[at-l] Ridge Runner Program in financial jeopardy - time sensitive

[johno@mail.monmouth.com (John O)]

Feel free to forward this information.
John O

> Received a call and email from John Wright of ATC asking that we write
> letters to DCNR Secretary John Oliver to re-establish funding for the
ridge
> runner programs in PA for the next five years including this one. The
> funding appears to be in some question and there is the appearance of
> testing the waters to see how much public support is out there with the
> implication of no funding if little interest is shown.
>
>  I will also be contacting my local legislators on the issue. Sometimes a
> short questioning phone call from them has the effect of many letters from
> constituents. Will be contacting Lisa Boscola and Craig Dailey. I
encourage
> you and club members to write a short note, make a phone call to express
> your support. It might be good to add a benefit(s) that is pertinent to
> your club about the program over the past years.
>
> DCNR web site is http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
>
> This is time sensitive, and should be completed if possible before April
1.
>
> I have attached a Performa letter that I wrote that can be modified and
> reworded and am also attaching supporting documents on the program from
> John Wright. and another short draft letter from John. Phone numbers for
> DCNR are at the very bottom.
>
>
>
>
>
> Below is text of letter that ATC is composing
>
> Dear Secretary Oliver,
>
> I am writing in support of a grant application (details) which will be
> under the consideration of your office (date & detail).
>
> The Appalachian Trail Conference and its volunteers enjoy a long standing
> and productive relationship with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the
> DCNR in particular, as partners in managing the Appalachian National
Scenic
> Trail.
>
> In 1990 the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) approached the Pennsylvania
> Department of Environmental Resources (Current DCNR) requesting support
for
> a new program intended to help mitigate environmental impacts and social
> problems along the AT in Pennsylvania.  Discussions led to a sole source
> contract between the DER and the ATC to partially fund the ridge runner
> program for the years 1991-1995.  This contract was renewed for the years
> 1996-2001.  The resulting program placed three seasonal employees on the
> Trail full time during the summer hiking season, resulting in a safer
> environment for the hiking public as well as a stronger connection between
> the ATC Trail clubs and the Commonwealth land managing agencies.  The ATC
> took responsibility for recruiting, administration, training, and overall
> supervision of the ridge runner program; while Trail clubs were delegated
> day to day support for the three ridgerunners.
>
> The Grant applied for by the Bureau of Forestry will insure the
continuance
> of this important program through the 2002 season.
>
> Thank you for your continued strong support of outdoor recreation in
> Pennsylvania and of the efforts of the volunteers of the ATC.
> Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Executive Office: 7th
> Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 8767, Harrisburg, PA
> 17105-8767
> General Information: (717) 787-2869
> Fax: (717) 772-9106
> SECRETARY
> John C. Oliver: (717) 772-9084
> Senior Advisor to the Secretary
> Sally Just: (717) 705-1466
> Executive Secretary
> Nancy Read: (717) 772-9084
> Executive Deputy Secretary
> John Plonski: (717) 772-9104
        


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   Holding resentment against someone is like taking poison 
         & wishing it would affect the other person.