Dysart Woods is the last significant stand of mixed mesophytic
ancient forest left in the world with trees 400 to 500 years old.
Much of
the proposed mining in the pnding permit D-360-7 is in the watershed
of
Dysart Woods that scientists say could harm the ancient forest.
OU
officials, professors and the Department of Interior (Dysart is a National
Natural Landmark) have all asked that a buffer zone based on the watershed
of Dysart Woods should be protected from mining.
Everyone in Ohio is encouraged to attend the hearing and voice
concerns for the fate of the last significant stand of ancient forest
left
in Ohio. All proceedings will be taped, and comments may be submitted
in
either written or verbal form. The ODNR suggested that presenters
prepare
a summary of their view on the permit application prior to presenting
them
at the informal conference.
"The purpose of an informal conference is to provide persons with
an interest an opportunity to comment on the permit application.
The
Chief of the Division of Mines and Reclamation will consider those
comments in making a decision on the application," Lisa Morris wrote
in a
letter to OU Vice President for Administration Gary North on July 16,
1997.
On March 2, 1988, ODNR Director Joseph J. Sommer wrote in a press
release, "Due to the unique nature of the Dysart Woods area, we felt
that
the most prudent course of action would be to allow time for further
study. As Director of the Department of Natural Resources I want
to make
sure that nothing is done to harm Dysart Woods a precious part
of Ohio's
natural heritage."