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' Attachment <br /> This statement was prepared for the Joint Planning Area Hearing on June 29, 1988 <br /> Slightly more than two years ago, Duke University commented on the <br /> Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan, prior• to its adoption. These comments <br /> focused on portions of the plan which could potentially affect the operation <br /> of the Duke Forest as a natural outdoor laboratory. - A section of that <br /> statement may bear repeating at this time. - <br /> Several important forest management criteria should <br /> be taken into consideration in the planning process. <br /> • <br /> Teaching, research, and demonstration require both <br /> undisturbed areas of vegetation and areas that are <br /> • <br /> actively managed to provide a diversity of stand types and <br /> conditions. Increasing development around the Forest, <br /> greater traffic flow on roads beside it, and recreational • <br /> pressures including foot traffic, horseback riding, and <br /> the intrusion of motorcycles and four-Wheel drive vehicles <br /> make our management job increasingly complex. Not only is <br /> it difficult to protect sensitive areas of vegetation and <br /> expensive scientific equipment, but there may also be <br /> adverse public reaction to management activities. These <br /> activities include timber harvesting, site preparation, <br /> and prescribed burning, each of which is an integral part <br /> . of the Forest's operations. . <br /> Duke University appreciates the consideration given by all governmental <br /> • <br /> agencies for the sensitivity of the Duke Forest as an academic resource. and. - <br /> recognizes the difficult task of meeting the pressures for development and <br /> allowing for planned growth throughout the county. It is obvious that the <br /> Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the Orange County governments have each given <br /> careful consideration to the Duke Forest in this regard. <br /> Given the developmental pressures Which exist today, and undoubtedly <br /> will increase in the future, The Rural Buffer designation seems to <br /> - incorporate criteria Which can reasonably protect teaching and research <br /> interests of the Duke Forest. The stability and permanence of any adopted <br /> buffer surrounding the Forest is of utmost importance. Changes in the . <br /> current Rural Buffer boundaries, which would permit more dense development <br /> near the Forest, or extensions of water, sewer, and roads through it. would <br /> likely compromise its use as an outdoor laboratory. • <br /> • <br />