In an article in the Greenville News, it was pointed out that this issue is definitely sensitive and deserves all the careful consideration that all parties concerned are expecting. From the viewpoint of this author, the area in question definitely needs quite a bit of improvement, particularly with regard to the impact of past usage practices. Restricting the parking to greater than a quarter-mile and eliminating “user-created” campsites are not going to be popular in some circles, but these steps can only serve to improve the situation in the long run.
The major issue that I find fault with is the permission of boating in this section of river. Using a criteria of 450 cfm as the “optimum” flow level beyond which fly fishing for trout becomes impractical, seems completely arbitrary and impractical. Many of us have no choice after having travelled considerable distance, and we can only adapt our tactics as necessary to accommodate what conditions we find. In my experience of forty-some years on the river, I can see no reason whatsoever to implement such a controversial policy. The area was created and set aside as a “pristine” section where those seeking solitude could go and find that peace, and not be forced to endure the encroachment of thrill-seekers who seem to continuously run out of new places to pursue their sport, without regard to the needs of others.
