WVEC Action Alerts

Timbering/Forests 
January 8, 2002

2 messages from CORL:

Dear Friends of Timber Reform,

The 2002 state legislative session convenes Wednesday, January 9th. The Coalition for Responsible Logging (CORL) is keeping up the pressure on our elected representatives in Charleston to enact meaningful timber reform legislation. The tragic floods of last summer have brought this issue to the forefront and our objective is within our grasp. However, we need your help to accomplish this shared goal.

Calls need to be made to your state legislators stating simply that "We've got to do something about logging problems in West Virginia" and that you support timber reform. It would also be helpful if you would describe a problematic timber job in your district that has caught your eye and that has obvious problems with erosion, logging on steep slopes, creek crossings, lack of stream buffer zones, etc. Relate the location of this cut and the apparent problems. I know we really don't have to think too hard for these; we see them on our daily travels.

Tell your legislators that voluntary "best management practices" (BMPs) are a failure and that timber theft and stream sedimentatiion are out of control. If you are not sure who your state legislators are go to www.legis.state.wv.us and you can find out. Thank you for taking the time to become involved in this important issue.

Frank Slider- WV Sierra Club / CORL Frank Young- WV Highlands Conservancy / CORL Bob Marshall- Religious Campaign for Forest Restoration / CORL and the representatives of the 6 other CORL organizations

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The Coalition For Responsible Logging (CORL) will meet this Thursday at 12:00 Noon sharp at the WV Citizen Action (CAG) office in Charleston.

CAG is located at the corner of Ruffner and Dixie Street, about 6 blocks from the state capital. Ruffner runs perpendicular to Washington Street. Dixie Street intersects with Ruffner, about 3 blocks toward the Interstate off Washington Street, near the railroad tracks.

CORL Steering Committee chair Bob Marshall, our lobbyist Conni Lewis, and WVEC head lobbyist Don Garvin will be discussing timber bill strategy for the legislative session that starts this week. All of you are welcome to participate.

Frank Young, acting CORL e-mail messenger

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Chris Hogbin WVEC E-mail Action Alert Coordinator