TALKING POINTS-
Feel free to read this verbatim. Add your own thoughts if you wish but
PLEASE
BE POLITE
My name is _______________ Please log this call and my concern that the Forest Service reinstate Stewards of the Sequoia volunteer trail maintenance agreement immediately and stop persecuting volunteers.
Stewards of the Sequoia have always been respectful and professional and most certainly helped meet the Forest Service Mission by performing an incredible 4000 miles of trail maintenance since 2004. I am utterly
dismayed by the District Ranger's allegations to the contrary and without any evidence. The Forest Service needs to take corrective action to stop this kind of libelous and malicious behavior by Forest staff..
Congressman McCarthy submitted a letter to the Forest Chief on 4/2/20 asking that she ensure "Stewards of the Sequoia's First Amendment rights are not violated, and
that the decision to restore the Stewards’ volunteer service agreement is based on this group’s performance of its duties under this agreement, not on policy disagreements or website postings that are unrelated to the volunteer service agreement".
Instead of following Congressman McCarthy's suggestion Forest Officials have taken further discriminatory action against Stewards and have repeatedly refused to provide any evidence to back up their ridiculous claim that Stewards of the Sequoia have been disrespectful,
unprofessional or do not help to meet the Forest Service Mission.
The Forest Service has repeatedly stated they lack the resources to maintain Sequoia National Forest trails. There has been a huge increase in the public use of Sequoia National Forest lands during COVID. There appears
to be absolutely no justification for turning away Stewards of the Sequoia successful productive volunteers. The termination letter does not cite any issue with any of Stewards volunteer work. Now more than ever, the Forest Service needs to allow and encourage
Stewards of the Sequoia volunteers to help maintain trails and reduce environmental impacts.
What can your office do to reinstate Stewards of the Sequoia volunteer agreement now to resume much needed trail maintenance?
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