Updates on Events:     July 3. 2012

The Southern Forest Watch leadership  recently met with Congressman John Duncan regarding the mishandling of the Fee issue.  We sincerely appreciate his time and attention to the matter.  Congressman Duncan wishes to be involved and has assisted us in preparing our next phase of rounds with Ditmanson and the park service.   As a result, we followed up with Senator Corker and his representatives the following week.  Corker sits on the Senate Committee that has jurisdiction over public lands.  We spent an hour in his office as well.

Many of you know that we also met with Dale Ditmanson, Clayton Jordan, Melissa Cobern and Kevin Fitzgeralad over one month ago to discuss the Fees.  We were given directions at the outset that there would be no discussion of the fees at the beginning of the meeting.  Needless to say, we ignored that and proceeded to hammer Dale and crew about their boondogle.  It was, as we suspected, a waste of our time.  It did give everyone present a clear indication of the mindset of the crew with which we have been dealing over the past few years at the Sugarlands.  Thoughts that come to mind are, arrogant, above the law and "we know more than you".  To say that it was difficult for me, sitting right next to Dale, not to think about the $176,00 salary we pay him to concoct these arbitrary taxes is an understatement.  In my opinion, Dale reports to no one but Lamar and the NPS who are all about passing the buck down to backpackers.

Last week, a hand delivered letter with over 30 signatures was presented to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar outlining the mishandling of the proposal.

I would like to let folks know that we have had some suspicion of Lamar Alexander's involvement in this Fee proposal.  Alexander enjoys a very cozy relationship with Dale Ditmanson which likely perpetuates his arrogant attitude towards the general public and allows him to disregard their wishes.  Alexander's office initially told us they support the Fee proposal.

In summary, we are continuing our fight and will move forward which likely will include a legal battle with the NPS.   Ditmanson refused to accept our compromise offers of allowing charges for the shelters only so we are left with little choice pending the outcome of our efforts with Duncan, which seem somewhat promising.  Our non profit status is nearing completion and we will probably begin asking for money to pursue the legal portion.  Thanks for staying interested, contacting folks and checking in.

John