H.R. 2936, The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017 (more commonly called the Westerman Bill) is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives. This bill is intended to “expedite environmental analysis and availability of categorical exclusions to expedite forest management activities.” Apart from being destructive to forest ecosystems, the Westerman Bill is designed to… Read more
Thank you for your interest in helping to search for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee along the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline route. One of the bees was found by an ACP surveyor in Bath County. We would like to find more anywhere along the route, if possible. We are welcome to search on public Forest… Read more
usfs-objection-process-blm-comments
Today, the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) was released. What’s in it – or more importantly – what is not? The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has again failed to adequately address many of the most important impacts and issues related to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) had… Read more
What’s at stake for our national forest lands? Water Pollution: Sedimentation caused by construction could threaten the water quality especially those of special concern such as native brook trout streams and the headwater streams that supply the water used by the Shenandoah Valley. Habitat and Natural Processes Destruction: Construction of the pipeline would fragment habitat,… Read more
Just over a century ago, the mountains from West Virginia to Georgia were being clearcut, burned, and eroded in one of the worst logging rampages in history. Flooding from the denuded mountains was so destructive to the lowlands that in 1911, Congress was pressured to pass the Weeks Act. This law authorized the Forest Service… Read more
Wild Virginia’s Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is composed of individuals with expertise in a variety of fields that are pertinent to the ecological health and preservation of Virginia’s National Forests. The Committee members serve as valuable sources of timely and current knowledge in their fields. Committee members agree to periodically consult with the… Read more
by Lillian Anderson 2-2-2017 UPDATE: Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced this morning that he is withdrawing this bill. Thanks to everyone who called and made comments. Last Tuesday, Congressman Jason Chaffetz proposed HR 621. This bill will drastically impact our public lands if passed. It builds on the Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act and aims to sell… Read more
What should I talk about in my comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)? Do you like to visit our national forests? The construction of the pipeline would degrade the exceptional scenic and recreation value of our national forests and make them more desirable for natural gas drilling. Are you concerned about our drinking water? The… Read more
Suggested Comments for the Public: -I strongly oppose the application for a Special Use Permit to cross the Jefferson National Forest and the requests for amendments to the Forest Plan. I believe the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service must reject these proposals and I urge you to do so. -The Draft… Read more