VWC Newsletter - September 2011
NOW IS THE TIME TO COMMENT
For the next few weeks we have a golden opportunity to let the Forest Service know what we think of the Draft Plan for the management of the George Washington National Forest. And the answer is: "Not much." For a start the Forest Service has had to admit that the draft was based on faulty information about the timber harvest. You can see the errata sheets on their web site. However, these changes have worked to our advantage, since the comment period has had to be extended until October 17th. Thus you have a little more time to study the Plan and frame your response. The VWC suggests that you urge the Forest Service to recommend:
Two other issues bulk large on the horizon: hydrofracking in the Marcellus shale, and industrial wind development. Encourage the Forest Service to stand firm on their decision to prohibit horizontal drilling for natural gas, and ask them to stand firm against allowing the destruction of our finest mountain ridges on the false promise of "clean" wind energy. More details on our website, see below.
Remember - Comments are due: October 17th to:
George Washington Plan Revision
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
5612 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019
Shenandoah Mountain Proposal Gains Ground
The Shenandoah Mountain Proposal is steadily gaining local support. It has been endorsed by 70 businesses, 50 organizations, and 10 faith groups, many added this summer. Please check the list shown on the Friends of Shenandoah Mountain web site to see who is missing. Let us know of potential endorsers. You can follow the Friends of Shenandoah Mountain Facebook page for announcements and updates. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
ANNUAL MEETING
It's getting close to that time of year when the VWC gathers to celebrate past victories, plan future campaigns, and choose leaders for the coming year. Come and give your advice, pick your leaders, and share in the enthusiasm:
When - October 1st
Where - Sherando Camp Ground. Come to the main parking lot and follow the signs.
Time - 10:00 a.m.
Bring lunch and stay for a hike in the afternoon.
*************************************
Check the date stamp on your label. It shows the date of your latest contribution. Are you up to date? Checks to VWC, 229 Cranberry Drive, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477-3047. Contributions may also be made via the website, see below.
Virginia Wilderness Committee: www.vawilderness.org
President: Laura Neale, 423 Sheep Creek Lane, Fairfield, VA 24435 (540-261-1909)
Vice-Pres: Mark Miller, 62 Big Hill Rd., Lexington, VA 24450 (540-464-3110)
Treasurer: Karen Waterman, 229 Cranberry Drive, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477-3047
Secretary: Pete Bsumek, 485 W. Bruce St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540-421-4105)
Wilderness Coordinator: Carol Lena Miller, 460 Ohio Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540-578-0275)
For the next few weeks we have a golden opportunity to let the Forest Service know what we think of the Draft Plan for the management of the George Washington National Forest. And the answer is: "Not much." For a start the Forest Service has had to admit that the draft was based on faulty information about the timber harvest. You can see the errata sheets on their web site. However, these changes have worked to our advantage, since the comment period has had to be extended until October 17th. Thus you have a little more time to study the Plan and frame your response. The VWC suggests that you urge the Forest Service to recommend:
- The Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area with embedded wilderness areas: Ramseys Draft Addition, Lynn Hollow, Little River, and Skidmore Hollow.
- Wilderness for Beech Lick Knob.
- Wilderness Additions for Rich Hole, Rough Mountain, Three Ridges, and St. Mary's.
- National Scenic Area status for Big Schloss, including wilderness for Three High Heads.
- Wilderness for Little Allegheny Mountain.
- National Scenic Area status for Northern Massanutten.
Two other issues bulk large on the horizon: hydrofracking in the Marcellus shale, and industrial wind development. Encourage the Forest Service to stand firm on their decision to prohibit horizontal drilling for natural gas, and ask them to stand firm against allowing the destruction of our finest mountain ridges on the false promise of "clean" wind energy. More details on our website, see below.
Remember - Comments are due: October 17th to:
George Washington Plan Revision
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
5612 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019
Shenandoah Mountain Proposal Gains Ground
The Shenandoah Mountain Proposal is steadily gaining local support. It has been endorsed by 70 businesses, 50 organizations, and 10 faith groups, many added this summer. Please check the list shown on the Friends of Shenandoah Mountain web site to see who is missing. Let us know of potential endorsers. You can follow the Friends of Shenandoah Mountain Facebook page for announcements and updates. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
ANNUAL MEETING
It's getting close to that time of year when the VWC gathers to celebrate past victories, plan future campaigns, and choose leaders for the coming year. Come and give your advice, pick your leaders, and share in the enthusiasm:
When - October 1st
Where - Sherando Camp Ground. Come to the main parking lot and follow the signs.
Time - 10:00 a.m.
Bring lunch and stay for a hike in the afternoon.
*************************************
Check the date stamp on your label. It shows the date of your latest contribution. Are you up to date? Checks to VWC, 229 Cranberry Drive, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477-3047. Contributions may also be made via the website, see below.
Virginia Wilderness Committee: www.vawilderness.org
President: Laura Neale, 423 Sheep Creek Lane, Fairfield, VA 24435 (540-261-1909)
Vice-Pres: Mark Miller, 62 Big Hill Rd., Lexington, VA 24450 (540-464-3110)
Treasurer: Karen Waterman, 229 Cranberry Drive, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477-3047
Secretary: Pete Bsumek, 485 W. Bruce St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540-421-4105)
Wilderness Coordinator: Carol Lena Miller, 460 Ohio Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540-578-0275)