[MAIPC] A threat greater than WLBG

[Art Gover]

The following link may be helpful in assessing/responding.

http://indiancreekwatershedassociation.org/how-to-comment-on-the-draft-environmental-impact-statement

Be well.

Art

Penn State Wildland Weed Management
116 ASI Building
University Park, PA  16802

(814) 863-9904
(814) 863-7043 FAX
http://plantscience.psu.edu/wildland

> On Dec 21, 2016, at 13:07, HTI Gmail <historictimekeepers at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
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