The Forest Service has begun a process to determine how the George Washington National Forest will be managed and utilized for the next decade. This process will establish guidelines for water quality, recreation, special biological areas, wind turbines, mineral leasing and wilderness.

These lands provide refuge to a myriad of plants and animals. The planning process is our chance to impact the way these lands will be managed. Comments on planning will be accepted by the Forest Service through August 8, 2008. Your comments will ensure that your voice is heard in the planning process.
Comments should be addressed to:
George Washington National Forest Plan Revision
5162 Valleypointe Parkway
Roanoke, VA 24019
Email comments to: comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us
or visit: www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj


There are many issues which should be addressed during the process.

- Please oppose industrial scale wind factories on national forest ridges given the numerous environmental disturbances including habitat destruction, forest fragmentation, bird and bat fatalities, and lack of scientific data on impacts to wildlife.

- Protect all roadless areas more than they are now, and add un-inventoried roadless areas to roadless inventory, utilizing the definition from 2001 Roadless Rule.

- Protect watersheds in order to ensure high quality water for all the communities that utilize these watershed for their drinking water.

- Do not increase fragmentation by building more roads. 1800 miles of system roads in the GW is more than the budget can support for maintenance. Work towards closing roads that are no longer needed (this does NOT mean roads that are popular for recreational use and access).

- Protect and preserve mature forest for neo-tropical bird species, and other wildlife species that require mature forest habitat. Improve inventory of old growth, and protect old growth.

- Request that Forest Service limit surface occupancy to companies owning mineral rights for gas and oil leasing.

- Finally, request Wilderness designation on the Lee District for Three High Heads and Little Stony. On the Pedlar District for Adams Peak, Three Sisters, and Wilderness additions St Mary’s. On the North River District for Beech Lick Knob, Skidmore Fork, Little River, additions to Ramseys Draft Wilderness, Crawford Mountain and Jerkemtight/Benson Run. On the Warm Springs District request wilderness for Laurel Fork, Little Allegheny Mountain and the Rough Mountain addition. Finally, on the James River District request Wilderness for Oliver Mountain, The Rich Hole Wilderness addition and Snake Run Ridge. .