[MAIPC] A threat greater than WLBG

[HTI Gmail]

I just wrote a draft of a public comment for the PATC President on a 
proposal now before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  While the 
proximal issue is focused on the Appalachian Trail in SW Virginia, the 
developer proposes significant  changes to the  Forest Mgt Plan for the 
Jefferson National Forest.  The developer and FERC propose that  the 
existing Forest Mgt Plan for the  Jefferson National Forest be modified 
to allow essentially unfettered crossings for infrastructure projects 
such as pipelines and power transmission.

This is a blatant attempt to weaken the well oiled Forest Management 
planning process all of our organizations have worked so hard to put in 
place.  The current process, while possibly viewed as inconvenient by 
developers, has resulted in excellent infrastructure development while 
minimizing the impacts on the Mid Eastern Forest.   The existing forest 
mgt process is NO threat to infrastructure development. We as a country 
simply do not need to keep construction costs low for energy 
corporations by allowing damage to the forest in an uncontrolled 
manner.  Maybe they have to forgo a couple company trips to the Post 
Ranch Inn; but big deal!

As you know, these Forest Mgt. Plans are the primary mechanism through 
which the values and views of all non commercial forest users are heard 
and addressed!

If this modification to current requirements is approved, we can expect 
it to become policy on all public lands.  It is the camel's nose inside 
the tent.

The FERC Docket No. is CP 16-10-000.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is taking the lead on this issue and 
submitted a detailed response to the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline.  ATC is accustomed 
to working with FERC and developers to accommodate the access needed for 
critical infrastructure while protecting the AT. But this attempt to 
attack the Forest Mgt. Plans is new and is a threat to us all.

For whatever reason, we (PATC) just became aware of this on Monday and I 
spent yesterday researching and writing a draft response for the PATC 
President.  Unfortunately, the deadline for public comment is tomorrow.

  I can tell leaders of any organization concerned about this issue who 
to contact at ATC.  The word is out late, but the process is far from 
completed.




Regards,

Dewey Clark
Club Naturalist
Co-District Manager (PA)
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
Maryland Master Naturalist