[at-l] Don't Give A *$%& Society

[greyowl@rcn.com (greyowl@rcn.com)]

OK guys,

The State of PA wants to cut down some tree on an access trail to 
the AT.  Both trails are on State Game Lands and there are a 
number of reason that this is being done and the issues are 
complicated.  Several LOCAL groups have been working together 
to work with the PA DCNR on this project.  The money obtained 
from the selective harvesting of the trees would go to the 
improvement of the access trail to the AT.  The areas opened up 
would allow for small game to flourish (It is a hunting area).  On the 
other side of the coin is that the trees are very old and very large 
and many people hike this trail to look at these trees.

So what is the purpose of this post!!!  First off it is a local issue and 
advocates from outside this area may not have all of the facts.  
Secondly they can drown out the concerns of the local community 
who has to live with the decission.  Everyone on this list (At less I 
hope) is concerned about the trail.  I have in the past written lettes 
to organization taking part in discussions on the future of the trials. 
 It is a waste of time writing drectly to government agencies unless 
they invite comments from the outside.  The main goal of 
government hearings are to listen to what the local communities 
have to say about a project.  

Finally, no one on this list has given back more to the trail than Jim 
Owens.  This individual is always doing something with the KTA for 
preserving the many wonderful trails in PA and I am sure he does 
similiar things in Virginia and Maryland.  He is concerned about the 
future of all trails, it is just that he does not think that this is the 
forum one should use to discuss these issues.  I do not know why 
I feel that I must defend Jim, his actions speaks volumes.

Bob Dudley
AKA Grey Owl