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Bald Mountains |
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Slide Hollow Extension
Approximate size: 199 acres
Slide Hollow contains 200 roadless acres and has no USFS Large Old Growth Patches. |
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Divide Mountain
Approximate size: 2,590 acres
There are no USFS Large Old Growth Patches or candidate old growth sites in the Divide Mountain unit. |
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Paint Creek (TN)
Approximate size: 2,262 acres
Old growth acreage: 14 acres
Golden Ridge contains one USFS Large Old Growth Patch and four candidate old growth sites. Cold Spring, on the northern end of this delineated area, has Sandsuck Formation (Zss), that contains calcareous rock. This is the same rock type found at Paint Rock, where an extraordinary plant diversity is known to exist (details are available). Sandsuck Formation is also present on the north side of State Route 208 in part of the Bald Mountain roadless area. This area is listed as a black bear reserve, though it may afford little real protection. |
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Big Laurel River Gorge
Approximate size: 2,528 acres
Big Laurel River Gorge contains a partial USFS Large Old Growth Patch, a North Carolina Natural Heritage Listing, and 2 candidate old growth sites. The NCNHP lists Montane Alluvial Forest on the west end of Lovers Leap Ridge. This listing includes possible old growth. NCNHP also lists Rich Cove forest in the Big Laurel River Gorge, also including possible old growth. |
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Mountain Island Branch
Approximate size: 1,559 acres
Old growth acreage: 24 acres
Mountain Island Branch does not contain a USFS Large Old Growth Patch, but it does have two candidate old growth sites. Steep slopes and cliff environments may support uncommon or rare plant species in remote areas facing the French Broad River. The mountain island in the French Broad River is known to have cliff environments. Rock chimneys are also present on the island, according to Ted Snyder.
Steep variegated slopes with many aspects are present in the Mountain Island Branch watershed. Montane Alluvial forest may be present on the south side of the French Broad River in this area. A narrow band of Sandsuck Formation (Zss) exists in the northern part of this delineated area. |
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Spring Creek Gorge
Approximate size: 3,345 acres
Old growth acreage: 631 acres
Within the Spring Creek Gorge unit are a USFS Large Old Growth Patch, three candidate old growth sites, and a North Carolina Natural Heritage Listing. The NCNHP lists Rich Cove, Acidic Cove, Dry Oak, and Pine-Oak Heath forests. These include possible old growth. Forests in this area were likely investigated near Highway 209. The more remote east side of Spring Creek may not have been investigated thoroughly.
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Pigeon River Gorge (Southwest)
Approximate size: 1,509 acres
Old growth acreage: 499 acres
In addition to two candidate old growth sites, Pigeon River Gorge contains a USFS Large Old Growth Patch. The Mouth of Mount Sterling Creek contains Yellowwood Boulderfield forest, Rich Cove (low elevation), and Acidic Cove forest communities. Salt Bin Bluffs contain Rich Cove and Montane Mafic Cliff forest communities, according to NCNHP listings. A red hickory was in the Pigeon River Gorge meaured 27.6 inches in diameter. |
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