This fall, the Forest Service is completing a 30-year plan that will decide how much of the forest is cut and how much is protected. Young people will be most affected by this 30-year plan, but their voices have not been included so far. Our children will be inheriting the forest and the decisions made this year.
The Youth Rally for the Forest will take place on FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Forest Service headquarters (160 Zillicoa Street) in Asheville. Everyone from toddlers to teenagers are invited to attend and even speak. Before the meeting, kids will participate in a rally at the Forest Service headquarters, and then they will get to talk directly with the Forest Supervisor Allen Nicholas.
We are also creating a youth video that we hope to screen at the rally. You can watch a trailer for the video here.
We supports strong, lasting protections for Pisgah, and we are encouraging the Forest Service to make conservation and recreation its top priorities when making management decisions this fall. Over 98 percent of the 15,000 public comments to the Forest Service support more protections for Pisgah.
The Youth Rally for the Forest will be covered by several news outlets. You and/or your child do not need to know anything about forests or forest planning; all they need is a love of being outdoors.
Our basic message is that we want to protect Pisgah’s trails, waterfalls, old-growth forests, wildlife and endangered species, clean air, clean water, and scenic views.
We will have signs, t-shirts, and stickers available for free for all kids (and grownups). You are certainly welcome and encouraged to make any other signs or stickers.
It’s a critical moment for the future of our forests and our region’s health, and our youth could truly have an immense impact on the outcome of this forest plan.
WHEN: Friday, August 17 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: 160 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801 – U.S. Forest Service headquarters in Asheville
WHO: Everyone – kids, youth, grownups – it’s free and fun for all!