Future of Mt. Philo Hillclimb (2018 and beyond)

[Rabbit Farmer]

Not good news... the draft (and they welcome public comment) plan before the commissioner does not include the historic Mt. Philo hillclimb.

There is a meeting on April 19 (yep, this week) if you would like to attend. It seems to be a 2 hour opportunity for the public to comment, but it is not a meeting (that is what I get out of it based on the description).

Here is the email that I rec'd:

Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2018 9:56 AM
To: Thornton, Lisa
Subject: Public Invited to Open House to Comment on Mt. Philo State Park Draft Plan

Public Invited to Open House to Comment on Mt. Philo State Park Draft Plan

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is hosting a meeting to provide an opportunity for public input on the draft long-range management plan for Mt. Philo State Park.
The meeting will be held on Thursday April 19, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Charlotte Central School on Hinesburg Road in Charlotte, Vermont.

The format for this meeting will be an open house. At 6:00 pm, participants will have the opportunity to review the draft plan, view maps, discuss goals and strategies with staff from the departments of Forests, Parks & Recreation and Fish and Wildlife, and provide written comments. At 7:00 pm there will be a brief presentation providing a planning overview, highlighting portions of the plan and outlining next steps. Following the presentation, participants can continue to meet with Agency staff and provide comment.

Visitors are welcome to arrive and depart at any time during the two-hour meeting.

Drafted and reassessed periodically with collaboration among agency experts and public input, long-range management plans for ANR lands represent an important framework for providing responsible stewardship of public land. The Mt. Philo plan sets a long-term outline for management, but also takes into account the nature of this unique state park and incorporates some short-term considerations not typically included in other plans. Careful stewardship of Mt. Philo State Park supports a healthy forest that provides for a range of high-quality recreational activities, especially hiking; supports functioning natural communities; and strives for a careful balance and integration of public uses.
Written comments may also be submitted online or through the mail to the following address until close of business on June 1, 2018: ANR.MountPhilo@vermont.gov or Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, 271 North Main Street, Suite 215, Rutland, VT 05701.

The Mt. Philo State Park draft LRMP and a FAQ document created to answer common questions about the draft plan can be viewed here .

Link to the page: http://fpr.vermont.gov/state_lands/mana ... 2/mt_philo

At the bottom of this page is the proposed plan.

Please take the time to share your positive experiences of the event either at the meeting or via email. I would encourage you to share this with anyone who has ever had a hand in the event (volunteer, driver, spectator, or lover of the event) and ask that they provide the state their feedback.

Thank you
Steve

[PRODOG]

Steve

thanks for passing this along --- the document is lengthy and informative -- I will certainly pass along my thoughts to the group --- as the document states we have until June 1 to provide input and public opinion to the group so I urge everyone to take a few minutes to share their thoughts.

thanks,

Drew

[Rabbit Farmer]

Chris (Mutt) and I are getting together to discuss a more collaborative response. My thinking is a single SCCV letter with online petition so that many people can add their vote to the single message.

More to come.

Steve

[Rabbit Farmer]

Here is the official petition that we will present to the state on Jun 1.

https://chn.ge/2sii0e7

Please review and consider signing by noon on June 1.

I realize that it is a short turn around, but we appreciate your effort.

Steve