In May of 2007, The Clinch Coalition partnered with Virginia Forest Watch and the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project to appeal Forest Service plans to log 371 acres of forest in the Dry Creek watershed, near Dungannon, VA. This area experienced heavy flooding in 2001, and the damage it brought to local homeowners was one of the driving forces behind our campaign to “Let High Knob Stand.” Although the appeal was successful in delaying the sale, ultimately the Forest Service decided to go through with the sale. Cutting on two parcels was completed last spring. Recently TCC Director Visited the site near Dungannon, VA, here’s what he found:
Often trees designated to remain standing (noted by orange paint) are badly damaged during the logging process itself. Trees left standing are left unprotected from wind and storm damage often topple after logging is complete (top left) others are damaged during the logging process itself (bottom left). Numerous trees at the site were found to have been debarked by logs being skidded out of the site. This damage is detrimental to the long term health and value of the tree.
Slash piles of unused timber left at the site.
Erosion caused by road constuction.
Waterbars in place to stop further erosion have not been properly seeded with vegetative cover.
Learn more about the Back Valley Timber Sale
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District Ranger Jorge Hersel presented plans to cut 461 acres and burn 2900 acres of forest around Keokee Lake to a full house at our Wells Branch Timber Sale Community Meeting in Keokee, VA last fall.
