VWC Newsletter - June 2006
ANNUAL MEETING TIME ROLLS AROUND
For most of the year, members of the Virginia Wilderness Committee plug away in their respective homes, working to further the cause of wilderness. But once a year we all come together to celebrate what we have accomplished, commiserate about the state of the environment, and stiffen our mutual spines for the battles ahead. This year we will gather in a beautiful forest setting that has a special significance for the road(less) ahead:
WHEN July 8, 2006 – 10:00 a.m.
WHERE Hone Quarry Campground, George Washington National Forest. Located about 12 miles west of Dayton off Rt. 257. Sign on the right. Campsites available on a first come, first served basis if you want to come the night before. Bring a lunch.
WHAT The agenda will include a discussion of strategy for the current wilderness bills (S. 942 and H.R. 1975), planning for the future, and election of officers. The afternoon will be devoted to visits to our favorite GW places. See you there!
NOTICE OF POSITION
Coordinator for Wilderness Development: George Washington National Forest
The Virginia Wilderness Committee seeks a person to develop the appreciation of wilderness within the George Washington National Forest.
Qualifications should include (1) familiarity with the George Washington National Forest (preferably with residence nearby); (2) knowledge of the local hunting, fishing, forestry, and conservation communities; and (3) ability to educate local residents and to encourage their support of wilderness designation, especially in the National Forest counties of Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, and Highland.
Duties will include (1) contacting local organizations, such as hunting and fishing clubs, bird clubs, plant groups, garden clubs, civic clubs, and church groups, to present talks and slide shows about the values of wilderness and its protection; (2) writing, and encouraging others to write, letters and articles for the news media; 3) leading wilderness interpretive hikes; 4) working with local officials to educate them on the values of wilderness; and (5) working with landowners to dispel disinformation about the impacts of wilderness on their lands.
Remuneration. The successful applicant will contract with VWC at a rate of $12.50/hour for a total of up to 80 hours/month, plus expenses for travel (35 cents/mile), maps, postage, photography, and xerox. Lodging and meals are not reimbursable.
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, up to three letters of recommendation, and a narrative proposal for carrying out the duties outlined above, should be sent to:
J. J. Murray, President, VWC, 1601 Bentivar Farm Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
GLACIAL MOVEMENT IN CONGRESS
Negotiations continue between Senator Warner’s staff and the Forest Service on the exact final shape of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Bill. We have reason to believe that the Forest Service is serious about reaching a compromise that will retain the original shape of the bill, although some of the details may have to be adjusted to reach agreement. Our man in DC, Larry Romans, is keeping a close eye on developments, while several of us are wearing grooves in Rt. 29 as we continue with the educational campaign in Washington. We hope that this is the beginning of the end and not just the end of the beginning. *************************************
President: Jim Murray, 1601 Bentivar Farm Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911 (434-973-6693)
Vice-Pres: Mark Miller, 62 Big Hill Rd., Lexington, VA 24450 (540-464-3110)
Treasurer: Juliana Simpson, 11 E. Monmouth, Winchester, VA 22601 (540-662-7043)
Secretary: Laura Neale, 423 Sheep Creek Lane, Fairfield, VA 24435
For most of the year, members of the Virginia Wilderness Committee plug away in their respective homes, working to further the cause of wilderness. But once a year we all come together to celebrate what we have accomplished, commiserate about the state of the environment, and stiffen our mutual spines for the battles ahead. This year we will gather in a beautiful forest setting that has a special significance for the road(less) ahead:
WHEN July 8, 2006 – 10:00 a.m.
WHERE Hone Quarry Campground, George Washington National Forest. Located about 12 miles west of Dayton off Rt. 257. Sign on the right. Campsites available on a first come, first served basis if you want to come the night before. Bring a lunch.
WHAT The agenda will include a discussion of strategy for the current wilderness bills (S. 942 and H.R. 1975), planning for the future, and election of officers. The afternoon will be devoted to visits to our favorite GW places. See you there!
NOTICE OF POSITION
Coordinator for Wilderness Development: George Washington National Forest
The Virginia Wilderness Committee seeks a person to develop the appreciation of wilderness within the George Washington National Forest.
Qualifications should include (1) familiarity with the George Washington National Forest (preferably with residence nearby); (2) knowledge of the local hunting, fishing, forestry, and conservation communities; and (3) ability to educate local residents and to encourage their support of wilderness designation, especially in the National Forest counties of Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, and Highland.
Duties will include (1) contacting local organizations, such as hunting and fishing clubs, bird clubs, plant groups, garden clubs, civic clubs, and church groups, to present talks and slide shows about the values of wilderness and its protection; (2) writing, and encouraging others to write, letters and articles for the news media; 3) leading wilderness interpretive hikes; 4) working with local officials to educate them on the values of wilderness; and (5) working with landowners to dispel disinformation about the impacts of wilderness on their lands.
Remuneration. The successful applicant will contract with VWC at a rate of $12.50/hour for a total of up to 80 hours/month, plus expenses for travel (35 cents/mile), maps, postage, photography, and xerox. Lodging and meals are not reimbursable.
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, up to three letters of recommendation, and a narrative proposal for carrying out the duties outlined above, should be sent to:
J. J. Murray, President, VWC, 1601 Bentivar Farm Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
GLACIAL MOVEMENT IN CONGRESS
Negotiations continue between Senator Warner’s staff and the Forest Service on the exact final shape of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Bill. We have reason to believe that the Forest Service is serious about reaching a compromise that will retain the original shape of the bill, although some of the details may have to be adjusted to reach agreement. Our man in DC, Larry Romans, is keeping a close eye on developments, while several of us are wearing grooves in Rt. 29 as we continue with the educational campaign in Washington. We hope that this is the beginning of the end and not just the end of the beginning. *************************************
President: Jim Murray, 1601 Bentivar Farm Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911 (434-973-6693)
Vice-Pres: Mark Miller, 62 Big Hill Rd., Lexington, VA 24450 (540-464-3110)
Treasurer: Juliana Simpson, 11 E. Monmouth, Winchester, VA 22601 (540-662-7043)
Secretary: Laura Neale, 423 Sheep Creek Lane, Fairfield, VA 24435