Dysart Defenders update 3-19-99
     Dysart Woods is among the last .004 percent of the remaining ancient forest that once covered 95 percent of Ohio.  Dysart Woods is the last significant unglaciated virgin forest left in Ohio.  The forest is owned by Ohio University as a nature preserve, and is a National Natural Landmark.     
 Ohio University and the Buckeye Forest Council filed a Lands Unsuitable Petition to have the area under and around Dysart Woods declared unsuitable for mining.
     But the Ohio Division of Mines and Reclamations would not even declare the ground underneath this ancient forest as unsuitable for mining in its Lands Unsuitable Petition decision of November 30, 1998.
     Dysart Defenders appealed the state's Lands Unsuitable ruling to the Ohio Reclamation Commission, asking that the decision be strengthened so that mining would not be allowed within the 7 square mile watershed buffer zone of the ancient forest.
      Dysart Woods is a priceless natural legacy that we cannot afford to lose. There is plenty of coal in Ohio in other places.  Further, with global warming we should look into switching to solar and wind energy that do not have the destructive consequences of coal mining and burning.
     Ohio Valley Coal Company has a pending permit to mine directly underneath Dysart Woods.  It is imperative that our politicians act strongly and quickly to ensure the future of this great ecological treasure.  The trees at Dysart Woods are more than twice as old as the state of Ohio.  Please let them live on as a critical scientific benchmark for what once covered our state.  
 Dysart Woods is one of the few places left in Ohio with 100 percent native species: species that were always here.  It is imperative that this ancient forest be saved.  

Rally April 22 to Save Dysart Woods
 Professors, citizens and students will rally to save Dysart Woods from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday April 22 at the West Portico of Memorial Auditorium on OU's College Green in Athens.  The rally will draw attention to the urgent need for Ohio University to support the Dysart Defenders appeal in the university's intervention into the Reclamation Commission Appeals process.  The rally should also help to demonstrate the widespread support for saving this forest.  You can bring your lunch – please show your support by attending this rally.

Benefit Concert May 1 from 6 p.m. to Midnight at The Front Room
 Several popular bands will play from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Front Room on OU's Campus as a benefit concert for Dysart Woods.

March for the Ancients 1999
  Citizens will walk 117 miles from Dysart Woods in Belmont County to Columbus June 15-21 this year.  We need walkers, donations and help in organizing the walk.  The walk should demonstrate commitment on the part of citizens to protecting the last ancient forest left of its type in Ohio. Last year, 33 citizens walked 75 miles from Athens to Columbus to demonstrate their concern for Dysart Woods.
 Please make checks to "Dysart Defenders" and mail to P.O. Box 31, Athens, OH 45701.  All funds are used for organizing expenses, none for salaries.     

Letters needed to Save Dysart Woods

 Please write a letter to the Reclamation Commission to show your support for the Dysart Defenders appeal to protect the Watershed buffer zone from all types of mining.  You can use facts on the reverse side of this sheet, and from the web sites: www.ohio.pageville.com/dysartwoods/ or  www.frognet.net/~hockingv/
 The Reclamation Commission that will be hearing the Dysart Defenders appeal requesting that the watershed buffer zone for Dysart Woods be protected from mining.  This being the last .004 percent of our remaining ancient forest, it is imperative that mining be prohibited underneath Dysart Woods.   
 For more information contact 740-594-7287 or write P.O. Box 31, Athens, OH 45701 or email dysart@pageville.com
    Dysart Defenders meets regularly.  Email or call to find out about the next meeting.
          
RECLAMATION COMMISSION
Governed by O.R.C. §1513.05
Five Year Appointments
MEMBERS:

Representing the Public
Earl P. Carlton (Rep)
7033 Avon, N.E.
Carmilton, Ohio 44615
 Telephone: (330)7384196 (res.

Representing the Coal Industrv
Chris Chengelis (Rep)
6210 Catawba Drive
Canfield, Ohio 44406
 Telephone: (330)7024)285 (res.)

Representing Farmers
Larry B. Menzie (()em)
12185 Green Valley Road
New Concord, Ohio 43762
 Telephone: (740) 872-3398 (res.)

Representing Earth Grading
Martin J. McKim Q)em)
P.O. Box 488
Adena, Ohio 43901
 Telephone: (740) 54&3536 (res.)
 

Representing Forestry
Earl Murphy ([(1d), Secretary
3875 E. Greenwood Rd.
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
 Telephone: (740) 452-8004

Representing Farmers
Wanda Stratton (Dem), Vice Chair
72571 Stratton In.
Hushing, Ohio 43977
 Telephone: (740) 968-3739 (res.)

Renresenting Agronomy
John R. Veley (Rep), Chairman
6509 State Route 751, S.W.
Stone Creek, Ohio 43840
 Telephone: (330) 339-5779 (res.)

Representing Surface Mining
Cecil K. Scott)
4370 Langport Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220
 Telephone: (614) 4594)479 (res.)

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