Everybody - I talked with Bob Schowalter, State Forester, just a
few minutes ago.  He said that he and our Commission would be opposed 
to any sale of any portion of Harbison State Forest and that no offer 
is "on the table."  

What I understand about the Forest Service proposal was that they were
trying to consolidate their lands by getting rid of some parcels that 
were separated from their major landholdings.  Most landowners prefer 
to have all of their land arranged in a contiguous manner instead of 
having several separate pieces to manage.  Harbison is all contiguous, 
so getting rid of the part that is west of Lost Creek Drive would not 
make the Forest any more contiguous than it already is.

What we do need to stay vigilant about is that, while the Forestry
Commission would oppose any land sale at Harbison, the governor might 
think that selling state land is appropriate.  And the only thing that 
might be able to stop him would be a huge outcry by the voting public.  

Larry Moody, legislative liaison for the Forestry Commission, told me 
today that he has not heard of any such proposal by the governor, but 
he will follow things closely and will let us know right away if any 
discussion is held about selling any part of Harbison.
    
    Thanks,

    Russell
    Tue, July 18, 2006 2:48 pm