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Commissioners decline to send 'no objection' letter on 1,845-acre Appalachian Trail land transfer
Summary
Somerset County Commissioners reviewed a proposed transfer of 1,845 acres near Lake Moxie to the National Park Service and, after a contested exchange, declined to issue a county 'no objection' letter following a show-of-hands vote.
The Somerset County Commissioners on June 4 considered a request from the Trust for Public Land to support the acquisition and transfer of 1,845 acres east of Lake Moxie to the National Park Service. Lynnette Batt of the Trust for Public Land presented a draft letter of 'no objection' she said the organization needed to move the transaction forward and to address commissioners' concerns about hunting restrictions.
Lake Moxie Camp Association member Mark Leathers urged the commissioners to issue a neutral letter, saying the transfer would protect local trails and that hunting impacts would be minimal. Game Warden Scott Thrasher expressed agreement with Leathers. Commissioner Joel Stetkis, however, read excerpts from National Park Service policies and expressed concern about future management. During the discussion Leathers interjected, saying, "I felt Commissioner Stetkis was using fear tactics and political bias to justify objections to this plan." Following an informal show-of-hands—John Alsop and Robert Sezak indicating no opposition and Joel Stetkis, Cyp Johnson and Scott Seekins indicating opposition—the majority opposed sending the requested 'no objection' letter, and the county will not provide it.
