long- Bushnell Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
short-term and long- term Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access: Corridor Corridor Corridor
term Principal Park Moderate, adverse, Mobility and Access: Moderate, adverse,
Road: short-term; Minor, Similar to baseline short-term and Mobility and Mobility and Mobility and
indeterminate, long- Bushnell moderate, beneficial or Access: Similar to Access: Similar to Access: Similar to
term indeterminate, long- baseline Northern baseline Northern baseline Northern
term Shore Corridor Shore Corridor Shore Corridor
Population, Housing, Population, Housing, Population, Housing, Population, Population, Population,
Population, i
Housing, and and Infrastructure: and Infrastructure: and Infrastructure: Housing, and Housing, and Housing, and
Population, Infrastructure: Moderate, beneficial Similar to baseline Moderate, beneficial or Infrastructure: Infrastructure: Infrastructure:
Housing, and Negligible, or indeterminate, Bushnell indeterminate, short- Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Infrastructure: indeterminate, short-term; Minor, term; Minor, beneficial Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Negligible to minor, short- term and beneficial or Social Infrastructure: or indeterminate, long- Corridor Corridor Corridor
Community indeterminate, short- long-term Primitive Park indeterminate, long- Similar to baseline term
term and long-term Road: term Bushnell Social Social Social
Socia l Socia l I nfrastructu re: I nfrastructure: I nfrastructu re: I nfrastructu re:
Social Infrastructure: Infrastructure: Social Infrastructure: Major, beneficial and Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Moderate, beneficial Major, beneficial Moderate, beneficial adverse, short and Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
and adverse, short- and moderate, and moderate, long-term Corridor Corridor Corridor
term and long-term adverse, short- adverse, short-term
term and long- --------------- and long-term _________
---------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
term Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road: �
Moderate, beneficial, Similar to baseline Moderate, beneficial, � Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
short-term and minor, Bushnell; Increased short-term and minor, Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
beneficial, long-term economic return due beneficial, long-term Corridor; Corridor; Increased Corridor;
Primitive Park to differences in Increased economic return Decreased
Road: construction costs economic return due to differences economic return
due to differences in construction due to differences
Moderate, Negligible, in construction costs in construction
Economic beneficial, short- beneficial, short- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ costs _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ costs
--------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
term and long- Ma or, beneficial, Similar to baseline Ma or, beneficial, Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
term andlong-term term � �
short-term and minor, Bushnell; Decreased short-term and Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
beneficial, long-term economic return due moderate, beneficial, Corridor; Corridor; Corridor;
Principal Park to differencesin long-term Decreased Decreased Decreased
Road: construction costs economic return economic return economic return
due to differences due to differences due to differences
in construction in construction in construction
costs costs costs
Summary — S-43
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
Moderate, adverse, Similar to baseline Major. adverse, long- Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Primitive Park long-term inside the Bushnell term inside the Park; Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Road: Park; Minor, Minor, indeterminate, Corridor Corridor Corridor
Negligible impact; indeterminate, long- long-term outside the
Land Use term outside the Park Park �
Dependsonlocal Negligible --------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
use of funds Same as above Similar to baseline Major, adverse, long- Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Principal Park Bushnell term inside the Park; Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Road: Moderate, Corridor Corridor Corridor
indeterminate, long-
term outside the Park
Negligible to major, Impacts are reduced Moderate to major, Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
No/negligible to Primitive Park adverse, long-term; adverse, long-term; reduced reduced increased
Visitor Use and No/negligible; minor, adverse, Road: Negligible to major, Minor to moderate,
Experience Depends on local long-term; Minor, beneficial, long-term beneficial, long-term;_ __
------------------- - �----------------- ------------------------------------
use of funds beneficial, long- Similar to Primitive Same as above Similar to Primitive Same as above Same as above Same as above
term Principal Park park Road Park Road
Road:
Archaeology: Minor Archaeology: Archaeology: Minor Archaeology: Archaeology: Archaeology:
and major, adverse, Impacts are reduced and major, adverse, Impacts are Potential impacts Potential impacts
long-term long-term reduced arereduced arereduced
Historic structures:
Historic structures: Same as baseline Historic structures: Historic structures: Historic structures: Historic structures:
No/negligible Bushnell Potential, major, i Same as baseline Impacts are Impacts are
adverse, long-term Northern Shore reduced increased
TCPs: Minor to TCPs: Impacts are Corridor
moderate, adverse, reduced TCPs: Minor to TCPs: Impacts are TCPs: Impacts are
Archaeology: short-term; Moderate, moderate, adverse, TCPs: Impacts are reduced reduced
Archaeology: No/negligible Primitive Park adverse, long-term; Other cultural short-term; Minor to reduced
No/negligible Road: Minor to moderate, resources: Minor, moderate, Other cultural Other cultural
Historic structures: Historic indeterminate, long- adverse, long-term indeterminate or Other cultural resources: Impacts resources: Impacts
No/negligible structures: term; Minor and impact is added adverse, long-term; resources: are increased are increased
No/negligible major, beneficial, Minor to major, Impacts are
TCPs: long-term beneficial, long-term increased
Cultural Resources No/negligible TCPs:
No/negligible Other cultural Other cultural
Other cultural resources: resources: Minor to
resources:
Other cultural No/negligible moderate, adverse,
No/negligible resources: _____ long-term__
--------------- ---------------------------------- --- ----------�----------------- ------------------------------------
No/negligible Archaeology: Minor to Archaeology: Impacts Archaeology: Minor to Archaeology: Archaeology: Archaeology:
major, adverse, long- are reduced major, adverse, long- Impacts are Potential impacts Potential impacts
term term reduced arereduced arereduced
Historic structures:
Historic structures: Same as baseline Historic structures: Historic structures: Historic structures: Historic structures:
Principal Park No/negligible Bushnell Potential, major, Same as baseline Impacts are Impacts are
Road: adverse, long-term Northern Shore reduced increased
TCPs: Minor to TCPs: Impacts are Corridor
moderate, adverse, reduced TCPs: Minor, adverse, TCPs: Impacts are TCPs: Impacts are
short-term; Moderate, short-term; Moderate, TCPs: Impacts are reduced reduced
adverse, long-term; adverse, long-term; reduced
Minor, indeterminate,
Summary — S-44
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
Minor and major, Other cultural long-term; Minor to Other cultural Other cultural Other cultural
beneficial, long-term resources: Minor, major, beneficial, long- resources: resources: Impacts resources: Impacts
adverse, long-term term Impacts are are increased are increased
Other cultural impact is added increased
resources: Othercultural I
No/negligible resources: Minor and
moderate, adverse,
lon -term
Primitive Park Moderate, adverse, Impacts are reduced No/negligible to major, Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
Major, adverse, Road: _ long-term _ adverse,_long_term __ i reduced reduced reduced
------P------- --- ----------------------------- -- ------ ------------------------------------
Floodplains No/negligible lon term No/negligible to Impacts are No/negligible to major, Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
g- Princi al Park minor, adverse, long- increased adverse, long-term reduced reduced reduced
Road: term
Major, adverse, long- Similar to baseline Major, adverse, long- Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Primitive Park term Bushnell; earthwork term Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Topography, Major, adverse, Road: volumes reduced Corridor; Corridor; Corridor; Earthwork
Geolo No/negligible long-term Earthwork Earthwork volumes volumes reduced
gy, and Soils volumes reduced reduced
--------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------�----------------- ------------------------------------
Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above I Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Negligible to major, Similar to baseline Negligible to major, Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Negligible to adverse, short-term Bushnell adverse, short-term Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
major, adverse, primitive Park Corridor Corridor Corridor
short-term; Road: Negligible, adverse, Negligible to minor,
Air Quality No/negligible long-term adverse, long-term
Negligible,
adverse,long- _______________
--------------------------------------- --------------------�----------------- ------------------------------------
term principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above i Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Primitive Park Minor, adverse, long- Similar to baseline Moderate, adverse, Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Road: term Bushnell long-term Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Minor, adverse, Corridor_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Corridor Corridor
--------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------
Soundscapes No/negligible long-term Moderate, adverse, Similar to baseline Major, adverse, long- Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Principal Park long-term Bushnell term Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
Road: Corridor Corridor Corridor
Moderate, adverse, Direct impacts are Major, adverse, Direct impacts are Direct impacts are Impacts are
Primitive Park Permanent direct; reduced; Indirect permanent direct and reduced; Indirect reduced; Indirect reduced
Road: Major, adverse, impacts are indirect impacts are impacts are
Wetlands permanent indirect increased increased increased
(Jurisdictional) No/negligible No/negligible --------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------'------------------ ------------------------------------
Major, adverse, Direct impacts are Major, adverse, Direct impacts are Direct impacts are Impacts are
Principal Park Permanent direct and reduced; Indirect permanent direct and reduced; Indirect reduced; Indirect reduced
Road: indirect impacts are indirect impacts are impacts are
increased increased increased
Summary — S-45
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
No/negligible direct; Same as baseline No/negligible direct; Similar to baseline Direct impacts are Direct impacts are
Major, adverse, Bushnell Major, adverse, Northern Shore similar to baseline similar to baseline
Primitive Park Permanent indirect permanent indirect Corridor Northern Shore Northern Shore
Road: Corridor; Indirect Corridor; Indirect
Wetlands impacts are impacts are
(Special Aquatic No/negligible No/negligible increased reduced
Habitats) --------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------�----------------- ------------------------------------
Moderate, adverse, Direct and indirect Moderate, adverse, Impacts are Similar to baseline Direct impacts are
permanent direct; impacts are reduced permanent direct; reduced Northern Shore similar to baseline
Principal Park Major adverse, Major adverse, Corridor Northern Shore
Road: permanent indirect permanent indirect Corridor; Indirect
impacts are
reduced
Moderate to major, Similar to baseline Moderate to major, Similar to baseline Similar to baseline Similar to baseline
Minor to adverse, short-term Bushnell adverse, short-term Northern Shore Northern Shore Northern Shore
moderate, and long-term; and long-term; Corridor Corridor Corridor
adverse, short- Primitive Park Negligible to Negligible to major,
term; Minor to Road: moderate, adverse, adverse, long-term
Water Quality No/negligible moderate, long-term and and permanent
adverse, long- permanent
term and
--------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------'------------------ ------------------------------------
permanent principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Primitive Park Lakes: Moderate, Lakes: Impacts are Lakes: Negligible, Lakes: Impacts Lakes: Impacts are Lakes: Impacts are
Road: adverse, long-term reduced adverse, long-term are reduced reduced reduced
and permanent, and permanent �
direct and indirect Streams: Impacts impacts Streams: Impacts Streams: Impacts Streams and
are reduced are reduced are reduced Wetlands: Impacts
Lakes: Streams: Major, Streams and are reduced
Negligible, adverse, long-term Wetlands: Direct Wetlands: Major, Wetlands: Direct Wetlands: Direct
adverse, long- and permanent, impacts are reduced; adverse, long-term impacts are impacts are
term and direct and indirect Indirect impacts are and permanent direct reduced; Indirect reduced; Indirect
permanent increased and indirect impacts are impacts are
Wetlands: Major, increased increased
Streams: adverse, long-term
Aquatic Ecology No/negligible Moderate, and permanent,
adverse, short- direct; Moderate,
term, long-term, adverse indirect
and permanent �
--------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
direct and Lakes and Streams: Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
indirect Same as above
Wetlands: Wetlands: Major,
No/negligible principal Park adverse, long-term
Road: and permanent,
direct and indirect
Summary — S-46
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
Rare Rare Communities: Rare Communities: Rare Communities: Rare Rare Communities: Rare Communities:
Communities: Major, adverse, Impacts are reduced Major, adverse, Communities: Impacts are Similar to baseline
Minor, adverse, permanent direct and permanent direct and Impacts are reduced Northern Shore
permanent direct indirect Secure indirect reduced Corridor
Vegetation and indirect Primitive Park Communities: I Secure
Communities No/negligible Road: Secure Communities: Impacts are reduced Secure Communities: Secure Communities: Secure
Secure Minor, adverse, Major, adverse, Communities: Impacts are Communities:
Communities: permanent direct and permanent direct and Impacts are reduced Impacts are
Negligible indirect indirect reduced reduced
adverse, I
--------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
permanent direct principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above � Same as above Same as above Same as above
and indirect Road:
Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and
Habitat Quality: Habitat Quality: Habitat Quality: Habitat Quality: Major, Habitat Quality: Habitat Quality: Habitat Quality:
Negligible, Minor, adverse, Impacts are reduced adverse, permanent Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
adverse, permanent reduced reduced reduced
Habitat Habitat Fragmentation:
permanent primitive Park Habitat Fragmentation: Major, adverse, � Habitat Habitat Habitat
Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Road: Fragmentation: Minor, Impacts are reduced permanent Fragmentation: Fragmentation: Fragmentation:
No/negligible adverse, permanent Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
Fragmentation: Noise: Impacts are Noise: Major, adverse, reduced reduced reduced
No/negligible Noise: Minor, reduced long-term
Noise: adverse, long-term Noise: Impacts are Noise: Impacts are Noise: Impacts are
Negligible, reduced reduced reduced
adverse,long- --------------- --------------------------------------- ---------------------�------------------ ------------------------------------
term Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Fragmentation: Major, Fragmentation: Fragmentation: Major, Fragmentation: Fragmentation: Fragmentation:
Moderate, adverse, permanent Impacts are reduced adverse, permanent Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
adverse, primitive Park reduced reduced reduced
permanent; no Road: Behavior (nuisance Behavior (nuisance Behavior (nuisance I
fragmentation of bears): Major, bears): Similar to bears): Major, Behavior Behavior (nuisance Behavior (nuisance
bear habitat adverse, permanent baseline Bushnell adverse, permanent (nuisance bears): bears): Impacts bears): Impacts
Black Bears No/negligible Impacts are are reduced are reduced
Behavior reduced
--------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(nuisance Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
bears): i
Moderate, Principal Park
adverse, Road:
permanent
Primitive Park Minor, adverse, Impacts are reduced Major, adverse, Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
Negligible, Road: permanent permanent reduced reduced reduced
Migratory Birds No/negligible adverse,
--------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
permanent Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Summary — S-47
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table S-2. Summary of Impacts
.. ..
.. •. •. .
..
�.
Negligible, Primitive Park Minor; adverse, Impacts are reduced Major. adverse, Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
adverse, Road: permanent permanent reduced reduced reduced
Invasive Exotics No/negligible permanent
--------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Indiana Bat: Minor, Indiana Bat: Indiana Bat: Minor, Indiana Bat: Indiana Bat: Indiana Bat:
Indiana Bat: adverse, permanent Impacts are reduced adverse, permanent Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
Minor, adverse, Primitive Park reduced reduced reduced
Federally Protected Bald Eagle: Minor to Bald Eagle: Impacts Bald Eagle: Minor,
Species No/negligible permanent Road: moderate, adverse, are increased adverse, long-term to Bald Eagle: Bald Eagle: Bald Eagle:
Bald Eagle: long-term to permanent Impacts are Impacts are Impacts are
No/negligible ---- ______ permanent ___ increased increased increased
----- ---------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------------------
Principal Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Minor, adverse, Avoids impacts to Minor, adverse Avoids impacts to Avoids impacts to Reduces impacts
permanent impacts to known populations permanent impacts to known populations known populations to potential habitats
12 species of 5 species 2 species of 5 species of 6 species
Negligible, (including the olive (including the olive (including the olive
adverse, Moderate, adverse, darter) Moderate, adverse, darter) darter)
permanent Primitive Park permanent impacts to permanent impacts to
impacts to 2 Road: 9 species Reduces impacts to 19 species Reduces impacts Reduces impacts
species potential habitats to potential to potential habitats
Major, adverse, Major, adverse, habitats
Federal Species of Minor, adverse, permanent impacts to permanent impacts to
Concern, Candidate permanent 1 species (olive 1 species (olive darter)
and State Protected No/negligible impacts to 19 _______________ darter)
----- -------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------------------------------
Species species Minor, adverse, Avoids impacts to Minor, adverse Same as above Same as above Same as above
permanent impacts to known populations permanent impacts to
Moderate, 14 species of 5 species 3 species
adverse,
permanent Moderate, adverse, Reduces impacts to Moderate, adverse,
impacts to 1 Principal Park permanent impacts to potential habitats permanent impacts to
species Road: g species 18 species
Major, adverse,
permanent impacts to
1 s ecies olive darter
Primitive Park Major, adverse, long- Impacts are reduced Major and minor, Impacts are Impacts are Similar to baseline
Aesthetics and Road: term adverse, long-term reduced increased Northern Shore
Visual Resources No/negligible No/negligible � _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Corridor_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
------p-------- --------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------
Princi al Park Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above
Road:
Summary — S-48
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement