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MANAGEMENT ZONING
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

301 | 20002
DSC | JAN 87 U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service




Visitor Access--US 27
Proposed Plan No-Action Alternative Alternative 1

Action Establish US 27 as Maintain existing Restore US 27 align-
part of park tour conditions. ment to its historical
route; reduce speed appearance.

limit to 25-30 mph;
prohibit commercial
traffic; designate

bike lanes.

Impacts

Cultural The reduced speed The existing road Restoration of road

Resources limit and the absence corridor would con- to its historical ap-
of commercial traffic tinue to intrude on pearance would have
would reduce noise the historical scene. 2 positive effect on
and visual intrusion the park scene.
of traffic.

Natural No additional effects. No additional effects. Restoration activities

Resources would temporarily dis-

turb natural resources,
but this would be
offset by restoring
more natural condi-
tions along the road.

Socioeconomic Slower speed limits No additional effects. | US 27 would no longer

Environment could impede commuter be available as a
traffic; commercial thoroughfare.
traffic would have to
seek alternative routes.

Visilor Use and Removal of commercial Existing visitor/ Restoring US 27 to

Experience traffic would eliminate commuter/commercial its historical ap-
certain problems and traffic conflicts would pearance would have
intrusions; conflicts remain. @ maximum positive
with commuter traffic impact on visitor
would be reduced; use and experience.
interpretion along road
could be improved.

Park Maintaining US 27 as Existing unsafe condi- Same as proposal.

Management a park road would ions and law enforce-
continue concerns ment problems would
about visitor safety. remain.

Costs Long-term maintenance Least cost to NPS. Short-term costs would
costs would be lower be higher; but long-
than at present because term maintenance costs
of decreased traffic. would be lower.

58


Finalize the Historic Vegetation map and initiate action to control exotic
plant species in the park.

Provide improved access on park secondary roads by making surface and
shoulder improvements on 50 percent of these roadways.

Carry out facility improvements to enhance visitors' interpretive
experiences in the park; complete the Lookout Mountain visitor center as

a high priority.

69


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REGION
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Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

301 | 20001
DSC | JAN 86 U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service


Conditions.
Turlsdiction.

Title.
Vol. 25, p. 357.

Condemnation
of lands and
roads,

Name, ete,

Deseription of
condemned
area.

Post, p. 978.

Acreage.

Park and ap-
Proaches to be
under control
of Secretary
of War,

Proceedings in
condemnation.

Vol. 25, p. 357.

Establishment
and marking of
boundaries,

Agreements
with present
land owners to
remain, ete.

Conditions of
occupancy.

Appointment
of park com-
misstoners,
Composition,
ete.. of com-
mission.

Sec. 2. That upon the ceding of jurisdiction by the
legislature of the Btate of Georgia, and the report of the
Attorney-General of the United States that a perfect
title has been secured under the provisions of the act ap-
proved August first, eighteen hundred and eighty-eight,
entitled “An act to authorize condemnation of land for
sites of public buildings, and for other purposes,” the
lands and roads embraced in the area bounded as herein
described, together with the roads described in section
one of this act, are hereby declared to be a national park,
to be known as the Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Park; that is to say, the area inclosed by a line
beginning on the Lafayette or State road, in Georgia, at
a point where the bottom of the ravine next north of the
house known on the field of Chickamauga as the Cloud
House, and being about six hundred yards north of said
house, due east to the Chickamauga River and due west
to the intersection of the Dry Valley road at McFarland’s
Gap; thence along the west side of the Dry Valley and
Crawfish Springs roads to the south side of the road
from Crawfish Springs to Lee and Gordon’s Mills; thence
along the south side of the last named road to Lee and
Gordon’s Mills; thence along the channel of the Chicka-
mauga River to the line forming the northern boundary
of the park, as hereinbefore described, containing seven
thousand six hundred acres, more or less.

Sec. 3 That the said Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Park, and the approaches thereto, shall
under the control of the Secretary of War, and it shall
be his duty, immediately after the passage of this act to
notify the Attorney General of the purpose of the United
States to acquire title to the roads and lands described
in the previous sections of this act under the provisions
of the act of August first, eighteen hundred and eighty-
eight; and the said Secretary, upon receiving notice from
the Attorney-General of the United States that perfect
titles have been secured to the said lands and roads, shall
at once proceed to establish and substantially mark the
boundaries of the said park.

Sec. 4. That the Secretary of War is hereby author-
ized to enter into agreements, upon such nominal terms as
he may prescribe, with such present owners of the land
as may desire to remain upon it, to occupy and cultivate
their present holdings, upon condition that they will pre-
serve the present buildings and roads, and the present
outlines of field and forest, and that they will only cut
trees or underbrush under such regulations as the Secre-
tary may prescribe, and that they will assist in caring for
and protecting all tablets, monuments, or such other arti-
ficial works as may from time to time be erected by
proper authority.

Src. 5. That the affairs of the Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Park shall, subject to the super-
vision and direction of the Secretary of War, be in charge
of three commissioners, each of whom shall have actively
participated in the battle of Chickamauga or one of the
battles about Chattanooga, two to be appointed from civil
life by the Secretary of War, and a third, who shall be
detailed by the Secretary of War from among those offi-
cers of the Army best acquainted with the details of the

64




resources (for example, kite-flying, Frisbee throwing, or spontaneous
pick-up softball, soccer, or volleyball games).

Proposal

The primary goats of protecting the historical and natural values of the
park and of interpreting their significance set the parameters for
appropriate recreational activities (for example, hiking, bird-watching,
jogging, and biking). Because the nationa! military park is the largest
expanse of open space in the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the use of
the park for appropriate recreational activities will continue to enhance
some visitors' experiences. However, the National Park Service will
ensure that the park's historical significance is not overshadowed by
activities that would be better conducted elsewhere.

Nonorganized recreational activities (ball playing, kite flying, Frisbee
throwing, etc.) will be limited to the designated recreation field.
Appropriate organized activities will be allowed only with the approval of
the superintendent, who will issue a special use permit. (Appropriate
organized recreational activities or events are identified as those that
enhance the interpretation of the historical! and cultural values in the
national military park.) Picnicking will be allowed only in designated
areas. Swimming will be prohibited in the rock quarry at the
Chickamauga battlefield.

COMFORT STATIONS

Existing Conditions

Currently, restrooms at the Chickamauga battlefield are located only at
the visitor center, and there is a temporary comfort station near Wilder
Tower. This is inconvenient for many visitors, including senior citizens,
families with young children, or those without vehicles.

Proposal

A permanent comfort station will be constructed on the west side of the
Chickamauga battlefield near the recreation field. The existing portable
comfort station at Wilder Tower will be relocated to the picnic area on
Brotherton Road.

29


Table 5: Alternative Development Costs

Gross Advance
Construction and Project Total
Visitor Center Cost Planning Cost Project Cost
Alternative 1--build new 6,000 sq ft visitor center on
new site $2,194,250 $418, 750 $2,613,000
Alternative 2--lease space outside park boundaries *
U.S. Highway 27
Alternative 1--restore present alignment to its 1863
appearance 681,200 130,000 811,200

*Depends on market rate at time action would be initiated.

54


Another use of the park logo (decals or very small label signs) will be to
identify isolated monuments and cannon that are part of the park and that
mark battle events throughout the Chattanooga area. Such identification
will help increase public awareness of the park and may help reduce
vandalism of some features.

INTERPRETATION

Existing Conditions

The visitor center at Chickamauga serves as the primary visitor contact
point and park administrative headquarters. The visitor center building,
however, is too small, and the floor plan does not accommodate all the
functions assigned to the building. Staff must pass through visitor areas
to walk from one office to another, there is insufficient space for the
park library and collections/archives storage, and the information desk
and publication sales area is extremely crowded. The park's audiovisual
program is shown in a cramped, unattractive space that is inconveniently
Jocated on the second floor. Exhibits are old and ineffective, and the
floor plan focuses visitor attention on exhibits that, while interesting in
themselves, are not central to understanding the park.

Three types of on-site interpretation are offered at the Chickamauga
visitor center--a booklet, a cassette tape, and wayside exhibits. Visitors
may purchase a booklet that tells about the critical events of the battle
on September 20 and that is keyed to eight pullouts along the park's main
tour route. Alternatively a cassette tape can be purchased or rented,
along with a player, at the visitor center. The tape presents much of
the same information as the booklet, but it directs visitors around an
additional loop to sites associated with the first day of battle. Wayside
exhibits along the tour route atso present bits and pieces of the
battlefield story. Although the booklet and tape tours work quite well
and are enjoyed by visitors, some actions would clarify the story,
simplify the route, and reduce traffic conflicts at crossings and
intersections of US 27 (at least until the highway bypass has been
completed).

The booklet also provides some interpretation of the primary Chattanooga
units--Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, and Signal
Point. The most comprehensive interpretation of the Battle of
Chattanooga, however, is offered at Confederama, the privately operated
tourist attraction outside the park.

At Lookout Mountain visitors may tour the reconstructed Cravens house
and visit Point Park, where a new visitor center has been recently
opened. The Ochs Museum, also at Point Park, contains some small
exhibits related to the battle. An extensive trail system on the west side
of the mountain offers visitors an opportunity to view the unit's natural
environment. :

25


Visitor Use--Recreational Activities

Proposed Plan No-Action Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2
Action Limit nonorganized Same as proposal. Control organized and Prohibit all recrea~

recreational activities nonorganized recrea- tional activities

to the designated rec- tional activities by within the park.

reation field; allow restricting them to

organized activities one designated area

only with superinten- out of visitors' view.

dent's approval and
special use permit.

impacts

Cultural The present effects of Same as proposal Less effect than Any effects on

Resources recreational activities proposal. cultural resources
within a historic area would be ended.
would be continued.

Natural Natural resources in Same as proposal Same as proposal Natural resources

Resources one area would contin- in former activity
ue to be managed to areas would be
accommodate receational managed to enhance
activities and not to the historical scene.
enhance the historical
scene

Socioeconomic Local residents could Same as proposal Same as proposal Local residents would

Environment continue to pursue have to pursue certain
recreational activities recreational activities
in the park. outside the park.

Visitor Use and The visitor experience Same as proposal. Visitors would not be The prohibition of

Experience for those interested in aware of recreational recreational activities
the historical aspects of activities, and their would greatly enhance
the park would continue park experience would the experience for
to be interrupted by not be infringed on. visitors interested in
recreational activities. the historical aspects

of the park.

Park Management A considerable amount Same as proposal. Same as proposal. Rangers would have
of time would continue to spend consider-
to be expended by able time enforcing
NPS rangers to enforce policy.
existing policy

Costs Present enforcement Same as proposal. Same as proposal. Enforcement costs
costs would continue. would be higher

than at present.

57


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APPENDIX E: THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

ENDANGERED SPLCIES FIELD STATION
1 OTIS STREET, ROOM 224
~ ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28801

February 12, 1986

IN REPLY REFER TO
LOG NO. 4-2-86-242

Mr. Kenneth Raithel, Jr.
National Park Service ~
Denver Service Center
P. 0. Box 25287

Denver, Colorado 80225

Dear Mr. Raithel:

Your January 30, 1986, letter regarding the proposed improvements to
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Hamilton County,
Tennessee, was received February 3, 1986. We have reviewed the project as
requested with regard to endangered and threatened species.

The attached page describes the federally listed endangered (E) and/or
threatened (T) and/or species proposed for listing as endangered (PE) or
threatened (PT) which may occur in the area of influence of this action.

The legal responsibilities of a Federal agency under Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) were detailed in material sent to
you previously. If you would like another copy of this material, or if you
have questions, please contact us at 704/259-0321 (FTS 672-0321).

Your concern for endangered species is appreciated, and we look forward to
working with you on endangered species matters in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Roeser)

Robert R. Currie
Acting Field Supervisor
Ce:
Mr. Bob Hatcher, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN
Mr. Dan Eager, Program Administrator, Ecological Services Division, Tennessee
Department of Conservation, 701 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37219
Field Supervisor, ES, FWS, Cookeville, TN

77


Access and Parking 30
Chickamauga Visitor Center 30
Existing Conditions 30
Proposal 32
Missionary Ridge 32
Existing Conditions 32
Proposal 32
Lookout Mountain 33
Secondary Roads 33
Existing Conditions 33
Proposal 37

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 38
Cultural Resources 38
Markers and Monuments 38
Existing Conditions 38
Proposal 38
Archeological Resources--Tennessee Units 38
Existing Conditions 38
Proposal 38
Natural Resources 39
Existing Conditions 39
Proposal 39

LAND PROTECTION 40

Stringers Ridge 40
Existing Conditions 40
Proposal 40

Landscape Management 41
Existing Conditions 41
Proposal 41

Visual Intrusions 42
Existing Conditions 42
Proposal 42

Boundary Surveys and Plat Maps 42
Existing Conditions 42
Proposal 43

PARK OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 44
Law Enforcement within the Tennessee Units of the Park
Existing Conditions 44
Proposal 44
Operations and Maintenance Center 44
Existing Conditions 44
Proposal 44
Staffing 46

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 47

vi

44


The sentence, "The correct location for each marker/monument will
be determined and maintained in accordance with resource
management policies and historic documentation," is added as the
last sentence, third paragraph, on page 38.

"A total" is changed to "extensive" in the first sentence, fourth
paragraph, on page 38.

On page 60, the last paragraph, first sentence, "in its existing
state," is changed to “as an historic landscape."

SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The visitor center addition and expansion of the maintenance area
will be a visual intrusion on the historic scene; however, the
architectural design will be compatible with the existing scene.
Development will disturb a total of 1.5 acres. During the
preparation of preliminary plans, qualified archeologists will be
contacted for determination of possible effects on archeological
resources. If such examination indicates that significant
cultural resources will be affected, and preservation in place is
not feasible, an archeological data. recovery program will be
implemented prior to construction.

Under the proposal for recreational activities, visitor use and
interpretation, the effects of current recreational activities
within the historic park will continue; however, management
strategies may be implemented to reduce the impact on the
historic scene.

Consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
and the Georgia and Tennessee State Historic Preservation
Officers under the 1981 Amendment to the 1979 Programmatic
Memorandum of Agreement in compliance with Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 has been ongoing
throughout this planning effort. Compliance has been completed.

In accordance with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, no
development will be in or adversely affect the floodplain or
wetlands.

No prime or unique farmlands as defined by the Department of
Agriculture will be affected by this plan.

In accordance with the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and
Wildlife Service was consulted and there are no known Federally
listed endangered or threatened species or critical habitat which
will be affected by proposals of the GMP/DCP. As recommended by
the State of Georgia, however, an on-the-ground survey for rare
species typical of Cedar Glades habitat will be completed prior
“to construction of the visitor center.


The visitor center entrance and exit are on US 27, and traffic conflicts
occur because of left turns into the visitor center. The proximity of the
entrance and exit to the signalized intersection intensifies the problem.

Proposal. Conflicts at the visitor center will be reduced by rerouting the
existing entrance and exit traffic. Access from the south on US 27 will
be facilitated by providing a left-turn lane for vehicles entering the
visitor center to prevent traffic from backing-up. Access will also be
provided from the parking areas north to McFarland Gap Road (see the
Development Concept Plan map). This will reduce the need for left turns
onto US 27 and will improve the route for the existing tape tour (see the
1986 "Traffic Engineering Safety Improvement Study").

It is anticipated that expanding the visitor services at the proposed
visitor center addition (for example, additional exhibits and the
orientation film) will increase visitor stays at that facility. Therefore, a
new 50-car parking area will be constructed behind the addition when a
need for it has been clearly demonstrated.

Missionary Ridge

Existing Conditions. Missionary Ridge is east of the Chattanooga
metropolitan area, and where slopes allow, residential neighborhoods cover
the top and sides of the ridge. The steep slopes and narrow width of
the ridge limit access to a single main road along the top of the ridge.
Within the residential neighborhood along this main access road (Crest
Road) are several NPS sites ranging in size from a single monument,
marker, or cannon to 50 acres.

Although the park sites blend with the surrounding neighborhoods as
small urban parks, their location along the narrow winding road creates
parking and access problems for visitors. Crest Road has few areas
where there is enough shoulder width to.park a car, and these areas are
often crowded with vehicles. Entrance and exit from these informal
parking areas is hazardous because of limited sight distances caused by
steep slopes and sharp curves.

Although the parking capacity needs to be increased, the land base is not
sufficient. The Ohio, Bragg, and Sherman reservations are large enough
to accommodate some parking. The Sherman and Bragg reservations both
have some existing informal parking areas, and parking at both areas
could be expanded off Crest Road. The Turchin and DeLong reservations
are relatively small, although there is now parking for two cars at
DeLong. Other areas, such as the lowa and _ illinois reservations, are
very small pieces of land within intersections or on corners, and there is
no potential to provide parking.

Proposal. The reservations along Crest Road are spread along a 4-mile

distance. Therefore, several small parking areas are more appropriate
_ than a single, centralized parking area.

32


APPENDIX A: — LEGISLATION

An Act To establish a national military park at the battle-field
of Chickamauga, approved August 19, 1890 (26 Stat. 333)

Be tt enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress as-
sembled, That for the purpose of preserving and suitably
marking for historical and professional military study
the fields of some of the most remarkable maneuvers and
most brilliant fighting in the war of the rebellion, and
upon the ceding of jurisdiction to the United States by
the States of Tennessee and Georgia, respectively, and the
report of the Attorney General of the United States that
the title to the lands thus ceded is perfect, the following
described highways in those States are hereby declared to
be approaches to and parts of the Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park as established by
the second section of this act, to wit: First. The Mis-
sionary Ridge Crest road from Sherman Heights at the
north end of Missionary Ridge, in Tennessee, where the
said road enters upon the ground occupied by the Army
of the Tennessee under Major-General William T. Sher-
man, in the military operations of November twenty-
fourth and twenty-fifth, eighteen hundred and sixty-
three; thence along said road through the positions oc-
cupied by the army of General Braxton Bragg on No-
vember twenty-fifth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three,
and which were assaulted by the Army of the Cumber-
land under Major-General George H. Thomas on that
date, to where the said road crosses the southern boundary
of the State of Tennessee, near Rossville Gap, Georgia,
upon the ground occupied by the troops of Major-General
Joseph Hooker, from the Army of the Potomac, and
thence in the State of Georgia to the junction of said
road with the Chattanooga and Lafayette or State road
at Rossville Gap; second, the Lafayette or State road
from Rossville, Georgia, to Lee and Gordon’s Mills,
Georgia; third, the road from Lee and Gordon’s Mills,
Georgia, to Crawfish Springs, Georgia; fourth, the road
from Crawfish Springs, Georgia, to the crossing of the
Chickamauga at Glass’ Mills, Georgia; fifth, the Dry
Valley road from Rossville, Georgia, to the southern
limits of McFarland’s Gap in Missionary Ridge; sixth,
the Dry Valley and Crawfish Springs road from McFar-
land’s Gap to the intersection of the road from Crawfish
Springs to Lee and Gordon’s Mills; seventh, the road
from Ringold, Georgia, to Reed’s Bridge on the Chick-
amauga River; eighth, the roads from the crossing of
Lookout Creek across the northern slope of Lookout
Mountain and thence to the old Summertown Road and
to the valley on the east slope of the said mountain, and
thence by the route of General Joseph Hooker's troops
to Rossville, Georgia, and each and all of these herein
described roads shall, after the passage of this act, re-
main open as free public highways, and all rights of way
now existing through the grounds of the said park and
its approaches shall be continued.

63

Chickamauga,
and Chatta-
nooga National

Purpose.
Conditions.
Jurisdiction.

Title,

Highways
declared ap-
proaches to
and parts of
park,

Deseription of
roads.

‘To remain free
ublic
Ighways,
Righta of

way.


a better directional/locator method for these sites. A separate
minifolder for these sites and additional road directional signs
were suggested.

A shuttle tour to these areas was suggested as an alternative
by 8 percent.

Eight percent felt present management met the need.
Eight percent made no reply.

The development of a regional visitor center was suggested by

4 percent.
5. Currently, certain developments within and outside the park
boundaries intrude on visitor enjoyment and understanding of the
park and its resources. Examples include overhead powerlines,

advertising signs, and residential and commercial developments.
What would you do to minimize the existing visual intrusions, as well
as avoid future ones?

Two-thirds of the respondents (67 percent) concluded that
development around the perimeter of the park can oniy be
controlled by establishing a cooperative relationship with local
governments and landowners. Most indicated zoning or
ordinances were needed to protect the park. Where zoning or
ordinances cannot be secured, landscaping practices may be a
practical alternative.

Sixteen percent directly referred to utility lines through the
park. It was agreed that all utility lines should be buried
along the right-of-way.

"Intrusions" did not adversely affect the park in the opinions
of 13 percent, and they suggested that management efforts be
concentrated on improving and protecting the interior of the
park.

Four percent made no comment.
6 How should the National Park Service manage the landscape

within the Chickamauga battlefield unit, considering the significance
of the historical scene?

Half of the respondents stated that the key to management of
the historical scene is to maintain and to return, where
necessary, the park to its 1863 appearance.

One-fourth concluded that present NPS management practices
were adequate.

72


general management plan D-28A
development concept plan

environmental assessment
w/ Fons) #/88

{CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA

NATIONAL MILITARY PARK - GEORGIA/TENNESSEE


Comments from 22 individuals were received concerning Highway 27
closure and/or reduction in the speed limit. On page 30, the
first and second sentences of the fourth paragraph are changed to
read: The former US 27 will remain open, but speed limits will be
reduced to 25 - 35 mph, and commercial traffic will be prohibited
as guided by conditions after the relocation of US 27. The
roadway will be reduced to a width comparable to that of other
park tour roads and a 6- to 8-foot wide bike lane will be
incorporated into the existing roadway prism in accordance with
safety standards, visitor use and the amount of traffic.

Review comments from the Georgia State Department of

‘ Transportation requested that the widening of U.S. 27 through the
park be considered as an alternative solution to the relocation
of U.S..27. The U.S. 27 relocation issue was considered
primarily a State transportation issue and not an issue of the
Park Service GMP/DCP. Its relocation outside the park was a
given condition of the GMP/DCP for resolution as a project apart
from the GMP/DCP. Public Law 100-211, dated December 24, 1987,
is enclosed which authorizes the State Department of
Transportation to construct a by-pass road generally outside of
the park. This public law is to be part of Appendix A,
Legislation, in the GMP/DCP/EA.

Several concerns were expressed regarding acceptable visitor uses
in the historic park and preservation of the historic scene. The
plan establishes a primary goal of protecting historical values
of the park and introduces management concepts (page 29,
paragraph two) to reduce the impacts of recreational use in the
historic setting. The programs evolving from the GMP/DCP will be
phased and adjusted so that local communities can respond to
their recreational needs. The GMP/DCP gives adequate general
direction for the management of recreation in the historic
setting.

Comments were received requesting a program which would return
the landscape to the historic scene. Maintenance of the historic
scene is already established as part of the park operations
program and the last paragraph on page 41 will give further
guidance.

On page 27, paragraph 2, the first sentence is revised as
follows: "All park collections are inventoried and cataloged
according to policy guidelines; however, it is difficult to
determine which collections should be stored and curated...."
The phrase "by the park staff" should be struck from the last
sentence.

The sentence, “Over 1,400 monuments and markers and 250 cannons
are maintained as part of an extensive cyclic maintenance
program," is added as the first sentence of the second paragraph
on page 38.



Chickamauga National Battlefield

US Highway 27

Cedar glade



United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

ENDANGERED SPECIES FIELD STATION
2747 ART MUSEUM DRIVE
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32207

February 13, 1986

MEMORANDUM

To: Assistant Manager, Eastern Team, National Park Service,
Denver, Colorado

Subject: Threatened and Endangered Species List for Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park.

From: Field Supervisor, Endangered Species Field Station,
Jacksonville, Florida

This responds to your memorandum of January 30, 1986, requesting a
list of federally threatened and endangered species. We have assigned
Log No. 4-1-86-144 to this project ad we would appreciate it if you
would refer to this number in future correspondence.

Based on the information provided, the project is within the range of
the following federally listed threatened and endangered species:

Common name Scientific name Status

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus E

Red cockaded woodpecker Picoides (Dendrocopos) E
borealis

Indiana bat Myotis sodalis E

Gray bat hyotis irisescens E

Green pitcher plant arracenia oreophila E

There are no critical habitats found within this project area.

Scutellaria montana, large-flowered skullcap, is proposed for
isting as endangered. It occurs on private land in Walker County,
Georgia.

In addition to these listed species, there are several plant species
which, although not listed or officially proposed for listing as
endangered or threatened, are of special concern to the Service and
may be listed under the Endangered Species Act and the biological
assessment requirements do not apply to them. However, we would
appreciate any efforts you might make to avoid adversely impacting
them.

79


Provide parking on Missionary Ridge.
Add the Moccasin Bend Civil War sites to the park.

Initiate a user fee at the park.

Acquire tand adjacent: to the park that is historically significant.

Add more field personnel to assist visitors.

74




PARK OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LAW_ENFORCEMENT WITHIN THE TENNESSEE UNITS OF THE PARK

Existing Conditions

Law enforcement, particularly resource protection, within the unstaffed
Tennessee units of the park is not commensurate with that provided at
the Chickamauga battlefield unit in Georgia or the portion of the Lookout
Mountain unit in Tennessee. The primary reasons are limited staff and
the distances between the staffed and unstaffed units. The problem is
compounded by the absence of concurrent jurisdiction authority between
the National Park Service and the state of Tennessee. Although
metropolitan Chattanooga law enforcement agencies have traditionally been
quick to inform park officials of situations requiring attention, the lack of
concurrent jurisdiction authority means these agencies are powerless to
exercise police powers within the boundaries of the national military park.
As a result, significant park resources are sometimes damaged or
destroyed.

Proposal \

Present federal budgetary constraints prectude any major increases in the
park's budget to hire additional staff to provide a full-time NPS presence
within all park units. Therefore, the National Park Service will work
with the state of Tennessee to have legislation passed to establish
concurrent jurisdiction for law enforcement. Because this is a lengthy
legislative process, the National Park Service will continue to work in the
meantime with the Chattanooga metropolitan law enforcement agencies on
an informal basis to protect park resources.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE CENTER

Existing Conditions

The park's primary operations and maintenance center, which is west of
US 27 and north of Dyer Road within the Chickamauga battlefield unit, is
out of view of park visitors. Included in this area are the maintenance
center, large artifact storage rooms, interpreters’ work area, and ranger
offices. The existing complex is too small for present or future office
functions and maintenance equipment storage. The lack of parking causes
congestion near the existing entrance gate.

Proposal

To accommodate existing and future needs at the operations center, two
small additions will be constructed on either side of the easternmost
garage bay. Space will be provided for four more garage bays (minimum

44


Table H-2: Recommended Road Classification 4
Route Proposed Proposed  )
Number Road Name Desired Visitor Experience ADT Class*_ Width (ft) Surface _ Comments
010 McFarland-Reeds Major intracity road 6,000 1 22 paved
Bridge Road
011 US 27 Tour route/main access to 12,900 t 25 paved Reduce speed; prohibit commercial
battlefield resource traffic; add bike lane
012 Visitor center access Retain for aesthetics/special 1,080 ut 19 paved Close north end; realign south end
occasion use as major entrance
013 Alexanders Bridge Tour route 350 " 22 paved Do not restripe except at major
Road intersections
100 days Mil! Road Retain historic character/ 720 a 18 paved Do not stripe; retain existing
tour route bridge
101 Dyer Road Retain historic character/ 720 ul 18 paved Do not stripe
access to maintenance area
102 Brotherton Road Retain historic character/ 120 m1 18 paved Do not stripe
tour route
103 Alexander-Viniard Retain historic character 720 m 1B paved
Road
104 Vittatoe Road 720 vl 2 gravel Retain as is
105 Chickamauga-Vittatoe Minor park entrance 400 u a paved
Road
106 Sanders Road Retain parklike character 213 u 20 paved
107 Cravens Terrace 127 VI 18 paved
Road
108 Elenore Street Access to Cravens house 127 Mw 18 paved Improve orientation signing
109 South Carolina Road Access to Cravens house 127 Mme. 18 gravel Possible expansion for parking
110 Old Park Military Access to Bragg reservation 127 m 2 paved Make one-way and use existing
Road paving for parking
m1 Sherman Reservation Access to Sherman 127 mt 16 paved Widen cul-de-sac to allow for
Road reservation parking
12 Snodgrass Road Access to Snodgrass Hill 127 ut 20 paved
200 Picnic area access 360 a 20 paved
201 Sanders picnic area Retain parklike character 85 a 16 paved
access
202 Signal Point Access to overlook 85 mu 18 paved Improve orientation signing
400 Mullis-Vittatoe Road No vehicular access 4 vl 22 gravel Retain as trail
abt Mullis Road No vehicular access 4 vi 1 gravel Retain as trail
402 Residential access Not intended for park 20 v 18 paved r
road visitors
403 Quarry Road No vehicular access vi 9 gravel
404 Snodgrass access No vehicular access 4 vi 20 gravel Retain as trail
road
405 Savannah Road No vehicular access 4 vt 20 gravel Retain as trail
406 South Post Road No vehicular access 4 vI 7 gravel Retain as trail
407 Savannah service Access to Dyer Field/ 4 m1 8 gravel
road monuments
408 South Carolina No vehicular access 20 vi 13 gravel
Monument Road
409 Dalton Ford Road No vehicutar access 4 vl 8 gravel Retain as trail
410 Thedford Ford Road No vehicular access 1 vi 19 gravel Retain as trail
aut Point Park access Access to parking area a2 Ww n paved Retain as one-way
road
500 Glenn-Kelly Road Retain historic character 470 Ww 18 paved Retain as one-way
501 Battleline Road Retain historic character 960 mI 15 paved
502 Poe Road Retain historic character 960 mI 15 paved
503 Glenn-Viniard Road Retain historic character 960 nm 15 paved
*Park Road Classification:
Class Class V: Administrative Access Road--A road intended for access

Principal Park Road--A road that constitutes a main

access route, tour route, or thoroughfare for park visitors.

Class II:

Connector Park Road--A road that provides access

to administrative developments or structures.

Class VI:

to an area of scenic, scientific, recreational, or cultural interest.

Class 11:

Special Purpose Park Road--A road that provides

circulation within public use areas; designed for low-speed

traffic and one-way circulation.

86

Restricted Road--A road normally closed to the public.


battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, who shall act
as Secretary of the Commission. The said commission-
ers and Secretary shall have an office in the War Depar
ment building, and while on actual duty shall be paid
such compensation, out of the appropriation provided in
this act, as the Secretary of War shall deem reasonable
and just.

Sec. 6 That it shall be the duty of the commissioners
named in the preceding section, under the direction of
the Secretary of War, to superintend the opening of such
roads as may be necessary to the purposes of the park,
and the repair of the roads of the same, and to ascertain
and definitely mark the lines of battle of all troops en-
gaged in the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga,
so far as the same shall fall within the lines of the park
as defined in the previous sections of this act, and, for
the purpose of assisting them in their duties and in ascer-
taining these lines, the Secretary of War shall have
authority to employ, at such compensation as he may
deem reasonable and just, to be paid out of the appropri-
ation made by this act, some person recognized as well
informed in regard to the details of the battles of Chicka-
mauga and Chattanooga, and who shall have actively
participated in one of those battles, and it shall be the
duty of the Secretary of War from and after the passage
of this act, through the commissioners, and their assist-
ant in historical work, and under the act approved
August first, eighteen hundred and eighty-eight, regulat-
ing the condemnation of land for public uses, to proceed
with the preliminary work of establishing the park and
its approaches as the same are defined in this act, and
the expenses thus incurred shall be paid out of the appro-
priation provided by this act.

Sec. 7. That it shall be the duty of the commissioners,
acting under the direction of the Secretary of War, to as-
certain and substantially mark the locations of the regu-
lar troops, both infantry and artillery, within the bound-
aries of the park, and to erect monuments upon those
positions as Congress may provide the necessary appro-
priations; and the Secretary of War in the same way may
ascertain and mark all lines of battle within the bound-
aries of the park and erect plain and substantial his-
torical tablets at such points in the vicinity of the Park
and its approachés as he may deem fitting and necessary
to clearly designate positions and movements, which,
although without the limits of the Park, were directly
connected with the battles of Chickamauga and
Chattanooga.

Sec. 8. That it shall be lawful for the authorities of
any State having troops engaged either at Chattanooga
or Chickamauga, and for the officers and directors of the
Chickamauga Memorial Association, a corporation char-
tered under the laws of Georgia, to enter upon the lands
and approaches of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Park for the purpose of ascertaining and mark-
ing the lines of battle of troops engaged therein: Pro-
vided, That before any such lines are permanently desig-
nated the position of the lines and the proposed methods
of marking them by monuments, tablets, or otherwise
shall be submitted to the Secretary of War, and shall first
receive the written approval of the Secretary, which ap-
proval shall be based upon formal written reports, which
must be made to him in each case by the commissioners
of the park.

65

Secretary of
commission,
Office.

Commission-
ers’ coupen-
sation,

Duties of com-
mission,

Employment of
assistant,
expert.
Compensation.

Vol. 25, p. 857.

Preliminary
work of
establishing
park, ete.
Expenses.

Location of
regular troops
‘within park.

‘Monuments,
designating.

Lines of battle,
within,

Erection of
historical
tablets.

Positions and
movements,
without.

Certain States,
ete., may
ascertain and
mark linea of
battle, ete.

Proviso.

Seeretary of
War to lirst
approve lines,
ete,

Written
reports.


Some of the sites and reservations along Missionary Ridge are targe
enough to accommodate parking for a few vehicles; others are accessible
only by foot. On-site interpretation along the ridge is limited to military
markers and monuments.

Markers and signs at Orchard Knob supplement the information in the
tour booklet. At Signal Point wayside exhibits interpret the landscape,
but they do. not relate the site to the rest of the park story.

Proposal

Visitor Centers. A 6,000-square-foot addition will be constructed at the
existing Chickamauga visitor center and administrative headquarters.
Administrative offices, the library, collection and archival storage, and
the Fuller gun collection will remain in the existing building; while
exhibits, the theater, publication sales, the information desk, and visitor
restrooms will be moved to the addition (see appendix F). Interpretation
will emphasize the relationship between the Chickamauga and Chattanooga
battles and their significance to the Civil War. This approach will help
visitors make the most of their park visit and enhance their
understanding of the sites and resources. The park "Interpretive
Prospectus" (approved 1982) will be revised and updated to determine
specific content and media for new exhibits in the visitor center.

The tour route, associated media, and interpretive content will also be
examined in the revised "Interpretive Prospectus." A one-way route that
incorporates two or more loops of various lengths and different levels of
interpretive detail is preferred by the staff because it would offer
visitors tour options. Trails to supplement the auto tour will be
specifically identified in the prospectus, and a new trail guide and
trailhead signing will be developed.

The Lookout Mountain unit's wayside exhibits and Ochs Museum exhibits
will also be evaluated. Media will be developed to help visitors fully
understand the Battle of Chattanooga and its importance to the outcome of
the war.

Wayside Exhibits. A new orientation/interpretation wayside exhibit or
group of exhibits will be installed at the Bragg reservation on Missionary
Ridge. The purposes of the exhibits will be to orient visitors to the
ridge and to explain the primary significance of the ridge to the Battle of
Chattanooga. Specific planning for the exhibits will be included in the
revised "Interpretive Prospectus" and a wayside exhibit plan. A park
ranger/interpreter will be assigned to the Missionary Ridge unit to
provide a more visible NPS presence and to answer visitor questions.
The ranger could also offer talks or tours.

A new wayside exhibit will be planned for Signal Point. tt will be

designed to complement existing exhibits and will explain how the site was
used during the Chattanooga campaign.

26


RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

CULTURAL RESOURCES

For the most part, cultural resource management at Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park is not a critical issue. Because the
entire park is a cultural resource, the NPS staff is acutely aware of the
historical significance of the park and its resource base. Consequently,
virtually all management decisions are carefully weighed against any
potential negative impact they may have on the park's cultural resource
values, and responsible cultural resource management is of paramount
importance in the day-to-day operation of the park. As part of the
planning process, two issues related to technical information have been
identified and are addressed below.

Markers and Monuments

Existing Conditions. Although the park maintains a separate file on each
commemorative marker and monument, not every marker or monument is in
its original location. Several have been relocated by park managers or
have been destroyed or stolen by vandals who sometimes leave them
elsewhere in the park.

Proposal. All park markers and monuments will be surveyed, and their
precise locations noted. Individual marker/monument files will be updated
as needed. A map will be produced showing the location of each marker
and monument.

Archeological Resources--Tennessee Units

Existing Conditions. In conjunction with various studies and proposals
for relocating US 27, the Chickamauga battlefield unit has received a total
archeological survey. The Tennessee units, however, have never been
similarly studied or surveyed, and park managers have an incomplete
parkwide cultural resource data base.

Proposal. Archeological studies and surveys will be undertaken for the
Tennessee units of the park to locate and identify archeological remains,
evaluate their significance, nominate those that qualify for the National
Register of Historic Places, and determine whether they relate to any of
the park's primary or secondary interpretive themes. The survey will
also recommend whether any identified resources should be managed as
interpretive sites, preserved for future scientific study, or allowed to
deteriorate through natural forces. Pending completion of these surveys,
any areas slated for ground-disturbing activity will be intensively

surveyed before construction. If significant archeological resources are
identified, the project will be modified to avoid adverse impacts to the
resource. If avoidance is not possible, appropriate data recovery

procedures will be initiated and completed before construction begins.

38


Proposal

To update the status of lands owned by the Park Service, new boundary
surveys will be completed for Chickamauga battlefield and Missionary
Ridge, and plat maps will be updated for Lookout Mountain. Because this
information is critical to many resource management strategies set forth
elsewhere in this plan, the new surveys and updated plat maps will be a
high priority.

43


NATURAL RESOURCES

Existing Conditions

The natural resources of the park were previously described in the
"Description and Significance of the National Military Park."

Proposal

The park's natural resources will generally be managed to support the
preservation of cultural resources and the interpretation of the Civil War
battles. The forest on the west side of Lookout Mountain will be
maintained in its present natural state. The cedar glades, stratigraphic
flats, and sagponds in the Chickamauga unit will continue to ‘be
protected. The glades support several rare plant species and offer
opportunities for research and interpretation of natural succession. The
sagpond communities will provide opportunities for natural resource
education and research. The quarry pond in the natural environmental
study area is a water source for wildlife during dry seasons, and it will
continue to be managed as such.

39


APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

Manage and protect both historic and natural resources in accordance with
the policy set forth in the 1890 establishment act of the park, the 1916
organic act of the National Park Service, and NPS directives.

Encourage cooperation between local landowners, developers, and the
National Park Service to ensure that development of private lands protects
the park's historic fabric.

Foster an understanding and appreciation of the significance of the
Union/Confederate struggle for the control of Chattanooga and the Battle
of Chickamauga in 1863.

Provide park visitors with the interpretive facilities and programs needed
to understand the impact and significance of the battles of Chickamauga
and Chattanooga.

Encourage environmental education activities that convey an understanding
of the park by exploring the students’ relationship with the historic and
natural resources in an ever-changing, modern environment.

Cooperate with federal, state, and local governmental agencies in
resolving US 27 traffic conflicts that infringe on the protection of park
resources and on the interpretation of the park's historical significance.

Provide those facilities needed by park visitors to enjoy and understand
the significance of both natural and historic resources; ensure these
facilities do not compromise the park's historic resources.

Manage the park's natural resources consistent with its historical values
and interpretive themes.

Preserve and protect the park's historic structures, monuments, and
collections in accordance with legislation, executive order requirements,
and NPS historic preservation policies.

Encourage use of the park for those special events and recreational
activities that are compatible with the purpose and objectives of the park.

SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES

Initiate a monument refurbishing program that will include cleaning 15 to
25 percent of the monuments in the park annually.

68


United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
ENDANGERED SPECIES FIELD STATION
100 OTIS STREET, ROOM 224
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28801
IN REPLY REFER TO
LOG NO. 4-2-86-242

LISTED SPECIES

BIRDS

Bald eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus (E)

PLANTS

Large flowered skullcap - Scutellaria montana (PE)

STATUS REVIEW SPECIES
jew" (SR) species are not legally protected under the Endangered

"Status Revi
Species Act, and are not subject to any of its provisions, including
Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as
endangered/threatened. We are including these species in our response for
the purpose of giving you advance notification. These species may be listed
in the future, at which time they will be protected under the Endangered
Species Act. In the meantime, we would appreciate anything you might do

to avoid impacting them.

PLANTS

False foxglove - Aureolaria patula
Carey's saxifrage - Saxifraga careyana

BIRDS

Bachman's sparrow - Aimophila aestivalis

78



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United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE
‘75 Spring Street, S.W.
mw nerny REreR To: Atlanta, Georgia 30303
PLAN APPROVAL AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN/DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN/
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Georgia and Tennessee

INTRODUCTION

The National Park Service has prepared a General Management Plan/
Development Concept Plan for Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park in Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties, Georgia, and
Hamilton County, Tennessee. The Proposal as well as alternatives
are described in the General Management. Plan/Development Concept.
Plan/Environmental Assessment (GMP/DCP/EA) which was released in
November 1987, .

Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing
the National Environmental Policy Act. This document should be
© attached to the GMP/DCP/Ea.

SUMMARY OF PUBLIC RESPONSE AND REVISIONS TO THE GENERAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN

A total of 50 written comments were received from governmental
agencies, organizations and individuals. Responses from three
organizations recommended expansion of the National Park
Service's responsibilities to include Stringer's Ridge and
Moccasin Bend because of their historical and archeological
significance. Although, as stated in the GMP/DcP, Stringer's
Ridge and Moccasin Bend Played a significant role in the Battle
of Chattanooga, further study indicates that they do not fall
within the primary established park purpose "of preserving and
suitably marking for historical and professional military study

the Civil War. For this reason and those already cited in the
GMP/DCP, there will be no change in the GMP/pcP proposal for the
Park Service to "encourage the owners to respect the historically
significant features of the property with regard to any
subsequent development and use...."



Table 6: Major Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Plan and Alternatives

Visitor Use--Chickamauga Visitor Center/Administrative Facility

Action

Impacts

Cultural
Resources

Natural
Resources

Socioeconomic
Environment

Visitor Use
and Experience

Park Management

Costs

Proposed Plan

No-Action Alternative

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Construct 6,000 sq ft
visitor center addition
next to existing visitor
center/administrative
facility at Chickamauga
battlefield; rehabilitate
existing facility for
administration, library,
and collection storage.

Addition could visually
intrude on historical
scene; however, the
architectural design
would be compatible
with the existing
scene, which has been
previously affected by
existing development
both inside and outside
park boundaries; also
the addition would be
behind the visitor
center.

One acre would be
disturbed for
construct

No additional effect.

A new visitor center
would allow for an
Improved parkwide
interpretive program;
entrance/exit patterns
would be safer.

Visitor center addition
and rehabilitated ad-
ministrative facilities
would provide maximum
flexibility for visitor
services, collection
storage, and adminis-
trative functions; no
additional staffing
would be required.

Least expensive of
Rew construction
aiternatives.

Continue use of exist-
ing visitor center
facility.

No additional effect.

No additional effect.

No additional effect.

inadequate visitor
space would mean
parkwide interpretive
programs would con-
tinue to be less than
desirable; entrance and
exit patterns would re-
main congested and
unsafe.

Visitors and staff
would continue to
have to share same
cramped spaces;
collection storage
facilities would remain
inadequate.

No new costs
incurred.

56

Construct 6,000-sq-ft
visitor center else-
where in park; reha-
bilitate existing facility
for administrative pur-
poses only.

Same as proposal

Two acres would be
disturbed for construc-
tion, including required
parking areas.

No additional effect.

Same as proposal.

Staff functions would
be decentralized.

More costly than
proposal.

Lease space within the
metropolitan area for
visitor center functions;
fehabititate administrative
facility as described in
proposed pian.

No additional effect.

No additional effect.

Depending on location,
leased facility could en-
hance or detract from
focal area; lease payments
would have negligible
effect on local economy.

Same as proposal.

A visitor center off-site
would require more staff;
an additional park unit
would be created; staff
functions would be
decentralized.

Long-term lease expenses
could be more than con-
structing NPS-owned
facility in the park.


structures, although if necessary for interpretive purposes, selected
farmsites that include extant structural remains may be cleared and
remaining features marked in some unobtrusive manner.

VISUAL INTRUSIONS

Existing Conditions

Certain development pressures are occurring outside park boundaries,
and intrusions have affected or may affect historically significant vistas
and viewsheds that are critical to interpreting the park's stories (see
above). For example, a large outdoor advertising sign in Fort Oglethorpe
is visible from Snodgrass Hill, within the Chickamauga battlefield unit. A
potential housing development along the extreme southern boundary of the
same unit could intrude on the present pastoral scene. Existing overhead
powerlines crossing Chickamauga battlefield and directly behind the
Cravens house (Lookout Mountain unit) constitute a major visual intrusion
within the park boundaries.

Proposal

Although some developments can be screened by vegetation, this often
intrudes on the viewshed as much as the original development. In such
instances, the Park Service will continue to live with the intrusion rather
than attempt to screen it.

To deal effectively with existing or potential vista and viewshed
protection problems, the following actions will be implemented in phases.

Wherever real or potential intrusions are identified that could threaten
significant viewsheds, the National Park Service will work with local
owners to individually or collectively eliminate or mitigate these visual
intrusions. Concurrently, the Park Service will begin negotiations with
local officials either to implement adequate zoning regulations, or in those
areas where adequate zoning exists, to ensure that zoning ordinances are
enforced to prevent future intrusions.

With respect to the powerlines crossing Chickamauga battlefield and

adjacent to the Cravens house, the National Park Service will seek
funding to pay for placing the lines underground.

BOUNDARY SURVEYS AND PLAT MAPS

Existing Conditions

Over the years several legislative actions have affected the park's
boundaries (see appendix A). For the Lookout Mountain unit the National
Park Service has unlimited authorization to accept donated parcels of land
within 1 mile of the park's authorized boundary, and several small parcels
have been donated.

42


The hills in the northwest portion of the battlefield have deep soils of
heavy clay content, which support upland hardwood forests--red oak and
hickory are dominant, with some scattered pines. Swales support white
oak, elm, yellow poplar, ash, sweetgum, and hackberry. The rest of the
battlefield is broadly characterized as Chickamauga Valley forest.

One community type of special significance is the cedar glades, which
occupy a significant portion of the eastern half of the battlefield. The
glades occur where limestone strata protrude in outcropping shelves, or
on tow limestone ridges and slopes with thin, azonat soils. These are
believed to be the only cedar glades in a protected location in Georgia.
They are more common in Tennessee and Kentucky, and these glades are
at the southern limit of their occurrence. Several rare, endemic plant
species occur in the glades, and some are protected in the state. Red
cedar is the dominant and characteristic tree species, with chinquapin oak
as codominant.

Another unique community type is the stratigraphic flats along the US
Highway 27 corridor. Water draining from the adjacent hills tends to
stand on the flats, giving the vegetation a patchy, irregular, lowlands
appearance. The flats have a pine/hardwood forest, with assemblages of
ash/elm/hackberry and willow oak occurring in shallow depressions, along
with other lowland hardwoods scattered throughout the flats. This
community has been significantly altered by land use activities and is in
various stages of secondary succession, including a heavy growth of
honeysuckle in the forest understory. The community type may not occur
elsewhere in Georgia.

Sagponds are located throughout the limestone areas of the battlefield.
Formed by a partial collapse of the overburden of a cavity in the
underlying strata, they have no surface drainage, and the decay of
material deposited in the pond is retarded because of a lack of oxygen
and a redox barrier that typically forms on the bottom of the pond.
Sagponds vary in size, shape, and species composition as a result of
water availability and the retention time of the substrate. A unique
sagpond atong the eastern boundary of the battlefield is dominated by
large willow oaks. The deep cushion of willow oak leaves on the floor of
the pond prevents the invasion of herbaceous vegetation during dry
periods. Other sagponds support a mix of hydrophytic or floodplain
plant species.

Chickamauga Valley forest areas with deeper soils support more typical
forest communities. Red oak and hickory mixed with pine dominate gentle
slopes and ridges. White oak and yellow poplar occur throughout the
forested areas, although they are scarce. Several large, overmature
pines--from 70 to 180 years in age--grow on the battlefield.

A mixed floodplain hardwoods community along West Chickamauga Creek
and east of Jays Mill Road contains the largest and possibly the oldest
hardwoods in the park. These include several large red oaks, white
oaks, hickories, sweetgums, and _ hackberries. Scattered pine stands
appear to be primarily the result of old-field succession in areas

16


General Thomas drove the Confederates back to their rifle pits at the
very base of the ridge. On November 24 Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker led
three divisions against the Confederate stronghold on Lookout Mountain.
After a bloody day of fighting, the outnumbered Confederates were forced
to withdraw from the mountain and take up new positions on Missionary
Ridge. At dawn on November 25, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was
ordered to attack the Confederate position on the north end of Missionary
Ridge. General Hooker was ordered to move across Chattanooga Valley
and assault the southern end of the Confederate line near Rossville,
Georgia.

Both attacks failed, and by midafternoon it looked as if the Confederate
army might survive for another day. General Grant ordered General
Thomas and the Army of the Cumberland to move against the Confederate
center on Missionary Ridge and relieve the pressure on Generals Sherman
and Hooker. After taking the rifle pits at the base of the ridge, the
Union Army of the Cumberland stormed the face of the ridge and smashed
the center of the Confederate army. The Union troops pursued the
stricken foe, capturing men, guns, and supplies. Most of Bragg's army,
however, successfully eluded the Union troops, but not before suffering
almost 7,000 casualties. Northern losses in the Battle of Chattanooga
totaled almost 6,000.

Grant's tactics succeeded in freeing the Union army entrenched at
Chattanooga while attaining federal control over the rail center, a move
that set the stage for Sherman's march through Georgia in 1864 and
ultimately the end of the war.

THE PARK

Administrative History

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was established in
1890 to commemorate the Civil War military engagements and to allow
opportunities for future study. Veterans who fought at Chickamauga and
Chattanooga played important roles in determining command positions on
the ground and in raising markers and monuments. The park was
administered by the War Department until 1933, when it came under the
jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Besides its inspirational and commemorative values, the park was and still
is used for military instruction. In 1898 it was designated as a major
assembly point for thousands of regular and volunteer troops mustered
for service in the Spanish-American War. Military use continued into the
20th century, and army instructional facilities were built on the park
grounds during World Wars | and II. Except for World War 11, military
activity was substantially curtailed following transfer of the park to the
National Park Service, although the presence of the regular army post of
Fort Oglethorpe at the north end of the Chickamauga battlefield
influenced the park until 1947. Today, the Army Command General Staff
continues to bring field classes to the park to study the military
strategies used during the battles.

12


VISITOR USE AND INTERPRETATION

PARKWIDE VISITOR ORIENTATION

Existing Conditions

Most visitors to the national military park generally go to the
Chickamauga battlefield first. The dated exhibits at the visitor center,
however, do not orient visitors to the entire park, nor do they relate the
significance of park units to the context of the entire park story. Asa
result, many visitors learn about the events at Chickamauga only and
miss out on the continuation of the story at Lookout Mountain and the
other Chattanooga units.

At some park units, the NPS presence is so inconspicuous that many
visitors are unaware that the site is part of the national military park.
Also information is not always readily available to explain the significance
of each site. Better park orientation and site identification would help
visitors plan a logical and comprehensive park tour.

Proposal

Parkwide orientation will be offered at all park visitor centers and will
convey the following information:

location and primary significance of all park units
suggested route(s) for visiting park units

explanation | of military monuments and markers and how they
supplement park interpretive media

special regulations and safety messages
schedules of all park activities and programs
information about related resources and programs outside the park

The park brochure supplements visitor center orientation, but it will have
to be revised when the tour road or visitor center facilities are changed
(see "Interpretation" section).

The National Park Service will work with local and state highway agencies
to develop a consistent signing system to guide visitors to park units and
to identify the units as part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park. A distinctive sign design, park logo, or color scheme will
be developed for use on park signs so that visitors can more readily find
sites and features.

24


Table 3: Implementation Costs (1987 dollars)

Estimated Development Costs

Visitor Center Complex, Chickamauga Battlefield

Construct visitor center addition (6,000 square feet),
make site modifications; provide furnishings; enlarge
parking area (50 cars) and undertake access road
modifications; and rehabilitate existing visitor center
for administrative purposes

Operations Area

Construct four oversized garage bays (300 square feet
each); construct large artifact storage area (400 square
feet); provide additional office space (100 square feet);
and build gravel parking lot (20 cars)

Missionary Ridge

Provide paved parking area at Ohio reservation
(2,600 square feet); remove/reconstruct stone watl

US Highway 27

Convert present highway to park tour road (3.39 miles)

Park General

Build comfort station; place power lines underground at
Chickamauga battlefield and Cravens house; fabricate
and install directional signs (20); provide identification
markers; and fabricate and instal! new wayside exhibits
(cost not included; to be determined in new wayside
exhibit plan)

Subtotal

Plans and Surveys

Revise "Interpretive Prospectus" and prepare new
wayside exhibit plan

Complete new boundary survey/prepare plat maps

Conduct archeological survey/site evaluation
(Tennessee units)

Prepare collection management pian

Survey commemorative markers

Subtotal

Total

Note: Additional staff positions to implement
park's operations evaluation, which wilt be in

*

Gross
Construction
Cost

Advance
and Project
Planning Costs

Total
Project Costs

$2,325,250 $443,750 $2,769,000
231,870 44,250 276,120
24,890 4,750 29,640
209,600 40,000 249,600
248,900 47,500 296, 400
$3,040,510 $580,250 $3,620,760
$ 25,000

: 125,000
125,000

7,500

ee

$ 282,500

$3,903, 260

*US 27 should be converted immediately after construction of the bypass.

**The survey will be funded through the park's regular operating budget.

48

eneral management plan proposals will be determined in the
iated after the general management plan has been approved.


Care of park,
ete.

Regulations,
ete.

Puntshment
for injury, ete.
to monuments,
ete,

‘Trees, ete.

Exception.

Breast-worke,
ete.
Conviction.

Fine,

Distribution of
fines in
moteties.

low re-
coverable,

Appropriation
for preliminary
work and pay,
ete., of com-
misalon, etc.

Approved dis-
bursements.
Report.

Chickamauga
and Chatta-

nooza,
National Park.
Ante, p. 833.

Proviso.

Reduced area.

Src. 9. That the Secretary of War, subject to the ap-
proval of the President of the United States, shall have
the power to make, and shall make, alt needed regulations
for the care of the park and for the establishment and
marking of the lines of battle and other historical fea-
tures of the park.

Src. 10. That if any person shall willfully destroy,
mutilate, deface, injure, or remove any monument, col-
umn, statues, memorial structure, or work of art that
shall be erected or placed upon the grounds of the park
by lawful authority, or shall willfully destroy or remove
any fence, railing, inclosure, or other work for the pro-
tection or ornament of said park, or any portion thereof,
or shall willfully destroy, cut, hack, bark, break down, or
otherwise injure any tree, bush, or shrubbery that may
be growing upon said park, or shall cut down or fell or
remove any timber, battle relic, tree or trees growing or
being upon such park, except by permission of the Secre-
tary of War, or shall willfully remove or destroy any
breast-works, earth-works, walls, or other defenses or
shelter, on any part thereof, constructed by the armies
formerly engaged in the battles on the lands or ap-
proaches to the park, any person so offending and found
guilty thereof, before any justice of the peace of the coun-
ty in which the offense may be committed, shail for each
and every such offense forfeit and pay a fine, in the dis-
cretion of the justice, according to the aggravation of the
offense, of not less than five nor more than fifty dollars,
one-half to the use of the park and the other half to the
informer, to be enforced and recovered, before such jus-
tice, in like manner as debts of like nature are now by
law recoverable in the several counties where the offense
may be committed.

Sec. 11. That to enable the Secretary of War to begin
to carry out the purposes of this act, including the con-
demnation and purchase of the necessary land, marking
the boundaries of the park, opening or repairing neces-
sary roads, maps and surveys, and the pay and expenses
of the commissioners and their assistant, the sum of one
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, or such por-
tion thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated,
out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appro-
priated, and disbursements under this act shall require
the approval of the Secretary of War, and he shall make
annual report of the same to Congress. (16 U.S.C. § 424
as amended.)

Excerpt from “An Act Making appropriations for sundry civil
expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1892, and for other purposes,” approved March 3, 1891 (26 Stat.
948, 978)

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park: To
enable the Secretary of War to complete the establish-
ment of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Park according to the terms of the act entitled “An act to
establish a national military park at the battle field of
Chickamauga,” approved August nineteenth, eighteen
hundred and ninety, two hundred thousand dollars: Pro-
vided, That the Secretary of War, upon the recommen-
dation of the Chickamauga Park Commissioners, may
confine the limits of the park to such reduced area, within
the bounds fixed by the said act, as may be sufficient for

66

e


Chattanooga National Battlefield

Sherman Reservation

Lookout Mountain

18


APPENDIX G: EXISTING STAFFING LEVELS

Park Manager GS-025-13 - 1
Secretary (Steno), GS-318-05 - 1
Historian, GS-170-11 - 1

ADMINISTRATION

Administrative Officer, GS-341-09 - 1
Administrative Clerks, GS-303-05 - 2

MAINTENANCE
Facility Manager, GS~-1640-09 - 1

Roads and Trails

Engine Equipment Operator Foreman, WS-5716-07 - 1
Engine Equipment Operator, WG-5716-10 - 1

Engine Equipment Operators, WG 5716-08 - 2

Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-05 - 1

Maintenance Worker, WG-4749-08 - 1

Laborer, WG-3502-03 - 1

Buildings and Utilities

Maintenance Mechanic Foreman, WS-4749-08 - 1
Maintenance Mechanic, WG-4749-09 - 1
Painter, WG-4101 - 1

Carpenter, WG-4607-09 - 1

Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-05 - 1

INTERPRETATION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Supervisory Park Ranger, GS-025-11 - 1
Supervisory Park Rangers, GS-025-07 - 2
Park Rangers, GS-025-05 - 8

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

Park Manager, GS-025-11 - 1

Park Rangers, GS-025-06 - 2

Park Ranger, GS-025-05 - 1
Maintenance Worker, WG-4749-07 - 1
Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-05 - 1

84


ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

ALTERNATIVES 51

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 55
Proposal 55

No Action 55

COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS 60

APPENDIXES/BIBLIOGRAPHY/PLANNING TEAM

APPENDIXES 61

A: Legislation 63

B: Management Objectives 68

C: Summary of Public Response 70

D: Visitor Use Data 75

—: Threatened or Endangered Species 77

F: Design Considerations and Rationale--Proposed Visitor Center Addition,
Chickamauga Battlefield 81 .

G: Existing Staffing Levels 84

H: Road Classification 85

Bibliography 87

Planning Team and Consultants 89

vii


the purposes of the said act, and the acquisition of title
for the United States to such reduced area shall be held
to be a compliance with the terms of said act, and such
title shall be procured by the Secretary of War and
under his direction in accordance with the methods pre-
scribed in sections four, five, and six of the act approved
February twenty-second, eighteen hundred and sixty-
seven, entitled “An act to establish and protect national
cemeteries,” which procurement of title shall be held to
be a compliance with the act establishing the said Park,
and the Secretary of War shall proceed with the estab-
lishment of the park as rapidly as jurisdiction over the
roads of the park and its approaches and title to the sep-
arate parcels of land which compose it may be obtained.
for the United States. (16 U.S.C. § 424 as amended.)

An Act Authorizing the Secretary of War to make
certain uses of national military parks, approved May 14,
1896.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That in order to obtain practical benefits of great
value to the country from the establishment of national
military parks, said parks and their approaches are hereby
declared to be national fields for military maneuvers for the
Regular Army of the United States and the National Guard or
Militia of the States: Provided, That the said parks shall be
opened for such purpose only in the direction of the Secretary
of War, and under such regulations as he may prescribe.

Sec. 2. That the Secretary of War is hereby authorized,
within the limits of appropriations which may from time to
time be available for such purpose, to assemble, at his
discretion, in camp at such season of the year and for such
period as he may designate, at such field of military
maneuvers, such portions of the military instruction there.
The Secretary of War is further authorized to make and
publish regulations governing the assembling of the National
Guard or Militia of the several States upon the maneuvering
grounds, and he may detail instructors from the Regular Army
for such forces during their exercises.

67

Title.

Vol. 14, pp.
400, 401.

Establishment,
jurisdiction,
ete.


A need to protect significant resources was mentioned by 8
percent.

No comment was made by 8 percent.
Four percent indicated a need to plant more vegetation.
Four percent suggested that grassy areas be mowed more

frequently.

7. What would you do to better protect the park's visitors and
resources at detached units such as Orchard Knob, Missionary
Ridge, and Signal Point?

A third of the respondents (34 percent) offered no alternatives.

Twenty-nine percent suggested a neighborhood-watch program
to assist in the protection of these sites.

Scheduling park rangers to work at these sites was
recommended by 29 percent. Providing both interpretation and
protection functions would help protect these sites.

A few respondents (8 percent) said that visitors should be

made more aware of these sites. The increased visitation would
help protect these areas.

In your opinion, what is the most important thing to keep in mind
when planning for the future of Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park?
The one response made by all commenters was the importance of
protecting the significant historic resources found in the park.
Issues that respondents felt had been overlooked and should be
considered in planning included the following:
Expand living history programs.
Interpret Fort Oglethorpe military history.
Limit auto traffic in the park.

Eliminate concerts in the park.

Remove the Sherman reservation building, which has been acquired
by the National Park Service.

73


SUMMARY

This document presents a proposed general management plan and
development concept plan for Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park. The park was established in 1890, and it commemorates
two 1863 battles that were among the turning points in the Civil War.
The proposed plan sets forth basic management strategies that will ensure
the protection of the park's significant cultural resources, will foster a
better visitor understanding of the battles of Chickamauga and
Chattanooga, and will provide facilities meeded by park visitors to
appreciate the park's resources.

The proposed plan recommends a 6,000-square-foot addition to the visitor
center at the Chickamauga battlefield to accommodate present and future
demands for visitor services and administrative functions. Orientation
and interpretive programs will be improved throughout the park. To
protect the historical scene, nonorganized recreational activities will be
restricted to the designated recreation field, and organized activities will
only be permitted with the approval of the superintendent.

Following the completion of the US 27 bypass around the park, the
present US 27 alignment will be established as part of the park tour
route, and the speed limit will be reduced to 25 to 30 miles per hour;
commercial traffic will be prohibited. Access to and parking at the
various units of the park will be improved where possible (particularly at
the Chickamauga battlefield visitor center and Missionary Ridge).

The National Park Service will not seek formal involvement in the
protection of Stringers Ridge; instead the present landowners will be
encouraged to protect the site's historically significant features.
Landscape features within the park will be maintained to complement
interpretive themes. The battlefields will not be restored to their
appearance in 1863, but the landscape at key interpretive sites will be
managed to resemble the appearance at the ‘time of the battles. The
National Park Service will work with landowners and developers to
eliminate visual intrusions or to mitigate their effects. The powerlines at
Chickamauga battlefield and Cravens house will be placed underground to
remove this intrusion on the historical scene.

Besides the proposed plan, a no-action alternative that would continue
present management strategies was considered. In addition, alternatives
for specific actions were examined. The major alternatives other than no
action are summarized below:

Chickamauga battlefield visitor center--Construct a visitor center
elsewhere in the park, or lease a facility within the Chattanooga
metropolitan area. .

Recreational activities--Restrict all activities to one designated area
out of view of visitors, or prohibit all recreational activities in the
park.


recreational uses only to the present recreation field and
prohibiting recreational activities in historically significant
areas.

Twenty-one percent stated that present management was
properly controlling the balance of park uses.

A need to broaden recreational uses in the park was mentioned
by 21 percent. One respondent suggested construction of a
chapel. It was also suggested that an amphitheater be built.

Sixteen percent of the responses were returned with no
comment.

Four percent stated that no recreational activity was
appropriate in the park.

3. In October 1985 the director of the National Park Service
affirmed that US Highway 27 will not be widened to four lanes within
the Chickamauga battlefield unit. Assuming, therefore, that this
decision will require a bypass route around the battlefield, what
should be done with the current US 27 after the bypass has been
constructed?

More than half of the respondents (54 percent) concluded that
the present highway should remain the same and that some
traffic restrictions would be appropriate to enhance its function
as a park road. Suggestions included lower speed limits, speed
bumps, and traffic control signs. Better landscaping along the
roadway and at park entrances was also suggested.

Twenty-two percent indicated that the highway should be closed
to through-traffic and used only for “park” traffic.

Only 8 percent believed that no change should be made to the
present highway.

There was no comment by 8 percent of the respondents.

Four percent said the highway should be returned to a dirt
historic road, except where used for the tour route.

Four percent indicated the road should be used as a walkway.
4. What would you do to make Lookout Mountain, Signal Point,
Missionary Ridge, and the other detached units of the park easier to

locate and more accessible to visitors?

Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of the respondents indicated
that the most significant improvement would come from providing

71


Table F-1: Space Requirements for Chickamauga

Visitor Services (New Building/Addition)

Visitor Center Addition

Area (sq ft

Lobby/sales (80 people @ 12 sq ft/person) 960
Exhibit space (50 people @ 20 sq ft/person) 1,000
Auditorium (100 people @ 10.5 sq ft/person) 1,050
Office/workroom (curatorial space) 350
Publications office/storage 300
Restrooms 800
Interpretive staff (2 offices, 100 sq ft each) 200
Interpretive supplies storage 100
Janitor's storage 25
Subtotal 4,785
Allowance for hallways, HAVC equipment, etc. (plus 25%) 1,196
Total 5,981
Administrative Functions (Existing Building)*
Superintendent 200
Secretary 120
Administrative officer 120
Administrative technicians (2 people) 200
Facility manager 120
Employees’ |unchroom 200
Employees’ restrooms 400
Library (upstairs) 400
Conference room (breezeway) 200
Chief of interpretation and resource management 120
interpretive supervisors (2 people) 200
Historian 120
Computer/ADP equipment (2 stations, 100 sq ft each) 200
Mailroom 50
Storage/office supplies 100
Subtotal 2,750
Allowance for hallways, etc. (plus 25%) 688
Total 3,438

*Based on 120 sq ft for private offices, 100 sq ft for open offices.

82




25' deep x 11'3" wide x 10! high), one additional office, an extra 400
square feet for large artifact storage and interpreters' work area, and
formalized parking for 20 vehicles. Concrete pullout areas will also be
constructed for equipment storage. The parking area will be built
southeast of the operations center (see Development Concept Plan map).

STAFFING

Existing staffing levels for the national military park are shown in
appendix G. Specific staffing requirements to implement this plan will be
evaluated and addressed through the park's operations evaluation, which
will be prepared after the general management plan has been approved.
The approved operations plan will be appended to the final general
management plan. Operating costs are presented in the "Plan
Implementation" section.

46


DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

SIGNIFICANCE

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was established in
1890 "for the purpose of preserving and suitably marking for historical
and professional military study the fields of some of the most remarkable
maneuvers and most brilliant fighting" in the Civil War. The legislation
was the first to authorize the preservation of an American battlefield, and
it laid the basis for the national historical park concept in the United
States. From this concept evolved future national battlefields, memorials,
and monuments. Thus, the legislation establishing this park provided the
cornerstone for the preservation of historic sites throughout the United
States. Moreover, the creation of the park was an enterprise shared in
by veterans of both sides.

Priorities for addressing the themes represented at the park are
established in the "Regionwide Cultural Resources Profile" developed by
the Southeast Regional Office. The themes and their significance to local,
state, and national history are listed in table 1.

REGIONAL AREA

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park contains 17 separate
units (approximately 8,400 acres total) that straddle the Georgia-
Tennessee border. All of the units are within or close to the greater
Chattanooga metropolitan area (see Vicinity map). The largest unit of the
park, Chickamauga battlefield, has 5,283 acres and is in Walker and
Catoosa counties, Georgia. The second largest unit is Lookout Mountain,
containing 2,689 acres, the majority of which are in Hamilton County,
Tennessee. Orchard Knob, Signal Point, and the detached reservations
on Missionary Ridge are also found in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Park
administrative offices are in the community of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The park is situated in the Cumberland Mountains of the southern Blue
Ridge, which extend southwest through Tennessee and Georgia. The
land consists of broad valleys and coves separated by high ridges and
numerous streams. Geologically, the area is a stratified limestone deposit
that is susceptible to erosion. Chickamauga battlefield, Lookout
Mountain, and Missionary Ridge all consist of limestone accumulations that
have eroded through the centuries.

Mean annual precipitation is 52 inches, with an average monthly high of
5.6 inches in March and a low of 3 inches in October. More than 5
inches of rain may fall in each of the three winter months and in July.
The ‘mean annual temperature is 60°F, with the January average low
temperature of 40°F and the July average high temperature of 79°F.
About 75 days a year the temperature is below freezing.


Visitor access roads include several additional roads that have also
retained their historical character, including Jays Mill Road, Brotherton
Road, Viniard-Alexander Road, and Dyer Road. Most of these roads are
two-way, narrow, and have chip-and-seal surfaces. In some locations the
lack of drainage structures has created deep ruts next to the pavement,
resulting in safety hazards. A parked car creates a potential hazard on
these narrow, two-way roads.

Alexanders Bridge Road, McFarland Gap Road, and Reeds Bridge Road
have been widened, striped, and paved with asphalt. McFarland Gap and
Reeds Bridge roads are both heavily used and connect with the
metropolitan area's street network.

Proposal

The historical character of roads within the park will be preserved,
Existing one-way roads will be maintained so as to keep the road width to
a minimum. Roadside parking will be limited to designated areas, which
may be paved. Locations for roadside parking will be selected when the
park's wayside exhibit plan is implemented.

Designated parking areas will minimize “gradual" road widening caused by
indiscriminate parking. Parking should not, however, be located on US
27 or other high-volume roads until the bypass has been completed.
Parking at the Brotherton cabin will be moved from US 27 to Dyer Road.
Dangerous roadside ditches will be partially backfilled to minimize
hazardous dropoffs. Backfill! material wili include compacted gravel and
smaller particles to allow drainage. Roads will not be widened, however,
and ditches will not be paved over. Paving materials will be chosen to
blend with existing surfaces. Additional striping on all park roads will
be avoided.

37


LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Existing Conditions

At the time of the Battle of Chickamauga (September 1863), the battlefield
area was primarily woodland interspersed with pastures, cultivated fields,
and 24 small farms and connecting roads. Heavy fighting during the
battle destroyed or damaged much of the forest, and more land was
subsequently cleared for farming after the war. At the same time,
Lookout Mountain had been mostly clear-cut because the wood was needed
to support the war effort.

When the park was established in 1890, the commissioners wanted to
restore the Chickamauga battlefield to conditions existing at the time of
the battle. In 1901 a topographic map denoting the area's 1863
appearance, as could best be determined from official! records and
accounts of veterans, was prepared by the park's civil engineer. By
1906 all but 100 acres of the Chickamauga battlefield unit had been
restored to their 1863 appearance, but most of this work was
subsequently undone by 1945. No attempt was made to provide similar
treatment to the Lookout Mountain or other units, primarily because the
surrounding areas had been developed for residential use.

Currently, most of the Chickamauga battlefield unit is maintained in
forest. Fifteen separate fields (500 acres total) are mowed to traditional
sizes and shapes. Several old farmsites are overgrown, and the
landscape at many other areas is significantly different from what it was
in September 1863. The other detached units are maintained by mowing.
The west side of the Lookout Mountain unit is heavily forested.

Proposal
Many park units are quite small and are surrounded by residential areas;
consequently, it is not practical to consider historical landscape

management strategies for these units. They include Orchard Knob,
Signal Point, and Missionary Ridge, plus the Point Park and Cravens
house areas of the Lookout Mountain unit. Existing landscape management
will continue at these areas. Similarly, because the primary significance
of the west side of Lookout Mountain is derived from its natural setting,
it will continue to be managed as a forested area.

At Chickamauga battlefield, however, the information gathered for the
historic landscape study (NPS 1984b) will be used to manage the
landscape at key interpretive points (for example, the fight for Snodgrass
Hill, Longstreet's breakthrough, Thomas's line covering the Lafayette
Road, and the struggle for Viniard's farm) to provide visitors with a
feeling for the historical scene. Other key interpretive points will be
defined during revisions to the park's "Interpretive Prospectus." Actions
could include the removal of underbrush, selective pruning or cutting,
reestablishment of trees in small areas, and mowing or cropping of
traditionally open fields. No attempt will be made to rebuild historic

41


APPENDIX C: SUMMARY OF PUBLIC RESPONSE

During August 1986 the park newsletter, The Cannons Roar, was
distributed to the public. The purpose of this first issue was to explain
the general management planning process. A public response form was
included so that readers could review and respond to seven planning
issue questions. The following summary was compiled from the responses.
They were received from readers in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. Only 35 written
responses were received; however, many verbal opinions were expressed
through informal public contacts (for example, visitors or people on the
street), after two television programs, and as a result of speaking
engagements. The issues and the responses are listed below:

1. What would you do in the visitor centers or at the battle sites
to provide the public with a better understanding of the battles of
Chickamauga and Chattanooga?

A third of the respondents stated that additional maps were
needed to more clearly chronicle the battles. This included
interpretive displays and handouts.

A quarter of them referred to the present audiovisual program.
All indicated that a film would be preferable to the current
slide presentation. A statement was made that the program
should focus more clearly on the battle.

Seventeen percent said that the use of additional guided walks
and living history programs would enhance their enjoyment of
the park.

Thirteen percent indicated no change was necessary to improve
present interpretive methods.

Eight percent mentioned the Fuller gun collection, indicating a
need to enlarge the collection. One person suggested that the
collection be moved to another location.

Four percent provided no alternatives.

2. Recognizing that the park is one of the largest expanses of
publicly owned open space in the Chattanooga metropolitan area, but
at the same time realizing that the park is a nationally significant
historic site set aside in memory of those who fought and died there,
how would you provide for a balance between recreational,
educational, and inspirational uses of the park?

More than a third of the respondents (38 percent) indicated

that limitations on recreational uses in the park are needed to
protect the historic resources. Limits included restricting

70


PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park encompasses 17
separate units along the Tennessee-Georgia border. The park
commemorates “some of the most remarkable maneuvers and most brilliant
fighting" in the Civil War (see appendix A). It was the first historical
park established in the United States, and over 1 million visitors each
year come to see the battle sites and to participate in recreational
activities.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The purposes of this General Management Plan / Development Concept
Plan / Environmental Assessment. are to address recently identified issues
and concerns, to meet the park's management objectives (see appendix
B), and to set forth the basic strategies that will guide management,
development, and use of the park for the next five to 10 years.

The “Environmental Assessment" portion of this document describes
alternative strategies that were considered during the planning process.
The environmental consequences of the proposed plan and alternatives are
also analyzed, and actions taken to comply with environmental and historic
preservation laws and regulations are recorded.

In developing the proposed plan and alternatives, the general public was
invited through newsletters to comment about the issues and express any
concerns about the planning effort (see appendix C). The public and
other governmental agencies will be invited to comment on this proposed
plan and assessment. The NPS director of the Southeast Region will then
decide if the proposed plan should be revised to address any new
concerns and will determine whether an environmental impact statement
will be prepared. Once all environmental compliance actions have been
completed, a final general management plan will be approved.

The proposed plan complies with the requirements of the National Parks
and Recreation Act of 1978, which calls for a general management plan to
be prepared for the preservation and use of each unit of the national
park system. This plan has been prepared by an interdisciplinary team,
and it has been developed to meet the needs of the park's managers and
visitors.

PLANNING ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT CONCERNS

Several problems and park needs have been identified during the current
planning effort, and they are addressed in this document:


Construct two
new garage
additions

/ { Existing road

OPERATIONS AREA DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

301 | 20004
DSC | JUN 87 U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service

ON MICROFILM


CONCLUSION

The National Park Service has made a Finding of No Significant
Impact since implementation of the proposal does not constitute a
major Federal action significantly affecting the human
environment and an Environmental Impact Statement will not be

prepared.

Approved: AL BL : Date: G~~/2- SP.
obert M. Baker Uf
Regional Direc

Southeast Region





disturbed during World War Il. These areas provide good cover for
wildlife. Several fields (500 acres total) also provide some wildlife
habitat. They are routinely mowed by a local farmer to maintain a
semblance of the historical appearance. Twenty-two species of plants
found within the park are included on the federal and state lists of
endangered or threatened species, or they are listed as species of special
concern (see appendix E).

Wildlife. Several species of mammals occur in the park, including
white-tailed deer, opossum, swamp and cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels,
and eastern chipmunks. There is habitat in the park for three species of
mammals on the federal and state lists of endangered or threatened
wildlife--the gray bat (Myotis grisenscens), the Indiana bat (Myotis
sodalis), and the eastern cougar (Felis concolor couguar). However,
none of these is known to be in the vicinity of the park.

A total of 149 bird species have been observed. The red-cockaded
woodpecker (Picoides borealis), listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, has been observed in areas of the Chickamauga
battlefield. In 1979 a systematic search located potential habitat areas.
Although no sightings of the bird were reported, a potential nesting site
that conformed to general characteristics of red-cockaded woodpecker
habitat was found in the southwest portion of the battlefield. The
southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and peregrine falcon (Falco
eregrinus) have been observed within the region, but not within the
park (see appendix E).

The park also provides a varied range of habitats for reptiles and
amphibians. Specific habitats of interest include stream courses, springs,
cedar glades, and limestone sinks.

An old limestone quarry in the park's environmental study area near US
27 in the southern portion of the Chickamauga battlefield is filled with
water year-round. It is inhabited by several fish species (sunfish,
largemouth bass, and warmouth), watersnakes (Natrix spp.), eastern
painted and musk turtles, and frogs (northern cricket, bullfrog, and
greenfrog). The %-acre quarry also provides a water source for wildlife
when periodic streams are dry during late summer and fall. The quarry
is in the maximum probable flood zone of West Chickamauga Creek.

17


COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

HISTORIC RESOURCES

Because Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is included
on the National Register of Historic Places, actions affecting it, such as
the adoption and implementation of a general management plan, are subject
to comment by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Pursuant
to regulations promulgated by the council (36 CFR 800), the National Park
Service, the Advisory Council, and the National Conference of State
Historic Preservation Officers have executed a programmatic memorandum
of agreement for the NPS planning process. In accordance with the
provisions: of that agreement, staffs to the council and the Georgia and
Tennessee state historic preservation officers have participated in the
development of this document through reviews of draft plans. That
participation will continue throughout the remainder of this planning
process. Evidence of final compliance with section 106 will be provided in
the final environmental compliance document prepared for the general
management plan/development concept plan.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

In accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Park
Service has consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It has
been determined that no threatened or endangered plants or animals, nor
their critical habitat, would be adversely affected by proposed activities
at the national military park (see appendix G).

FLOODPLAINS AND WETLANDS

Portions of the Chickamauga battlefield are within the floodplain of West
Chickamauga Creek, where the creek forms the park boundary (between
stream miles 11.5 and 19). The areas subject to flooding constitute only
a small part of the 5,446 acres of the battlefields. The _ national
environmental study area, and sections of US Highway 27 and
Viniard-Alexander Road, are in’ the maximum probable flood zone (as
determined by the Tennessee Valley Authority). No developments are
proposed for these areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently determining the presence
of wetlands in and adjacent to the park for the.inventory of national
wetlands.

PRIME FARMLAND
Because the land in the park has been dedicated to public use, it will not
be used for agriculture, but rather maintained and preserved in its

existing state. However, there are several soil types that are classified
as prime farmland. None of these soil types will be adversely affected.

60


Resource
Management

Proposed Plan

No-Action Alternative Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Natural Resources
Unique
vegetation
communities

Rock quarry

Land Protection

Stringers Ridge

Landscape
Management

Visual Intrusions
Outside the
park

Inside the park

Boundary
surveys/plat
maps

Protect.

Maintain as wildlife habi-
tat; prohibit swimming

Seek no formal NPS
involvement in Stringers
Ridge.

Maintain landscape fea-
tures to complement
interpretive themes; do
not return battlefields to
their 1863 appearance,
except at key interpretive
sites; maintain Point Park,
Cravens house, Missionary
Ridge, Orchard Knob, and
Signal Point as at present;
maintain west side of
Lookout Mountain in a
natural condition.

Identify visual intrusions;
work with landowners and
developers to eliminate or
mitigate intrusions; work
with local governments to
ensure zoning ordinances
are implemented and
enforced.

Have powerlines at
Chickamauga battlefield
and Cravens house
placed underground at
NPS expense.

Undertake new boundary
surveys at Chickamauga
battlefield and Missionary
Ridge; update plat maps
for Lookout Mountain unit.

Park Operations and

Management

Law
Enforcement

Maintenance
and Operations
Center

Work th state of
Tennessee to establish
concurrent jurisdiction.

Formalize parking for 20
vehicles; provide 4 addi-
tional garage bays,

1 additional office, large
artifact storage area, and
interpreters' work area.

Same as proposal.

Same as proposal.

Acquire fee-simple title
to Stringers Ridge and
establish it as a park
unit.

Same as proposal.

Same as proposal. Same as proposal except
restore Chickamauga
battlefield to its 1863

appearance.

Same as proposal except
do not acquire any NPS
interest as a last resort.

Encourage utility companies
to place powerlines under-
ground, but not at NPS
expense.

Same as proposal.

Maint
diction.

exclusive juris-

No action.

53

Establish cooperative
agreements or acquire
scenic easements to
protect Stringers Ridge.


The rich soils of the alluvial valleys have been used for agriculture for
hundreds of years. Koasati, Tuskegee, and later, Cherokee Indians
settled in the region, hunted, and raised corn to supplement their diet.
Settlers of European ancestry rapidly populated the Georgia-Tennessee
country after the War of 1812, and especially after Andrew Jackson
implemented a policy to relocate the Indians. By 1860 the city of
Chattanooga, located on the Tennessee River in the southeastern quadrant
of the state, had become a southern trade and railroad center.

Today Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city. In addition to the
national military park, the Chattanooga area is home to several other
tourist attractions. Those nearest the park units include Rock City, the
site of several interesting geologic formations; Ruby Falls, which consists
of two underground caverns, one of which has a 145-foot waterfall; and
the Incline Railway up the side of Lookout Mountain. A _ privately
operated attraction known as Confederama offers an electronic diorama
depicting the story of the Battle of Chattanooga.

CIVIL WAR BATTLES

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Chattanooga and its railroads
quickly became focal points of Union strategy. It was not until 1863,
however, that a concentrated effort to seize the city got underway. In
September of that year Union Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans captured
Chattanooga with his 58,000-man Army of the Cumberland. Rosecrans
then pursued the retreating Confederate Army of Tennessee under Gen.
Braxton Bragg into the wooded hills of north Georgia. Bragg soon
received strong reinforcements and struck back at the Federals in the
bloody Battle of Chickamauga on September 18-20, 1863. The intense
fighting of September 19 for control of the crucial LaFayette-Chattanooga
Road ended in a stalemate and forced both armies to prepare for a third
day of combat. On the 20th Bragg's attacking army gained the advantage
and forced Rosecrans and his army to abandon the field. Rosecrans's
subordinate, Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, consolidated the remaining
Union troops and assumed a vital defensive position on Snodgrass Hill.
Thomas held back the attacking Confederates until sundown, when he
used the darkness to cover the retreat of the Union army into
Chattanooga. Union losses at Chickamauga totaled more than 16,000,
while Confederate losses numbered over 18,000.

Rosecrans quickly regrouped his command and entrenched his army in the
fortified city of Chattanooga. Bragg surrounded the city, intending to
starve his enemy into submission. Confederate troops occupied Lookout
Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the majority of the high terrain around
the city. Rosecrans's army suffered tremendously after their food
supplies were used up. In October, however, relief forces arrived under
Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Thomas replaced Rosecrans as commander of
the Army of the Cumberland, and Grant assumed overall command.

On November 23 Grant directed an assault on a Confederate position at
Orchard Knob near the base of Missionary Ridge. Gaining that objective,

10


Interpretive Themes. The themes outlined in table 2 will form the core of
the park's interpretive program. .The main headings are the primary
themes that visitors should understand in order to appreciate the
significance of the park. These ideas should be presented at the visitor
centers because they are basic to understanding any additional
information. The subheadings represent supplementary ideas that can be
developed at the various units. Where desirable for clarity, on-site
interpretation may also reinforce the primary ideas presented at the
visitor centers.

Collection Management. All park collections have been inventoried and
cataloged; however, the staff is uncertain which collections should be
stored and curated at the visitor center and which would be better
housed and curated at a repository outside the park. A collection
management plan is needed to identify procedures for acquisition,
cataloging, management, preservation, treatment, and use of the park's
library, archives, and museum collections. The document will be
developed by the park staff, in consultation with appropriate regional and
Washington office specialists.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Existing Conditions

During the army's administration of the park (1890-1933) facilities were
provided for such diverse recreational activities as golf, polo, and other
athletic games. During the National Park Service's administration (since
1933) active recreational uses in the park have continued. A primitive
camping area has been established for scouts; a recreation field has been
maintained -for sport-type activities; and running events, bike races,
weddings, and symphony concerts have been allowed.. Currently two
running events and three symphony concerts are allowed each year, plus
unlimited use of the recreation field and camping by Boy Scout groups.
Informal individual or family picnicking is allowed in designated picnic
areas only. .

To many people such nontraditional recreational activities within a
historical park are incompatible with the direction provided in the park's
establishing legislation. To others, however, such activities provide
opportunities to bring many new visitors to the park, people who
otherwise might not be inclined to visit at all. Without an established
policy to govern recreational activities, the debate as to what constitutes
an acceptable balance between commemorative and recreational uses of the
park will continue.

In addressing this issue, two types of recreational activities have been
defined--organized and nonorganized. Organized activities are pursued
by a group of participants or spectators who gather for a specific reason
(for example, team sports, bike races, running events, or symphony
concerts). Nonorganized activities are pursued by individuals or groups,
and they may or may not be related to the park's cultural and natural

27


PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Estimated costs and priorities for the proposed plan are shown in table 3.
The subject headings are arranged by park unit and do not reflect a
priority sequence; priorities will be decided through the budgeting and
programming process. Although priorities have been established within
each category, priority proposals for all categories will be programmed so
as to provide a logical implementation sequence.

Specific segments of the interpretive proposal will be implemented by the
Harpers Ferry Center. The approximate cost of implementing these
interpretive segments is estimated to be $250,000. Interpretive facilities
and media costs will be described in more detail in the park's revised
"Interpretive Prospectus."

The park's annual operations and maintenance costs are not expected to
increase appreciably as a result of implementing the proposal.

47


Visitor Use

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has repo~ted a fairly
stable visitation of about 1 million visitors per year over the past 10
years. Most visitors go to the Chickamauga battlefield, and about a
quarter of the total go to Lookout Mountain. Peak visitation occurs in
June, July, and August; lowest visitation months are December, January,
and February (see appendix D for additional visitor use data). During
the peak season approximately 10,000 visitors per month go to the
Chickamauga visitor center, while about 2,000 visitors per month are
recorded at the Point Park visitor center on Lookout Mountain. (Until
the summer of 1986 the Point Park facility was in an old house that did
not look like an information facility and was not clearly signed. The
recently completed visitor center will probably attract more visitors.)
Visits to the visitor centers at Chickamauga battlefield and Point Park
represent less than 20 percent of the total visitation to the national
military park.

In addition to park visitors who come to the Chickamauga battlefield to
learn about its historical significance, many Chattanooga area residents
come for open-space recreation. Frisbee players, sun bathers, and other
activity-oriented recreationists frequently intrude on the more
contemplative experience sought by many visitors. In an effort to
accommodate local recreation needs while protecting visitor experiences
more related to the park's purpose, the park has designated a special
playfield for active recreation.

Several million people per year experience the park only as commuters or
commercial drivers on US 27, which bisects the Chickamauga battlefield.
The congestion and noise associated with this highway traffic create
safety hazards and aesthetic intrusions for all park visitors. A proposal
has been made to construct a bypass around the park, which would allow
the present alignment to be used for park purposes.

Management Zoning

The lands within Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
have been placed in three management zones. The purpose of
management zoning is to indicate where park operations, management
functions, visitor uses, and developments are appropriate. Zones are
identified based on the authorizing legislation, NPS policies, the nature of
a site's resources, the desired visitor experiences, and established uses.
The management zones for the national military park are as follows:

Historic Zone--Sixty-four percent (5,376 acres) of the park is placed
in the historic zone, including most of the Chickamauga battlefield
unit, all of Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, and Signal Point, and
approximately 70 acres on Lookout Mountain. Lands and resources
within this zone are managed to protect, preserve, and interpret the
cultural resources and their setting.

13


The species of special concern that may occur with the project area

are:

Arabis georgiana

Aureolaria patula

He Tanthus smithti
Helonias bullata

iggvemmerthta er exigua var. exigua
Marshallia mohrii

Plantago cordata

olymnia laevigata

Saxifraga careyana
Xyris tennesseensis

We appreciate this opportunity for early coordination.

Dud Mob
David J. Wesley

80


Bragg Reservation--Old South Crest Road is a side street that
bisects the Bragg reservation, and the existing road width and
sidewalk provide enough room to expand the parking area. Allowing
only one-way traffic will provide potential for parking on both sides
of the street, without interfering with existing monuments. The
expanded Old South Crest Road has potential for 30 additional
parking spaces. The parking expansion could be phased with
interpretive development. Further expansion can be coordinated
with demand.

Sherman Reservation--The existing entrance to the Sherman
reservation is a two-lane, two-way road ending in a cul-de-sac
where two or three cars can park. Because of existing topography,
erosive soils, circulation patterns, and the location of historic
resources, the existing entry road and service access will not be
altered. Some additional parking can be achieved by reshaping the
turnaround and widening the road. These minor parking
arrangements can be incorporated at the time of cyclic repaving.

Qhio Reservation--The Ohio reservation has 100-160 feet of
street-front access on Crest Road and is bounded on both sides by
residential driveways. An old stone wall also fronts the street. To
provide parking for two cars or one bus, plus sidewalk access to the
site, a recessed bay will be constructed. This will require moving
the existing wall 17 feet back from its existing location. The
proximity of the entrance and exit to the existing driveways, and
the limited. sight distance at the north end of the site, will remain
potential safety hazards.

Lookout Mountain

Access to the Lookout Mountain visitor center is by way of a circuitous
route through residential neighborhoods. Circulation and parking at the
center were addressed in the 1984 Development Concept Plan /
Environmental Assessment for the Point Park Visitor Contact and
Administration Building.

SECONDARY ROADS

Existing Conditions

Roads that historically connected farms, fields, and towns are used today
as interpretive tour routes, visitor access roads, and administrative
roads. Although many of these roads have been widened and paved,
they still retain much of their historical character. Currently, the
interpretive tour route includes Battle Line Road, Poe Road, US 27
(LaFayette Road), Glenn-Viniard Road, and Glenn-Kelly Road. All of
these except US 27 are narrow, one-way roads, with chip-and-seal
surfaces. Most parking is informal and occurs on the road shoulders.

33


2

Recreational

Recreational Visits

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

APPENDIX D:

VISITOR USE DATA

1,500

1,000

500

150

100

50

Yearly Recreation Visits, 1975-1985

wo or @ a i=] hod N il wo
BB S558 825 3
Parkwide Recreational Visits by Month, 1985
sQ2 seca F Fs FS Aae3Bes
Sf#2te¢t33 286528

75



Table 4:

Visitor Use and
Interpretation Proposed Plan

Summary of Proposed Plan and Alternatives

No-Action Alternative

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Construct 6,000 sq ft
addition to existing
visitor center/adminis~
trative facility at
Chickamauga battlefield.
Rehabilitate building as
necessary and use for
administrative space,
library, and artifact
and manuscript
collections.

Visitor Center/
Administrative
Space

Parkwide
Visitor
Orientation

Improve orientation
programs at visitor
center; develop signed,
parkwide tour route;
install identification
signs at isolated markers
and monuments.
interpretation Provide new parkwide
interpretive ex!
expanded Chickamauga
visitor center; revise
“Interpretive Prospectus";
coordinate interpretation
with a variety of auto,
hiking, and biking tours.

Recreational
Activities

Limit nonorganized rec-
reational activities to

the designated recreation
field; allow organized
activities only with super-
intendent's approval and
special use permit.

Visitor Access

Access and
Parking

Improve entrance/exit

at Chickamauga battle-
field visitor center;
provide additional park-
g at Missionary Ridge;
improve directional sign-
ing to detached units;
improve maintenance and
safety of park roads but
maintain their historical
character; make Chicka~
mauga battlefield roads
‘one-way where possible.

us 27 Establish US 27 as part
of park tour route; re-
duce speed limit to 25-30
mph; prohibit commercial
traffic; designate bike
lanes.

Resource Management

Cultural Resources
Markers and
monuments

Survey, identify, update
records.

Archeological
surveys

Undertake archeological
surveys/studies of
Tennessee units.

Continue use of existing
Visitor center/administra~
tive facility.

Construct new 6,000 sq
ft visitor center else-
where in park; rehabili-

tate existing facility for
administrative purposes
only.

Provide no parkwide
orientation or directions
to detached units.

Maintain existing tour
route; do not revise
“Interpretive Prospectus."

Control organized and
non-organized recrea-
tional activities by
restricting them to one
designated area out of
visitors' view.

Same as proposal.

Maintain present circulation
patterns at Chickamauga
visitor center; improve
roads at Chickamauga
battlefield to highway
standards rather than
maintain them as one-way
park roads.

Restore road alignment
to historical appearance.

Maintain existing condi-
tions.

Same as proposal.

Same as proposal.

52

Lease space within the
metropolitan area for
visitor center functions;
rehabilitate administrative
facility as described in
proposed pian.

Prohibit all recrea~
tional activities
within the park.


Table D-1: Monthly Recreational Visits to Various Sites, 1985

Lookout
Chickamauga Mountain
Visitor Visitor Cravens
Parkwide Point Park Center Center House
January 43,133 601 2,264 601 closed
February 34,577 10,034 5,365 1,129 closed
March 84,658 14,867 6,817 2,416 4,321
April 91,367 23,123 8,577 2,720 5,232
May 85,169 27,471 10,469 1,990 5,141
June 120,203 36,159 10,320 2,402 6,238
July 136,021 43,435 12,689 2,537 8,772
August 130,091 40,627 9,283 3,970 7,004
September 104,847 27,203 6,814 1,445 5,444
October 98,830 19,726 8,281 2,000 5,999
November 95,202 21,672 4,902 1,660 3,528
December 51,406 8,688 3,104 1,082 closed
Total 1,075,504 273,606 88,885 29,952 51,679

76


NV1d GaSOd0ud AHL


CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN 3
Purpose of the Plan 3

Planning Issues and Management Concerns 3
Related Plans and Studies 6

DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
Significance 8
Regional Area 8
Civil War Battles 10
The Park 12
Administrative History 12
Visitor Use 13
Management Zoning 13
Natural Resources 14

THE PROPOSED PLAN

PLANNING PERSPECTIVE 23

VISITOR USE AND INTERPRETATION 24
Parkwide Visitor Orientation 24
Existing Conditions 24
Proposal 24
Interpretation 25
Existing Conditions 25
Proposal 26
Visitor Centers 26
Wayside Exhibits 26
Interpretive Themes 27
Collection Management 27
Recreational Activities 27
Existing Conditions 27
Proposal 29
Comfort Stations 29
Existing Conditions 29
Proposal 29

VISITOR ACCESS 30

US Highway 27 30
Existing Conditions 30
Proposal 30




US 27--Restore the road alignment to its historical appearance.

Stringers Ridge--Acquire fee-simple title to the ridge and establish
it as a park unit; establish cooperative agreements; or acquire
scenic easements to protect this historic area.

Chickamauga battlefield landscape--Restore the entire battlefield to
its 1863 appearance.

The environmental consequences of implementing the proposed plan and
the alternatives are considered in the "Environmental Assessment" portion
of this document.


VISITOR ACCESS

US HIGHWAY 27

Existing Conditions

US 27, a major north/south artery, bisects the Chickamauga battlefield
unit. The average daily traffic numbers over 12,000 vehicles, most of
which are local commuters and commercial vehicles. The presence of all
this nonvisitor traffic creates significant impacts on the park's. cultural
and natural resources, and it intrudes on the visitor experience. Also,
the two-lane highway cannot adequately carry existing traffic toads at
certain times of the day, further compounding safety problems for visitor
and nonvisitor traffic. The National Park Service owns that segment of
US 27 through the park.

For several years the Georgia Department of Transportation has advocated
widening US 27 through the park to four lanes so that traffic can move
more efficiently. However, this would further increase the road's adverse
impacts on the park and its visitors. The Park Service, therefore, has
proposed that a bypass be constructed around the park. In October 1985
NPS Director William Penn Mott, Jr., reaffirmed that the construction of a
bypass alignment west of the park boundary would be the preferred
solution.

Once the bypass has been constructed, the Park Service must decide
what to do with that portion of US 27 within the park.

Proposal

The former US 27 will remain open, but speed limits will be reduced to
25-30 mph, and commercial traffic will be prohibited. The roadway will
be reduced to a width comparable to that of other park tour roads, and a
6- to 8-foot-wide bike lane will be incorporated into the roadway prism.
Because US 27 will function primarily as a park tour road, the Park
Service will work with the Georgia Department of Transportation to
develop signs or a road design that will encourage through-traffic to use
the US 27 bypass. The other park tour routes will then be redesigned to
incorporate this portion of the park's road system as appropriate.
Pullouts for the new tour stops will be included in the reconstructed
roadway.

ACCESS AND PARKING

Chickamauga Visitor Center

Existing Conditions. The Chickamauga visitor center is on the northwest
corner of the intersection of US 27 and McFarland Gap Road. Both roads
have heavy traffic demands, and a traffic signal is at the intersection.

30


Table 1: Categories of Historical Significance

Theme Number and Category of Significance

The Original Inhabitants
B. Native Villages and Communities
2. Eastern United States
Cc. Indian Meets European
1. Indian Life at Time of Contact
2. Changes in Native Life due to Contact

Development of the English Colonies, 1700-1775,
2. Political and Diplomatic Affairs
A. The American Revolution
4. War on the Frontier
3. War in the West
—&. - The Spanish-American War
2. The Four-Month War
2. "The Yanks Are Coming!" 1917-18

2. The Home Front

3. Classical and Eclectic Revival

5. Museums and Libraries

Society and Social Conscience
C. Environmental Conservation
2. The Cultural Environment

IV. Major American Wars
D. The Civil War
F. World War |
G. World War It
Vil. America at Work
E. Architecture
VIIL. Contemplative Society
B. Painting and Sculpture
Cc. Education
IX.
Note:

Park System and the National Historic Landmarks Program (N

Level of
Significance

Local
State
State

State

Local
National
Regional
State

State

Regional

National

Regional

National

Themes are established in History and Prehistory in the National

PS 1982).


Visitor Use and Interpretive Programs

A clear definition of visitor experiences is needed to direct planning
and development of the park's orientation and interpretive programs.

The present visitor center/administrative headquarters building at
Chickamauga cannot accommodate existing or future demands for
visitor orientation and interpretation plus collection/archives storage,
library space, conference rooms, and administrative offices.

Several types and forms of traditional and nontraditional recreational
activities are occurring in the park. The national military park is
the largest expanse of publicly owned open space within the
Chattanooga area. Many residents come to the park for outdoor
recreational activities, which frequently intrude on the more
contemplative experiences sought by other visitors. Some activities
may be adversely affecting cultural resources.

Visitor Access and Circulation

The presence of commercial/commuter traffic on US 27 and other
through-roads in the park's Chickamauga battlefield unit creates
congestion and noise, as well as safety hazards and aesthetic
intrusions.

The Lookout Mountain unit and the other detached units of the park
within the Chattanooga metropolitan area are difficult for visitors to
find because many are very small and are within residential areas.
Thus, it is difficult to provide visitor access without affecting the
quality of life for these local residents.

The rock quarry at the Chickamauga battlefield has become a water
retention pond and is a potential threat to visitor health and safety.

Resource Management

Archeological resources have not been adequately identified and
evaluated within the Tennessee units of the park.

There is no record that details the present location of all the
markers and monuments in the park.

No overall guidance is provided for activities such as mowing,
cropping, grooming, clearing, and revegetation to ensure that
historical and natural resource landscape values complement the
park's resource management and interpretive programs.


General Management Plan
Development Concept Plan
Environmental Assessment

Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park

Georgia / Tennessee

U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service


Land Protection--Stringers Ridge

Impacts

Cultural
Resources

Natural
Resources

Socioeconomic
Environment

Visitor Use and
Experience

Park
Management

Costs

Proposed Plan No-Action Alternative

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Seek no formal NPS Same as proposal.
involvement in
Stringers Ridge.

Careless development Same as proposal.
or land management

could impair significant

historical values.

Same as for cultural Same as for culturat
resources. resources.

No effect, No effect.

Visitors would be Same as proposal.

denied access and
interpretive experience.

No effect. No effect.

No cost. No cost.

59

Acquire fee-simple
title to Stringers
Ridge; manage it as
a park unit

NPS fee acquisition
would afford maximum
protection of cultural
resources.

Same as for cultural
resources.

Fee acquisition of
gers Ridge would
establish another park
unit, which could
economically benefit
the Chattanooga area;
any private property
would be removed
from the tax rolls.

Another’ major unit of
the national military
park would be devel-
oped, managed, and
interpreted, which
would add considerably
to the visitor expe-
rience.

Park staff would have
to be increased to
manage an additional
park unit.

Most costly to NPS.

Acquire a less-than-fee
interest in Stringers
Ridge to ensure the
historical significance
is not compromised.

An NPS less-than-fee
interest would provide
more protection for
cultural resources
than the proposal;
but fess than
alternative 1.

Same as for cultural
resources.

Any current tax base
would be reduced

Acquiring a less-than-
fee interest could result
in an expanded visitor
experience, but not to
the degree that alter-
native 1 would.

Park staff would have
to monitor activities,
but involvement would
not be as extensive as
alternative 1.

More costly than the
proposal; less costly
than alternative 1.


Natural Zone--Thirty-three percent (2,772 acres) of the park lands
have been placed in the natural zone, and they are managed to
conserve the natural. resources and processes, and to accommodate
use of the area without adversely affecting these resources or
processes. Inctuded in this zone are 2,629 acres on Lookout
Mountain.

Development Zone--Three percent (252 acres) of the park lands have
been placed in the development zone, which allows for intensive
visitor use areas, administrative and maintenance centers, as well as
picnic areas and roadways.

Unstructured recreation subzone--Approximately 0.2 percent (20
acres) within the southwestern portion of the Chickamauga
battlefield unit has been designated as a recreation field.
Although the historic setting will continue to be preserved,
casual outdoor recreation will be allowed.

Natural Resources

Vegetation. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a
diverse vegetative cover, including hardwood forests, cedar glades,
sagponds, and open fields. The slope of Lookout Mountain and the bluffs
of Signal Point have well developed hardwood forests, while the forest
cover of Chickamauga battlefield has been severely disturbed by military
and agricultural ‘uses.

Lookout Mountain and Signal Point are part of the Cumberland Piateau
physiographic province. Streams have dissected the plateau to create
steep slopes along ravines and valleys. Mixed-oak and oak/pine forest
communities grow on the plateau, and oak or oak/hickory forests
(including yellow poplar, basswood, buckeye, red oak, maple, birch, and
beech) cover the slopes. Not all of these species are present in any one
location, so the general impression is of oak woods.

Chickamauga battlefield is in the valley of West Chickamauga Creek, in
the Ridge and Valley province. The weathering of underlying rock strata
has created essentially two types of terrain. In the northwestern portion
of the battlefield Knox dolomite has weathered to form a band of rolling,
round-topped hills. The rest of the battlefield has a gently rolling
terrain with shallow soils, exposed rock outcrops, and areas with flat,
horizontal, underlying rock strata.

Rainfall and seasonal water flow help define the plant communities of the
battlefield. Streamflows depend on rainfall because the shallow soils have
very little water-holding capacity. Consequently, West Chickamauga
Creek is subject to extremes in water flow; it floods frequently in the
winter and runs very low in late summer. During low flows the creek is
subject to organic pollution because of upstream discharges. Smaller
streams are typically dry three to six months each year. Forested areas
contribute significantly to the summer drying of small streams because of
evapotranspiration.

14


MAPS

Region 5
Vicinity 1
Management Zoning 15

Visitor Center Development Concept Plan, Chickamauga Battlefield
Proposed Parking - Ohio Reservation 34

Point Park Visitor Contact and Admiministration Building 35
Operations Area Development Concept Plan 45

TABLES

Categories of Historical Significance 9

Interpretive Themes 28

Implementation Costs 48

Summary of Proposed Plan and Alternatives 52
Alternative Development Costs 54

Major Environmental! Consequences of the Proposed Plan
and Alternatives 56

OUBWN

viii

31


Orchard Knob Reservation

Point Park, Lookout Mountain

19


1982a

1982b

1982c

1983a

1983b

1984a

1984b

1984c

1985a

1985b

1986

TENNESSEE
1968

VAN HORN,
1981

History and Prehistory in the National Park System and the

Nationa! Historic Landmarks Program. Washington, DC.

"Interpretive Prospectus, Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park." Harpers Ferry Center.

"Resources Management Plan, Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park." On file at the park.

“Administrative History Report, Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park," by John C. Paige and Jerome A.
Greene. Denver Service Center.

"Land Protection Plan, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park." On file at the park.

Development Concept Plan / Environmental Assessment for the
Point Park Visitor Contact and Administration Building,
Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park. Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta.

"The Historic Landscape of the Chickamauga Nationat Military
Park." On file at the park.

"Road Inventory and Needs Study, Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park." On file at the park.

"Fire Management Plan, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park." On file at the park.

"Statement for Management, Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park." On file at the park.

"Traffic Engineering and Safety Improvement Study,
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.” On file
at the park.

VALLEY AUTHORITY

“Floods on West Chickamauga Creek in Vicinity of Fort
Oglethorpe and Chickamauga, Georgia." Report No. 0-6666.
Division of Water Control Planning, Knoxville, TN.

GENE S.

"A Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park," Journal of the Tennessee
Academy of Science, 56 (July):92-99.

88


APPENDIX F: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND RATIONALE--
PROPOSED VISITOR CENTER ADDITION, CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD

The following considerations and rationale for the visitor center at the
Chickamauga battlefield address facility location, the park staff's desired
building layout, and the square footage requirements. All the
recommendations . are conceptual. They are identified to document
preliminary needs, thereby supporting more detailed designs later on.
During future design phases, these concepts will be refined to establish
specific layout, facility design, capacities, and materials.

Facility Location: Under the proposal a new structure for visitor services
will be built behind the existing visitor center/headquarters building.
The structure can be either an addition to the existing building or a
separate building. The objective is to consolidate visitor services at one
location and to separate visitor services from administrative functions.

Interpretation: Exhibits and interpretive media should be consolidated
and redesigned to orient visitors to the interpretive themes (see table 2).
The Fuller gun collection should be deemphasized.

Architectural Style: Various sitings and locations behind the existing
building will be considered under the proposal. The intent is to keep the
new building or addition from interfering with the existing facade or
roofline of the visitor center; especially any new building segments visible
from US 27. Both architectural style and materials should help to
integrate the new building with the present one.

Site Conditions: Both pedestrian and vehicular circulation will change as
a result of the new building or addition. Visitors will be directed toward
the new visitor services area and away from the existing administrative
area. Visitor traffic will be redirected to use US 27 as an entrance only.
The existing parking area will remain, and more sites will be added out of
view of US 27. Cars will exit by way of McFarland Gap Road. This will
make access easier for the first-day-of-battle tour loop.

Layout: See the diagram of functional needs.

81


NOILONGOYLNI


BIBLIOGRAPHY

BRAUN, E. LUCY
1974 Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America. New York:

The Free Press.

BROWN, JEFFREY L., AND E. RAYMOND EVANS
1977. "An Archeological Survey of Proposed Highway 27 Relocation
Alternatives in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military
Park." On file at the park.

DeSELM, H.R.
1984 “Potential National Natural Landmarks of the Appalachian
Ranges Natural Region, Ecological Report." Department of
Botany, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY = ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
1982 "Design Office Soils and Foundation Report No. 8-82, Sherman
Reservation Landslides, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park." On file at the park.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, AND GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
1979 Draft Environmental impact Statement, Improvement or
Relocation of US 27/S.R. 1 through the Chickamauga -
Chattanooga National Military Park in Northwest Georgia,

Project F-017-3(6), Watker-Catoosa Counties.

FHWA-GA-EIS-79-01-D.

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
1985 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed
Endangered Status for Scutellaria montana." Federal

Register, 50 (Nov. 13):46797-800.

HOLLISTER, JOHN J.
1977 Chickamauga and Chattanooga on Your Own: An. Illustrated

Guide to the Battlefields. Battlefield Guide Publishers.

MOCCASIN BEND TASK FORCE AND CARR, LYNCH ASSOCIATES, INC.
1986 Tennessee River Park: Chattanooga. Chattanooga.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
1956. Chickamauga and Chattanooga Battlefields, by James R.
Sullivan. National Park Service Historical Handbook Series
No. 25. Washington, DC.

1977 "Transportation Study, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park." On file at the park.

87


ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

PROPOSAL

The most significant impact of the proposed plan would be on the visitor
experience. Implementation of the proposal for parkwide and site-specific
orientation and interpretation would ensure that first-time and repeat
visitors alike would leave the park with a better understanding of the
battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. A balance would be created
between commemorative and recreational uses of the park's resources.
Many conflicts between visitor traffic and commercial/commuter traffic,
specifically at the Chickamauga battlefield unit, would be reduced or
eliminated. Establishing priorities would help ensure that administrative
and operational actions were taken in a timely manner to fill in data gaps
about park resources and to improve resource management and protection
activities. Administrative and operational facilities would be improved to
better enable the park's administrative and maintenance staff to
effectively perform their duties without interfering with the visitor
experience.

State and local governmental agencies, private enterprises, organizations,
and the general public in and around the Chattanooga metropolitan area
would be expected to fully cooperate in the implementation of the plan,
which could have a major effect on these entities.

The most notable effect on local communities would be the change in local
and regional traffic flows once the US 27 bypass was constructed and the
one-way park tour roads were in place. Further, there would be a need
to serve more visitors, and additional traffic at such units as Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge would have to be accommodated. Some
local park visitors would have to find areas outside the park to pursue
recreational activities not compatible with the park purpose.

Impacts on cultural and natural resources resulting from the proposed
plan would be negligible because no major actions are proposed. Minimai
impacts would occur, however, as capital improvement proposals were
implemented.

Any impacts resulting from constructing the US 27 bypass would be
addressed in the environmental compliance document prepared for that
specific undertaking.

NO ACTION
Under the no-action alternative, the visitor experience would remain the
same as it is now because no improvements would be made in the present

Management and operational activities of the park.

Table 6 compares the major environmental consequences of the proposed
plan and alternatives.

55


WVAL ONINNV Id/AHdVHDO!IEIE/SAXIGNAddV


Land Protection

Stringers Ridge is historically significant as the site of the Union
gun emplacements during the Battle of Chattanooga. The area is not
included in the park, and commercial or residential development
could destroy its historical integrity.

Visual intrusions could interfere with visitor enjoyment or
understanding of the park, whether the intrusions are inside or
outside the park. A strategy to deal with potential intrusions is
lacking.

The lack of an updated plat map for Lookout Mountain, and of
boundary surveys for the Chickamauga battlefield and Missionary
Ridge, make it difficult to determine precisely which land parcels are
included within the park boundaries.

Park Operations

Because of insufficient staff and the long distances between various
park units, law enforcement and resource protection for some of the
Tennessee units of the park (particularly Missionary Ridge, Orchard
Knob, and Signal Point) are not commensurate with that provided for
the Chickamauga battlefield unit in Georgia.

The park's maintenance area at Chickamauga battlefield lacks

adequate facilities to accomplish its expanded role as the park's
operations center.

RELATED PLANS AND STUDIES

The following plans and studies have recently been completed for the
national military park:

The Development Concept Plan (NPS 1984a) for the Point Park visitor
contact center on Lookout Mountain is incorporated in this plan by
reference.

The "Traffic Engineering and Safety Improvement Study" (NPS 1986)
is modified as explained in the "Visitor Access" section of this plan.

The "Historic Landscape of the Chickamauga National Military Park"
(NPS 1984b) is incorporated in this plan by reference and is
discussed in the “Landscape Management" section.

The "Land Protection Plan" (NPS 1983b) for the park is expanded as
detailed in the "Land Protection" section.


PLANNING TEAM AND CONSULTANTS

PLANNING TEAM

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

M. Ann Belkov, Superintendent
Jim Staub, Park Liaison

Denver Service Center
Mike Bureman, Cultural Resource Planner, Team Captain
Marilyn Hof, Planner, Interpretation Specialist

Robert Rothweiler, Natural Resource Specialist
Terri Urbanowski, Landscape Architect

Southeast Regional Office

Allen Woodrow, Regional Liaison

CONSULTANTS
Denver Service Center

Jerome Greene, Historian
Robert Schreffler, FHWA Coordinator/Project Manager

Harpers Ferry Center

Dave Guiney, Wayside Exhibit Planner
Larry Tillman, Team Captain, 1982 "Interpretive Prospectus"

Washington Office
Ed Bearss, Chief Historian

Other

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer
Southeast Archeological Center

Tennessee State Historical Preservation Officer

89


ars AL rower
Ee ON

iz NATIONAL PARK UNIT
[_] watrancoak METRO ARE

1°) 1 2 3} MILES

CUICARMAU Eds
BATTLEFIELD

VICINITY

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

301 | 20000A
Dsc | JUN 87 U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service


LAND PROTECTION

Although the park prepared a "Land Protection Plan" in 1983, the
following issues were either not addressed or require further elaboration.

STRINGERS RIDGE

Existing Conditions

Stringers Ridge consists of approximately 100 acres on the eastern edge
of the Tennessee River's Moccasin Bend, near downtown Chattanooga.
Although the area is now heavily forested, at the time of the Battle of
Chattanooga (November 1863) the ridge had virtually no vegetation and
was the site of Union gun emplacements. Most historians agree that the
gun emplacements on Stringers Ridge contributed significantly to the
Union's eventual victory in the Battle of Chattanooga.

Stringers Ridge is jointly owned by the city, county, and state. Because
of its location, it is considered prime real estate for commercial or
perhaps residential development. in 1985 the quasi-public Moccasin Bend
Task Force prepared a master pian for commercial development of the
Tennessee River corridor through Chattanooga. Entitled 'Tennessee
River Park," the plan proposes that Moccasin Bend, recently declared a
national historic landmark by the secretary of the interior, not be
extensively developed, but rather be set aside as a cultural park for the
interpretation of its significant prehistoric values, as well as its role in
the Civil War and the Battle of Chattanooga. The plan further proposes
that Stringers Ridge be made a unit of the national military park.

From a historical perspective, Stringers Ridge played a significant role in
the Battle of Chattanooga, but its present heavy forest overgrowth limits
meaningful interpretation. Including it within the park's boundaries would
create another detached unit.

Proposal

The National Park Service will not seek to acquire a fee or less-than-fee
interest in Stringers Ridge. Instead, the Park Service will encourage the
owners to respect the historically significant features of the property with
regard to any subsequent development and use. Activities affecting the
ridge would be monitored as part of the Park Service's overall
responsibility to monitor the status of all designated national historic
landmarks.

40


APPENDIX H: ROAD CLASSIFICATION

Existing Conditions

Road
Route width Deficiency Resource Considerations/
Number Road Name Purpose ADT. (ft) Surface Code* Comments
010 McFarland-Reeds Major intracity road/portion 6,000 23 paved o
Bridge Road of tour route
on US 27 Major intracity road/portion 12,900 25 paved
of tour route
012 Visitor Center Access Visitor center access/initial 1,080 19.5 paved One-way
entry experience
013 Alexanders Bridge Historic route to farms, 38022 paved Recently repaved
Road fields, and residences
100 Jays Mill Road Historic route to farms, 7200417 chip-seal A,C Drainage needs improving
fields, and residences
101 Dyer Road Historic route to farms, 70007 chip-seal A
fields, and residences/
access to maintenance area
102 Brotherton Road Tour route/historic route 10.017 chip-seal A.C Drainage needs improving
103 Alexander-Viniard Tour route/historic route 7200047 chip-seat A.C
Road
104 Vittatoe Road 7200 21 gravel Closed to public access
105, Chickamauga-Vittatoe Minor entrance road/ 40021 chip-seal A,C,D
Road historic route/local traffic
106 Sanders Road Access to picnic area/ 2130047 paved c
local traffic
107 Cravens Terrace Road 2715 chip-seai A,B,C Closed to public access
108 Elenore Street Access to historic resource/ 7 chip-seal A,C Widening could affect
private residences surrounding residences
109 South Caroling Road Potential parking for 12710 gravel AB Within residential
Cravens house , neighborhood
110 Old Park Military Access to Bragg reservation/ 127 21 paved c
Road private residences
m1 Sherman Reservation Access to Sherman Ww 16 paved A,D
Road reservation and two
residences
ne Snodgrass Road Access to Snodgrass Hill 127° 20 chip-sea! Ac
and house
200 Picnic area access 360 © 20 chip-seal A.C
201 Sanders picnic area 85 16 paved c
access
202 Signat Point Access to overlook e517 paved Ac
400 Mullis-Vittatoe Read 4 22 gravel Closed to public access
401 Mullis Road 40n chip-seal Closed to public access
402 Residential access 20018 paved
road
403 Quarry Road 9 gravel Closed to public access
404 Snodgrass access road 4 2 chip-seal Closed to public access
405 Savannah Road 4 2 gravel Closed to public access
406 South Post Road 407 gravel Closed to public access
407 Savannah service road Access to maintenance area 4 48 gravel Closed to public access
408 South Carolina 20013 gravel Closed to public access
Monument Road
409 Dalton Fard Road Access to environmental 4 8 gravel Closed to public access
study area
410 Thedford Ford Road Access to environmental 1 19 gravel Closed to public access
study area
any Point Park access Access to parking area au paved c One-way
road
500 Glenn-Kelly Road Historic road/tour route 47018 chip-seal A.D ‘One-way
501 Battleline Road Historic road/route route 960 15 chip-seal A,D One-way
S02 Poe Road Historic road/tour route 960 15 chip-seal A One-way
503 Glenn-Viniard Road Historic road/tour route 960 15 chip-seal A One-way
*A - Pavement
B - Width
C = Drainage
D - Shouiders/Puil

85


PLANNING PERSPECTIVE

The future of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is
closely tied to the future of the Chattanooga metropolitan area. The
many complex forces influencing Chattanooga today are also directly or
indirectly controlling the future of the national military park. Therefore,
any successful plan for the park will depend not only on the commitment
and resources of the National Park Service, but also on the commitment
and resources of the many agencies, organizations, and individuals in the
area. Close cooperation will be required between the Park Service and
the people of the greater Chattanooga metropolitan area.

This general management plan seeks to ensure the preservation and
protection of park resources and to provide visitors with high-quality
experiences. Visitors should leave the park with an understanding of
why the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga were important, and why
the people of the United States have sought to preserve and protect these
lands as a unit of the national park system.

The plan will try to balance active and passive recreational uses in the
park. It will also ensure that all park visitors have access to detached
units and that the desires and needs of adjoining or nearby residents are
respected. Furthermore, the plan will attempt to minimize traffic
congestion and noise associated with commercial and commuter traffic on
US 27 (pending its relocation) and other park roads within the
Chickamauga battlefield unit without unnecessarily interrupting the
regional transportation network.

The plan is described in four parts: visitor use and interpretation,
visitor access and circulation (including use of US 27), land protection
(Stringers Ridge, landscape management, mitigation of- present and future

visual intrusions), and park management and operations. Existing
conditions are briefly described to provide a context for each of the
proposed actions. A plan implementation section with estimated costs

follows the description of the proposed plan.

23


Copies of these plans are available at the following NPS offices:

Office of the Superintendent
Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park

P.O. Box 2128

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Office of the Director
National Park Service
19th and C Streets NW
Washington, DC 20240

Office of the Regional Director
Nationa! Park Service

75 Spring Street SW

Atlanta, GA 30303


ALTERNATIVES

Besides the proposed plan, a no-action alternative that would continue
existing policies at the park was considered. Other alternatives and
options that were considered included actions related to the Chickamauga
visitor center, Stringers Ridge, US 27, and recreational uses of the
park. All alternatives are summarized in. table 4. Costs of
development-related alternatives are shown in table 5.

51




DIAGRAM OF FUNCTIONAL NEEDS FOR THE
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR SERVICES
AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES

i ren |
| \
| \

Funetions to be Housed in New Visitor \
| Center Addition \
] \
| \

ati \ Conference/ Cooperative

|| Publications \ enforance ‘Acsuciation

Park
Interpre-
tation
Office

Library/

OC Exhibit Room

Office/
Workroom

83


Wwe

vi.

Table 2: Interpretive Themes

The railroads at Chattanooga were the objective of a major Union campaign
during the Civil war.

The Battle of Chickamauga was the first major engagement of the Chattanooga
campaign.

A. The battle involved a different kind of warfare than other Civil War
batties.

1. The forests impaired visibility and resulted in close-range fighting
and much hand-to-hand fighting.

2. Chickamauga has been called a "soldiers' battle" because the troops
often had‘to act without officer leadership.

3. Tactics employed before and during the battle were important in
later wars (e.g., use of railroads to move large numbers of troops,
breakdown of the mass army into squads and platoons, use of
breastworks, use of repeating rifles).

B. The battie resulted in the greatest number of casualties of the western
Civil war (34,000 in 18 hours) because of the close fighting and the
numbers of troops involved.

C. The battle was on of the last major Confederate victories.

The Confederate victory at Chickamauga led to the Battle of Chattanooga.

A. Chattanooga was besieged, which in turn resulted in

Grant's promotion to commander of the western armies and
assignment to Chattanooga

reinforcement of the Union army by means of the railroads (three
major Union armies were represented at Chattanooga)

eventual demoratization of the Confederate army due to inaction by
the commander

B. Key positions during the Battle of Chattanooga included

Lookout Mountain (intense fighting was concentrated at Cravens
Terrace)

Point Park (both a Union and Confederate signaling station and a
Confederate gun emplacement)

Orchard Knob (Union headquarters)
Signal Point
Missionary Ridge

C. Signal stations, horses, and boats were used to overcome geographic
obstacles.

D. Opening of the Union supply line broke the siege.
The major Union victory at Chattanooga was a significant turning point in the
Civil War because Union control of the rails opened the gate to the Deep South
and allowed Sherman's campaign against Atlanta and subsequent march through
Georgia.

Most monuments and markers at the park were placed at battle locations by
veterans of the battles for purposes of commemoration and military study.

The military park was the first historical park in the national park system.

28


As the nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the
Interior has basic responsibilities to protect and conserve our land and
water, energy and minerals, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation
areas, and to ensure the wise use of ali these resources. The
department also has major responsibility for American Indian reservation
communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S.
administration.

Publication services were provided by the graphics and editorial staffs of
the Denver Service Center. NPS D-28 July 1987


McFarland Gap Road

One-way Exit

Close Loop
Entrance

New Parking

Existing
Visitor Center

Building
Addition

US 27

Expand to
One-way
Main Entrance

RV/Bus
Parking

0 100 200 300 FEET

— ee
@

ViSiITOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

301 | 20003
Dsc | JUN 87 U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service

ON MICROFILM