Action Needed

Here is the FOREST CONSENSUS for the FLNF Plan Revision that Forest Watch is trying to gain broad support for. If we can build a coalition of organizations and individuals with a united point of view about Plan Revision issues, the Forest Service will have to take notice.

If you endorse the FOREST CONSENSUS, print the form, sign it and mail it back to us (the address is at the bottom of the form). Also, please print extra copies and ask whatever organizations you belong to for an endorsement.

What You Can Do

Forest Watch is a community group. If you live near the Finger Lakes National Forest, you can protect the landscape by involving yourself and your friends in building a strong network of inhabitants who pay close attention to what's going on in the Forest. Direct communication between the public and the Hector Ranger Station from a broad spectrum of stakeholders is the best brake on poor Forest Service policy. When you see ATV tracks on the trails or hike through an area that has been trashed by a logging job, call the rangers and complain. Similarly, when things look good, let them know you appreciate their effort to preserve the environment.

Gas drilling and off road vehicle use are the primary threats to the recovery of the Finger Lakes Forest. Both activities are examples of commercial, industrial and corporate profiteering on public land. Oil and gas interests and off road vehicle manufacturers have resources to lobby lawmakers as they make substantial campaign contributions that influence key decisions. The Bush administration is systematically undermining every important Environmental Protection Law that has been passed to protect public land from commercial exploitation.

The issues in FLNF are compressed versions of the dire land use conflicts in larger national forests. However, all politics are local politics and increasing green political participation at the town board and county legislative level is the single most important thing any one can do to help the Forest Watch. So, VOTE in the next local election.

What Else You Can Do

• Donate Money. This helps us with the cost of mailing, printing and consultation.
• Donate time in the woods. We need help monitoring activities in all parts of the Forest. If you hike, forward us digital photos with location information whenever you see damage or poor management.
• Write a letter to the editor whenever FLNF decisions are being made.
• Come to Forest Service meetings and take time to comment on proposed activities. A new Forest Plan Revision is in process and your input can make a difference.
• Print and sign a copy of the FOREST CONSENSUS for the FLNF Plan Revision and return it to Forest Watch. Distribute as many copies as you can.
• Write to state a federal lawmakers asking for a permanent ban on gas leasing, drilling and exploration in FLNF.

Donations of any kind are always welcome, whether it's money, time, expertise, or anything else you have to give. Monetary donations can be written to "Finger Lakes Forest Watch Congress" and sent to:

Finger Lakes Forest Watch Congress
c/o NY-SEAC
319 Anabel Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850

If you have other help to offer us, please don't hesitate to contact us.