Many of you may be aware that a pipeline is proposed to cross the Trail in central Virginia. Actually, there are many proposed utility crossings of the Trail--it's a fairly frequent occurrence given it's location between the east coast and the rest of the country. Most utility proposals are routinely dealt with and have a pretty minor effect on the Trail and its landscape. The Mountain Valley proposal is not minor. It will be visible for many Trail miles, including McAffee Knob and Dragon's Tooth. ATC has a webpage with information regarding visual, safety and possible economic impacts, as well as ways you can comment to FERC, the US Forest Service and the state of Virginia regarding this project. At the very least, you might want to check it out to see what it's all about. It's pretty rare that ATC directly and completely opposes utility crossings of the Trail.

Cosmo