Why are paddlers requesting “unlimited use” of the upper Chattooga?
Paddlers are requesting equal access and treatment. Currently hikers, anglers, swimmers, campers, and other wilderness compliant uses are all “unlimited.” We are also requesting standard management for similar streams. We agree with the Chief of the USFS that currently there is no basis for limiting uses in this area. The default policy for the USFS is to allow unlimited Wilderness compliant uses unless data suggests that use should be limited (at which time it must be limited equitably). No such data exists on the Chattooga. Paddlers support use limits on many other rivers where data suggests limits are necessary, and limits are equitable and reasonable. Likewise, upon completion of the user capacity analysis, if it is sound, paddlers will support use limitations on the Chattooga if the data indicates limitations are needed to protect the river corridor and limits are equitably imposed.
