Please contact the Forest Service before November 19th and let them know that you oppose the Back Valley Timber Sale.

SAMPLE LETTER

District Ranger Ron Bush

[US Mail Address:]
Ron Bush, District Ranger
Clinch Ranger District
Back Valley Scoping Comments
9416 Darden Dr.
Wise, VA 24293

[email address:]
comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson-clinch@fs.fed.us

[fax #]
(276) 328-3544


"I oppose the Back Valley Timber Sale. I am concerned about the serious flooding that has occurred along Dry Creek downstream from the proposed project area in recent years, causing harm to downstream residents. The 371 acres of logging, 3.25 mi. of road construction, and 1300 acres of prescribed burning proposed as part of this project would likely exacerbate these flood impacts. Logging is proposed on steep slopes and and in highly concentrated areas.

"Back Valley is located within a couple of miles of the Clinch River, one of North America's most biologically diverse rivers. Please protect this treasure - don't trash it.

"The Forest Service should consider dropping this unwise project altogether. I ask you to consider other action alternatives that would significantly reduce the scale of the project, reduce the amount of logging on steep slopes, reduce the risk of flooding, scarring the landscape from the intensive, heavily concentrated logging and burning operations, and fully protect the area for recreation, fishing, and for rare species downstream."

"The Forest Service should also consider alternatives that reduce the spread of invasive species by avoiding new logging, roadbuilding, and other ground-disturbing activities rather than by promoting these activities and then treating the area. The Forest Service should examine and address the most prevalent ways that soil disturbances which lead to the introduction and spread of invasive species take place, including logging, roadwork, and road access for illegal and legal motorized use. Measures must be implemented to limit future ground disturbing activities conducive to invasive species overgrowth. Prevention is the best medicine."

Please add a personal note, or expand, if you wish