Re: UPDATE: Dupont State Forest

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Posted by Christina on September 01, 2001 at 17:11:19:

In Reply to: Re: UPDATE: Dupont State Forest posted by Theresa on September 01, 2001 at 11:31:09:

: ~~~~~~~~~

: This is indeed good news. While reading this, I was taken back about three months ago (has it been that long?) remembering how beautiful this area is. I am so glad that we were able to go there and experience that. I hope to return some day.

: Theresa
: ~~~~~~~~~~~

It's great to hear that this beautiful part of North Carolina is now safe from developers...so much of our state (South Carolina) has already been destroyed or is being threatened by them. Memories of the forest are still fresh in my mind as well...

Christina

: : The past two weeks have brought welcome good news to Friends of DuPont Forest as the legal challenge to the recent waterfall acquisition runs out of steam.

: : In this issue:
: : * Judge rules State Action on Waterfalls Legal and Proper
: : * Developer decides not to pursue legal appeal
: : * Help support funding of Clean Water Management Trust Fund
: : * Friends of DuPont establishes Board of Directors
: : * Heavy Summer Visitation
: : * Facilities Update
: : * Links & Contacts
: : Judge rules State Action on Waterfalls Legal and Proper
: : Superior Court Judge Carl Tilghman of Carteret County signed an order August 16 that says North Carolina acted properly when it used $12.5 million from a state trust fund to force a developer to sell the waterfall tract inside the DuPont State Forest.
: :

: : "The court finds that there is proper statutory authority for the condemnation, that the proper statutory condemnation procedures were followed and that the funds used for the condemnation action were properly authorized by the (N.C.) Clean Water Management Trust Fund Trustees in the lawful exercise of their duties," the judge wrote.
: :
: : Read the entire story at: http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=4289

: : Developer decides not to pursue legal appeal
: :
: : Jim Anthony and his investors have decided against further legal appeals of last year's condemnation of the waterfall property, the Times News revealed 8/23. Note: the parallel civil suit brought by area businessmen against the State and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund is still pending, though now more likely to be dismissed. Entire story: http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=4391
: :
: : Obviously, this is great news for Friends of the DuPont State Forest. We had confidence that then Attorney General Mike Easley and his staff had researched the matter thoroughly, and these recent decisions bear that out. These developments take us a large step towards completing the legal process. The next phase is expected to be the valuation of the property.

: : Please contact your Legislator!
: : Support funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund
: :
: : The CWMTF spent over 1/3 of its annual budget to pay for the waterfall acquisition at DuPont last year. Now the CWMTFis being threatened by a major reduction in its funding. While the Senate budget proposal maintains full planned funding at $40 million, the House budget cuts the allocation in half to $20 million. Full CWMTF funding is needed to support important conservation programs throughout the state. In addition, the CWMTF is considering funding the acquisition of the 1700 acre Rock Creek tract very near DuPont. CWMTF funds may also be needed in the event that additional money is required to settle the DuPont waterfall acquisition.
: :
: : If you live in North Carolina, please contact your Representative:
: : + Ask them to support the Senate Budget's full funding of the CWMTF
: : + Ask them to maintain the proposed funding for staffing at DuPont State Forest

: : Find your legislator at: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/countyRepresentation.pl?House
: : Local representatives: Larry Justus: Larryj@ncleg.net || Trudi Wallend: Trudiw@ncleg.net
: : Learn about Clean Water Management Trust Fund: http://cwmtf.net

: :

: : Friends of DuPont Forest establishes Board of Directors
: :
: : Friends of DuPont Forest have formally established a board of directors and elected officers. Jeff Jennings was elected President of the 14 member board, with Chuck McGrady, Tom Fortener, and Gwen Hill serving as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer respectively. The group's primary mission is to oversee volunteer and fundraising activities to support the Forest. This is especially important during the State budget crisis, with no funds budgeted for capital improvements. For more info about FODF, visit http://dupontforest.com/fodsf.asp.

: : Heavy Summer Visitation
: :
: : The summer tourist season has brought very heavy visitation to the newly acquired waterfalls, as well as the Forest in general. Estimates based on parking lot counts in July suggested that 1500 visitors per week were visiting the Forest. However, new parking lot counters purchased by FODF now indicate that visitation is several times higher, or nearly 5000 visitors per week.

: : Facilities Update
: :
: : Friends of DuPont Forest is working very closely with Regional Forester John Pearson to accomplish a list of facilities upgrade projects, designed to accommodate Forest visitors safely while minimizing impact. The Forest was recently awarded a $45,000 grant to upgrade trails and related facilities. Donations and map sales from FODF are providing additional funding for critical projects.
: :
: : + Main Gate Parking Lot (more level access to the falls) - complete
: : + Lake Imaging Parking Lot - in progress
: : + Handicapped Access to Hooker Falls - complete
: : + New Galax Trail (alternate route to Triple Falls) - nearly complete
: : + Little River Footbridge near Staton Road (to avoid traffic crossing) - delayed by engineering design issues in Raleigh
: : + Potable water at Guion & Buck Forest (Main) Gate - planned
: :
: : Trails Team Update
: : Several thousand hours of volunteer labor have been put into the 90 mile trail system at DuPont. Gwen Hill leads equestrian work projects, while Woody Keen organizes general trail projects. Special work groups, including many from area summer camps, have also contributed to the projects.
: :
: : Buildings Team Update
: : Dick Thompson and Tom Fortener have organized a Buildings team to help with maintenance and upgrades to Forest buildings. Much of their attention is focused on the future "Visitor's Center" at the Buck Forest (Main Gate) entrance on Staton Road. The roof has been secured with tar paper, and plans are underway for installing a permanent roof and exterior decks. Friends of DuPont Forest hopes to be able to staff such a Visitor's Center with volunteer assistance in the not-too-distant future.

: : Links & Contacts
: :
: : DuPont Forest Website http://dupontforest.com
: :
: : Management of DuPont State
: : John Pearson: john.pearson@ncmail.net
: : Division of Forest Resources
: : 14 Gaston Mtn. Road
: : Asheville, NC 28806
: : 828-251-6509
: : 828-251-6541 (fax)
: : Mailing Lists
: : If you haven't yet joined one of the mailing lists below, we might just loose contact with you. Click below to send a blank message to one of the following YahooGroups (a confidential email list service).
: :
: : Friends of DuPont Trails Mailing List (if you are interested in trail work)
: : DuPont-Forest-Trails-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
: :
: : Friends of DuPont Forest General (general info - but no trail workday announcement)
: : Friends-of-DuPont-Forest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

: : Additional Links to Supporting Organizations
: : The establishment of Friends of DuPont Forest would not have been possible without the support of the four supporting organizations which have cooperated on projects for the past five years. Because you will see fewer references to these groups in the future, the following contact information is provided as a courtesy.
: :
: : Blue Ridge Bicycle Club
: : DuPont Cycling contact: Chuck Ramsey at mtb@dupontforest.com
: : Also http://www.blueridgebicycleclub.org/
: :
: : ECO - Environment & Conservation Organization
: : http://eco-wnc.org
: : NEW! ECO Mailing List!!
: : If you want to be informed about timely environmental issues in the region, click the link below to subscribe to this new list. The list is private, and you will only get a very few mail messages per month. Eco-wnc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
: :
: : Pisgah Trailblazers
: : DuPont Equestrian Contact: Gwen Hill equestrian@dupontforest.com
: : Equestrian Use info at http://dupontforest.com/equestrian.asp
: :
: : Sierra Club - Pisgah Chapter
: : http://www.sierraclub-nc.org/pisgah

: :
: : ----------
: : Thanks again for all your support.

:
: : written by J. Jennings
: : Friends of DuPont Forest

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Re: UPDATE: Dupont State Forest Diana S. 10:35:56 9/04/2001 (0)

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Comments:
: : ~~~~~~~~~

: : This is indeed good news. While reading this, I was taken back about three months ago (has it been that long?) remembering how beautiful this area is. I am so glad that we were able to go there and experience that. I hope to return some day.

: : Theresa
: : ~~~~~~~~~~~

: It's great to hear that this beautiful part of North Carolina is now safe from developers...so much of our state (South Carolina) has already been destroyed or is being threatened by them. Memories of the forest are still fresh in my mind as well...

: Christina

: : : The past two weeks have brought welcome good news to Friends of DuPont Forest as the legal challenge to the recent waterfall acquisition runs out of steam.

: : : In this issue:
: : : * Judge rules State Action on Waterfalls Legal and Proper
: : : * Developer decides not to pursue legal appeal
: : : * Help support funding of Clean Water Management Trust Fund
: : : * Friends of DuPont establishes Board of Directors
: : : * Heavy Summer Visitation
: : : * Facilities Update
: : : * Links & Contacts
: : : Judge rules State Action on Waterfalls Legal and Proper
: : : Superior Court Judge Carl Tilghman of Carteret County signed an order August 16 that says North Carolina acted properly when it used $12.5 million from a state trust fund to force a developer to sell the waterfall tract inside the DuPont State Forest.
: : :

: : : "The court finds that there is proper statutory authority for the condemnation, that the proper statutory condemnation procedures were followed and that the funds used for the condemnation action were properly authorized by the (N.C.) Clean Water Management Trust Fund Trustees in the lawful exercise of their duties," the judge wrote.
: : :
: : : Read the entire story at: http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=4289

: : : Developer decides not to pursue legal appeal
: : :
: : : Jim Anthony and his investors have decided against further legal appeals of last year's condemnation of the waterfall property, the Times News revealed 8/23. Note: the parallel civil suit brought by area businessmen against the State and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund is still pending, though now more likely to be dismissed. Entire story: http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=4391
: : :
: : : Obviously, this is great news for Friends of the DuPont State Forest. We had confidence that then Attorney General Mike Easley and his staff had researched the matter thoroughly, and these recent decisions bear that out. These developments take us a large step towards completing the legal process. The next phase is expected to be the valuation of the property.

: : : Please contact your Legislator!
: : : Support funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund
: : :
: : : The CWMTF spent over 1/3 of its annual budget to pay for the waterfall acquisition at DuPont last year. Now the CWMTFis being threatened by a major reduction in its funding. While the Senate budget proposal maintains full planned funding at $40 million, the House budget cuts the allocation in half to $20 million. Full CWMTF funding is needed to support important conservation programs throughout the state. In addition, the CWMTF is considering funding the acquisition of the 1700 acre Rock Creek tract very near DuPont. CWMTF funds may also be needed in the event that additional money is required to settle the DuPont waterfall acquisition.
: : :
: : : If you live in North Carolina, please contact your Representative:
: : : + Ask them to support the Senate Budget's full funding of the CWMTF
: : : + Ask them to maintain the proposed funding for staffing at DuPont State Forest

: : : Find your legislator at: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/countyRepresentation.pl?House
: : : Local representatives: Larry Justus: Larryj@ncleg.net || Trudi Wallend: Trudiw@ncleg.net
: : : Learn about Clean Water Management Trust Fund: http://cwmtf.net

: : :

: : : Friends of DuPont Forest establishes Board of Directors
: : :
: : : Friends of DuPont Forest have formally established a board of directors and elected officers. Jeff Jennings was elected President of the 14 member board, with Chuck McGrady, Tom Fortener, and Gwen Hill serving as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer respectively. The group's primary mission is to oversee volunteer and fundraising activities to support the Forest. This is especially important during the State budget crisis, with no funds budgeted for capital improvements. For more info about FODF, visit http://dupontforest.com/fodsf.asp.

: : : Heavy Summer Visitation
: : :
: : : The summer tourist season has brought very heavy visitation to the newly acquired waterfalls, as well as the Forest in general. Estimates based on parking lot counts in July suggested that 1500 visitors per week were visiting the Forest. However, new parking lot counters purchased by FODF now indicate that visitation is several times higher, or nearly 5000 visitors per week.

: : : Facilities Update
: : :
: : : Friends of DuPont Forest is working very closely with Regional Forester John Pearson to accomplish a list of facilities upgrade projects, designed to accommodate Forest visitors safely while minimizing impact. The Forest was recently awarded a $45,000 grant to upgrade trails and related facilities. Donations and map sales from FODF are providing additional funding for critical projects.
: : :
: : : + Main Gate Parking Lot (more level access to the falls) - complete
: : : + Lake Imaging Parking Lot - in progress
: : : + Handicapped Access to Hooker Falls - complete
: : : + New Galax Trail (alternate route to Triple Falls) - nearly complete
: : : + Little River Footbridge near Staton Road (to avoid traffic crossing) - delayed by engineering design issues in Raleigh
: : : + Potable water at Guion & Buck Forest (Main) Gate - planned
: : :
: : : Trails Team Update
: : : Several thousand hours of volunteer labor have been put into the 90 mile trail system at DuPont. Gwen Hill leads equestrian work projects, while Woody Keen organizes general trail projects. Special work groups, including many from area summer camps, have also contributed to the projects.
: : :
: : : Buildings Team Update
: : : Dick Thompson and Tom Fortener have organized a Buildings team to help with maintenance and upgrades to Forest buildings. Much of their attention is focused on the future "Visitor's Center" at the Buck Forest (Main Gate) entrance on Staton Road. The roof has been secured with tar paper, and plans are underway for installing a permanent roof and exterior decks. Friends of DuPont Forest hopes to be able to staff such a Visitor's Center with volunteer assistance in the not-too-distant future.

: : : Links & Contacts
: : :
: : : DuPont Forest Website http://dupontforest.com
: : :
: : : Management of DuPont State
: : : John Pearson: john.pearson@ncmail.net
: : : Division of Forest Resources
: : : 14 Gaston Mtn. Road
: : : Asheville, NC 28806
: : : 828-251-6509
: : : 828-251-6541 (fax)
: : : Mailing Lists
: : : If you haven't yet joined one of the mailing lists below, we might just loose contact with you. Click below to send a blank message to one of the following YahooGroups (a confidential email list service).
: : :
: : : Friends of DuPont Trails Mailing List (if you are interested in trail work)
: : : DuPont-Forest-Trails-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
: : :
: : : Friends of DuPont Forest General (general info - but no trail workday announcement)
: : : Friends-of-DuPont-Forest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

: : : Additional Links to Supporting Organizations
: : : The establishment of Friends of DuPont Forest would not have been possible without the support of the four supporting organizations which have cooperated on projects for the past five years. Because you will see fewer references to these groups in the future, the following contact information is provided as a courtesy.
: : :
: : : Blue Ridge Bicycle Club
: : : DuPont Cycling contact: Chuck Ramsey at mtb@dupontforest.com
: : : Also http://www.blueridgebicycleclub.org/
: : :
: : : ECO - Environment & Conservation Organization
: : : http://eco-wnc.org
: : : NEW! ECO Mailing List!!
: : : If you want to be informed about timely environmental issues in the region, click the link below to subscribe to this new list. The list is private, and you will only get a very few mail messages per month. Eco-wnc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
: : :
: : : Pisgah Trailblazers
: : : DuPont Equestrian Contact: Gwen Hill equestrian@dupontforest.com
: : : Equestrian Use info at http://dupontforest.com/equestrian.asp
: : :
: : : Sierra Club - Pisgah Chapter
: : : http://www.sierraclub-nc.org/pisgah

: : :
: : : ----------
: : : Thanks again for all your support.

: :
: : : written by J. Jennings
: : : Friends of DuPont Forest

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