[pct-l] PCTA reviews proposed federal land sale

[gobig2006 at gmail.com (Robert Francisco)]

I had an opportunity to talk with Mike Dawson (PCTA, Trail Operations
Director) yesterday regarding the proposed federal land sale that is part of
the rural school initiative proposed by the Bush administration.  Mike has
reviewed the trail in comparison to the lands proposed for sale.
Incredibly,  two parcels included on the proposed sales list include
sections of the PCT.  The good news is that when the PCTA expressed a
concern both the USDA Forest Service and representatives from the
Administration indicated that it was/is not their intent to include any
National Scenic or Historic Trails, and if they did it was/is an oversight
that will be corrected.  Additionally  during our "Hike the Hill" advocacy
week, several members of Congress indicated their willingness to intervene
if this is not resolved to the benefit of the PCT.



At this point I am confident that the PCT will not be directly impacted by
this proposal. As other information becomes available, I will try to keep
you posted.  That is until I attempt a thru-hiking starting in April.



Robert Francisco   A.K.A  go-BIG