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

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

>I was just sent this e-mail & it appears this is not an issue any more.
>John O
>
>I fnally got a call back from Mr. Oliver's Office.
>They are a bit surprised to hear that this is an issue.
>Basically telling me that the money will be there..
>60,000 to replace what was lost.
>
>
>
>At 07:23 AM 4/5/02 -0500, John O wrote:
>>For your consideration.
>>John
>>
>>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.