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Letters to your congressman: Numbers do matter Two weeks ago I submitted an article discussing what if any effect all those letters to the USFS had concerning the potential high elevation private development deep within the Fires Creek watershed. For those tuning in late, this is a 50 acre tract known as an in-holding, which means that the parcel is completely surrounded by USFS land. The issue has the attention of many area residents including hikers, hunters, fisherman, and those on horseback who frequent the Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area. My conversations with both Steve Lohr, Tusquitee district ranger and Rick Semingson, National Environmental Protection Act coordinator gave some insight into the decision making process regarding this controversial proposal. Basically, letters have to be "substantive" with the regard to the effects of a proposed action. Opinions don't count and thousands of letters addressing one issue still count as one issue. This revelation caused reactions ranging from frustration to anger amongst some of the letter writers with whom I spoke. The most common response was, "why wouldn't the USFS tell us to confine our comments in this manner at the time they ask for public comment?" All I can say is, now you know for future reference. Numbers and opinions do matter to your congressman. I spoke with Congressman Heath Shuler's constituent representative Sandy Zimmerman and she was quite emphatic that your opinions and letters are very welcome. She issued this statement: "Regarding Fires Creek and the Forest Service, the Congressional Office gathers information about proposed land use and letters from constituents are welcome. As would be the case with any federal agency, they must complete studies necessary to make fair decisions relative to the situation. I hiked the area to view the trails & roads being discussed and it is a beautiful area deserving of the process which will be completed by the Forest Service and will include public input."
Zimmerman said that all the letters submitted to the USFS during the comment period had been forwarded to Shuler's office. Future comments can be mailed to:
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