To the Editor:

I cannot believe that Smoky Mountain News gave a kayak lobbyist from Montana five quotes in a local story while Doug O’Dell, an active member of many local conservation groups, gets a single line. (“Will the Upper Tuck ever run?” Oct. 1, Smoky Mountain News)

The entire FERC proposal for the Tuckasegee has been a farce since the start; a kayak lobby member sat on the FERC committee and gave the kayakers everything they demanded (including the dam).

Opening the West Fork is another disaster waiting to happen, as under-skilled kayakers attempt to navigate through the numerous trees flooded on that narrow stream. Just look at the recently opened Cheoah where the rescue crews have been called as often as they have had water releases over the past two years. Add the danger of hikers unaware of the releases and the risk is staggering. Who will pays for these new rescue efforts? Jackson County taxpayers and the time and safety of our rescue squad volunteers, that’s who will pay.

The claimed additional revenues from kayakers does not offset the many hikers that will not be able to hike up to Three Falls or the anglers that can’t fish the West Fork during high waters. Again, this is a loss in revenues and opportunities for the county, not an increase.

Finally, the kayak releases reduce the amount of electricity (loss of water) that can be generated by the Glenville hydroelectric facility by about 3 percent per year. Who pays for that? The electricity customers in the form of rate hikes, and the environment with more coal burning plants. The cost to electric customers is over $1,000 per paddler just in the loss of electricity generated.

How much will kayakers pay for all this? Nothing, not even an in-state fishing license. The county may see more McDonald burgers sold on that day or possibly some DUI and speeding revenues. Is this the type of revenues we need in the county?

Why does The Smoky Mountain News continue to print the ridiculous false claims of the kayak lobby at the expense of the county budget, the environment and the angler/hikers who currently enjoy the West Fork.

Mike Bamford

Cashiers