The Central Appalachians Protecting the Heart of the Appalachians

Extending through Pennsylvania, The forests, wild rivers and scenic communities near and far to thrive. Maryland, , Virginia, mountain vistas of the Central Appala- Yet, the region faces tremendous Kentucky and Tennessee, the Central chians support natural diversity that pressure from energy development, Appalachians landscape provides refuge few temperate places on Earth can rival. urban sprawl, invasive species and climate change. to important plant and animal species, As population expands, natural spaces purifies drinking water for millions of such as the Central Appalachians play You can help us sustain the human Americans, and acts as the lungs of the an ever more important role in meet- and natural communities that rely nature.org/centralappalachians East by filtering the air we breathe. ing basic human needs and helping on the Central Appalachians. The longer we wait, the more damage is done.

What is our vision for the Strong and healthy forests—Non-native invasive species, forests pests, and pathogens are some of the most serious Central Appalachians? and pervasive threats to the Central Appalachians’ native Healthy lands and waters that sustain communities— species and ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy is focusing The Central Appalachians represents one of the world’s its efforts on policy initiatives that will reduce the spread of foremost examples of intact, diverse, temperate forest and invasive species. well-connected freshwater systems. However, the health of the landscape is dependent upon its inherent resilience—its ability to adapt to changing conditions. Resiliency science is import- Why does a healthy and resilient ant because it gives us hope for a better future. The Nature Central Appalachians matter? Conservancy is working to ensure the Central Appalachians remains a resilient stronghold to preserve species diversity, The Central Appalachians sustains nearly 7 million peo- provide vital resources like clean drinking water, and support ple and countless plant and animal species throughout the thriving human and natural communities. Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Both people and nature rely on the benefits its forests and waterways Smart resource development—The world’s needs for provide, including habitat for rare species, expansive spaces food, water, and energy are growing. And, along with its rich for recreating, safe drinking water, clean air, pollination of biodiversity, the Central Appalachians is home to abundant native and agricultural plants, and much more. energy resources including coal, natural gas, wind and other renewables. During the next two decades, energy and mining Our science shows the Central Appalachians to be one of the companies will invest billions in new projects in the Central most resilient landscapes in the Northeast. Thus, as droughts, Appalachians. The Nature Conservancy knows that making rising temperatures and other climate impacts increase, the better decisions about energy development can protect the Central Appalachians can remain a stronghold for many biological and cultural riches our mountains safeguard. human and natural communities—but only if protected now. Protected and restored habitats on public lands—The Unsustainable energy development, invasive pests and diseases, US Forest Service is the single largest forest manager in and other negative impacts could wrench the landscape apart the Central Appalachians; and state lands make up large and cause the Central Appalachians to lose its natural resil- portions of our priority areas. The Nature Conservancy is iency. With your help, we can ensure the Central Appalachians working in partnership with state and federal entities to provides the resources necessary for human and natural com- restore America’s forests across the region and protect these munities to thrive well into the future. open spaces for future generations.

PHOTO CREDITS: COVER: Top row (left to right): Falls at The Nature Conservancy’s Brush Creek Preserve, West Virginia. © Kent Mason; © Kent Mason; (vulpes vulpes) © Kent Mason; A caver stands above an 8-foot waterfall in undisclosed caves found in the Southern Cumberland Plateau area, Tennessee. © Stephen Alvarez; Center photo: The view from the rim at The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Rocks Preserve, West Virginia. © Kent Mason; INSIDE: Left page (top to bottom): Fire manager reviews a map to assess progress of a prescribed burn at The Nature Conservancy’s Piney Grove Preserve, Virginia. © Robert Clontz/TNC; (Ursus americanus) © Kent Mason; Fishing in Smoke Hole Canyon, West Virginia. © Kent Mason; Right page (clockwise from top left): © Kent Mason; Dragline on a large-scale surface mine in West Virginia © Southwings; Old-growth hemlocks, as seen from the Joyce Kilmer Trail in Cook Forest State Park, Clarion and Forest Counties, Pennsylvania. © Nicholas_T/Flickr; Clinch Valley, Virginia © Jon Golden; Far right (top to bottom): Kayakers on the Blackwater River, Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County, West Virginia © Kent Mason; Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) © Kent Mason; Princess (Lycopodium obscurum) © Nicholas_T/Flickr; BACK PAGE: Fall color at The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Rocks Preserve, West Virginia. © Kent Mason We need your support to help the Central Appalachians.

Protect Critical Habitat for Reduce Energy People and Nature Development Impacts »» Not all natural areas provide »» In many places in the Central the same conservation benefit. Appalachians, energy devel- Conservancy scientists have opment is transforming the identified the most essential landscape, breaking apart our forests, rivers and animal migra- intact forests with consequences tion corridors, and are currently that impair the availability of nat- sharing that science with partners to inform restoration plan- ural habitats and natural services for people and wildlife. ning, prioritization, and funding. With this, we are protecting »» As a non-confrontational, solutions oriented organization, The the most important places in the Central Appalachians. Nature Conservancy is uniquely positioned to help compa- »» By taking a ‘whole system’ approach, The Nature Conservancy nies and communities make informed decisions about where can assess cumulative impacts and cumulative restoration energy development should and should not occur. actions affecting the entire region and nation. »» With your support, we can find the balance between natural »» By supporting this work, you can help The Nature Conser- resource conservation and development to make smart energy vancy and our partners protect valuable habitat through land development decisions that meet current and future needs. acquisition and easements, and restoration efforts.

Restore America’s Reduce Forest Pests Forests and Pathogens Impacts »» The Nature Conservancy works »» Invasive species know no closely with partners such as the boundaries. As our planet gets U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and ever smaller and more con- Wildlife and state agencies to nected, native forest and aquatic successfully protect the import- communities are under assault ant forest areas within the from invasive insects, plants, Central Appalachians landscape. blights and diseases from all over the planet.

»» Thanks to your support for public land protection, The Nature »» The Nature Conservancy’s ability to address these threats Conservancy is able to leverage federal and state funding to depends upon building effective partnerships that increase protect and restore native systems on vast public lands. funding for research and pursue policy changes that promote prevention and control. »» By helping us restore America’s forests, you can expand the capacity of these forests to filter water, purify air and provide »» By helping us reduce impacts from invasive species, you can migration corridors for animals. ensure the health and beauty of our forests for future generations. Working in partnership—To achieve our vision of preserv- ing this natural stronghold, we must work with other influential stakeholders to increase the scale of protection and restoration actions in the Central Appalachians. You can help us effect change by taking action on conservation issues facing the region. Developing energy sustainably—The Central Appalachians is the energy hub of the eastern United States, and rapidly expanding energy development has emerged as one of the greatest threats to wildlife and other natural resources across the region. With your help, the Conservancy has the potential to significantly influence energy development—specifically -sit ing and compensation for impacts—to achieve positive outcomes for both people and nature. Protecting public lands—The Conservancy is working with the U.S. Forest Service to advance large-scale restoration of red spruce forests and restore natural fire regimes. With your support we can ensure the health and beauty of our public lands for future generations. Saving natural systems from invasive threats—With your help, we will enhance our policy efforts in the Central Appalachians to protect critical habitats from the encroach- ment of invasive plants and pests that threaten to wipeout native species and permanently alter our landscapes.

The Nature Conservancy uses the best available science to create solutions to the worlds greatest environmental problems. Our natural world faces huge pressures. Thus, there is tremen- dous opportunity to effect change, to keep vital habitats and unique species from being lost forever. But, we can only achieve the large scale conservation victories necessary to save the Central Appalachians with the support and involvement of those who share our passion.

We need $3 million For more information on how you can support our vision, please contact: The Nature Conservancy per year to make this Central Appalachians Whole System Program Thomas Minney, Director • [email protected] • 304-637-0160 vision a reality. nature.org/centralappalachians