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When the raging floods from Hurricane Helene came, it happened fast. The water rose and became a wall; it swept through our mountains, carrying with it homes, lives, and history. People who live outside the region might ask, “Why didn’t they leave?” But it wasn’t that simple. We didn’t see this coming. Allegedly, no one did.
The destruction is widespread. Yet, as devastating as the waters were, they didn’t wash away our spirit. In the aftermath, neighbors have helped neighbors. Families who had lost everything found solace in the arms of those who had nothing left to give but their time and love. The beauty of our community is that even when it seems like we’ve lost everything, we find that we still have each other. Resilience, endurance—these are the qualities that define Appalachia.
In moments like these, we’re reminded that we don’t just live on this land; we live with it. Our survival, our traditions, and our way of life depend on this relationship.
The USDA’s Closure of National Forests
Then came the national forest closures. The USDA’s decision to shut down all national forests in the region hit us harder than most outsiders can understand. For my family, and thousands like us, these forests aren’t just places to hike or camp. They are food sources. They are where we gather herbs, hunt, fish, and collect firewood to heat our homes through winter.
When those forests are closed, it cuts off more than just access to nature. It severs a vital link between us and the land. Hunting season was set to open this weekend, and instead of putting up meat for winter, families are left scrambling for alternatives. No refunds are given on our licenses, which are not cheap. This isn’t just about a temporary inconvenience—it’s about survival.
The deeper issue here is that decisions are being made by people far removed from the way we live and from the area they’ve made this decision about. We are reasonable people; we recognize that there are absolutely pockets of national forest that should be closed—those aren’t huntable anyway, as the destruction is too great in those areas. The Clinch Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest, however, is no more damaged by this event than it has been by any other severe thunderstorm. In the Clinch District, we did not experience devastating floods.
They cite safety due to fallen trees. Perhaps you’re accustomed to pristine forests where no trees have ever fallen, but here in Appalachia, trees have always fallen in our forests. Many have questioned if it is because of downed power lines—power lines do not run through the forest; they run through cuts. Hunters do not hunt these cuts; they hunt the forest. Road closures? It is illegal to hunt from the road; hunters have always been required to hike in. Trail closures? We don’t hunt trails—trails are where people are.
It’s this lack of understanding that has confused many of you as our government has attempted to explain away this colossal federal overreach. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid, folks. We are your trusted and reasonable source of information for years now. If it were a needed shutdown, we’d admit it readily.
Help Us
We need support from those who understand the importance of reopening our forests. Please, contact your federal representatives by email and phone to push them to pressure the USDA to reconsider the blanket closing of unaffected districts. Remind them that they work for their constituents, and their constituents care about not only what is happening in their districts but also across the nation. Below, you will find a form letter to copy and paste, along with a link to the list of emails for all federal representatives in both the House and Senate.
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to express my concerns about the recent decision by the USDA to close all national forests in the Southwestern Virginia region. While I understand that there are areas, particularly within the Mount Rogers District, that were significantly affected by the recent storm and warrant trail closures for safety, I strongly believe that a blanket closure of the entire region is unnecessary and harmful.
Specifically, the Clinch Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest was no more damaged by this storm than by any other severe thunderstorm that has hit the area in recent years. Fallen trees are part of the natural landscape in the area, and they do not justify closing the entire forest. If you close the forests every time trees fall, they would rarely, if ever, be open.
For many families in the region, these forests are not just recreational spaces; they are a primary food source. They rely on them for hunting, fishing, and collecting firewood to heat homes through the winter. This is not simply a hobby or tradition; it is a way of life that has sustained generations of Appalachians. The recent closure has cut off access to these critical natural resources, and with hunting season upon us, it is causing unnecessary hardship.
I ask that you urge the USDA to reconsider this blanket closure and to allow responsible access to forests in the Clinch Ranger District, which remain safe and viable for public use. We recognize the need for safety in certain areas, but a more measured approach would allow Appalachians to continue their cultural traditions and meet their basic needs without unnecessary disruption.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your support in advocating for the reopening of the forests.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
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We must ask: why why why would the USDA make it more difficult than this situation already is? There are many who speculate about the reasons - and those reasons make perfect sense.
We will do as you suggest & write.
Thank you for the post - & suggestions.
Thank you so much for providing a template. I was waiting until this evening to gather my words for an impactful email. You have done so much to help your community and this is the least we can do. ❤️