The US Forest Service (FS) has the authority to issue its own decision regarding the proposed MVP route through the Jefferson National Forest (JNF). The route would cross the Appalachian Trail (AT) on Peters Mountain near Lindside, WV. ICWA, Save Monroe and others continue to challenge that decision since the pipeline would cross Peters Mountain on very steep slopes, entailing massive erosion, cutting of old growth forests, damage to the AT and viewsheds and increasing invasive species problems within the forest.
US Forest Service stands by its decision to approve MVP route through Jefferson National Forest
On Friday, October 20, 2017 the US Forest Service issued its “response to objections” about the FS draft decision approving the current proposed route through the Jefferson National Forest. Essentially, the FS stands by its draft decision and says the review process is over. Read JNF Draft Record of Decision (DROD) / Read Objection Response Letter from Reviewing Official
Challenges have been mounted by neighboring counties in WV and VA, together with other groups that oppose this route across the JNF and the Appalachian Trail. Read
On Nov. 17, the Forest Service announced a final Record of Decision (ROD) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to issue a Special Use Permit and amend the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) and Monongahela National Forest (MNF) Land and Resource Management Plans (Forest Plans). No decision has been issued for the MVP’s crossing of the Jefferson National Forest (and Appalachian Trail), but a similar decision is expected soon. You can check the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest website Mountain Valley Pipeline page.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Opposes MVP Crossing AT on Peters Mountain
The MVP pipeline would cause “irreversible damage” as it runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail for over 20 miles, carves ugly gashes in the landscape that will be seen from 90 miles away, crosses multiple fresh water sources and destroys protected forest areas.
This is the first time that the Appalachian Trail has ever opposed any project or crossing of the trail. Although the Conservancy generally works with companies and government agencies to mitigate damage, they were unable to make any progress in justifying this MVP route or reducing its harm to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the unique A.T. hiking experience. They concluded that “the proposed pipeline will needlessly devastate the Appalachian Trail on an unprecedented scale.” Visit their website for an easy way to send letters to your representatives and government agencies.
Previously . . .
WV and VA Groups Challenge the Jefferson National Forest Draft Decision
The US Forest Service (FS) has the authority to issue its own decision regarding the proposed MVP route through the Jefferson National Forest (JNF). In June 2017, the FS issued a Draft Record of Decision that would allow MVP construction on a route that includes crossing the Appalachian Trail (AT) on Peters Mountain near Lindside, WV. Read more >>