Agenda - 10-20-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Puke Xnitrprsitg DURHAM / NORTH CAROLINA 27706 SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OFFICE OF THE DUKE FOREST TELEPHONE(pip)684.2421 August 12, 1987 Ms. Mary Ann Black, Director Orange County Recreation and Parks Department 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Mary Ann: As we recently discussed I am sends use and policy for the Duke Forest. Enclosedmare nma information regarding recreational Forest roads in Orange County have been highlighted,pa policy which access points and recreational uses, and a summary of a recreational survey lconducted man few nyears ago. I should note that there is a comprehensive land use planning process underway at Duke which includes the Duke Forest. at ukeowth Recreational use policy may of being prepared, so I cannot speculate on future changes.Y become escr oe Duke' I can describe the present situation and relate some specific concerns. y mission is as an outdoor teaching and research laboratory.The Duke Forest's primary than 50 year history, however, certain types �'' Throughout its more 11 without significantly impacting of recreation have existed usually include hiking and n jogging oioangoa g research and teaching rails and picningoatcdesignatedses spots. Should researchers report damage to scientific equipment, trampling vegetation in research plots, wildfires that destroy study areas or other adverse effects, then I must react in an appropriate way to protect their interests. Several specific areas which warrant some consideration are as follows: Fires: Fires, except in the picnic site grills are not permitted. We have been very fortunate in recent years that the wildfires caused by careless smokers or a campfire have been few and not very destructive. Limiting public access to certain areas may be necessary if research sites are damaged due to fire. Costs for fire control are currently borne by the Duke Forest, volunterer fire departments and the North Carolina Forest Service. Trash: Most individuals take their trash when they leave the Forest, though h certain more heavily used spots now become littered with beer cans picnic debris. Trash containers, emptied by Forest employees are located at the picnic sites and several other areas. recreation, truck loads of household garbage and ncog tru riontde b to 1 1 frequently dumped on Duke Forest Road (SR 1716) and Eubanks Road (SR 1727) and other scattered locations.