Here we go again! Because of new planning rules now in place, the Forest Service is conducting another set of public hearings on the management plan for the George Washington National Forest. Dates and locations for the upcoming meetings are:
April 12 - Valley Elementary School, 98 Panther Dr, Hot Springs, VA
April 14 - East Hardy High School, Baker, WV
April 19 - Rockbridge County High School, 143 Greenhouse Rd, Lexington, VA
April 28 - Woodstock National Guard Armory, 541 Hoover Rd, Woodstock, VA
April 29 - Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Ln, Verona, VA
All meetings will be held from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
See our April Newsletter for additional information as to why these meetings are occuring again, and how we can best respond to the invitation to participate in this process.
To send comments to the Forest Service:
Email comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us with subject "Comment George Washington Plan Revision"
Or mail comments to GW Plan Revision, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019
ALSO, here are some talking points on the Shenandoah Mountain Proposal. It is essential that the Forest Service hear from many, many people regarding this campaign!
The Shenandoah Mountain area, particularly between Rt. 250 and Rt. 33 in Virginia, is a special area within the GWNF. The recreational and ecological value of the mountain is tremendous, and it deserves lasting protection from logging and road-building.
- Includes 5 National Forest roadless areas and Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area.
- Is one of the largest tracts of wildlands on National Forest land in the East.
- Has exceptional scenery and wildlife habitat, including over 250 species of birds as well as black bear, native trout, and a number of rare species.
- Provides outstanding recreational opportunities including primitive and developed camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, rock-climbing, and birdwatching.
- Developed recreational opportunities include campgrounds at Todd Lake, Hone Quarry, Braley Pond, North River, and the Camp Todd horse camp. Fishing abounds at Switzer Lake, Hearthstone Lake, Briery Branch Lake, Elkhorn Lake, and Union Springs. Other important recreational/historical spots include Reddish Knob, High Knob Fire Tower, Confederate Breastworks, and Mountain House picnic area.
- The area has an exceptional 150-mile trail network, including the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail. The new Great Eastern Trail follows the crest of the mountain.
- Has potential for even better trail networks, including more mountain bike loops to avoid riding on roads.
- Offers outstanding opportunities for solitude.
- Encompasses important watersheds, including Skidmore Fork (Switzer Lake) for Harrisonburg, Staunton Lake, and North River for Bridgewater and Harrisonburg. Also provides clean air and erosion and flood control for residents of the Shenandoah Valley.
Friends of Shenandoah Mountain is a collaborative group formed to promote the recreational and ecological value of the mountain, and to campaign for lasting protection. Very few places like Shenandoah Mountain exist now in the eastern part of the US, and we need the foresight, good judgment, and determination to ensure that this place remains for future generations.
Core areas should be designated Wilderness Areas. User groups have worked together to draw boundaries that respect current use while providing strong protection for the area. Owners of private inholdings will retain all rights and current roads will remain open for access.
Threats to the GW are mounting. The most imminent threats, in addition to logging and road building, include new natural gas leases and large wind factories.
For details on the Shenandoah Mountain Proposal, visit www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org.