A Publication of WILD

Volume XI1 No.11 Protecting your favorite wild places Spring 2010 Creating a Forest Plan for the George Washington National Forest: The Time is Now

Forest planning for the George environmental analysis of the conser- the best plan possible. The Forest Washington National Forest vation alternative and our other com- Service continues to accept public (GWNF) is underway. After two ments will be of great benefit as discus- comment on the plan, and we en- false starts due to Bush-era changes sions on the Forest Plan continue and courage everyone to communicate to planning regulations, which were decisions are ultimately made. with them. Contact information is ultimately found to violate federal at the end of this article. law, planning has resumed and is Since our 2009 comments, several moving ahead quickly. more organizations have adopted reso- Forest Service staff is begin- lutions calling for stronger protection ning to develop alternative plans The original 1982 planning of drinking water resources in the new for the GWNF. There may be one regulations will be used to develop Forest Plan. A total of forty organiza- or two public meetings in early the Forest Plan. A Notice of Intent tions have now adopted a resolution, summer to review alternatives. to resume planning was published including 16 localities (cities, towns Public meetings in August are ten- in the Federal Register on March tatively planned to review a pre- 10. The Forest Service has con- liminary draft plan. A draft Forest ducted six public meetings since Plan and EIS are scheduled for re- then to gather public comments on lease in early 2011, followed by a 90 how the GWNF should be managed. day formal comment period. This information will be compiled GWNF staff hopes to have a com- and added to the data and public pleted Forest Plan in late 2011. comment gathered in the two earlier planning periods. Again, we hope you will partici- pate in developing a sound and ap- The 1982 regulations follow Na- propriate management plan for the tional Environmental Policy Act GWNF. Wild Virginia will remain (NEPA) steps, and the Forest Ser- heavily involved in the process. vice must cover a “full spectrum of Laurel Fork - Special Management Area in the Communicating your ideas to the George Washington National Forest alternatives” as they develop a Forest Service, via email, letter, range of potential plans to consider and counties), two regional planning phone calls, etc., is critical. As the for the GWNF. A strong conserva- districts, two soil & water conservation planning process continues, please tion plan must be part of the mix. districts, three public service authori- visit our website and use our email With our forest conservation part- ties, and a county water quality com- messages to assist you. ner Heartwood, we submitted a mittee. The list of organizations and “Conservation Alternative” for con- Comments on the Forest Plan can many resolutions are viewable on our be sent via: sideration as the new management website. plan. Mail: Maureen Hyzer, Forest Supervisor George Washington National Forest Numerous Wild Virginia members Wild Virginia also recently sub- 5162 Valleypointe Parkway and many other interested citizens Roanoke, VA 24019-3050 mitted updated comments on drink- have submitted comments on the forest ing water resources and watershed plan. We are very grateful to everyone Email: comments-southern- george- [email protected]. protection in the GWNF. These who gets involved in this public proc- documents are viewable on our web- (Please write “Comment on George ess, and expresses ideas about how our Washington Plan Revision” in the site, along with the four comment public lands should be managed. Man- subject line.) documents we submitted in July agement plans for our national forests 2009. The data and information are typically in place for 10 to 15 years, Fax: (540) 265-5145, (540) 265-5109 generated by the socio-economic and so it is critically important to produce Phone: (888) 265-0019, (540) 265-5100 PAGE 2 VOLUME XI1 NO.11 Wild Virginia Update Letter from our Conservation Director, David Hannah

As you can see from the pages monthly hikes has been fantastic. It also reminds us of the need of this newsletter, it has been a Spending time outdoors truly can be to continue our day to day work to very busy winter and spring for a salve for the soul, as it has been for protect our national forests, and to everyone at Wild Virginia. Given some of our hikers (and me). I par- launch into the two projects the importance of creating a new ticularly enjoy observing the spring planned for 2010: a survey of non- forest plan for the GWNF, efforts migration of birds, which of course native invasive plants in Ramsey’s on that front have been our highest cannot be separated from the emer- Draft Wilderness and an analysis priority in recent weeks. The Spe- gence of fresh green vegetation mak- of forest roads on Shenandoah cies Spotlight article (p. 5) provides ing its way up the slopes of our Mountain. some insight on how the planning mountains. Or the sweet smells of process can affect individuals, and fresh blossoms in the air. Or the con- Now that we’ve had a breath of even an entire species of primate. stantly changing wind and weather fresh, spring air, we can rededicate patterns. All of these and other ourselves to our mission and our However, we always try to have changes that come with spring make work. And we should also pledge a good time while working on our it impossible not to feel renewed and to continue to pause for fresh air conservation goals. The Wild & rejuvenated – as long as we pause and rejuvenation, to enjoy our Scenic Environmental Festival and from time to time to take it all in. unique location and great natural the 5% Day at Whole Foods (p. 4) resources, at every opportunity. were loads of fun, in addition to Unfortunately, there are always being successful events for the or- occasional reminders of the need to ganization. We were able to meet remain vigilant in protecting the many new conservation-oriented planet. News accounts and images people and renew relationships this week document the arrival of with many members and long-time crude oil in the marshes of Louisiana friends while relying on a cadre of – a result of the BP oil rig explosion volunteers to help us carry off the and subsequent oil gush. This rein- events. Wild Virginia is particu- forces the need to monitor some larly pleased to have made some looming energy-related threats to the new friends and acquaintances in GWNF: oil and gas leasing, hy- Staunton and the Shenandoah Val- drofracking of Marcellus shale, wind ley. energy projects, and woody biomass as a renewable energy source. After the harsh winter weather, resuming our schedule of

Volunteer Spotlight - Ron Fandetti, Outings Coordinator

Ron Fandetti recently became in Bretton Woods, NH and a former Volunteer Outings Coordinator for field instructor for The Mountain

Wild Virginia. In this position, Ron Institute’s Spruce hopes to help Wild Virginia in its Center in WV. He is certified in Wil- mission to protect Virginia’s re- derness First Aid and is in the proc- maining wild places. ess of completing the requirements to be certified as a Virginia Master

While his professional career Naturalist. focuses on organizational improve-

ment and people development, his The owner/facilitator of Green passion for the outdoors has Ron Fire Associates, Ron also helps to exploring the mountains and for- outfit others for their outdoor adven- ests as much as possible. An avid tures by working part-time at Blue Ron’s favorite forest quote: “In the hiker and backpacker, Ron is an Ridge Mountain Sports in Char- woods, a man casts off his years, as instructor, and former Director, for lottesville. He lives in rural Nelson the snake his slough, and at what the Appalachian Mountain Club’s County close to the Rockfish River period so ever of life is always a Mountain Leadership School based just outside of Schuyler. child” – Ralph Waldo Emerson VOLUME XI1 NO.11 PAGE 3

Ancient Mountain Sentinel Wild Virginia Hikes and Outings Volume XII, Number II - Spring 2010 All hike info also available on our website: http://www.wildvirginia.org A Full Outings Calendar : COME JOIN US! Sunday, June 6 Sunday, July 18 Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness

Join us for an early summer, There aren’t many places left fairly long and mountainous hike, where you can experience what the exploring the beauty and rugged- Appalachians might have been like ness of Three Ridges Wilder- before human sprawl. The Ramsey’s ness. There are some excellent Draft Wilderness is one of those spe- views of the Rockfish Valley to the cial places. This easy to moderate 6.7 David Hannah east, Wilderness to the mile hike combines 3 trails to give a Conservation Director southwest, and the crest of Saint ridgeline to valley wilderness experi- PO Box 1065 Mary’s Wilderness and Torrey ence. The hike will require the spot- Charlottesville, VA 22902 Ridge to the northwest. ting cars to shuttle back to the start- (434) 971-1553 ing point. http://www.wildvirginia.org Our hike begins at Reeds Gap [email protected] on the , 13 Dress appropriately for summer miles south of Afton Mountain and and come prepared for numerous will follow the stream crossings. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. The hike south. This is a “moderately chal- lenging” “up and back” 9 mile hike starts at 9:00 a.m. from the Confed- Board of Directors (total) along rolling, and sometimes erate Breastworks parking lot on US moderately steep (3) ridges. There 250 ( Trail). Nathan VanHooser —President are lots of “ups and downs” and we Contact Ron Fandetti at fan- Chris Bowlen—Vice President will be passing by Maupin Field [email protected] or (434) 831-2193 Jennifer Johnson—Secretary Shelter, and likely pass a few to reserve a spot and for other infor- Eric Gilchrist—Treasurer “through hikers”, which will give mation including car pooling ar- you an excellent idea of what longer Cynthia Hurst rangements. As wilderness regula- treks on the AT can be like. Ernie Reed tions limit group size, please reserve Kristin Taverna Hikers should be in good shape, early. pack lunch and snacks and carry

sufficient water for 6 hours on the DONATIONS: trail in what can be very warm and Sunday, August 29 dry conditions--or not as afternoon Elliot Knob Lookout Wild Virginia is an independent 501(c) thunderstorms are common. Please (3) non-profit organization. Please check weather conditions before Cool off at the higher elevations make checks payable to Wild Virginia packing for the day. on a 10 mile hike of moderate diffi- and mail to PO Box 1065, Charlottes- culty. We will hike along the Great ville, VA 22902. All donations are tax Hikers should plan to rendez- North Mountain Trail from Dry deductible to the extent of IRS law. vous at Reeds Gap Parking Area at Branch Gap Cont’d on page 4 the junction of Rt. 664 and the Blue Ancient Mountain Sentinel is Ridge Parkway at 9:00 am. Char- printed on 100% recycled, non-chlorine lottesville carpoolers will meet at bleached paper. Your use of this or Shenandoah Joe’s (2214 Ivy Road, similar paper will prevent the destruc- by Sneak Reviews) at 8:00am for an tion of native forests. Recycle.... Pass 8:10 departure. Contact Ernie this newsletter on to a friend! Reed, hike leader, if you are coming or if you have any questions: 434- PLEASE BUY RECYCLED PAPER, 971-1647 or [email protected]. OTHERWISE YOU ARE NOT COM- PLETING THE CYCLE! Group photo from May hike at Cole Moun- tain, Mt. Pleasant National Scenic Area PAGE 4 VOLUME XI1 NO.11

Environmental Film Festival in C’ville and Staunton a big Success!

On March 24 and 25, Wild Vir- magical evenings: Blue Ridge ginia presented two evenings of fabu- Mountain Sports, Patagonia, Sierra lous and exciting cinema in Char- Nevada Brewing, Clif Bars, Nutiva, lottesville and Staunton at the 2010 Tom’s of , Osprey Packs, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Whole Foods, Lithic Construction, Festival. If you were there, there you Integral Yoga Natural Foods, Albe- were and you know what we’re talk- marle Baking Company, Mint ing about. If you missed it, you Spring Frame Shop and Blue Ridge really missed it. But you will have Outdoors Magazine. Catch the beauty and the energy with all of us Board members greeting attendees at the Charlottesville film festival. again next spring!

another chance next year as we will be presenting an entire new slate of films in spring, 2011.

We wish to thank everyone who came out on those early spring nights and to all of those who took up the challenge and became new Wild Vir- ginia members. Grateful kudos also go out to all of the volunteers who helped us make this happen, to Paul Wagner, Bruce Dorries and Steve Grande our gracious Masters of Cere- monies and to all of the sponsors who Board President Nathan VanHooser, Wild VA volunteers helping out at the addressing the audience at the Staunton contributed to creating these two Staunton film festival. film festival.

Wild Virginia Sets Record at Whole Foods Hikes (from page 3)

Where were you on Earth to the fire tower at Elliot Knob. Day? If you were at Whole Foods The 360 degree view from the Knob Market in Charlottesville, you were a is spectacular. This is an out and piece of history. As Wild Virginia back hike. volunteers bagged groceries and talked with shoppers about our mis- The trail starts in chestnut sion and our work, the cash registers oak/hickory forest and ascends con- kept ringing. When it was all over, sistently for 5 miles to the summit. the day was one of the biggest fund- Good views to the west are common raisers in the history of Wild Vir- along the trail. Bring your lunch, a ginia. As the recipient of Whole good supply of water and your bin- Food’s “5% Day” Wild Virginia not oculars for this rewarding hike. only raised almost $5000 for our for- Please notify trip leader Chris est protection work, but we also Bowlen if you plan to come. 540- helped Whole Foods have its most 289-6801; [email protected] successful 5% Day ever. Chris can email directions if Thanks to everyone who came Wild Virginia volunteer, Deborah Caudle, bagging groceries at Whole Foods you plan to drive separately. To out to support us, to those who be- carpool from Charlottesville, meet came new Wild Virginia members, to to Whole Foods for making this per- at 8:15AM at Shenandoah Joe's all of our volunteers and, especially, haps the best Earth Day ever! (2214 Ivy Road, by Sneak Reviews). VOLUME XI1 NO.11 PAGE 5 Species Spotlight - Homo forestplannicus Article by Ernie Reed

Editor’s Note: There are cur- close proximity to the GWNF. Similar Distinguishing characteristics: rently two very important projects to locusts in that every 15 years, indi- slightly flattened forehead (from that the United States Forest Ser- viduals emerge and spend many eve- banging head against the wall) and vice is undertaking, which together nings in groups babbling about “goals, slightly glazed eyes from late nights may change the way National For- objectives, issues and management drafting comments and traveling ests are managed nation-wide and areas”. Individuals have more than a long miles to far and distant habi- specifically here in Virginia. As passing awareness of the National For- tats for public meetings. Likely to readers of the Ancient Mountain est Management Act (and its 1982 be connected at the hand to either Sentinel are aware, the George Planning Regulations), National Envi- pencil and legal pad or laptop. Has Washington National Forest is been known to consume more in the process of creating a new than its share of fermented cereal Land Management Plan that and grape beverages. Aforemen- will guide the direction of pro- tioned nocturnal behavior does jects for the next 10-15 years. not seem to be related to mating, Nationally, the Forest Service which could be considered irregu- is simultaneously in the proc- lar at best. ess of creating New Planning Regulations that will govern Because it occurs in so few how all subsequent Forest sites in Virginia in such miniscule Plans will be created. A new populations, and since it is a sig- rule is projected to be ready on nificant disjunct species, this re- November 11, 2011. cent addition to our fauna should be listed as both rare and endan- Wild Virginia’s Roving Re- gered. Forest Supervisors, Plan- porters have been attending ners and District Rangers should Two different subspecies of Homo forestplannicus, some- numerous meetings in different times know by their common names: David Hannah be alerted to its presence and to locations around the GWNF (above) and Ernie Reed (below). the need for conserving and pro- and also in Washington D.C. tecting the entire George Wash- We have become aware of a ington National Forest from road rare and threatened (as op- building, ill-conceived logging pro- posed to threatening) species jects and dangerously permissive that has been busy writing and forest plans. filing comments on behalf of Wild Virginia, attending meet- Please consider helping out all ings and public roundtables individuals of H. forestplannicus and even creating and submit- by contacting the Forest Service ting a Conservation Forest Plan and voicing your opinion on the Alternative for the George future management of the GWNF. Washington National Forest. Such actions have been known Ever alert and eager to please, to send H. forestplannicus indi- these variably brained, oppos- viduals into brief and unexplain- able thumbed bipeds are this able (but genuine) fits of eupho- issue’s featured Species Spot- ria, which may be followed by any light. number of unpredictable behav- iors. Individuals typically express ronmental Policy Act, and the Endan- gratitude for these helpful actions, Homo forestplannicus gered Species Act. When in groups, usually in a socially appropriate individuals can often be heard chirping manner. Unless safety issues arise, Rare species, same genus as “NEPA,NFMA, E-S-A,…NEPA, NFMA, inappropriate behavior is best Homo sapiens but much more rare. E-S-A” and other less intelligible treated by completely ignoring it. Scattered individuals are found in anachronisms. Homo forestplannicus After all, it only happens every 10- Charlottesville, Staunton, Harri- exhibits a wide range of behavior, from 15 years. sonburg, Lexington, Roanoke and in the confrontational to the collaborative.

Want to Save Paper ? If you prefer an electronic version (.pdf file) of the newsletter to a paper copy delivered by mail, please email David Hannah; [email protected].

Are You on Our Email List ? You should be, so that you receive notice of outings and other events, as well as news pertinent to Virginia’s national forests. Signing up is easy - just visit our website: www.wildvirginia.org, or email David Han-

nah; [email protected].

Want to Volunteer With Us ? Put your skills to work and help us protect our national forests. We are currently seeking a Newsletter editor, and other opportunities are also available. To learn more, visit the Volunteer page of our website, www.wildvirginia.org, or email David Hannah; [email protected].

P.O. Box 1065 Charlottesville, VA 22902 www.wildvirginia.org