Polk County sends resolution to state officials for barriers at Bradley Falls

SALUDA—Polk County has sent a letter and a resolution urging the state to put safety measures at Bradley Falls in Saluda. 

After the 8th person died at Bradley Falls a couple of weeks ago after falling from the top, Polk County Commissioner Vice Chairman Myron Yoder requested the county approve a resolution to send to state officials for barriers to be placed there. 

Commissioners approved a resolution last week asking the state to use any and all means necessary to ensure public safety at Bradley Falls in Saluda. 

The resolution states that there have been 8 unfortunate or unnecessary deaths and several injuries over the past 15 years from hikers getting too close to the edge and falling. Each incident required as many as 50 rescuers to risk their lives in the hope of saving the victim, the resolution says. 

Polk County Manager Marche Pittman sent a letter and the resolution this week to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Senator Ralph Hise and Rep. Jake Johnson. Bradley Falls is part of North Carolina game land. 

Pittman told Gov. Cooper that commissioner Yoder asked at the last board of commissioner meeting for a resolution regarding using any and all means necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists who visit Bradley Falls. 

“Vice chairman Yoder said there is currently no signage or safety measures on the trails or near the falls and he would like the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to use any and all means necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists, and the public safety works who risk their own lives rescuing the injured,” said Pittman’s letter to Cooper. “We are confident you will agree, public safety is of the utmost importance, and the loss of even one life is too many. We are requesting that you make every effort to prevent another tragedy at Bradley Falls.” 

Saluda Fire and Rescue reached out to Wildlife in 2017 following another death for barriers at the falls, but nothing has yet been done. 

The latest victim was Aaron Post, 28, of Charleston, S.C., who died after sliding down the rock face and into the water from Big Bradley Falls earlier this month. About 50 emergency personnel tried to rescue him and a helicopter ended up lifting him out of the falls. Post was taken to the hospital, but died from his injuries. 

Post was the 8th person who has died from falling from Big Bradley Falls since 2000 and the 9th victim who fell. One man survived. 

The last death prior to Post occurred in 2017 when a Charlotte man lost his footing at the top and fell. 

The following resolution was approved by county commissioners this week and sent to state officials: 

Resolution requesting the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission use any and all means necessary to ensure public safety at Bradley Falls 

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina, and Polk County are blessed with a heritage of outdoor activities that have enriched the lives of our residents and travelers from across the country and world; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife associated recreation; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is the agency entrusted with the management and conservation of North Carolina wildlife sources for the enjoyment of all people; and
WHEREAS, Bradley Falls has been established as one of the 11 State Natural Heritage Areas located wholly or partially on the game lands by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program; and
WHEREAS, in the Green River Game Land Management Plan for 2015-2025 Bradley Falls Trail was determined to be heavily used by hikers to reach the waterfall, they were highlighted as a particular problem, and respondents to a public survey felt the trails could be improved, and expressed specific concerns regarding trail maintenance and requested safety barriers be added at the falls; and
WHEREAS, there have been eight unfortunate or unnecessary deaths and several injuries over the past 15 years resulting from hikers getting too close to the edge and falling, each incident required as many as 50 rescuers to risk their lives in the hope of saving the victim.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Polk County Board of Commissioners requests that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission use any and all means necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors to the Bradley Falls area.
Adopted this 21st day of October 2019.