The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy's Public Lands Management Committee that has the responsibility of developing its positions on forest issues met on September 9. Its Co-Chair, Bob Marshall, had summoned some of the group, as presently constituted, to these infrequent meetings to carry on its tradition and some of its business.

We are developing proposals and updates for the board meeting at the Fall Review. We will help develop a list of places of special interest or beauty to assure their protection and appropriate access. There is an opportunity to comment on the West Virginia Division of Forestry’s plans for their state forests: the Greenbrier, Kumbrabow, and Coopers Rock. The WVHC has traditionally done so.

The Monongahela also has watershed descriptions on upper Williams River and Glady Fork. We are considering these and other aspects of their Plan. We have concerns about flooding and watershed acidification. We need to work on opportunities for more wilderness.

There should be brief reports, like this in the Voice nearly monthly as comments and positions begin to be clearer. We want to keep readers informed and give all a chance to comment. Understanding and support at least within the WVHC is needed. Comments can be sent to Bob Marshall whose address is always found on page 2.