The original friends of Governor Dick included ecologists, naturalists, and a retired science teacher – their opposing views to the board’s forestry agenda were disregarded and they were treated with disrespect and contempt. They eventually gave up on trying to influence the park’s Board to take a more ecologically sound approach.
HOWEVER, they did not go away, they continue to care about the park and have expanded into a larger group of like-minded individuals.
Building on lessons learned from what didn’t work in the past, we are concentrating on education to raise awareness about the shortcomings of the current Forest Management Plan endorsed by the Governor Dick Park Board of Directors. We are directing our efforts toward the park’s trustees, the Lebanon County Commissioners, including Michael Kuhn, Jo Ellen Litz, and Robert Phillips. As members of the community, we believe it is crucial for the commissioners to be informed about our concerns and actively engage in understanding them. We invite them to listen and learn from the issues the community raises. If you also share our concerns regarding the current and future well-being of the forest and woodlands in Governor Dick Park, we encourage you to voice your opinions. Consider expressing your thoughts by printing the letter(s) listed below, that address your specific concerns related to the park or write your own arguments, personal stories, or evidence to the commissioners. By doing so, we can collectively work toward safeguarding the park’s natural environment and ensuring its long-term vitality. Below are files that can be printed, signed, dated, and mailed to the commissioners. Remember to add your return address somewhere on the letter.
Below are files that can be printed, signed, dated, and mailed to the commissioners. Or you may cut and paste the text into the Contact Us form on the commissioners web page. Remember to add your return address somewhere on the letter.
- Effects of heavy equipment [pdf] [doc]
- Effects of poor deer management [pdf] [doc]
- Effects of herbicide [pdf] [doc]
- Effects of logging on ecosystem (native plants) [pdf] [doc]
- Effects on forest regrowth [pdf] [doc]
- Effects on general forest sustainability [pdf] [doc]
If you write about your own topic, mail to:
Lebanon County Commissioners
Michael Kuhn, Jo Ellen Litz, Robert Phillips
Room 207, Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042