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Wild South is the only regional organization that actively monitors every timber sale, mining and drilling proposal, road building project, pesticide/herbicide “treatment” and ORV route designation through our Forest Watch program.
Most simply described as “watch dogging,” the goal of Wild South’s Forest Watch program is to review and comment on project proposals put forth by public land management agencies (U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service) on behalf of our members to be sure they: 1) comply with environmental laws; 2) protect biodiversity and ecological functions of forested ecosystems; and 3) act in the best interest of the public.
We monitor all the National Forests and Parks in six primary states: AL, GA, NC, SC, TN, & VA, and research federal actions that may adversely affect biological diversity through field surveys, or “ground-truthing.” Where important information is lacking or legal violations exist, Wild South informs the appropriate agency and demands compliance with existing laws. In addition, we suggest alternative activities early in the planning process to assist the agency in making sound environmental and economic decisions. When necessary, we challenge decisions that threaten biodiversity or violate our laws.
Wild South coordinates its Forest Watch program in the southeast through grassroots organizing and citizen empowerment. We empower others to recognize the vital role citizens must play in protecting our federal public lands and to develop the skills necessary to participate in this process by hosting educational workshops and field trips.
The success of our Forest Watch program depends on the vigilance of dedicated citizens like you who keep a watchful eye on our public lands to ensure the protection of forests for future generations.
To learn more about what activities we are monitoring click on the states below:
Downloads:
Guide to Ground-truthing
How to Protect Your National Forests
Learn the Truth About Timber Sales
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A costly, destructive, unnecessary four-lane road is on the fast track to completion in rural, mountainous Western North Carolina. The highway would cut through steep and scenic mountains, establishing a new route through the Stecoah Valley and across Cheoah Mountain.
With a price tag of $378 million (or $38 million per mile), the cost of this project cannot be justified in light of its meager transportation benefit. Although economic development serves as the justification for this project, one can think of better ways to invest what amounts to $42,000 per Graham County citizen without destroying the mountains that have defined this region for generations.
You can stop this destructive and unnecessary project!
Voice your concerns – submit written comments or questions to the following address:
Ed Lewis, Public Hearing Officer
NC Department of Transportation
Human Environment
Unit 1598, Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Phone: 919-431-6585
Your voice is crucial in changing the destructive direction of this project. Learn more by visiting www.wayssouth.org. |
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 In October, the Forest Service announced it would close most trails in the Tellico Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) area, concluding a years-long process to improve water quality in the headwaters of the Tellico River. ORV use will no longer be allowed anywhere in the area.
In 2007, Wild South and our partners took steps to sue the Forest Service for failing to meet federal law and its own standards to protect the Tellico watershed from pollution caused by excessive ORV use in the area. In response, the agency undertook an extensive study to determine whether the Tellico area could be brought into compliance.
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 By Chris Joyell,
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In a bold but necessary step, the Forest Service has announced its intention to close the Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle area, located in the Nantahala National Forest near Murphy, NC.
The Tellico ORV Area is in the headwaters of the Tellico River, one of the best strongholds for native brook trout, a species in decline in the North Carolina and Tennessee.
In response to legal proceedings and impacts to native brook trout habitat, the agency conducted a full-scale Environmental Assessment (EA) of the OHV area and has proposed six alternatives for long-term management of the area. The Forest Service’s “preferred” alternative is to completely close the Tellico OHV system.
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Read more...
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By Chris Joyell
In a bold but necessary step, the Forest Service has announced its intention to close the Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle area, located in the Nantahala National Forest near Murphy, NC.
The Tellico ORV Area is in the headwaters of the Tellico River, one of the best strongholds for native brook trout, a species in decline in the North Carolina and Tennessee. In response to legal proceedings and impacts to native brook trout habitat, the agency conducted a full-scale Environmental Assessment (EA) of the OHV area and has proposed six alternatives for long-term management of the area. The Forest Service’s “preferred” alternative is to completely close the Tellico OHV system.
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Public Lands 
