1. Uwharrie National Forest Trail Strategy September 18, 2014

2. 50,814 acres in the North Carolina Piedmont Within a two hour drive of Six million people 2

3. Who uses the Uwharrie? Recreation  Hiking trails  Mountain Bike Trails  Off-highway Vehicle Trails  Equestrian Trails  Camping  Gold Panning  Fishing  Boating/Kayaking  Hunting (turkey and deer biggest seasons)  Orienteering  Geocache

4. Horseback Riding 4 Hiking Off-roading Mountain Biking

5. Other activities on the forest Timber production Prescribed fire Special uses  Military training  Sport events (runs, triathlons, races)  Research  Weddings Firewood collection permits

6. Uwharrie Land and Resource Management Plan Signed in 2012, sets the course for next 15 years Established three themes for the forest  Restore the forest to a more natural ecological condition  Better manage cultural resources  Provide outstanding and environmentally friendly outdoor recreation opportunities Directs the forest toward designated trail system Targets non-native invasive species for control

7. Why Designated Trails? Resource protection  Protected species  Heritage resources  Water quality Create sustainable trails that we can maintain Improved experience for visitor Limited funds available for maintenance

8. Endangered/Locally Rare Species Protection Schweinitz’s Sunflower Georgia Aster Smooth sunflower Courtesy of LTCNC www.cals.ncsu.edu

9. Heritage Resource Protection Prehistoric Sites Historic Sites

10. Badin Recreation Area Trails

12. The Good

13. The Bad

14. The Ugly

15. Better Trails = Better Experience Improved signage Improved access Reduce rider confusion Improved water quality, less erosion Resource protection Reduce trail use conflicts

16. Courtesy of LTCNC