President's Log Book
By Jim Fetig
Here’s the good news. Without doubt, spring has found us. Our planet’s orbit has come full circle. In spite of everything else, astrophysics doesn’t change.
For one, I was glad to get back out in the woods again. The brisk air and exercise were rejuvenating after weather and other commitments kept me mostly behind my desk this winter.
Trudging along my AT section recently, I noticed that the frosty ground sparkled in the sunlight in a way that reminded me of diamond encrusted crown jewels. The early spring flowers were jamming their heads through the diamond dust like they owned the joint.
“Hey! Wake up! We have arrived!” The early flowers don’t care if some toddler is about to dump an oatmeal bowl full of snow on their heads. “Bring it Momma Nature!”, they howl into the wind. What a gritty example to emulate in real life.
Speaking of real life, it has been a stormy winter in these parts. Beyond the governmental turmoil, the southern clubs report that trees in the hurricane Helene impact area continue to be knocked down by high winds. Now that the larger trees aren’t there to protect them, some of the smaller ones are biting the dust. In many places, root balls continue to crater the tread. It’s looking like a lot of type II fun for the thru-hikers.
The ATC Virginia Regional Office informs us that the best way to help with Helene clean up and tread rehab is to volunteer with the Konnarock Trail Crew. Food and necessary equipment is provided, along with campsites. Volunteer information can be found on the ATC website.
The picture for our federal partners is a bit clearer, but not much. What is obvious is that the American public supports our national parks, forests, and their rangers. PATC joined with our sister clubs and signed on to an ATC letter to Congress urging support for our public lands.
Per the club’s articles of incorporation and IRS rules, we, as a nonprofit, are limited in the nature of our response to what is happening. However, you and I, as individual citizens, can express our personal views, whatever they may be, to our elected representatives. It is our privilege.
If you are so inclined to express your views, you may find out how to reach members of the House of Representatives here and members of the Senate here. It is your choice to emulate the spring flowers, or not.
On another note of great news, please welcome Lindsey Scannell as our new General Counsel. The GC is the club’s volunteer in-house legal advisor. In that capacity, the legal advisor assists our leadership with legal affairs and is ex officio member of both ExCom and Council.
Lindsey is a Senior Counsel with the Commercial Law Development Program in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She earned her J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center. She regularly volunteers with PATC in Rock Creek Park.
These are stressful times for many of our members and partners. Getting outdoors and away from it all can be therapeutic. A good walk in the woods or pounding the ground with a pick can reduce your stress level. Maybe the diamond dust will be inspirational. Above all, take care of yourself and those close to you.
