Friends of RDU Forest:

For those of you whose heads are spinning faster than a crank arm in low gear, wondering what just happened yesterday ...

First and foremost, THANK YOU to those that came out Friday morning!  It created great press and increased awareness.  And thank you for contacting your elected officials.  It IS making a difference, many of them want to find a way to a better solution.  We believe the local governments have a duty and obligation to take a vote, as they are the owners of the airport and of this parcel of land.

On Friday, the RDU AA board moved to further pursue a mining lease agreement with Wake Stone on the Odd Fellows tract, on the border with Umstead State Park.  But this is by no means the final say.

There are more steps in the process, and the closer it gets the more vocal local leaders, businesses, and citizens will get as they wake up to this very real attack on Umstead State Park and our quality of life.  Perhaps RDU AA will realize this long uphill battle just isn't worth it.  And if mining operations ever did commence, imagine the masses watching in disbelief that the Triangle couldn't navigate to a better outcome.  Let's hope that day doesn't come to pass.

RDU AA has a viable alternative: instead of a quarry lease they could choose to sell that parcel for inclusion into Umstead State Park. Whereas on the current path Wake Stone gets a great deal, RDU AA tarnishes their image, and the region compromises our crown jewel Umstead State Park. This is not how smart cities treat their prized assets.

Yes there is a process involved in selling the land, but many would argue it's the Right Thing to Do.  Not only for the image of RDU, but for the health and prosperity of the Triangle.

So get out there this weekend and go for a run, walk, or bike in the name of our Umstead Park.  Find your place of Zen, and think about what part you can play in our shared success.

I think many local officials are opposed to the quarry and would like to help us, and your messages help.  Just keep it classy, thoughtful and polite :-)   Personal stories about how you value forested recreation are great.

1. New Triangle Business Journal Poll (vote NO)
2. Tell The Honorable Governor Roy Cooper your are opposed to a quarry on our public lands next to Umstead State Park! https://governor.nc.gov/contact/contact-governor-cooper
3. Call Congressman David Price at 202-225-1784 and tell him: You are OPPOSED to a rock quarry on public lands next to Umstead State Park.
4. Email your elected officials from the local governments that own our airport. They can help, and have the POWER to do such.  It is important they hear from their constituents about the TOTAL opposition to this quarry and urge them to do their duty to STOP a private quarry on THEIR public land.
   • Commissioners@wakegov.com
   • CityCouncilMembers@raleighnc.gov
   • commissioners@dconc.gov
   • council@durhamnc.gov
5. Request a "Stop RDU Quarry" and/or "Save RDU Forest" Yard Sign.
6. Help support the effort at GOFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/rdu-forest-save-the-trails