Robert F. Mueller, Ph.D.
Route 31 BOX 250
Staunton, Virginia 24401-9617

Re: Rare "mountain pond" on Mill MouDtain

Dear Dr. Mueller:

Thank you for drawing my attention to the mountain pond on Mill Mountaln in the Warm Springs Ranger District. We have reviewed our flles on this area, and have some information that may be of lnterest to you.

As correctly indicated in your letter of 6 March, a field survey of the Pond Ridge "mountain pond" was conducted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage botanist in l9SS. He found the site to be small and lacking in rare plants, but a good example of a rare community in "almost pristine" condition. The site is currently monitored by this Division as the Pond Ridge conservation site. The natural heritage resource at this site is recognized as oligotrophic seasonally flooded herbaceous vegetation.

Unfortunately, I have no information to explain why our botanist's recommendations that the site be designated as a Special Interest Area (SIA) cr a Research Natural Area (RNA) have not ccme to fruition. It may be that the site's small size and lack of rare plants kept it from being viewed as a top priority for protection. In any event, we are taking the appropriate steps with the U. S . Forest Service to designate the Pond Ridge site for SIA or RNA status.

As for your fears regarding the pond's imminent destructicn, let me reassure you that they are unfounded. I have contacted the Fcrest Service and verified that the Pcnd Ridge site lies well within the boundary of Management Area g in the George Washington National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Management Area 9 includes the Remcte Highlands which are mansged to

provide older vegetation, unfragmented forested habitat for forest-interior species, and light (primarily non-motorized) recreation for those seeking solitude on the Forest. Remote Highlands are also considered unsuitable for timber production.

In addition, the Natural Heritage environmental review team receives scoping notices for all timber harvests and other ground-disturbing activities on the George Washington National Forest. Regardless of the management prescribed for Pond Ridge, we will submit appropriate recommendations for the protection of this rare community in response to any action proposed in its vicinity.

As previously mentioned, I appreciate your efforts to alert us to potential threats facing Virginia's natural heriatage resources. However, I must take exception with your use of vulgar language and unwarranted insults to the dedicated professionals that make up the Division of Natural Heritage. These tactics not only serve to alienate fellow conservation biologists, they rob you of credibility as a spokesperson for biodiversity preservation. Although it is difficult to see beyond the expletives and creative punctuation in your letters, I can tell that their source is an individual with a passion for preservation that is admirable. If more of the passion and less of the anger showed through in your correspondence to individuals who may share your agenda, you may enjoy greater success in realizing your goals.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Smith Division Director

cc: Wayne Kelly, U.S. Forest Service