Big Ivy forest, view from Craggy Pinnacle, panoramic photograph by Mary Edna Fraser
Southwings.org pilot Frank Bell flew me with Adel Alamo to photograph the Big Ivey forest, which is threatened by logging. Tomorrow I will post a movie of those aerial images. Friends of Big Ivy are working to protect this pristine old-growth forest, a beloved stunning vista viewed from Craggy Pinnacle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, part of Pisgah National Forest.
To prevent logging, submit comments to the Forest Service at nc************@fs.us requesting a change from commercial logging management areas (1 and 2a) in Big Ivy to management areas that protect recreation, water, scenic views, rare plant and wildlife, old-growth forests, and wilderness and backcountry designations. (3, 4b, 5, and 6).
My sister and daughter have camped in these woods, enjoying cascading creeks and waterfalls. When I visited on foot, I cried upon seeing what could be lost. Tourism, local farms, landowners and businesses would suffer from the blight of logging. Local families have used Big Ivy to hunt, fish, hike, wildcraft, gather firewood, camp, and swim for over two centuries. Your action will help protect these resources for future generations.
Visit their website www.friendsofbigivy.org or facebook page “Friends of Big Ivy” for more information and to spread awareness.
Big Ivy forest, panoramic photograph by Mary Edna Fraser
2 Comments
Clear cutting near the Blue Ridge Parkway is unacceptable. This is the most used unit for the National Park Service and it deserves complete visual protection. The other factor is, any old growth areas within any of the National Forests should be protected as these forest are rarer by the day.
Thank you for your consideration,
Floyd Williams
I haven’t read the USFS harvest plan, but it’s doubtful that they will be clear-cutting. Most of the parkway is owned by the NPS. Furthermore, forest management at that elevation is usually planned for golden-winged warbler habitat, which requires a shelterwood harvest. Early-sucessional habitat is severely diminished in the Appalachians, closed canopy hardwood forests are not