Letter to Ms. Kathleen Atkinson

May 27, 2005

Ms. Kathleen Atkinson
Supervisor, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
1755 Cleveland Hwy.
Gainesville, GA 30501

Dear Ms. Atkinson:

The Lumpkin County Coalition for National Forest Protection was formed earlier this year for two primary purposes: (1) to promote preservation of the economic benefits to the county that result from having a beautiful National Forest and (2) to promote protection of the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Lumpkin County.

Enclosed for your information and action are copies of petition letters signed by 63 businesses in Lumpkin County. The letters encourage action to: 1. protect the watersheds of North Georgia, 2. protect more wilderness and backcountry areas, and 3. fund restoration of the National Forest.

The Chattahoochee National Forest is an integral part of a sound economy for Lumpkin County. It provides scenic vistas, recreational opportunities, and clean rivers and streams - factors that attract visitors to support local businesses. The National Forest is also an integral part of the high quality of life of the residents of our county. It provides a beautiful and pleasant place in which to live, work, and play.

In your capacity as supervisor of the forest that has great implications for Lumpkin County, your consideration of the recommendations in the attached letters as you set policy and establish practices would be appreciated by the residents and business owners in this county.

We hope that Governor Perdue will petition USDA for special management procedures to protect the inventoried roadless areas under the provisions of the May 5 revision to 36 CFR Part 294, Subpart B. We are aware that the position taken by the state in 2001 was in favor of management of these areas by the state-federal land management planning process, but we believe that more permanent protection is preferable. Opening these remaining few areas at any time in the future to mining or logging would be unfortunate to our businesses that rely on them to attract tourists to our area and to our citizens who rely on them for quality of life.

We are also aware that in the conduct of your duties you have to take into account many variables in forest management. We appeal to you to support the options that provide maximum protection to the inventoried roadless areas and that fulfill the intent of the recommendations in the enclosed letters.

Sincerely,

Forest Hilyer, Coalition Facilitator (replaced Kate Smolski, referred to in letters)

Lumpkin Coalition to Protect the National Forest (706 864 9003, forest@lumpkincoalition.org, 3865 Dawsonville Hwy., Dahlonega, GA 30533)