The Rally was held at Briery Branch Reservoir with Reddish Knob and Shenandoah Mountain as a stunning backdrop. A bald eagle flew over the reservoir just as a speaker was talking about the rich wildlife habitat roadless areas provide for special species. Photo by Nate Shaw The June 6 Rally for the Roadless Rule at Briery Branch Reservoir drew 48 people interested in learning more and showing support for keeping our National Forest roadless areas undeveloped and wild. The executive order to rescind the Roadless Rule threatens five areas in the proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area - Little River, Gum Run, Oak Knob, Skidmore Fork, and Ramseys Draft Addition - totaling almost 70,000 acres! If the Roadless Rule is rescinded, these pristine areas would be open to road-building, commercial timber harvest, and potentially fracking for methane gas. These roadless watersheds provide 1) clean drinking water for Harrisonburg, Staunton, Bridgewater, and many other communities downstream, 2) critical wildlife habitat and 3) outdoor recreation opportunities that support the Shenandoah Valley's tourism economy.
When USDA releases an Environmental Impact Statement, the public will have an opportunity to comment on rescission of the Roadless Rule. Stay tuned for more information.
The event was sponsored by Sierra Club - Shenandoah Group, Virginia Wilderness Committee, and PATC's North River District. Many thanks to Nate Shaw for documenting the Rally with photographs.
When USDA releases an Environmental Impact Statement, the public will have an opportunity to comment on rescission of the Roadless Rule. Stay tuned for more information.
The event was sponsored by Sierra Club - Shenandoah Group, Virginia Wilderness Committee, and PATC's North River District. Many thanks to Nate Shaw for documenting the Rally with photographs.
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