Dear Editor,

I attended the recent Open House regarding the Monongahela National Forest’s Draft Deer Creek Environmental Assessment intended to inform the public about this project, only to find myself confounded by maps that were almost indecipherable and filled with technical jargon. Terms like “Replace Aquatic Organism Passage,” “Soil Restoration on Existing Linear Features,” “Riparian Underplantings,” “Targeted Northern Hardwood and Spruce Release,” and “New Administrative Use Two Track” were utterly meaningless to me and I would guess to many other attendees without a background in forestry. 

I finally (through speaking with very friendly staff) decoded that “New Administrative Use Two Track” means… building a road. “Replace Aquatic Organism Passage” means… replacing culverts. “Targeted Northern Hardwood and Spruce Release” means… cutting old-growth trees that are taller than other trees to give the spruce trees more light. How are we supposed to engage with and understand the true impacts of these actions when they are shrouded in such opaque language?

The public deserves transparency. We need clear communication about what this project entails and its environmental impacts. The proposed actions (from what I was able to make out) entail a loss of old-growth trees, vital habitats, and crucial carbon sinks. If this proposal proceeds, there will be clear-cutting operations, some conducted by helicopter, and the use of herbicides to remove “undesirable” trees. The American Forest Foundation has highlighted that clearcutting and similar practices lead to significant reductions in forest resilience and ecological stability.

The operations proposed in Project #60882, particularly the use of heavy machinery and helicopters, have the potential to generate significant noise pollution. This could disturb local wildlife, including nocturnal species that are particularly sensitive to noise. Additionally, the increased noise levels could negatively affect the quality of life for residents who value the tranquility of our rural environment.

In my opinion, we need more public outreach, including additional Open Houses with accessible language and straightforward explanations. The public comment period should be extended to allow adequate time for informed feedback.

I call upon everyone to really look into this project and understand any impacts on our community.  Learn more here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/mnf/?project= 60882 (link to comment or object is https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=60882). 

Project contact information: Thomas Craig, Box 67, Bartow, WV 24920, phone: 304-538-4446, email: Thomas.Craig@usda.gov

Please note that the comment period ends by end of day June 14, 2024.

Sincerely,
Miriam Weber
Green Bank, West Virginia