For a Table of Areas currently included in the Jefferson Forest Plan Revision Roadless Inventory - Click Here.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The process of inventorying roadless areas on the Jefferson National Forest included many opportunities for citizen review starting with the Annual Conference in December 1993. A complete record of this involvement is contained in the process paper entitled "Roadless and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventories." Tremendous citizen and Forest Service effort has gone into this inventory over the last 4 years and it is time to move on.

The ID Team and I acknowledge that there is great latitude in the criteria for identifying roadless areas in the east. The Code of Federal Regulations [36 CFR 219.17(a)(1)(i)] provides for Forest Supervisor discretion in choosing which areas will be subject to the intensive evaluation required for the Environmental Impact Statement for Forest Plan Revision. It is not my intent to take this discretion lightly, but to spend money on evaluations where I feel it is most beneficial.

Exclusion of areas from this inventory in no way limits the opportunities for incorporating additional areas into Revision alternatives as recommendations for Wilderness or Wilderness Study designation, however, I feel the areas included in this inventory best reflect the spirit and intent of the Eastern Wilderness Act. The Jefferson National Forest holds many mountain treasures, and there are many avenues available to us to recognize and protect them besides wilderness designation.

Consideration of area size has been a controversial aspect of the roadless inventory. Table I summarizes the approximate size of areas which were suggested throughout the process. My intent is to display that size was not an overriding criterion, but was used to prioritize which areas should be intensively evaluated. The Jefferson contains over 280,000 acres of thousand-acre chunks of land with an improved road density of less than a half mile. No law, manual or handbook references a minimum size for roadless areas in the east and the Jefferson currently has congressionally designated Wilderness Areas as small as 2300 acres. Areas 5000 acres and smaller have been cautiously and judiciously chosen based upon their potential ability to provide the wilderness values of solitude, challenge, scientific study, inspiration, and primitive recreation. I heard input regarding these values from all sides. Highlighted areas are included in the inventory.

/s/ Bill Damon (8/4/97)

WILLIAM E. DAMON JR.
Forest Supervisor

Table 1

Footnotes:
1 - not regaining a natural, untrammeled appearance
2 - improvements not disappearing or muted
3 - not existing or attainable ownership
4 - location not conducive to perpetuation of wilderness values
5 - not manageable in natural condition
6 - not self-contained ecosystem
7 - not contiguous to wild. or prim.

BLACKSBURG RD

1. Hickory Flats/Johnson Flats - Waiteville and Interior Quads. 5,037 Acres

Initially an area east of the Salt Sulphur Turnpike to State Route 15, south to State Route 17, and north to the crest of Peters Mountain was looked at. Boundaries of the Hickory Flats area have changed several times with corresponding acreages ranging from 3400 to 6000 acres.

The acerage of Hickory Flats, prior to GIS, was 5,182 with 2.2 miles of improved road for a road density of .42 miles per 1000 acres. The boundary avoids current timber sale activity, provides an improved road density of less than one half mile per thousand acres, and minimizes an unconsolidated appearance.

Hickory Flats contains 2922 acres of SPNM, supplemented by another 471 acres of SPM. It is identified as a bear management area. This area meets the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

2. Sinking Creek Mtn (also see New Castle #5)

The area between route 460, state route 621, the top of Sinking Creek Mountain, and FS 209, the boundary line between the Blacksburg and New Castle Districts was studied. (See the New Castle District for more Sinking Creek areas studied.) This area is almost pinched off by FS 630 near the center and divided into two smaller areas. There is also a transmission line bisecting the area.

The western area (named Sinking Creek-Rock Hollow) is bounded by transmission lines forming its western and eastern boundaries. The acreage is approximately 4057 acres and contains 2.16 mile of improved FS 10780. Modification of the area could be made so that it meets the road density criteria but there would be a reduction in size and width. The average width of the area is approximately three fourths of a mile. It is on the south face of the mountain with state road 621 and private lands along the lower boundary.

The eastern area (named Sinking Creek-Lee Hollow) is bounded by FS 630, FS 209, and the Forest Service boundary. This area is approximately 3731 acres. The area is a south facing slope, not a self contained ecosystem nor contiguous to exiting wilderness or primitive areas. It is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

3. Audie Murphy Monument - McDonalds Mill, Glenvar, Looney Quads. 4,950 Acres

This area has also been referred to as Brush Mountain East roadless area.

The monument area is separated from the Brush Mountain roadless area by a powerline and provides the only semi-primitive non-motorized recreation opportunity on the mountain at 4,054 acres. A monument has been placed on the mountain at the location where World War hero Audie Murphy died in a plane crash. Six-tenths of a mile of the road to the monument is open and another 1.4 mile of FS 188.3 is open seasonally for veterans' access. This administrative type of use is compatible with SPNM designation and the roadless acres can easily support the mileage.

Although this area is small, it is connected to the 6000 acre Brush Mountain area and the surrounding private land is largely undeveloped, therefore we have included it in the roadless inventory.

4. Peters Mtn. Wilderness Addition A (West End) - Lindside Quad. 1,710 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93.

The area west of Peters Mountain Wilderness to the Transmission lines in the Clendennin Creek Drainage was studied. FS improved road 972, 5.8 miles long bisects the area about mid slope and connects to the unimproved Symms Gap Road that goes up Mystery Ridge. There also is an APCO transmission line right of way crossing Peters Creek Mountain near Kimballton Branch. With FS 972 and the transmission line right of way there was no logical location further west of Mystery Ridge.

1710 acres of this area meets the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

5. Peters Mountain Wilderness Addition B (East End) - Interior Quad. 2,832 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93.

The area extending out Huckleberry Ridge across North Fork was studied. An attempt was made to move the boundary further east including the maximum amount of road mileage, as was suggested, but the current boundary follows topographic features and was more logical. An addition to the southwest, including the Kelly Flats/Sarton Ridge area was also suggested, but the area could not support the road mileage.

2,832 acres of this area meets the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

6. Mountain Lake Wilderness Additions - Waiteville, Newport, and Interior Quads.

These areas were included in the original inventory of 11/19/93.

Addition A. 1,467 Acres. An area south of Johns Creek was studied for possible addition to Mountain Lake Wilderness and found to meet inventory criteria. It contains 532 acres of semi-primitive recreation opportunity. The area north of the 1.2 mile Western Road (FS 10721) was reviewed but could not be accommodated within the road density criteria. The Western Road has an improved road profile with significant cuts and fills and is not disappearing or muted.

Addition B. 4,018 Acres. A fairly large area of National Forest lands east and southeast of Mountain Lake Wilderness (some of which was included in RARE II) was studied and found to meet the criteria for inventory as a roadless area. The semi-primitive core of this area is 3271 acres. The eastern edge of the area recommended has an irregular ownership pattern with fingers extending out from other National Forest lands. These fingers east of the original RARE II boundary were not included in the inventory due to manageability concerns. Some of the area on the north side of FS Road 10531 was also considered; however, FS 10531 is an old railroad bed with long cuts and fills, stone work for culverts, and trestle abutments which are not disappearing or muted.

Addition C. 491 Acres. The Kire Mountain area immediately west of the Mountain Lake Wilderness boundary and north of White Rocks Campground was studied and included in the roadless inventory. It is surrounded by improved FS roads and state roads. Mountain Lake Wilderness was created through two separate Wilderness Bills, one for the Virginia portion and one for the West Virginia portion. The Kire Mountain addition lies in Virginia but is connected to the West Virginia portion of the Mountain Lake Wilderness; therefore it was not included in either the Virginia Wilderness Bill of 1984 or the Wilderness Bill of 1988 which included the West Virginia portion of Mountain Lake. It appears to have just fallen through the cracks.

7. Brush Mountain - McDonald's Mill and Newport Quads. 6,001 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93.

The area on Brush Mountain between Craig Creek and the National Forest boundary on the north, transmission lines on the SW and NE and FS 188.1 on the Crest of Brush Mtn was studied and included in the roadless inventory. FS 199.1 was used as the southern boundary of the inventoried area because it accesses numerous private tracts. Although only 5.5 miles of the 12.7 mile road is on National Forest, it is very unlikely that the road could be closed so we treated it as a state road.

8. Mill Creek RARE II area - Narrows Quad.

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93.

The 4,000 acre Mill Creek RARE II Area was designated as a wilderness study area by the 1975 Wilderness Act. A 1981 wilderness study EIS was prepared resulting in a decision not to recommend the area for wilderness due to its size and the transmission lines. The unit is bisected by two high voltage electrical transmission lines.

The Mill Creek area lies between the crests of Pearis and Wolf Creek Mountains, including most of Mill Creek and the entire Mercy Branch watersheds. Along the rim of the surrounding mountains are numerous rock outcrops. The unique character of the Mercy Branch drainage, east of the transmission lines, is recognized in the Jefferson Plan as a special management area.

With the lands acquired by the Park Service for the Appalachian Trail added, the area we reviewed is approximately 4,650 acres. A proposal to inventory only the west side of the area, excluding the transmission lines was considered. The western end is about 2,500 acres containing a 2,148 acre semi-primitive motorized core. The western end also provides the only access to maintain the powerlines. Although we recognize that Mill Creek is a remote area with many values, the existence of the powerlines, the need to provide maintenance access, and consequent impact on the natural integrity of the area preclude its consideration as roadless.

It is my decision not to reanalyze Mill Creek. The reasons for not recommending it for Wilderness designation remain the same as in 1981.

9. Dismal Creek (also referred to as Sugar Run/Flat Top)

The area studied was 6906 acres and contains a semi-primitive non motorized core of 2,818 acres. It is bounded by FS roads 201 and 612 and FS boundary. Two improved roads within the area, FS 10281 and FS 1015 are 1.27 miles and 3.1 miles respectively resulting in a total road density of .63 miles per 1000 acres. Several different boundary locations were attempted to maintain a sufficient size and stay within the maximum allowable road density, however, the location of the improved roads resulted in significant acerage reductions or unmanageable boundaries. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

10. Additional Areas Suggested.

The following areas were suggested by individuals/organizations, but clearly did not meet road density criteria: Stony Creek-Butt Mountain, Kelly Flats and Big Pond-Johns Creek Mountain (also referred to as Kelly Knob-Wolf Knob). These areas do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

The following areas were also suggested by individuals/organizations, but were under 2000 acres: Peters Mountain West Virginia, Rocky Mountain, and Mountain Lake Biological Station. It is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

CLINCH RD

Much of the Clinch Ranger District is underlain by privately owned minerals meaning that when this land was acquired by the federal government, the original owner chose not to sell or give their right to future mineral exploration or development to the government, in other words, they reserved this right. The criteria for inventory of roadless areas in the east (FSH 1909.12, 7.1[(b]) states an area may qualify for inventory if "the area has existing or attainable National Forest System ownership patterns, both surface and subsurface, that could ensure perpetuation of identified wilderness values."

The potential for natural gas and coal exploration and development on the Clinch Ranger District quite high. One need only look at a topographic quadrangle map or take a drive through southwestern Virginia to realize this fact. For this reason, it is our belief that these private subsurface rights are not reasonably attainable across the many areas suggested for inventory as roadless on the Clinch. The past history of roadless area evaluations and wilderness studies have all recognized this fact. It is simply not good business to continually study the same questions time and time again only to arrive at the same answer.

1. Pine Mountain, NE of North Fork Pound - Jenkins East and Clintwood Quads.

This area is about 4,700 acres of National Forest. It is long and narrow, approximately 8.5 miles long and about 1 mile wide on the average containing no semi-primitive core. The shape is also irregular with private inholdings and only narrow necks of National Forest in places. The area is not contiguous to a wilderness or primitive area and is not a self contained ecosystem. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

2. Pine Mountain, bounded by 616 and 611 - Clintwood Quad.

This area is about 2,800 acres of National Forest. It is 5.5 miles long and narrow. No semi-primitive ROS exists. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

3. Stone Mtn, north of Cave Springs - Keokee Quad.

A 3,332 acre area of NF land was studied. There is 580 acres of reserved mineral rights, and the area is small. It does contain a 2,502 acre semi-primitive non-motorized core, however the area is small and isolated. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

4. Roaring Branch RARE II area with the addition of Stone Mtn around Keokee Lake - Appalachian and Big Stone Gap Quads.

In addition to the RARE II area, the area west of the Roaring Branch Drainage was studied. Some of this area in the vicinity of Lake Keokee was found to meet the road density criteria but much of it contains reserved mineral rights.

The RARE II area is approximately 2,576 acres of National Forest ownership, about 1,938 acres of which is inventoried SPNM, however, the city of Big Stone Gap sits right on the southeastern boundary of the roadless area. Both the Laurel Fork and Roaring Run drainages are fully contained within the area. The drainage divide forms most of the RARE II boundary. The area also contains the 590 acre Roaring Branch Gorge Special Management Area. Mineral rights for the entire area are outstanding. It is my decision to drop this RARE II area from further consideration because it does not meet the criteria for inventory of roadless areas due to the private rights and mineral potential.

5. Little Stone Mountain, NE of Big Stone Gap - Norton Quad.

This area is divided into two smaller areas by a transmission line. The largest of the two areas is approximately 2,500 acres and contains FS 283, an 3.1 mile improved road. It does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

6. Pickem Mountain - Wise Quad.

This area is approximately 3,000 acres. Improved FS 2420, 2.7 miles extends into the center of the area and improved 238C, 2.68 miles is also included in the area. It is bordered on the north by the town of Norton with the Eagle Rock Electronic Tower Site Complex and High Knob Land and Campground on the South. It does not meet the criteria for inclusion as a roadless area.

7. Burns Creek - Wise Quad.

The area is approximately 3,500-4,000 acres. It contains two improved roads, FS 2430, 2.7 miles goes into the west side of the area and FS 2020, 5.5 miles bisects the area. It does not meet the criteria for inclusion as a roadless area.

8. Big Flat Top - Fort Blackmore Quad.

This area was included in the RARE II inventory. In 1992, the Big Flat Top timber sale was proposed in this area. In reviewing appeals on the sale, it was found that due to past activities and the present conditions, the proposed actions would not significantly affect the roadless characteristics of the Big Stony RARE II area. It was determined that there was already 14 miles of roads existing within the area and that it did not meet the road density criteria when it was originally inventoried.

9. Dry Creek, adjacent to Little Stony Creek - Fort Blackmore and Dungannon Quads.

This area is approximately 3,000 acres and divided into 2 separate areas, except for a narrow neck, by a private tract in the center. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

10. Devil's Fork - Big Stone Gap and East Stone Gap Quads. 4,440 Acres

Devil's Fork is an original RARE II area. We modified the boundary to exclude private lands around the edge of the area leaving a 4,440 acre area with a 3,412 acre semi-primitive non-motorized core. Devil's Fork contains 2.08 miles of improved road for an existing road density of .47 miles per thousand acres. Devil's Fork was not recommended for wilderness in the 1985 Forest Plan because of private subsurface ownership and mineral potential. I feel it is manageable in its natural condition and a self contained ecosystem so I have determined it does meet the criteria for inventory as roadless.

An area of approximately 2700 acres was mapped to the west of the Devil's Fork RARE II Area and the 12/1/93 preliminary roadless boundary. This area was studied to see if it could be added to the Devils Fork RARE II Area. There is an active coal mine to the west of Good Spur Ridge that is accessed by two miles of FS 2227. An additional improved road, FS 2711, is in the area and the District has an approved EA for some significant timber sales. There is also a fairly large private inholding that is not reasonably attainable. Mineral rights in the area are reserved. Ownership patterns, both surface and subsurface, are not conducive to ensuring perpetuation of wilderness values.

It was also requested that we consider extending the eastern boundary past old FS 619 out to new FS 619. HARRY This area does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

11. Laurel Fork - Big Stone Gap and East Stone Gap Quads.

This area is approximately 2,900 acres and has no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

12. Guest River - Coeburn Quad.

This area lies between Va 72 and the Guest River. The National Forest acreage is approximately 2,000 acres and contains several gas line roads and drill sites. The Forest Service has been donated approximately 5.5 miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way along the Guest River. With considerable public involvement, the Clinch Ranger District designated the Gorge as a Special Management Area and has prepared a development and acquisition plan for the area. An access road has been constructed in the northern part of this area down to a parking area near the river. The road is scheduled to be paved this year. Some additional land has also been acquired for protection of the gorge and land surrounding the river and railroad trail, but the area meeting the improved road criteria is still very small. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

13. Little Stony Creek RARE II Area and possible expansion - Coeburn and Dungannon Quads. 1,123 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. The area west of the RARE II area and north to the Flatwoods Job Corps Center was studied. The RARE II area and proposed additions are heavily impacted by improved roads and exceed the road density criteria. All the area studied has mineral rights reserved with extensive development occurring. It is my decision to drop this RARE II area from further consideration because it does not meet the criteria for inventory of roadless areas.

14. North Fork of the Pound - Flat Gap and Jennings West Quads. 4,756 Acres

This area was included in the 12/1/93 preliminary inventory.

Although the North Fork of the Pound area is only 4,756 acres, it includes the face of Pine Mountain from the reservoir to the top of the mountain and is buffered on the north side by some exceptionally rough country. There are no improved roads within the area and it contains a 4,271 acre semi-primitive non-motorized core. The inventoried area also contains several entire drainages. The area is one of the few on the Clinch that is under federal leased mineral rights most of which are nearing termination, however there are some leases held by production. This area is included in the roadless inventory.

15. Additional Areas Suggested.

The following areas were suggested by individuals/organizations, but were under 2000 acres: Russel Fork and Mill Creek. It is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

GLENWOOD RD

1. Blue Ridge - Villamont and Montvale Quads.

The entire area west of the Blue Ridge Parkway and south of Va 43 was looked at. For analysis purposes the area was divided into four sections by roads that bisect them. These sections from north to south are:

Chair Rock Ridge - approximately 1460 acres

Spec Mines - approximately 3002 acres

Curry Creek - approximately 2580 acres

Fulhardt Knob - approximately 1762 acres

Fulhardt Knob and Curry Creek are separated by FS 191, a 4.78 mile, Traffic Service Level C road with an aggregate surface. These two areas cannot be combined.

Spec Mines and Chair Rock are separated by FS 4008, the Bobblet's Gap Road. 4008 is a fairly rough road that receives quite a bit of use because a bridge under the Blue Ridge Parkway accesses the south side of the mountain. We originally labeled this road unimproved because a high clearance vehicle is required to traverse it. It is; however, an improved road by the Regional definition because it does have a clearly defined, constructed cross-section; it is properly drained; and it is stable for predominant traffic during the normal season of use. This road prevents the combination of these two areas.

Curry Creek and Spec Mines are separated by FS 186, a 2.0 mile, Traffic Service Level C road with an aggregate surface. These two areas can be combined. This narrow area looks out into the valley with Interstate 81 and other development below. It is bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway above and intensive management along FS 634 for firewood cutting and numerous unimproved firewood roads and other wildlife habitat cutting approved through OAA analyses below. None of these areas contain a semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include any of these areas in the roadless inventory.

2. Cove Mtn - Buchanan, Montvale, and Arnold Valley Quads.

The Cove Mountain Area east of the James River Limestone Quarry outside Buchanan was looked at. The area that meets the improved road density is approximately 3930 acres. There is a large active quarry on the north side of the area near Bear Wallow Creek. Just east of the active quarry there is an even larger old quarry that is still an unsightly scar. The area is fairly narrow, averaging about one mile across. Interstate 81, the railroad track and the town of Buchanan can be seen and heard from the area.

Although the Appalachian Trail runs through the middle of the Cove Mountain area, the trail was relocated off the ridgetop to avoid the sights and sounds of the quarries. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory. The location of the area is not conducive to the perpetuation of wilderness values.

3. Chestnut Mtn - Arnold Valley Quad.

This area is small and does not meet the road density criteria. We looked at connecting it to the Floyd Mtn/Apple Orchard Falls area, but could not support the mileage of road separating the two.

4. Floyd Mtn/Apple Orchard Falls - Arnold Valley Quad.

Several different boundary options were investigated within this area bounded by North Creek, the Blue Ridge Parkway, FS 3101, and west to Jennings and Middle Creek. This area contains the Appalachian Trail, the Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail (NRT), and the Cornelius Creek Trail. The North Creek Special Management Area is also included.

In order to delineate an area larger than 5000 acres it was necessary to include 1053 acres to the west of improved FS 3037 which is connected by a narrow strip of FS land and a 363 acre area south of FS 3034 which contains the Apple Orchard Falls NRT. An Environmental Assessment and design has been completed for $80,000 worth of bridges to provide easier and safer access to the Falls. Excluding the above leaves a 4287 acre area.

Past public involvement has supported this area being managed to facilitate a wide spectrum of recreation experiences. The area attracts a broad segment of people from the surrounding area and tourists from all over the country travelling the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to the Apple Orchard Falls NRT the environmental analysis for the special management area approved establishing the Cornelius Creek Trail as a National Recreation Trail. A visitors center is being established in a historic cabin that has been moved to the North Creek Campground.

With the established use the area receives, the high value that has been put on promoting tourism in the area, the outstanding cascades and falls with approved bridges and other improvements to the Apple Orchard Falls Trail, and the planned designation of the Cornelius Creek Trail as a NRT, it is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

5. Thunder Ridge Wilderness Addition/Wildcat Mtn - Snoden and Arnold Valley Quads.

A power line forms the western edge of the Wilderness. The area north of the Wilderness boundary down to improved roads was examined. There has been extensive timber management for oak decline in this area and more than 20 percent has been harvested within the past 10 years. A map in the roadless inventory file displays the past timber sale activity. This area does not meet the criteria for roadless areas in the east.

6. Terrapin/Onion/Headforemost Mtns - Sedalia, Peaks of Otter, and Arnold Valley Quads.

Our evaluation considered all the Forest Service and Park Service land east of the Blue Ridge Parkway which met road density standards. The Headforemost Mountain, Onion Mountain, White Oak ridge, the Terrapin Mountain area, and a National Park Service tract east of Sunset Fields were included. The total area studied was approximately 6,581 acres, however it is pinched into three separate areas by State and Forest access roads which cannot be closed or included within the roadless boundary.

The first split comes from FDR 45.3 an improved Traffic Service Level C road which comes within 1000 feet of the FS boundary southeast of White Oak Ridge separating Terrapin Mountain from the rest of the area. The Terrapin Mountain area is 2761 acres and contains no semi-primitive core. It is the largest of the three areas.

The area to the west containing Headforemost and Onion Mountains is 3820 acres is essentially split in half again by a Traffic Service Level C road, FS 190 which connects to gravelled State Road 765 up Overstreet Creek. These two roads are a main travel corridor for both forest visitors and local residents providing access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

These three very small areas are not self contained ecosystems nor are they contiguous to existing wilderness or primitive areas. They are not included in the roadless area inventory.

7. James River Face Additions - Snoden Quad. 1,284 Acres

Several additions surrounding the James River Face Wilderness area were proposed. Possible additions on the northwest and southwest sides of the James River Face were studied. An area on the SE side, the Snow Creek area, meets the inventory criteria and is included.

The areas on the north side of the Wilderness area have received extensive timber harvest activity over the past ten years due to oak decline. The area on the NW side is adjacent to heavy development and a trailer park along the National Forest boundary. A private recreation area, the James River Recreation Area, impacts both areas and they receive heavy use including ATV/OHV use. Improvements existing on the NE area include a Forest Service administrative site; old storage building with a paved road into it, a storage bone yard; and a newly constructed horse trailhead parking area. It is my decision not to include these northern additions in the roadless inventory.

8. Hearkening Hill - Montvale and Peaks of Otter Quads.

The area is only about 1,300 - 1,400 acres in size bordered by roads on 3 sides. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

9. Wilson Mountain - Arnold Valley Quad.

The Wilson Mountain, Pine Mountain, and Skillern Mountain area was studied and included in the inventories dated 5/23/94, 7/25/94 and 3/2/95. It is slightly less than 5,000 acres, with zero acres of semi-primitive ROS. The area contains approximately 2 miles of improved roads and several more miles of unimproved roads which have been seeded as linear wildlife openings.

The area studied is a narrow series of ridges ranging from 3/4 of a mile wide to one mile wide. The perimeter of the area includes the paved FDR 59, the North Creek Campground, Cave Mountain Lake recreation area and adjacent private lands including Arnold Valley and Shenandoah Valley. The Skillern Mountain ridgeline is dotted with regenerated cutting units and linear wildlife strips affording a visitor the sights and sounds of the surrounding valleys including the Norfolk Western railroad on both sides of the James River the Interstate 81 corridor, and residential housing developments. A remote experience is available in a few sheltered coves, like the one along the Sprouts Run Trail, however, the majority of the area is ridgetops and sideslopes which face directly into the developments described above. Aerial photographs on file in the Supervisor's Office display the past harvesting and wildlife habitat improvements in the area.

Wilson Mountain does not meet the following criteria for roadless areas in the east: 1) the land is not regaining a natural, untrammeled appearance, 2) the location of the area is not conducive to the perpetuation of wilderness values, 3) it is not a self contained ecosystem such as an island, and 4) it is not contiguous to existing wilderness, primitive areas, or roadless areas. The accumulation of factors listed above lead to my decision not to include Wilson Mountain in the inventory of roadless areas.

MOUNT ROGERS NRA

1. Little Dry Run Wilderness Additions - Speedwell and Cedar Springs Quads. 2,195 Acres

The area to the southwest of the existing wilderness was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. This addition is 2,195 acres and contains a 363 acre semi-primitive core.

Two additional areas were also suggested. The first is bounded by routes 57 and 21 is separated from the Little Dry Run Wilderness by improved FS 728 and cannot be considered as a wilderness addition. It also contains FDR 57C, an improved road. A suggested northern addition including Little Huckleberry Knob is separated from the area in the preliminary inventory by approximately two miles of improved road following the VA Highlands Horse Trail and cannot be included.

2. Little Horse Heaven - Justinville and Speedwell Quads. 4,733 Acres

The area bounded by State Route 21, FS 14, FS 787 to its termini and then back to FS 14, and private land to the north was considered. The area is separated from the Little Dry Wilderness Area by State Route 21. The following improvements were excluded:

· Little Grand Canyon Mine, unreclaimed manganese mine.

· Outstanding mineral rights.

· Francis Mill Creek watershed improvement work for flood damage and fish habitat. Heavy maintenance with machinery.

· Rocky Hollow neck, surrounded by grazed, private pasture.

· Route 21 on the west side of area is a paved highway.

· Private landfill adjacent to western boundary.

· 2.1 miles of improved road: FS 49660, county right-of-way.

The area remaining is 4,733 acres including 2,984 acres of semi-primitive ROS and was included in the inventory.

3. Bournes Branch/Long Ridge/Iron Mtn/Jones Knob - Cripple and Austinville Quads.

An area of approximately 4,600 acres was considered. The density of improved roads within this area exceeds the FSH criteria of 1/2 mile per 1000 acres. If the boundaries are modified to exclude enough improved roads to meet the criteria, the area becomes significantly smaller. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

4. Ewing Mountain - Cripple Creek Quad.

This total area studied is approximately 7349 acres with a 4,234 SPM core, but it is divided in two equal parts by a private land and a state road, leaving only a narrow neck on the south side. The road into Collins Cove is a state road that cannot be included. A map in the roadless inventory file displays the configuration and roads of this area.

The east side, Devil's Den, is approximately 3385 acres and the west side. Ewing Mountain is approximately 3964 acres.

The Ewing Mountain side contains about 1.5 miles of improved road along with the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Two horse camps serving this trail are immediately outside the boundary. The southern portion of the area contains a recent timber sale along with closed temporary roads. The remainder of the area contains many regenerated clearcuts older than ten years.

Neither side meet the criteria of a self-contained ecosystem or contiguous to an existing wilderness or primitive area. The state road, the private lands in the center, and the configuration of the National Forest land led to my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

5. Iron Mtn/Feathercamp - Konnarock and Damascus Quads.

This area is divided, by recently improved FS 615 and 90, into two individual areas. These two areas were mapped and considered.

The area to the west of these roads includes approximately 4,974 acres including 3,560 acres of semi-primitive motorized recreation. The area's boundaries are comprised of private land to the southwest, west, and northeast. This includes the town of Damascus. Much of the southern boundary is U.S. Highway 58, a heavily travelled, paved road, and FS 615 and FS 90. There is a small electronic site in a location referred to as the Cuckoo on the edge of the area. At least three special use wells lie within the area along the western boundary, and FS 90 provides access to the old Feathercamp fire tower site. The area contains 5.7 miles of improved road, including the Beech Grove Road which is less than 5 years old. Approximately 15 miles of trail open to motorcycles exist within the western area. This area does not meet the criteria for inventory as roadless.

The eastern area borders FS 90 and FS 615, private lands, route 600, and FS 837 and encompasses approximately 4,615 acres. Most of the eastern area averages about a mile in width, it does not contain a semi-primitive core. The Iron Mountain Trail runs down the ridge through the center of the eastern area. It is open to motorcycles, horses, and mountain bikes. The Beartree Recreation Area borders much of the southeastern side.

The approved Opportunity Area Analysis direction for the Feathercamp area encouraged high use on the trails and improved public access through the area and to the old fire tower site. Both areas are influenced by their relationship to high use roads, Beartree recreation area, heavy recreation use including: horseback, mountain bike riding, motorbike riding, hiking and backpacking; the town of Damascus, and activities on private lands. With these influences and the shape and narrowness of the areas, it is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

6. Graves Mountain - Whitetop Quad.

An area south of FS 84 of approximately 3,300 acres in size was considered. The 3,300 acre area contains the sewage lagoon for Grindstone Campground, a shale borrow pit, and a powerline on the west side. The area is already small and excluding these improvements would make it even smaller. There is no semi-primitive ROS classified within this area. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

7. Iron Mountain/Locust Ridge - Whitetop Quad.

This area is approximately 3,800-4,000 acres. State route 603 and the Fox Creek Horse Camp and Grindstone Recreation Areas are adjacent to the area. It contains no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

8. Raccoon Branch - Troutdale and Atkins Quads. 4,385 acres.

The Raccoon Branch area that was considered is bounded by VA Route 16 and 650 and private lands to the west. The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail that parallels Raccoon Branch into the heart of the area from the campground is well-maintained, but not gravelled. 1.4 miles of improved roads are within the area. The area contains 2,817 acres of semi-primitive non-motorized ROS indicating opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation despite its small size. The area is separated from the 6,400 acre Seng Mountain area by VA 650.

This area was found to meet the criteria for inventory.

9. Lewis Fork/Little Wilson Wilderness Additions - Troutdale and Whitetop Quads. 2,487 Acres

Two additions to Little Wilson Creek were included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. Additional areas around Little Wilson and additions to Lewis Fork were also suggested for review.

The first consideration was how the open balds and maintained pastures would be treated in the inventory. These areas are in an early successional stage of vegetation and will be treated the same as areas harvested within the past ten years for purposes of the inventory. In addition, much of this acreage is in what could be considered non-native vegetation. Most of the suggested additions for Lewis Fork are open balds. Aerial photographs on file in the Supervisor's Office show these open areas. Because of these reasons, the balds were not included in any of the roadless wilderness additions to be studied in the Forest Plan revision.

Two possible additions to the south side of Lewis Fork were considered, one on the west and one on the east. Both wrapped around open pasture lands with active grazing permits. Both are narrow appendages or "handles" sticking out from the wilderness. The eastern area is adjacent to the wilderness boundary along Pine Mountain and Brier Ridge. Most of this area is maintained as open with very small areas which are wooded or partially wooded.

The western addition was identified by Congressman Boucher as a potential wilderness proposal. State Route 783 enters the area from the south. The road is gated near the FS boundary, but is kept open for grazing permittees and cemetery access. State Route 600 is along the western edge. Access is fairly easy with people entering the area from Elk Garden on the north, and State Route 783 on the south. Approximately 213 acres are listed as pasture within this 1,594 acre area and are under a grazing permit for about 40 cattle. Access is permitted to the permittee for mowing, liming and fertilizing the allotment to maintain the open areas. Several old homesites are located along the lower portion of the Helton Creek drainage. A small cemetery is located near the old homesites and access is permitted to the heirs for maintenance. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

Another addition was considered on the northeast end of Lewis Fork. This 748 acre area will be included as an addition to the Wilderness. It contains 543 acres of semi-primitive ROS. The eastern end is the Virginia Highland Horse Trail. Part of this trail was reconstructed with equipment last summer to the same level of an improved forest road, including gravel.

Another wilderness addition was inventoried on the north side of Little Wilson Creek Wilderness. The area to be studied generally includes all the wooded land over to the Scales or Pine Mountain Road. It excludes all private inholdings including the Zachary property for a total of 1,724 acres, 763 acres of which are semi-primitive. Another addition on the south side of Little Wilson Creek Wilderness Area is a 58 acre recent land acquisition.

10. Whitetop Mtn - Whitetop, Park, and Konnarock Quads.

The area west of State Route 600 was mapped. The size of the area that excludes the open fields, access road, electronic site, and powerline to the electronic site is approximately 3,500 acres. There is no semi-primitive ROS classification within the area. Much of this area wraps around the open fields in the middle forming a fat "C" shaped exclusion. It borders FS 89, the main access road. There are numerous research projects currently going on in the area involving TVA and the EPA. Because of its small size, heavy recreation use, including motorized access along FS89, and the numerous scientific research projects in the area, it is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

11. Hussy Mountain - Cripple Creek Quad.

The mapped area is approximately 4,400 acres. There is no semi-primitive core within the area. It is long and narrow, averaging about 1 mile wide. This acreage also includes several narrow fingers. FS 49681 a 2.7 mile improved road goes through the area also. It does not meet the road density criteria.

12. Seng Mountain - Troutdale and Whitetop Quads. 6,406 acres

This area is bounded by new Va 600, FS 84, FS 164, FS 643, and FS 6526 and includes the area around Hurricane Creek Campground. It contains a 2,745 acre semi-primitive motorized core. Several improved roads on the north side prevent the area north of these roads from being included.

13. Chestnut Mountain Area - Konnarock, Grayson , Damascus, and Laurel Bloomery Quads.

We studied a 5,200 acre area south of Highway 58 and northeast and west of Taylor'S Valley. The area did not meet the improved road density criteria. In addition the area contained sections of the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail with its maintained cinder surface and trestles. These human features have a significant impact on the naturalness of the area and are not regaining a natural, untrammeled appearance as specified in FSH 1909.12. This area does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the roadless inventory.

14. Additions to Cherokee RARE II Areas - Laurel Bloomery, Damascus Quads.

The Cherokee NF has three RARE II areas that border the Mount Rogers NRA. Three Jefferson NF areas that are adjacent to these RARE II areas meet the criteria and have been inventoried. The approximate acreage on the Jefferson is:

RARE II Area Name, Number, Approx. size

Beaver Dam Creek #04014 1,072 acres

London Bridge Branch #04015 798 acres

Rogers Ridge #04010 181 acres

15. Additional Areas Suggested.

The following area was suggested, but clearly did not meet road density criteria: Quarter Branch Houndshell. The following area was also suggested, but was under 2000 acres: Cressy Creek. It is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

NEW CASTLE RD

1. Potts Arm - Potts Creek Quad.

An area approximately 4311 acres in size was studied. The area includes FS 275 and the east end of FS 1063, but does meet the improved road density criteria. The area is bounded on the western side by a powerline and on the other sides by developed private lands and FS Roads 177.1, 604.1 and 176. The area has no semi-primitive core. A ridgetop strip of private land between Potts Arm and Shawvers Run Wilderness has been subdivided in recent years and new development has been occurring. Pulling the boundary back from this development would reduce the size of the area considerably. The area and access roads are popular for hunting, fishing, and other dispersed recreation and receive heavy use. Maintenance of this area for general public access is desirable. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

2. North Mountain - Looney and Catawba Quads. 8,451 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. An area on North Mountain from Highway 311, to a transmission line on the north, FS road 224 on the west and the National Forest boundary on the east was studied and found to meet the inventory criteria. North Mountain contains 6,236 acres of semi-primitive ROS.

An area referred to as Craig Creek was separated from the original area by FS 224, a Traffic Service Level C road with an aggregate surface. This area is less than 2000 acres and spilt in half by private land.

3. North Mtn (Stone Coal Creek) - Catawba, New Castle, and Daleville Quads.

An area of approximately 2772 acres north of the transmission line on North Mountain was looked at. The area does not contain a semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

4. Broad Run - Catawba, Oriskany, and Daleville Quads. 10,959 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. The area studied includes some minor additions to the original inventory. Two small fingers of NF land were also studied. One finger is east of FS 5026 in the SW corner and another is west of FS 5064 in the NW corner. The area west of FS 5026 is separated by the open FS 5026 which accesses private lands. Both have considerable development bordering them. It is my decision not to include these additions in the roadless inventory.

Broad Run is a relatively remote, steep area on the New Castle District, making cross-country access away from roads and trails difficult. Terrain is typical of the Ridge and Valley Section. It contains 6,236 acres of semi-primitive ROS. The area has no active leases and no outstanding or reserved mineral rights.

5. Spesard Knob - Catawba Quad.

This is a the portion of Broad Run Mountain separated from that roadless area by a transmission line. It is approximately 2,500 acres and contains some access roads for the transmission line. There is no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

6. Sinking Creek Mtn - McDonalds Mill, Newport, Craig Springs and Looney Quads.

An area on Sinking Creek Mountain was studied on both the New Castle and Blacksburg District. This is discussion of the New Castle only.

The area studied on the New Castle District went from FS 209 west to the end of national forest ownership near the town of New Castle. It is bisected by a powerline. The western end of this area on the New Castle Ranger District is FS 209, Hall Road, an improved road providing an important public route across Sinking Creek Mountain. West of FS 209 there is an improved road, FS 5021, out to the powerline. The area west of the line does not meet the road density criteria.

The eastern end of the area is only about 2858 acres of National Forest ownership with a semi-primitive core of 2,287 acres. This area is a long and narrow ridge and sideslope which face into State Route 311 and the town of New Castle. It is not contiguous to existing wilderness or a primitive area and it is not a self contained ecosystem. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

7. Cove Mountain - Looney and Glenvar Quads.

The area as mapped is approximately 2,500 acres and irregular shaped, much of it in a narrow corridor for the Appalachian Trail. Cove Mountain contains the Dragon Tooth portion of the Appalachian Trail, probably the second most heavily used portion of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

8. Potts Mtn - Craig Springs, Waiteville, Gap Mills and Paint Bank Quads.

This area is approximately 4400 acres and contains 2.95 miles of FS 50291 through the middle of the area. It does not meet the road density criteria.

9. Johns Creek Mtn - Craig Springs and Looney Quads.

The area studied is approximately 5,000 acres but long and narrow, with FS 157, a 15 mile C level improved road, forming the northern boundary. It averages about 3/4 mile wide and is approximately 10 miles long. In some places it is just over 1/2 mile wide and 5 improved roads go off FS 157 to within one half mile of the top of John's Creek Mtn. For the area to meet the improved road density boundary, adjustments would have to be made to exclude some portions of the improved roads above FS 157. This would make the area smaller, narrower, and even more difficult to manage. There is no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

10. Bald Mountain/Little Mountain - New Castle Quad.

The mapped area is approximately 3,600 acres, but contains at least several hundred acres of old mine sites associated with Fenwick Mines. FS 229 is an improved road for approximately 1.5 miles up the drainage. The area does not contain a semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

11. Bald Mountain - New Castle Quad.

The area is approximately 3,800 acres, 9 miles long, and except for about 1 1/2 miles of its length is a mile or less across. The area does not contain a semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

12. Barbours Creek Wilderness Addition - Jordan Mines Quad. 732 Acres

An addition to Barbours Creek was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. The RARE II area on the northeast end of the Barbours Creek Wilderness is included in the inventory. It contains 120 acres of semi-primitive ROS.

There are some GWNF lands adjoining the north side of Barbours Creek Wilderness that were included in the RARE II inventory. These lands do not; however, join any inventoried roadless areas the Jefferson is currently studying for Revision. There are no GWNF lands included in the Jefferson roadless inventory.

13. Steel Bridge - Potts Creek and Alleghany Quads.

Approximately 2/3 of the area suggested is on the George Washington National Forest. The blue line map is misleading for the FS boundary is faded out and the boundary between the two Forests does not show. An improved road, FS 350 bisects the GWNF portion. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum for the portion on the GWNF is Roaded Modified, indicating intensive management. The total area that could meet the road density criteria would be approximately 3,200 acres. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

14. Mottesheard - Craig Springs, Waiteville, Gap Mills, and Paint Bank Quads. 6,552 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. Mottesheard contains a semi-primitive core of 3,604 acres.

A number of possible additions to the initial inventory were studied. Most were fingers or narrow additions. The Mudlick Branch area was separated from the original area by FS 279, a Traffic Service Level C road with an aggregate surface and contained 2 improved roads, FS 279C and 50231. We also looked at an area east of FS 5023, Black ORV road. This area is approximately 4400 acres and contains 2.95 miles of FS 50291, through the middle of the area. This area does not meet the road density criteria.

15. Price Mountain - Oriskany and Strom Quads. 9,122 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. Possible expansions of the original inventory were studied. The expanded area included FS road 267. With this road included, the area still meets the improved road density criteria. This area was added to the inventory. The Price Mountain area contains 4.4 miles of improved roads and 5,445 acres of semi-primitive ROS.

A small area across the NE end of FS 184 was also studied. This area would be a finger off from the main area and contains FS 184 which provides access to private property. This area was not added to the inventory.

16. Patterson Mountain - Strom and Oriskany Quads. 4,863 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. The area was modified from the original inventory to include a recent addition of National Forest land on the NE end up to the Patterson ATV trail system. A small area was also added in the extreme SW corner of the area.

We also reviewed a 790 acre area east of the original area, but it was separated by FS 5020 a Traffic Service Level C road with an aggregate surface. Patterson Mountain contains a 2,377 acre SPNM core.

17. Shawvers Run Wilderness Addition - Potts Creek Quad. 2,005 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. The inventoried wilderness addition includes the RARE II area that was not included in the 1988 Virginia Wilderness Bill plus an extension down Middle Mountain to VA Route 311. The boundary has been modified to exclude FS Road 5008. Inclusion of this road would exceed the road density criteria. The addition contains a semi-primitive core of 611 acres.

We also contacted the Paint Bank Fish Hatchery to see how much land the US Fish and Wildlife Service owned to the south of Middle Mountain and to check the feasibility of including this federally owned land in the inventory. Our understanding is that they own about 500 acres total on both sides of 311 and 603 and the state has it under 25 year lease. On the Shawvers Run side it goes up the drainage about 1/2 mile between 603 and the top of Middle Mountain. The rest of Hanging Rock Valley is in private ownership.

A possible addition was also studied south of Hanging Rock. The northeast portion of this area is under a grazing allotment. This open pasture area compromises the integrity of this suggested addition. Aerial photographs on file in the Forest Supervisor's Office display the area. Further to the west along FS 177.1 NF ownership becomes narrower and there is a FAA tower with powerlines paralleling FS 177.1 and bisecting the area. It is my decision not to include this narrow area of national forest between the grazing permit and the powerline along FS 177.1 in the inventory. Improvements in the area are not disappearing or muted, the land is not regaining a natural, untrammeled appearance, and the location of the area is not conducive to the perpetuation of wilderness values

18. Hoop Hole - Strom Quad. 5,481 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. The Jefferson portion of the Hoop Hole area is 4,645 acres, 3,285 of which is semi-primitive. There are no improved roads within the area.

The George Washington National Forest (GWNF) lands on Pine and Rich Patch Mountain are also included in the inventoried area. These lands are in Management Area 9, Remote Highlands, a compatible management area for roadless inventory. The area out to Montgomery Knob, on the GWNF on the north was also looked at. It was agreed to by both Forests to include in the inventory all the original RARE II Area including the GW's lands in the vicinity of Montgomery Knob. The GWNF portion of Hoop Hole is 836 acres.

We studied bringing the inventoried area further to the southwest from the RARE II boundary. For over a mile the National Forest averages less than a 1/4 mile wide. Part of the lands to the south of this neck are owned by WESTVACO and the remainder are former Luken Steel land which has been acquired. Over 20% of the Luken Steel land has been harvested in the last ten years. It is my decision not to include this addition in the roadless inventory.

19. Additional Areas Suggested.

The following area was also suggested, but was under 2000 acres: Little Mountain east of Trout Branch. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

WYTHE RD

1. Garden Mtn/Little Brushy Mtn. connecting with Hunting Camp/Little Wolf Creek - Garden Mtn Quad. 3,956 Acres

The Garden Mountain area contains the Lick Creek drainage from the crest of Brushy Mountain, to the crest of Garden Mountain and includes the entire headwaters of the creek. The area is 3,956 acres with a semi-primitive core of 2,648 acres. The area is separated on the west from the Beartown Wilderness area by a strip of undeveloped private land with an unimproved access road. There is a narrow connection along the Appalachian Trail right-of-way. VA 623, a state road delineates the eastern boundary with the Hunting Camp/Little Wolf Creek roadless area on the other side of the road.

Despite its small size, the Garden Mountain area is a self contained ecosystem which provides a opportunity for solitude and primitive recreation and is adjacent to the Beartown Wilderness and roadless additions. It is my decision to include this area in the roadless inventory.

2. Long Spur/Big Walker Mtn - Long Spur and Bland Quads. 6,452 Acres

This area was included in the original roadless inventory of 11/19/93. Possible additions to the original inventory were studied. A transmission line stops the inventoried area to the east. The area beyond the transmission line is small and bisected by FS 6031, a 2.8 mile improved road.

An extension to the west was also studied. Old state road, FS 205, was the main consideration. The road is currently impassable, but it may not be possible to legally close it. The inventory was carried to a powerline west of FS 205 and the disposition of FS 205 will receive additional study if all or portions of the area are recommended for wilderness. This area has a semi-primitive core of 3,553 acres.

The High Rock portion of Walker Mountain is a unique area for viewing scenery. There are large rock cliffs which overlook the valley below. The view is primarily of farmland along state Route 42.

3. Glade Mtn/Locust Mtn - Cedar Springs and Atkins Quads.

An area on Glade Mountain was studied. Some adjustments were made in the initial study boundary to remove the strip mine in the southeast portion. The remaining area is about 3,738 acres and completely surrounded by improved roads. There is no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

4. Walker Mtn/Little Brushy Mtn/east of Hungry Mother - Nebo and Chatham Hill Quads.

The Wild Steer Road, a seven mile improved road, bisects the area preventing it from meeting road density criteria.

5. Pond Mountain - Chatham Hill and Nebo Quads.

This area is approximately 6,732 acres and contains the following improved roads: 3 miles of FS 243, 1.7 miles of 243B and .86 miles of 243 B1. This large area does not meet the road density criteria. The area south of FS 243 is the largest area that meets the road density criteria. It is approximately 3,400 acres. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

6. Round Mountain - Bastian Quad.

The total area is approximately 8,735 acres and is bisected by the 7.9 mile improved FS 668. There are also several other improved system roads off FS 668, including FS 688C, 1.2 miles. FS 668 divides the area into are approximately 4,869 and 3,866 acres. The flatter land on top of the mountain along FS 668 is managed fairly intensively with two closed sales and two ongoing. Both areas are long and narrow sides of mountains unbuffered from activities below on private lands. There is no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

7. Big Bend (Walker Mountain) - Crockett and Big Bend Quads.

This area is bisected by a paved road, VA 719. The area north of the VA 719 is approximately 2000 acres. The area on the south is approximately 3,500-4,000 acres. The southern area is bordered by VA 719 and paved VA 52. Two recreation areas are on the edge of the southern area. The topography is primarily ridges and sideslopes with little buffer from adjacent activities. Neither area contains a semi-primitive core. Neither area is a self-contained ecosystem nor contiguous to existing wilderness or primitive areas. It is my decision not to include these areas in the roadless inventory.

8. Six Valley Tract - Crockett and Rural Retreat Quads.

The area is separated from the Bear Creek area by FDR 221 and is pinched to less than 1/2 mile on the east side. The size of the area with two long fingers dropped is approximately 3,983 acres with no semi-primitive classification. A map in the roadless inventory file displays the unmanageable configuration of this area. It is my decision not to include this area in the inventory.

9. Little Walker Mtn - Long Spur, Pulaski and Bland Quads. 9,815 Acres

The western area is approximately nine miles long and averages less than one mile wide. The area mapped is approximately 4,000 acres, but the same transmission line that cuts Long Spur off on the east side divides this area into 2 roughly equal areas. This area has no semi-primitive core. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

An area on the east end of Little Walker and Tract Mountains was studied and found to meet the criteria. It contains approximately 4,197 acres of semi-primitive ROS. This area is included in the inventory.

10. Little Brushy Mountain/Beartown Branch - Hutchinson Rock Quads.

This area is across improved FS 222 from the Beartown Wilderness addition. It is approximately 2,000-2,500 acres, contains approximately 2 miles of improved FS 61025 and no semi-primitive area. This area does not meet the criteria for inventory as a roadless area.

11. Bear Creek - Big Bend, Garden Mountain, Rural Retreat, and Nebo Quads. 18,259 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. The area in the original inventory was restudied and enlarged significantly by extending SW to State Road 622 and northeast to the vicinity of Walker Mountain Lookout. There are 7.9 miles of improved roads within the inventoried area which meets the road density criteria. Some of improved FS 727 and the surrounding area was left out of the inventory to help meet the improved road density. The area around FS 727 has been the most intensively managed portion of the area studied and leaving it out, instead of some of other improved roads, helps address some concerns about losing flexibility of management for wildlife in this area. A, 11,414 acre core of semi-primitive ROS exists within the area.

12. Beartown Wilderness Additions - Nebo, Tazewell, and Hutchinson Rock Quads. 4,582 Acres

These additions were included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. The area follows the same boundaries as the RARE II boundaries. National Forest ownership and FS 222 form the southern boundary, making it difficult to enlarge the area.

Addition A is approximately 1,369 acres with a 700 acre semi-primitive core and Addition B is approximately 3,213 acres with a 1,682 acre semi-primitive core.

13. Kimberling Creek Wilderness Additions - Rocky Gap Quad. 284 Acres

These additions were included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. Two small additions, Addition A and B, are inventoried adjacent to the Kimberling Creek Wilderness Area. This is land that has been acquired and added to the NF system after Kimberling Creek Wilderness was designated in 1984.

Addition A is approximately 89 acres and Addition B is approximately 195 acres.

The area south of Kimberling Creek Wilderness was studied. This area is separated from Kimberling Creek Wilderness by FS 281, an improved road the first 1.75 mile and unimproved the last .9 miles. Forest Service Road 281 is an old county road with historical use. It is still open for public travel and would be very difficult to legally close. If FS 281 was crossed for a roadless addition, the density of improved roads would limit any addition to a handle-shaped addition to the Kimberling Creek Wilderness. It is my decision not to include this area as a wilderness addition.

14. Brushy Mountain - Rocky Gap and Bland Quads. 4,184 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. An area of approximately 4,184 acres, was initially inventoried. Despite its small size the area does have a 3,038 acre semi-primitive core indicating opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

15. Lynn Camp Creek - Hutchinson Rock and Nebo Quads.

An area of approximately 3,451 acres on Lynn Camp Mountain was studied. Lynn Camp Creek does have a 2294 acre semi-primitive core; however, the area is small and isolated, surrounded by private land. This area is separated from the RARE II area to the north by FS 222 and private land. The boundary of the area is fragmented by private land holdings jutting into the area. It is not a consolidated block of land. A map in the roadless inventory file displays the configuration of this area. It is my decision not to include this area in the roadless inventory.

16. Hunting Camp/Little Wolf Creek - Cove Creek, Big Bend, Garden Mtn, Bastian Quads. 8,940 Acres

This area was included in the original inventory of 11/19/93. It contains a semi-primitive core of 5,886 acres. Improved roads on the boundaries prevent a larger area from being included.

There are no reserved or outstanding mineral rights. Most of the area is remote and an excellent hiking and nature study area. There is a large inholding of private land between portions of this area. The inholding is the recreation/hunt camp for a large coal company (Consolidation Coal) from whom the FS acquired the larger tract in 1972. The FS has no right-of-way across this land, and at present, the local gatekeeper will not allow access except in case of emergency. There has been some illegal vehicular use on NF land on old logging roads and a portion of the Appalachian Trail behind their property."

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