FREE AppalachianThe April / May 2019Voice AppAppaallaachichiaa UndergroUndergrouundnd Protecting bats, regional spelunking adventures, and cool cave critters

Solar Projects Shine in Southwest Virginia

ALSO INSIDE: Exploring Old Growth Forest in Harlan • Community Broadband • Pipelines Plagued by Delays PROOF EXPORT

The AppalachianVOICE A note from our executive director that we are part of, released Across Appalachia a Solar Roadmap for South- A publication of This spring marks a poignant representative bodies in Vir- west Virginia, highlighting Voices milestone for solar power in South- ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee Appalachian 14 ideal “solar ambassador” Proposal for Ohio River Water Pollution Standards Undergoes Third Revision west Virginia’s historic coal region. A and West Virginia passed NC: 589 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 • 828-262-1500 sites across the region. So it’s 3.5-megawatt solar array, slated to be resolutions of support In February, the Ohio River Valley than 5,000 online comments, the com- in the United States, which impacts the from the river. VA: 812 E. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-293-6373 especially encouraging to see built on a former Wise County coal for the Power Plus Plan, Water Sanitation Commission proposed mission revised its original plan twice approximately 5 million people who The Ohio River Valley Water Sani- Other Regional Offices: Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA a Virginia-based solar devel- mine, is moving closer to fruition. which called on the fed- a third revision to their water pollution more. The February revised proposal is use the river for drinking water. Ac- tation Commission is accepting com- oper team up with a locally AppVoices.org/thevoice | [email protected] The state’s Department of Mines, eral government to invest standards that would allow states more a compromise that retains the commis- cording to the Ohio River commission, ments on the most recent proposal until rooted Southwest Virginia industries and businesses dumped 23 April 15 and scheduled two webinars Editor...... Molly Moore Minerals and Energy chose the project in economic opportunities flexibility regarding their specific pollu- sion’s ability to set pollution standards company to supply clean Associate Editor...... Kevin Ridder to receive a half million dollars through in communities impacted tion limits as long as they still protect but allows member states to find differ- million pounds of chemicals into the and three public hearings. energy to a rapidly growing sector and Consulting Editor & Designer...... Jamie Goodman a federal pilot program aimed at sup- by the decline of coal. This push led to the river’s designated uses. The com- ent ways to meet the standards’ goals. river in 2013, the majority of which Mailed comments should be ad- Distribution Manager...... Meredith Shelton to see those partners make a commitment porting economic opportunities in com- the bipartisan RECLAIM Act, a bill to mission was formed in 1948 to protect The commission would still oversee were nitrate compounds commonly dressed to Attn: PCS Comments, OR- Editorial Assistant...... Sam Kepple to local hiring and workforce training. found in pesticides. Two-thirds of the SANCO, 5735 Kellogg Avenue, Cincin- Editorial Assistant...... Jen Kirby munities affected by the downturn of the accelerate the reclamation of abandoned the Ohio River Basin and oversees eight individual permits and discharges that But more work lies ahead. We need Editorial Assistant...... Jamie Tews coal industry. Once approved by federal mines while supporting economic de- states that border the Ohio River or could affect the river’s water quality, 981-mile river are unsafe for swimming nati, OH 45230. Emailed comments to take investment of this kind to the Graphic Designer...... Marcie Hancock regulators, the funding will support a velopment, championed by Southwest whose waterways flow into the river. and states would still need to comply due to pollution, and there are strict should be sent to: [email protected] next level with a strong RECLAIM Act Printed on 100% recycled newsprint, cover 40% solar installation for Mineral Gap Data Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith In January 2018, the commission with the federal Clean Water Act. warnings regarding fish consumption — By Jen Kirby recycled paper, all soy-based inks that emphasizes community involve- Center and remediate old coal mine and others. And while Congress has yet proposed relinquishing its ability to The U.S. Environmental Protection ment and restoration of damaged lands DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Ellen Adams, Lauren Albrecht, features nearby (read more on page 10). to vote on the bill, RECLAIM inspired set water pollution limits. Due to sig- Agency for years has ranked the Ohio and waters (read more on page 23). Global Recycling Changes Affect Tri-Cities Area Sarah Alderson, Courtney Alley, Anne Anderson, Ahdya From one perspective, this project the pilot program that is now poised to nificant public protest, including more River one of the most polluted rivers The region’s challenges are signifi- Elias Attea, Jill Averitt, Cathy Bachara, Debbie Bahr, Nelson was the result of a single collaboration fund the state’s first solar installation In March, several recycling pro- recycling market in multiple ways. and Lanie Bailey, Gretchen Barelski, Another Season Honey cant, but so too are the winds of change. between businesses, local government, atop a former coal mine. grams in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia Industry publication Waste Dive Farm, Becky Barlow, Peter Barstow, Laura Bayer, Sara Bell, As we surge ahead, the prospect of solar Southeast Endangered Species Get Less and nonprofit organizations. In a 2016 report outlining possible and Tennessee were limited or canceled. tracks the ways recycling is changing Bob Belton, Kate Blake, Teresa Boardwine, Roberta Bondu- panels soon being erected on a former But this fortuitous collaboration innovative solutions for abandoned Recycling facilities are shutting down around America. In Kingsport, Tenn., rant, Charlie Bowles, Bethann Bowman, Dale Brady, Lynn coal mine is a marker of the progress Funding Compared to Other Regions Brammer, Ben Bristoll, Steve Brooks, Paul Corbit Brown, Teri was no accident. For the past several mines, Appalachian Voices and our part- across the region due to global market Tri-City Waste Paper Co. Inc., announced we can achieve when we strive together. Although the Southeast is one of Wildlife Foundation. The region also Crawford Brown, Anne Brown, Christa Brusen, Bill Bunch, years, Central Appalachian residents, ners highlighted the potential for a solar changes. The facility shutdowns have it was closing in February after 48 years. For our future, the most aquatically biodiverse areas has high rates of endangered species George Burazer, Roger Byrd, John Calhoun, Pat Calvert, Debra local leaders and organizations includ- array at this particular site, so we are stunted the ability of these recycling As a result, Sullivan County, Tenn., in the United States, the region receives and species at risk of endangerment. Cantwell, Shay and Kim Clanton, Ridge Cook, Dave Cooper, ing Appalachian Voices have been lay- proud to see this project advance. And programs to continue depot and curbside stopped accepting plastic at their facil- Dave Copper, George Cortesi, Sara Crouch, Darlene Cun- a disproportionately low percentage of The number of fish species considered ing the groundwork. in 2017, the Solar Workgroup of South- collections. ity. The closure of Tri-City Waste Paper ningham, Nancy Dagley, John David, Sister Beth Davies, Jeff federal funding for endangered and imperiled increased by 125 percent from In 2015, 32 local governments and west Virginia — a collaborative effort Tom Cormons, Executive Director In March 2018, China — the larg- has also led to recycling suspensions Deal, Heather Dean, Deborah Deatherage, Martha DeHart, Tina at-risk species. 1996 to 2016, according to the report. est international importer of recyclable in Abingdon and Bristol, Va., as well Del Prete, Rose DeProspero, Cynthia Dunn, Roberta Durham, The southeastern United States is Aquatic conservation biologist Heather Earp, Bill Elliott, Patricia English, Mike Feely, Daniel materials — banned the import of 24 as a moratorium on drop-off recycling environmental & cultural events the aquatic support system for more Bernie Kuhajda with the Tennessee Ferreira, Sandy Forrest, Frank Fry, Lashonna Geter, Dave Gil- GET INVOLVED materials, including some types of plas- in Washington County, Va. For more than 66 percent of the country’s fish Aquarium documented the dispar- liam, Scott Goebel, Lorelei Goff, Bruce Gould, Tracy Greene, tic, mixed paper and textiles. China’s information, visit tinyurl.com/recycling- See more at appvoices.org/calendar or visit mountainmushroomfestival.org uva-economic-forum species, more than 90 percent of the ity between the Southeast and other Bryna Grigg, Tauna Gulley, Kelly Haber, Meredith Haines, Bill recycling ban has disrupted the U.S. changes-by-state. — By Jamie Tews Harris, Penina Harte, Paul Hayes, Michael Hayslett, Susan Cheat River Fest Nature Nuggets: Salamander Spring country’s mussel species and nearly regions, according to an article in the Abingdon Earth Day Hazlewood, Eberhard Heide, Sharon Helt, Regina Hendrix, May 3-4: Support Cheat River cleanup efforts May 16, 10-11 a.m.: Bring your preschool-aged 50 percent of the world’s crayfish spe- Times Free Press. Kuhajda did this by Enjoy food, environmen- Dr. Laura Henry-Stone, Matt Hepler, April Herald, Pamela Hill, April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: while enjoying live music, vendors and foot children to Ijams Nature Center to learn about cies, according to the National Fish and looking through federal and state ex- Doctoral Student Helps Virginia Tech Labs Go Green Rick Hill, Sherry Hopkins, Cricket Hunter, Tim Huntley, Da- tal education and a kids’ play area at the Fields- and paddle races. $30 for the weekend, free salamanders. $4 for ages 2 and up. Knoxville, Penn House. Swing by Appalachian Voices’ penditures on federally listed aquatic According to the sustainable laboratory already in place at some universities. Green kota Icenhour, Mary Jacobs, Nicholas Johnson, Mary K, Mitra for ages 12 and under. Albright, W.Va. Call Tenn. Call (865) 577-4717 ext. 127 or visit table! Free. Abingdon, Va. Call Sherrie Leab at About the Cover species in the United States between organization My Green Lab, college labora- labs require recycling streams, increasing Kashani, Thom Kay, Alisa Keegan, Andy Kegley, Donita Ken- (304) 329-3621 or visit cheatfest.org ijams.org/nature-nuggets-salamander-spring (276) 525-4542 or email her at [email protected] tories have a large environmental footprint the temperature on ultra-low freezers, turn- nedy, Wayne Keplinger, Allison Keith, Briana Knisley, Mary Ann May The Forest Be With You Matewan Heritage Day fiscal years 2012 and 2016. He found Wildflower Weekend due to machine and ventilation energy con- ing off the lights, and shutting the sliding Kokenge, Leonard Kosup, Deborah Kushner, Waltr Lane, Don May 4: Local and regional conservation May 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Enjoy vendors, live that mussels outside the Southeast re- sumption. Some universities have started to glass door on fume hoods to put them into Langrehr, Christine Laporte, Tracy Leinbaugh, Susan Lewis, April 19-21: Immerse yourself in the wildflow- organizations will exhibit forest conserva- music and reenactments of the Battle of Mate- ceive 2.1 times more funding per species er habitat at and around the Pine Mountain implement more sustainable lab practices. an energy efficient mode. Loy Lilley, Bill Limpert, Marion Loper, Maggie Louden, Diane tion techniques for the public at the Cradle wan, a landmark struggle in miners’ efforts and crustaceans outside the Southeast Settlement School. $225 for adults, $125 for Virginia Tech doctoral student Ellen Universities interested in implementing Lucas, Jacki Lucki, Lara Mack, Paula Mann, Gail Marney, of Forestry. Pisgah Forest, N.C. Call (828) to unionize. Free. Matewan, W.Va. Call (304) ages 6-12, Free for ages 5 and under. Bled- receive seven times as much per species. Garcia is working to make green labs the green labs on campus should visit mygreenlab. Hannah McAlister, Brian McAllister, Kate McClory, Kim Greene 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.com/may- 235-0484 or visit tinyurl.com/Matewan2019 soe, Ky. Call (606) 558-3571 or visit tinyurl. Fish species are subject to the biggest norm at the school, drawing from practices org/green-lab-certification. — By Jamie Tews McClure, Allyson McCune, Rich McDonough, Tom McIntosh, the-forest-be-with-you 33rd Appalachian Trail Days Festival com/WildflowerWeekend19 funding disparity with species outside Mike McKinney, Sherri McMurray, Joy Miracle, Steve Moeller, Night Skies in Shenandoah National Park May 17-19: Gather with fellow Appalachian 20th Knoxville EarthFest the Southeast receiving 46.6 times more Jeff Montgomery, Caroline Noel, Ann Norris, Don Odell, Lynne May 10: Gaze at the stars through telescopes Trail enthusiasts for local hiking, vendors, mu- Celebrate Earth Day Oglesby, Megan Ong, Rob Osborne, Ken Pace, Lee Payne, April 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: as amateur astronomers speak about con- sic, camping and a parade. Stop by the Ap- funding each. with music, food, craft beer and environmen- Adam Pendlebury, Rick Phelps, Natalie Pien, Laureen Poole, trolling light pollution. Free for park visitors. palachian Voices table! Free, $5 to camp and According to the Times Free Press, tal education at Knoxville’s Botanical Gardens Niki Powell, Chase Pugh, Sister Ann Marie Quinn, Bronwyn Luray, Va. Call (540) 999-2222 or visit tinyurl. $20 to park over the weekend. Damascus, the disproportionate funding could be & Arboretum Free. Knoxville, Tenn. Call (865) com/ShenandoahNight Va. Call (276) 475-3831 or visit traildays.us Reece, Collin Rees, Emily Robinson, Carol Rollman, Brenda related to the higher ratio of private 546-3500 or visit knox-earthfest.org A spelunker rappels beside a waterfall into the 2019 CLEAN ENERGY WORKSHOPS Rose, Kristin Rouse, Jenny Rytel, Debbie Samuels, Gerry and 45th Mt. Rogers Spring Naturalist Rally Seedtime on the Cumberland Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 143-foot high pit entrance of Stephens Gap lands to federal lands in the Southeast Joe Scardo, Frank Schaller, Elvira T. Schrader, Susanne Seiler, May 10-12: Blue Ridge Discovery Center June 7-8: Appalshop’s festival of traditional Explore the flora and fauna of Cave in Northern Alabama, accessible with a compared to other regions. It is easier Kathy Selvage, Charles Shelton, Brenda Sigmon, David Skin- April 24-27: hosts field trips, camping, speakers and mountain music and arts features live per- May 13-17 Introduction to Photovoltaic System Design the Great Smoky Mountains National Park permit from the Southeastern Cave Conser- for the government to enact conserva- ner, Bradford Slocum, Meg Smith, Martha Smith, Sarah Smith, nighttime programs with naturalists. Free formances, dances, film screenings, art and with four days of guided hikes led by expert vancy. Another entrance allows access to the & Construction (NABCEP PV Associate) Janeen Solberg, Lucy Spencer, Andrea Steegmayer, Jennifer for BRDC members, $10 for non-members. more. Free. Whitesburg, Ky. Call (606) 633- tion efforts on federal land, whereas field biologists from around the Southeast.. Troutdale, Va. Call (276) 293-1232 or visit 0108 or visit seedtimefestival.org cave, and this dramatic view, on foot. Photog- private lands require the cooperation of Get started in the solar field with this one week course! Stertzer, Jim Stockwell, Lyndsay Tarus, Karen Taylor, Emily $100, $30 for students, $5 for children 12 and rapher Chuck Sutherland helps organize cave blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnr March for Minden Terrell, Gail Thomas, Pat Tompkins, Bonnie Triplett, Bill Was- under. Gatlinburg, Tenn. Call (423) 425-4265 cleanups with his local grotto, or caving club, the individual property owners. May 31 Affordable Zero Energy Ready Homes Southwest Virginia Economic Forum Help recreate a march that hap- serman, John Weitzel, Tina White, Tamara Marshall Whiting, or visit wildflowerpilgrimage.org to register. June 8, 3 p.m.: to remove litter from these precious sites. Turn The Southeast also historically has Visit UVA-Wise for pened 30 years ago to raise awareness of the Bill Widner, Martha Willard, Ann Williams, Diana Withen, Chuck May 15, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: to our centerspread to learn more about our not prioritized using taxes to pay for June 7-8 Microhydro System Design & Installation Mountain Mushroom Festival presentations, breakout sessions and net- industrial PCB pollution that still plagues this Wyro, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman region’s caves, and view more of Sutherland’s April 27-28: Celebrate the fungus among us working with leaders working to improve the community. Free. Minden, W.Va. Visit tinyurl. conservation efforts as much as western work at best.chucksutherland.com For details & more workshops: energy.appstate.edu Become a volunteer distributor with a weekend of arts and crafts, a parade economic outlook of the region. $35. Wise, com/MindenMarch19 regions. —By Sam Kepple and more. Free. Irvine, Ky. Call (606) 723-2554 Visit appvoices.org/raise-our-voice Va. Call (276) 328.0100 or visit tinyurl.com/ The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 3 PROOF EXPORT

Across Appalachia Environmental Groups Reach Agreement Appalachian State Student Government with Forest Service for Timber Sale Passes Climate Neutrality Bill On March 19, three environmental the High Knob section of the forest’s On March 12, in the lead-up to the energy purchasing agreement. Along with groups reached an agreement with the U.S. Clinch Ranger District in 2016. Local Global Youth Climate Strike, the Student necessary financial and institutional mea- Forest Service regarding the Nettle Patch grassroots organization The Clinch Government Association at Appalachian sures, the bill outlines an internal carbon timber sale in Jefferson National Forest. Coalition, nonprofit law firm Southern State University in Boone, N.C., unani- price, financial support and mechanisms Under the agreement, the agency Environmental Law Center and the Si- mously voted in favor of a bill calling for for oversight and accountability. dropped its plans to log Pickem Moun- erra Club had opposed the original plan. the university to pursue climate neutrality Student Government Association tain and reduced commercial timber- The groups cited concerns about erosion, by 2025. “Climate neutrality” refers to Senator Devin Mullins drafted the bill ing from a proposed 1,419 acres to 577 flooding, water quality, species diversity, having a net-zero impact on greenhouse with the Appalachian Climate Action acres. The Forest Service also cancelled recreation and more. But after years of gas emissions. Collaborative, a campus organization, in the project’s use of prescribed fire and engagement with the Forest Service and If the policy is adopted by university hopes that it would make the university agreed to other measures to protect wa- months of settlement negotiation, the administration, it would accelerate the and community stronger and serve as a ter quality, including conducting thor- groups’ objections were resolved. university’s existing climate neutrality model for the rest of the state. The bill ough reviews of future logging roads. “We very much appreciate that the commitment by 25 years and put Ap- was sponsored by academic departments, “The Forest Service’s agreement to Forest Service took time to meet with palachian State in the ranks of more Greek life organizations, Chancellor’s not log on Pickem Mountain was critical us, listen to our members’ concerns and than 100 universities in the United States scholars and several campus clubs who to protecting these incredibly special ar- make changes to their plans accord- committed to climate or carbon neutrality filled the student government meeting eas,” Southern Environmental Law Cen- ingly,” Wally Smith, vice president of prior to 2030. room to capacity. ter Attorney Kristin Davis commented in The Clinch Coalition, said in the state- The act would commission a Climate Next, the collaborative intends to a press statement. ment. — By Molly Moore Neutrality Working Group comprised bring a climate neutrality resolution to The agency issued the proposal for of university and community members the Faculty Senate and build partnerships to develop a plan to achieve the goal, with the local group Climate Transition mandate energy efficiency measures, Blue Ridge and with related organizations Withdrawal of Planned Pikeville Employer and implement a 100 percent renewable across the state. — By Natalie Lunsford Enerblu, Inc., Linked to Global Events In January, Lexington-based battery The proposed facility site was on re- manufacturer Enerblu, Inc., suspended plans claimed mine land and would have needed TKPRO to build a rechargeable battery production facil- ground repair. At a Southeast Kentucky ity in Pikeville, Ky. The company had intended Chamber of Commerce meeting in Pikeville, to create 875 jobs, which Kentucky Senator Ray former Enerblu CEO Daniel Elliot stated Jones and others hoped would provide needed that the ground repairs would cost $30 mil- economic opportunities in Eastern Kentucky. lion, but that they hoped to overcome the Enerblu halted the plans after the loss difficulty and move forward with their plan. of their primary investor, Japanese technol- John Thomas, Enerblu’s new CEO, ogy organization Softbank Group. Follow- expressed the company’s disappointment ing the October murder of journalist Jamal with the investor’s departure in a press re- Khashoggi at a Saudi Arabian consulate, lease. “As we move forward as a company the Softbank CEO did not attend a Saudi to develop a viable and impactful project, investment conference and the company we encourage other companies to discover lost investments from the country, accord- what we found within this region of Appala- ing to reporting from Ohio Valley ReSource. chia,” he stated. — By Jamie Tews

www.traildays.us Exposing “Our Ecological Footprint” Jim Magruder captured this photo of massive projects to reshape the earth to our earthmoving equipment required in the NC will come at a high price,” Macgruder says Hwy 221 widening project dwarfing construc- in his entry description. “We forfeit land and tion workers spraying erosion-prevention on scenery for generations, and we yoke our freshly scraped slope near West Jefferson, N.C. communities to a perpetual tax burden for the Macgruder’s image, titled “Large Scale maintenance, policing and pollution remedia- Graffiti,” is the winner of the Our Ecological tion of every new or expanded road project. Footprint category in the 16th Annual Appa- At the very least, the huge long-term costs lachian Mountain Photography Competition. of these projects should give us pause to re- Appalachian Voices is one of the sponsors of search and debate lower impact alternatives.” the environmentally focused category. The photo exhibit is on display through “While we all recognize the need for June 1 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts expanding infrastructure to support growing in Boone, N.C. Visit appmtnphotocomp.org to May 17, 18 & 19 population and expanding commerce, such view this year’s finalists and winners. Page 4 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice Exploring Old Growth Forest in Historic Harlan County

By Dave Cooper installed on the roof of the Kentucky Harlan County, Ky., is home to a Coal Museum. stunning old-growth forest preserve. I have been hosting college student It is also probably the most famous — groups in Harlan since 2010 through a or notorious — coal-mining county in program called Alternative Breaks. The Appalachia, and was once known as students learn about the history of coal “Bloody Harlan.” mining and Appalachian culture and See forever. Barbara Kopple’s 1976 Academy music, and they do service projects such The peaceful top of Pine Mountain offers Award-winning film, “Harlan County, as planting trees on former panoramic views. Photo { Together. } strip mines. We also go USA” about the bitter 1973 United Mine by Scott Goebel Workers of America strike against Duke hiking, and Harlan County is blessed with one of the Power is considered by experts to be 3,510 acres encompass one of the greatest documentary films most beautiful mountains in Kentucky – Pine Mountain. more than 2,200 acres of ever made. I have watched it more than old-growth forest and are 100 times, and it brings tears to my eyes Pine Mountain is a 120- mile long ridge that runs bordered by more than every time. The film features Florence 1,000 acres owned by the Reece’s haunting song “Which Side Are along the border of Virginia and Kentucky, averaging land trust. You On?” The preserve’s 4.5 about 3,000 feet in elevation. Students from the University of Maryland reach the top of Knobby If you go to Harlan County, there is miles of trails lead to Knob- no neutral there Geologic upheaval made Rock during a hike with the author on an Alternative Spring Break coal mining here difficult or trip to Harlan County, Ky., this spring. Photo by Dave Cooper by Rock, Sand Cave and You’ll either be a union man or a thug The Maze. The hike starts for J.H. Blair impossible, so it is largely land on Pine Mountain just outside at Camp Blanton, a Boy Which side are you on? Which side unscathed by underground Harlan in 1928. They never allowed Scout camp on a beautiful lake. From the are you on? mines or mountaintop removal – unlike logging on their land, and passed it parking area, the well-marked, moder- Reece, the wife and daughter of nearby Black Mountain. down to their daughters with that ate loop trail to Knobby Rock covers 2.2. coal miners, wrote the song in the 1930s, The 40-mile Little Shepherd Trail understanding. miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. when miners and their families were runs along the ridgetop from Letcher Few areas of old-growth forest The expansive view from Knobby literally starving to death, while the County to Harlan County, and it is a remain in Kentucky. Marc Evans of Rock is breathtaking. From here, hikers coal companies used violence in their peaceful one-lane road good for moun- the Kentucky State Nature Preserves can return on the loop or add the more attempt to crush the fledgling National tain biking, horseback riding or hiking. Commission noticed the old-growth in strenuous 1.3-mile Sand Cave loop, Miners Union. It was a dark time. Kingdom Come State Park has majestic 1992. Several years later, the Kentucky which winds through a maze of sand- Today, Harlan is a peaceful, safe views from the top of Pine Mountain Natural Lands Trust was formed to ac- stone formations to a large rock shelter. and quiet little place tucked deep in and also offers hiking, overnight camp- quire and permanently protect land on These trails come highly recom- the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. The ing and a small fishing pond. Though it the mountain from logging or mining. mended. You will see towering old oaks, coal mines are mostly silent, and com- cannot be climbed, there is also a cool Pine Mountain is extremely biodiverse, massive hemlocks, rhododendron thick- munity leaders are struggling to find old fire tower on the ridge in the Harlan with rare mixed mesophytic forest that ets, pristine mountain streams, ferns, new sources of revenue. Fortunately, County community of Putney. And for contains a vast array of tree species. wildflowers and rock formations. And there are some dedicated souls trying students of Appalachia, there is a lot of The crown jewel of Pine Mountain if you take the time to explore Harlan to promote tourism and new ways of history in Harlan County. Grover and Oxie Blanton bought is the Blanton Forest State Nature Pre- County’s rich culture and history, you thinking. There are even solar panels serve, which shelters the largest old- will find it is just as fascinating as Pine growth forest in the state. The preserve’s Mountain’s natural wonders. u 33rd Annual Enjoy art, music, local crafters, film, food, and fun on the Appalshop grounds in downtown Blanton Forest be on your right. Take the first right into Whitesburg, Ky. Featured artists LENGTH: Various trails total 4.5 miles the parking area — the second right is include Hubby Jenkins, Amythyst DIFFICULTY: Moderate. No pets or bikes are a private gravel road for the scout camp. Kiah, and many more! allowed; trails close at sunset NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: The Kentucky Coal Catch the music live on stage or on WMMT CONTACT: Visit knlt.org/blanton or call the Museum and Portal 31 exhibition coal June 7 and 8, 2019 88.7 FM, also streaming at wmmt.org. land trust at (877) 367-5658 mine in Benham and Lynch; The School- DIRECTIONS: From downtown Harlan, take house Inn Bed and Breakfast; see moun- Free! seedtimefestival.org U.S. Route 421 north to U.S. Route 119. taintop removal from the top of Kentucky’s Hand in hand is a wonderful way to share the awe and highest mountain, Black Mountain, just GRANDFATHER Bear left onto U.S. 119 south, continue for delights that await you at Grandfather Mountain. Share ® 3.1 miles. Turn right on Kentucky Route 840 above Lynch; Little Shepherd Trail; Pine the joy today and help us preserve it for tomorrow. MOUNTAIN and head up a steep hollow. Continue for 1 Mountain Settlement School; and Bad www.grandfather.com WONDERS NEVER CEASE mile and the entrance to Camp Blanton will Branch Falls in Letcher County.

Page 6 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice

FOREVER Full-page ad — April-May 2019 Grandfather Mountain Contact: Frank Ruggiero (828) 733-2013 Appalachian Voice [email protected] to Appalachia’s coal com- A wide range of efforts are underway Pulling Together munities as the country Pulling Together to boost Appalachia’s economy Continued from page 8 goes through this change in energy production.’” By Kevin Ridder economy for the region. W.Va., to create unique posters that Heidi Binko is the co- were sold to help raise money for future In Letcher County, Ky., “In order for those founder and executive di- projects in Whitesville. Gwen Christon has kept dollars to circulate in local rector of the Just Transition Other participating West Virginia Isom IGA, the only grocery markets, there has to be Fund, a nonprofit orga- localities include Ripley, Grafton and store for 10 miles, open for locally owned businesses nization and grantmaker Matewan. more than 20 years despite that provide the goods and dedicated to helping com- services that people need,” “We’re really focused on showing munities with historically the region’s economic down- Gwen Christon owns the Isom IGA grocery store in Letcher County, Ky. With MACED’s help, Christon installed says Hille. “We need to make that there’s a lot of activity happening coal-based economies. turn. When she needed help with energy efficiency upgrades to lower the store’s utility bills by $40,000 annually. Photos courtesy of MACED around the state even though that’s not the store’s utility bills, Christon reached these communities once again Environmental nonprofit what always gets captured in the news out to Kentucky nonprofit organization places where people want to live.” organization Appalachian ers across the region are investing in is declining energy industry,” Blevins says. about our state,” says Tyree. “There’s a Mountain Association for Community Influencing Policy Voices, the publisher of this newspaper, retrofitting homes and businesses like “We are the only public four-year lot of innovative local leadership that is Economic Development. is a Just Transition Fund grantee. Isom IGA to be more energy efficient. institution in the [Virginia] coalfield In February, Hille and other Ap- trying to think big about how to redevel- MACED helped Christon finance, “When we say ‘just transition,’ we These projects help to plug economic region,” she continues. “As we continue palachian community leaders testi- op small economies that don’t have the apply for grants and find contractors to want to make sure we are supporting leaks in small communities by decreas- to grow, we want to have good places, fied before the House Subcommittee support of a major metropolitan area.” make Isom IGA’s lighting, HVAC and solutions that are sustainable econom- ing bills that often go to monopoly utili- good jobs for our students when they on Energy and Mineral Resources Tyree states that while a lack of refrigeration more energy-efficient. As of ics, that are equitable,” says Binko. “We ties based in large cities. graduate. Whether they go on to go about the importance of helping large investments makes the work chal- November 2018, the store’s utility bills had want to make sure that the people that Plus, the jobs would have to be lo- directly into the work world or they go the region transition from a fossil lenging, local leaders find creative ways fallen by $40,000 a year, allowing Christon are affected are engaged and part of the cal. “You can’t ship these buildings off on to further their education, the same fuel-based economy. Hille said that to work with what they have. to hire two more full-time employees. Whitesburg, Ky., resident Tara Jensen, one of MACED’s clients, runs a mobile workshop where she teaches solution, and we also are looking for so- to be retrofitted,” says Hille. thing holds true: you want to have a Kentucky lost 10,000 jobs — half of “Communities in our network do “This community is my commu- baking techniques to audiences like this one at Berea College Farm Store. Photo courtesy of MACED lutions that are energy resilient, meaning diversified industry base so that they the state’s coal jobs — when natu- really innovative, challenging work on GO Virginia nity,” Christon told MACED. “I love that we are really looking for low-carbon, want to come back.” ral gas became cheaper than coal higher education, a track record of poor Investing in West Virginia shoestring budgets,” Tyree says. “We’re While circulating money within the it, I’m proud of it, I want it to survive. environmentally sustainable solutions.” In Southwest Virginia, GO Vir- in 2012. But he stated that even prior to health statistics, and a mass exodus of In West Virginia, Stephanie Tyree having to do this all through volunteer community through local jobs like these I just think [the store] gives stability to One thing that people have to be ginia focuses on bringing money into coal’s downturn, Appalachia had faced young people from Appalachia due to works to help develop and grow local labor where people are doing that in ad- is important, improving the economy our community.” careful of, she states, is the idea that advanced manufacturing, agriculture, economic difficulties for generations. a lack of jobs. In his congressional testi- leaders in rural areas across the state as dition to their one or two or sometimes also requires bringing in outside in- MACED President Peter Hille be- Appalachia’s economic problems can food and beverage manufacturing, in- According to Hille, economic dis- mony, he wrote that this has resulted in the executive director of the nonprofit more jobs in addition to taking care of vestments. Virginia is attempting to lieves that small, locally owned business- be solved by a single solution. formation and emerging technologies, tress has contributed to the region’s “a population that is disproportionately West Virginia Community Develop- their families.” do this through the Virginia Initiative es like Isom IGA are critical in creating a “I think that there is a natural and energy and minerals. comparatively low rate of people with made up of the very old, the very young, ment Hub. The Hub then connects these for Growth and Opportunity In Each more diverse, sustainable and resilient A Just Transition tendency for people to look for a silver In August 2018, the GO Virginia and many who are unable to participate Region, established in 2016. Called leaders to one another so that they can bullet,” Binko says. “I think the key is state board awarded a $27,547 grant in the labor force. We also face the same Since 2015, the U.S. Appalachian Re- GO Virginia for short, it is a statewide be a part of the bigger movement to to not look to any single one industry to the Southwest Virginia Technology opioid epidemic that plagues many gional Commission’s POWER Initiative collaborative effort between leaders in Non-traditional Loans Fund revitalize small West Virginia towns. or sector, but to invest in a variety of Council for initial work on a regional on- other rural areas. All of that was true has invested $144.8 million in hundreds government, education and the private One part of this movement is approaches.” line jobs platform. The platform would Regional Entrepreneurs before the collapse of the coal industry.” of counties affected by coal’s downfall. sector to attract outside investors to the Turn This Town Around, an initiative Industrial hemp could serve as a connect job-seekers to technology indus- An innovative nonprofit devised The ARC estimates that these invest- Hille states that an ideal economy co-sponsored by the Hub that aims major cash crop for farmers in the com- state and create jobs. a way to fund entrepreneurs with no ments have created or retained more try employers. The City of Norton, the focuses on multiple industries, is en- to help West Virginia towns identify The Southwest Virginia region access to bank loans. KIVA is based ing years after its legalization under the Town of St. Paul and Buchanan County vironmentally minded and provides than 17,000 jobs, created or improved of GO Virginia is led by UVA-Wise. in San Francisco and offers business and complete innovative projects. At 2018 Farm Bill. Peter Hille states that it are participating in the project. opportunities for all. more than 7,200 businesses and brought To Shannon Blevins, associate vice loans to people across the globe who a 2015 meeting in the community of could take the place of tobacco, histori- According to Blevins, there has never “Even if we could replace those approximately $771.3 million in private chancellor of the university’s Office of are underserved by traditional banking. Whitesville, population 500, residents cally an Appalachian cash crop. been a better time to invest in Appalachia 10,000 jobs that were suddenly lost, it dollars into Appalachia’s economy. Economic Development & Engagement, Through the KIVA platform, anyone can proposed turning an old railroad corri- “With the tobacco market changing — and especially Southwest Virginia. apply for one regardless of their credit, would only put us back to where we “The communities are identifying po- fixing the region’s economy is personal. Stephen Curd, a clothing designer, received dor into a 15-mile multi-use recreational the way it has, there hasn’t been that “We’ve got some things that people and anyone can pledge $25 or more to a KIVA loan in 2018 for his small business. were 10 years ago, and 10 years ago the tential economic opportunities and then “Part of what drives me is being trail. And in June 2018, the town secured same kind of ready market for something from outside this region want,” she help fund a loan anywhere in the world. which lenders can withdraw their money region was still characterized by deep, putting together project proposals, initia- from this area and seeing friends and a $2.25 million federal Abandoned Mine that small producers could grow and says. “They just don’t know it yet.” u Clothing Designer Stephen Curd or re-invest it in another business. tives, activities, investments, blueprints, persistent economic distress,” he says. Land Pilot grant to begin construction add cash income to the other food crops family that have been impacted by the used an $8,000 KIVA loan last summer A coalition of community develop- strategies,” says ARC Communications According to Hille, Appalachia’s of the Clear Fork Rail Trail. that they might produce,” says Hille. to expand his business, Lavelle Manu- ment and business support organiza- Director Wendy Wasserman. “Congress facturing, in Glade Spring, Va. The loan economic problems are part of a cycle “Progress, combining thousands One industry that MACED and oth- tions called Opportunity SWVA serves has said, ‘Hey, we have to pay attention Wednesday allowed him to pay for equipment and as a trustee for Southwest Virginia busi- intrinsically linked to a declining popu- of volunteer hours, public support, contractors and fueled his company’s nesses applying for KIVA loans, which lation. He states that amenities and new private investments and ranging May 15 growth enough that he is now in the means that the organization is listed resources such as retirement communi- attitudes of optimism and grit prove process of hiring a full-time seamstress. online as vouching for the entrepre- ties, healthcare, farmers markets, music Whitesville is still turning,” reads a blog David J. Prior “A loan came at a perfect time to neurs. Including Lavelle Manufacturing, venues, craft breweries and more can be post on The Hub’s website. “Though Convocation Center expand,” Curd says. “The fact that it's Three of the businesses they have sup- opportunities for local entrepreneurs premature to claim the town is turned a no-interest loan and we've got three ported — Lavelle Manufacturing, Sugar UVA-Wise Campus while also helping the tourism industry. years to pay it off was definitely helpful.” Hill Brewing Company and Adventure around, Whitesville is now a visibly For more information contact Although KIVA loans don’t require Mendota — have received KIVA loans. “It can create amenities that are im- different place turning firmly toward Becki O’Quinn at [email protected] or a good credit score, applicants must “I think KIVA is a really cool oppor- portant for people looking around say- the future.” visit tinyurl.com/uva-economic-forum go through an approval process that tunity for small businesses,” Curd says. ing, ‘Hey, I could live here,’” says Hille. To help promote the trail, Whites- includes a solid plan for repayment. Visit KIVA.org for more information. “If you’re going to have tourism, you ville resident Adam Pauley collaborated Lenders provide funds online and are — By Lorelei Goff have to have places to stay, and you have with Base Camp Printing in Charleston, gradually repaid by the borrower, after to have places to eat and things to do.” Continued on page 9 MACED offers energy audits to Eastern Kentuckians interested in energy efficiency upgrades. Photo: MACED Small Business & Technology Zones | Breakout Sessions | Networking

Page 8 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 9 Solar Projects Shine in Southwest Virginia Collaborative efforts to bring solar to businesses, homes, schools and an abandoned mine move forward

By Kevin Ridder ily introduce renewable Southwest Virginia could soon have energy into the site.” The March an- its first large-scale solar farm. Better yet, Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia members by Ridgeview High School, left, one of the group’s proposed solar installation sites. Photo by Denechia the 3.5-megawatt project is slated to be nouncement of the Min- Solar Projects Shine Edwards. At the 2018 Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, right, local leaders kick off the region’s SolSmart designation. Photo by Jamie Goodman built on a former Wise County coal mine. eral Gap installation is the Continued from page 10 latest in a string of solar the planning and zoning aspects for generate jobs on land that otherwise developer are currently under negotia- The solar array would help power solar,” says Schroll. “They haven’t re- would not be productive,” says Hatfield. tion. The workgroup will release a sec- projects and initiatives businesses into that jurisdiction because the Mineral Gap Data Center, a 65,000 ally thought through where they might ond commercial-scale group purchase in Southwest Virginia. the community has gone through the Commercial-scale Solar square-foot facility that handles critical want to allow it or not allow it, so there’s program on April 1 with a slightly larger In eight municipalities, process to promote renewable energy.” The regional push for SolSmart government information. A $500,000 fed- not really a regulatory framework on cohort and overall generation capacity. local leaders are working SolSmart is headed by The Solar designation was spurred largely by the eral grant pending approval from the U.S. the zoning side for that. Communities “We have at least 17 buildings that to turn their communi- Foundation, a nonprofit solar advocacy efforts of the Solar Workgroup of South- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and can run into some issues, and there have have expressed interest, which could Enforcement would fund the project, and ties into solar hotspots group, and funded by the U.S. Depart- west Virginia. The coalition recently Members of the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia interview solar developers in 2018 for the chance to install been some communities that are getting potentially be several megawatts of Sun Tribe Solar, based in Charlottesville, through the federally ment of Energy. More than 300 commu- completed a call for bids on a 1.5-mega- the workgroup’s planned 1.5 megawatts of solar arrays across six sites in the region. Photo by Christine Gyovai sued by residents because they didn’t solar,” says Barnes. funded SolSmart pro- nities across the country have applied watt commercial-scale solar project that Va., would install the panels. like that a neighbor installed solar.” One of the potential solar installations gram. Local governments for or achieved a SolSmart designation. is spread across six Southwest Virginia The funds are part of a $10 million abandoned mine lands pilot program, “We don’t have the exact blueprint St. Paul, Va., Councilman Josh from the first commercial solar group pur- work with SolSmart advisors to make Southwest Virginia’s Lee, Wise, Dicken- sites ranging from high schools to a low- grant from the agency’s abandoned Sun Tribe Solar contacted Adam Wells, worked out yet, but we look forward Sawyers explains that when the town chase would be on the Wetlands Estonoa sure their policies are solar-friendly, with son, Russell and Tazewell counties are income apartment complex. mine land pilot program to the Virginia Appalachian Voices’ regional director of to working with them to try to incor- looked into their ordinances regarding Learning Center in St. Paul, Va. the intent of attracting potential busi- pursuing SolSmart designations, as well “The idea of a commercial-scale Department of Mines, Minerals and En- community and economic development. porate some hands-on curriculum,” solar, they found a blank slate. “Having solar on it to be able to nesses. This effort was spurred largely as the Town of St. Paul and the City of solar group purchase program is to ergy to reclaim old mine lands in South- “In spite of the almost impossible says Brown. “Most of our ordinances have not educate students and anybody that by the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Norton. In June 2018, the Department aggregate different business owners, west Virginia. Appalachian Voices, an timeline of just three weeks, we decided Marc Silverstein states that with addressed solar in any fashion,” says comes through on the viability of solar, Virginia, a group consisting of several of Energy awarded the cohort of com- schools and nonprofits in a group pur- environmental nonprofit organization it was worth at least getting a proposal these new efforts to bring solar to the Sawyers. “So that’s something that we’re it’s just a great opportunity to do that,” governmental, educational and nonprofit munities a grant for Hearl to work as a chase,” says Appalachian Voices’ New and publisher of this newspaper, helped turned in to DMME, with the worst case region, Virginia will be able to hold looking to do is to be proactive on that.” Councilman Josh Sawyers says of the entities and co-convened by Appalachian technical advisor. Economy Program Manager Chelsea organize the collaborative grant appli- scenario being that we get the partner- onto its historic identity as an energy- “We’ve learned a whole lot during center’s potential solar installation. Voices, UVa-Wise and community action Norton, Va., City Manager Fred Barnes. “Basically, by aggregating these cation. If approved by the the federal ship together and try again in 2019,” producing state. the process of how to work with our Sawyers states that the project agency People, Inc. Ramey states that his city decided to projects together, we’re able to negotiate surface mining agency, developers ex- says Wells. “By some miracle, we were “We see this project as a single step- power provider in the area with the combined with a SolSmart designation The Mineral Gap array has been pursue SolSmart to make sure that Nor- a lower price with the solar developer pect construction to start this summer able to pull together the data center and ping stone toward transforming the state solar projects,” he adds. “I think just the will help increase the demand for solar years in the making. Appalachian ton does not have anything standing in because we’re bringing them a larger or fall and be complete by December. county leadership, all of whom recog- of Virginia into a green energy-based benefit of doing that is going to make it in St. Paul. Voices co-authored a report in 2016 the way of new solar projects. project rather than just one smaller proj- “Powering Mineral Gap Data Cen- nized the opportunity and wanted to economy,” wrote Silverstein. “Our hope a little bit easier for our residents to put “From a residential side and homes that profiled the project concept, and “We’re not aware of any [barriers ect. It also helps walk people through ters with clean energy was a goal of ours make a push. A big part of that miracle is that this pilot project will be replicated it on their homes.” that are looking to put it in, I wouldn’t a solar developer unsuccessfully at- to solar] that we have at this point, but the process so that they can learn from from the very beginning,” wrote Min- was the support from the county and a across Southwest Virginia and grow into James Schroll states that going say that the demand is high right yet,” tempted to develop the site in 2017. we’re hoping the process will lead us their peers and not feel like they’re the eral Gap spokesperson Marc Silverstein lot of energy from Downstream Strate- a huge economic benefit for the region through the SolSmart application says Sawyers. “But I think looking for- Then, three weeks before the Oct. 31, through that to just ensure that that’s first person to be doing this.” in an email. “In fact, we built Mineral gies, who provided critical capacity and and for the entire Commonwealth.” process will help Southwest Virginia ward to the next three to five years we 2018, deadline to submit proposals to the the case,” says Ramey. “I think it’s going Contracts from the first bids between Gap’s infrastructure so we could eas- technical assistance for the proposal.” SolSmart communities figure out how to respond may see more of our homes taking on Virginia DMME for a grant through the to help us be in a position to learn best the owners of the six sites and the solar The project is expected to create to potential developers interested in the solar profile.”u SolSmart Regional Advisor Gary practices from other communities that 26 temporary jobs and bring approxi- building large-scale solar farms. He Hearl works with Southwest Virginia have already gone through this process.” mately $1 million to the local economy points to a need for balance between communities to make their policies “What we’re about is helping our over the array’s 35-year lifespan. bringing in new industry and main- more solar-friendly in order to obtain citizens and businesses,” he adds. “And * * “The goal is really to build an eco- taining the area’s agricultural land and the program’s bronze, silver or gold if having more solar projects is a benefit system where this workforce is going to rural character. we are new designation. to them, we want to make sure that expanding hours be able to support future projects,” says According to Schroll, solar farms on “You are providing more stream- we’re a help in part of that process.” Sun Tribe Solar’s Chief Technical Officer areas with previous construction and for- lined ordinances, regulations, engage- According to James Schroll, a Taylor Brown. “Being that this is one of mer mine lands could be a sound solution. * * ment with citizens in order to promote SolSmart project manager for The Solar the first larger scale projects of its kind, “It could be a good use for a site the use of solar energy within that Foundation, one of the most common I think it’s a huge building block for like that that may require a fair amount applicant’s jurisdiction,” says Hearl. barriers on the part of local govern- the region to build up this workforce.” of mitigation if it were to be used for monday saturday “There’s both an internal promotional ments is a lack of transparency about the - According to Brown, Sun Tribe a more occupied space,” says Schroll. value to it for the citizens within the area process for a home- or business-owner 11:00am- 9:00pm hopes to work with local universities Wise County Administrator Mi- and also an external economic develop- to install solar panels on their property. and community colleges to set up work- chael Hatfield agrees. 828.268.9600 | 4004 nc hwy 105 s. banner elk, nc ment component that helps to recruit “Another one is that a lot of com- A proposed 3.5-megawatt solar farm built on an abandoned coal mine in Wise County, Va., would force development programs. “Putting a solar farm there is a po- reidscafeandcatering.com munities haven’t really thought through help power the Mineral Gap Data Center. Photo courtesy of Mineral Gap Data Center tential use that will help the area and visit: Page 10 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 11 Eastern Kentucky Community Community-owned Broadband Members of the Southern Connected Communities Project, Detroit Community Technology Project, Expands Rural Opportunities and RISE:NYC sit in front of the new internet tower Groups Pursue Solar in New Market, Tenn. Photo courtesy of SCCP. By Kevin Ridder vilion with solar panels for Appalshop. By Lorelei Goff five-kilometer radius who have a clear In a February Lexington Herald- What comes to mind when some- line-of-sight connection be- Four community-led organizations tween their antenna and in rural Letcher County, Ky., plan to go Leader op-ed, representatives of the one mentions internet providers? Most four organizations wrote that this makes people probably think of big corpora- the tower. solar in 2019 with assistance from the The SCCP pilot pro- nonprofit Mountain Association for the installations the largest renewable tions like Comcast, Verizon or Charter energy project in Letcher County history. Communications. But in East Tennes- gram won an additional Community Economic Development $400,000 through Mozilla (MACED). The organizations include The representatives explain that they see, the face of wireless broadband chose to participate in the project due to might soon be a neighbor. in November of 2018 to the Hemphill Community Center, the expand the program to Kings Creek Volunteer Fire Department, constant price increases from monopoly Sustainable & Equitable Agricul- utility Kentucky Power. tural Development (SEAD), a nonprofit Clear Fork, Tenn. SCCP Co- nonprofit housing construction com- coordinator Jamie Greig says that pany HOMES, Inc., and the grassroots “Energy costs have been organization based in Knoxville, Tenn., rising for years, and Ken- is working to help rural communities Clear Fork, located in Claiborne County multimedia cultural center Appalshop. seem to be a national trend. For the Locally owned internet means being tucky Power has recently find economic recovery through self- in Northeast Tennessee, has no internet The loan payments and energy Clear Fork project, SCCP partnered with able to store data instead of giving it to implemented new demand sustainability while providing afford- connectivity except for a couple of satel- bills are structured in a way that the the Detroit Community Technology third parties. charge rates that place able broadband internet service for lite providers. solar panels will start saving money Project, which has built three commu- Community ownership also means further strain on our cash- themselves. “We're willing to come in and make on day one. The solar installation for nity networks in underserved areas of more control over pricing. Detroit’s strapped community facili- SEAD is the agricultural and rural investments in broadband infrastruc- HOMES, Inc., which broke ground in Detroit under their Equitable Internet Equitable Internet Initiative charges ties,” reads the op-ed. “These economics working group for the Com- ture in these communities,” says Greig. early March, will take nine years to pay “This project is a part of a larger rural Initiative. Each of those networks serves on an income-based sliding scale; their increases come at a time when our and financial support to the solar munity Economic Development Net- off, according to MACED’s Josh Bills. issue to rely less on outside influence about 50 residents. lowest tier costs $10 per month. It also rural communities face an unusually project, notes that as other members work of East Tennessee. SEAD organizes He estimates that some of the projects and to develop self-sustainable prac- The Detroit model combines the creates jobs. In Detroit, three jobs pay- cold winter, bringing some of our part- of the hub realize how much these rural communities to explore options will take up to 15 years to be paid off. tices within the community.” knowledge to build and design the ing $15 per hour were created for every ners to the brink of closing their doors.” groups are saving in electricity costs for self-sustainability, mainly around The four installations will pro- SEAD will lead the Clear Fork com- network with a program that trains resi- 50 people served by their community- All four organizations are partners because of the solar installations, environmental or agriculture issues. vide 190 kilowatts of power and cost munity through a process of learning dents to install and operate the equip- owned network. in the Letcher County Culture Hub, they may also make the switch. A year ago, the organization $500,000, $230,000 of which will be used how to create economies that incorpo- ment so the networks can be sustained Other benefits are less quantifiable a network of community-led groups. “It’s one thing for somebody hatched the idea to build community- for the construction of an outdoor pa- rate three principles: design it yourself, by the communities. but equally as important, Greig says. Josh Bills, who helped provide technical like me to go into a room and say, owned and operated wireless broad- build it yourself and operate it yourself. “In Detroit they've already done Socially, it brings communities together ‘This is how much solar can save band in places where lack of connec- “We're looking for additional fund- this over the course of a number of and forms bonds and trust between and how much it’ll produce,’” says tivity is an obstacle to education and ing because the idea for this project isn't years,” Greig says. “We are their first residents. Bills. “I think it’s a very different economic growth. SEAD partnered with just to build this network in Clear Fork, national expansion project. They're “It demystifies technology,” Greig thing for somebody that’s part of the Highlander Research and Education but to use it as a base for training other bringing their Equitable Internet Initia- says. “It’s not that complicated but we’re a hub group like that to see their Center in New Market, Tenn., to start a communities to build networks too,” tive model and partnering with us to often told that it is. [Residents who com- peers benefitting and looking at pilot program called Southern Connect- Greig says. “So outside of just getting develop that model here in Clear Fork plete the training] can teach other people what their monthly electric cost ed Communities Project and received this community network up and run- Valley with our funding, our knowl- that technology is something they don’t savings that they’re seeing with $30,000 from the Mozilla Foundation Fine Teas • Custom Spice Blends ning, our additional funding is going to edge, our local people.” need to be intimidated by.” solar versus how much they’re hav- in February of 2018 to develop wireless Standing outside Appalshop in Whitesburg, Ky., at be used to expand the project to other Aside from the obvious benefit Laws governing community-

Gourmet Salts & Sugars ing to pay to finance it.” broadband project ideas. top, planners look at diagrams for a proposed outdoor of having internet access, Greig says owned and operated broadband vary The initial phase of the program locations and also to bring in other Kentucky Solar Policy pavilion with integrated solar power. Josh Bills with community-owned broadband infra- by state. saw the completion of an 80-foot pro- community residents to Clear Fork or MACED, above, stands by a solar array that the structure provides other boons, such as Contact Jamie Greig at jamie@south- A bill passed by the Kentucky totype tower at the Highlander center, to New Market to train them on how group helped fund. Photos courtesy of MACED allowing people more control over data ernconnectedcommunities.org for more House and Senate and awaiting Gov. which now serves residents within a to do it themselves.” and who has access to their information. information. u Matt Bevin’s signature could affect of solar can save money and decrease According to Greig, these concepts future solar projects in the state. S.B. 100 carbon emissions by lessening the need would greatly limit a solar policy called to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure. net metering by reducing the amount of “If you spread that out across all Preparing for Outdoor Adventure Careers money utility companies pay Kentuck- customers in Kentucky, it comes out to The Adventure Tourism & Outdoor parks, outfitters and other outdoor markets

Fresh Spices & Herbs ians for the excess energy produced like 3 or 4 cents per customer per year,” Education Department at Southwest Virginia with a stream of qualified professionals enter- through rooftop solar panels. The net says Bills. He states that S.B. 100 would Community College offers students five de- ing the workforce. According to a 2018 report The Spice & Tea Exchange® metering changes would only apply to have negative effects on residential solar. gree and certificate programs to prepare from the Outdoor Industry Association, the 1087 Main Street, Unit 4 projects installed after 2019 and would “If it passes, it means we’ll still see for work in the outdoors. Options include outdoor industry in Virginia generates more not affect the Letcher County project. solar installed, it’s just going to be hap- Outdoor Leadership, Outdoor Recreation, than $21 million in consumer spending. Blowing Rock, NC | 828-372-7070 Adventure Tourism, Guide Essentials and “Some careers, students will look for Utility companies argue that they pening on grocery stores and buildings Outdoor Interpretation and Education. the biggest money but just don't get outside are paying too much for energy from that have daytime use and less so on According to the SWCC website,” the because of it,” SWCC Associate Professor ratepayers, and that other customers are residences, which is really unfortunate,” programs are a unique blend of entrepre- Michael Brown says. “A program like this shouldering those costs. But Bills argues Bills says. “The place we want to see neurship, tourism and recreation,” that will is a life changing event for students. You that the amount of money ratepayers solar, yes it is on small commercial and help to stimulate economic development. might not be making the big bucks, but pay to subsidize net metering is min- businesses, but we also want to see that The program connects students with your quality of life will be a lot better.” — By iscule. Additionally, the development happen on low-income homes.” u possible employers and provides state Lorelei Goff

Page 12 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 13 Hidden beneath our renowned mountains lie equally incredible wonders, such as stunning rock formations, subterranean waterfalls and bizarre, one- Sarah Cline explores APPALACHIAAPPALACHIA of-a-kind creatures that have adapted to meet the rigorous challenges of life the Enchanted Forest room at Wolf River underground. While caves and their inhabitants are often out of sight, Cave in Fentress they play a vital role in sustaining life on the surface — and below. County, Tenn. The Wolf UNDERGROUND River Cave is home UNDERGROUND to 2,500 endangered Indiana bats. Photo by Chuck Sutherland White-Nose Syndrome: A Stealthy Killer For more than a decade, a killer A Quest to Protect has crept stealthily but steadily across North America. Pseudogym- noascus destructans, a white fungus At-risk Bats with no way to move on its own, has nevertheless infested numerous Researchers and caves by piggybacking underground on unwary humans. The fungus in- conservationists found fects and often kills bats that inhabit By Sam Kepple and saved the land the caves and can be spread from and Jen Kirby bat to bat. As a result, millions of CAVINGCAVING ADVENTURESADVENTURES where an endangered A Virginia big-eared bat the furry, flying mammals have died. A little brown bat displays the trademark sign of white- swoops out of a cave in North When bats hibernate, the nose syndrome. Photo by Jonathan Mays, ME Dept. of bat species roosts Carolina. Researchers estimate cold-loving fungus takes advantage n Appalachia, most of us stick to mountains and rivers for grotto, a local caving club. Grottos organize group expeditions, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife that there are only 19,000 of this of the bat’s lower metabolic rate and Iour outdoor adventures, but if we limit our experiences to host trainings in safe caving practices and provide resources. By Kevin Ridder endangered species left in the body temperature to burrow into the caves rely on bat excrement and the fungi the surface, we overlook the magical caverns beneath our feet. For those looking for a more accessible and less daring wild. Photo by Michael Durham skin on its wings and multiply. It causes the that grow on it as a source of nutrients. Like caves themselves, navigating information about experience, commercial caves are a great fit. Throughout bats to dehydrate, their blood to become These species in turn are a food source for where, when and how to explore them can be challenging. Appalachia, education, history and adventure become en- more acidic and can even cause holes in other predators and scavengers. Bat ex- Curious visitors can tour a number of commercial caves in twined in spaces such as Linville Caverns or Organ Cave, their wings. The discomfort of the infection n April 2013, then-Indiana State Uni- probably 150 bats on the ceiling, and at widening project could act as a barrier to tinctions can lead to cascading detrimental the region, but many more caverns are closed to protect the both featured below. These caves offer various public tours. makes the bats wake more often during the effects on the rest of a cave's ecosystem. versity graduate student Joey Weber that point I basically knew that that was the bats or impact their foraging habitat rare and fragile ecosystems within. Regardless of ability or age, there is a cave for us all. winter when food is scarce, using up their “The situation is dire for cave-dwelling squeezedI into a three-foot-tall cave on the the spot,” says Weber. at all,” she says. fat reserves, and the bats die of starvation or cave-hibernating bats, but recent re- Expert cavers recommend interested adventurers find a Read on to find yours. side of North Carolina’s Beech Mountain. The project began when the state Finding the Roost or hypothermia. The disease caused by the ports of a potential method of treating bats A nerve-wracking, 20-foot crawl into the proposed widening part of state High- fungus is commonly referred to as white- To find the bats’ maternity roost, is hopeful,” says National Forest Service darkness ensued, but Weber pushed on way 105 in northwestern North Carolina nose syndrome because of a characteristic Biological Technician Mike Donahue. camping and independent cave adventures. the Indiana State University researchers until he could stand. When he looked up, in 2010, which triggered a study on how white fungal growth around the bat’s nose. A study published in the journal Nature Kentucky The park recommends making an advance tagged 19 bats, tracking them with radio Weber was greeted with dozens of eyes endangered species might be affected. The disease has been found in half of Communications in January 2018 found reservation for caving. Visit nps.gov/maca or telemetry equipment. Carter Caves State call (270) 758-2180 for more information. staring back — a welcome sight. “We knew the [bats’] hibernation the United States, including Georgia, North that ultraviolet light exposure may treat the “It sends out a pulse every couple Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vir- Resort Park He had discovered the cave where site was near there, but we didn't know condition. Researchers are also studying of seconds, and with that you can listen ginia and West Virginia. probiotic bacteria and antifungal chemi- WHERE: Olive Hill, Ky., in Carter Hidden River Cave and North Carolina’s only known population where the maternity site was, and we had County for a louder signal,” says Joey Weber. According to a study in the journal cals as possible counters to white-nose American Cave Museum of Virginia big-eared bats rear their young, concerns about that,” says U.S. Fish and HOW TO ACCESS: Multiple caves lie Science in 2010, white-nose syndrome syndrome. All seem to offer hope but also Hidden River in Horse Cave, Ky., offers “Whichever way your louder signal is within the state park, which has called a “maternity roost.” The aptly named Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist Sue may cause regional bat extinctions. Several have the potential to harm the bats or their three caving experiences. The cave was coming from is the direction of the bat.” a variety of amenities including invertebrate species that live exclusively in A guide leads a tour through a closed for most of the 20th century due to species has been listed as endangered since Cameron. The bats use different caves for ecosystems. — By Lorelei Goff camping and hiking. The researchers knew that the bats chamber at Carter Caves State Resort groundwater pollution caused by sewage. 1979; currently, there are only an estimated hibernating in the winter and for birthing DIFFICULTY: The most accessible hibernate in a cave on Grandfather Park. Photo courtesy of KY State Parks In 1987, the American Cave Conservation 19,000 Virginia big-eared bats in the country, and raising pups in the summer. caves feature shorter tours with Association relocated to Hidden River Mountain. So in late March and early dle bats. All wear several layers of cov- white-nose syndrome. But strangely, relatively easy terrain. Several of with an estimated 350 in North Carolina. “We had concerns about whether the hibernating. The conservancy requires cavers and established a site of education, April 2013, they went in with special gear eralls and Tyvek suits to help prevent the O’Keefe states, no related fatalities have the more strenuous caves offer longer tours “When I got in there, there were to submit a visitation form two weeks before appreciation and conservation. Contact: Visit from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are and plucked several bats off the ceiling. spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal been recorded. their planned trip, and also requires at least hiddenrivercave.com or call (270) 786-1466 for two caves open for independent exploration, If the bat looked to be a healthy adult, disease that has wreaked havoc on bat “We're not really sure, this is just one member of the party to be a member of more information. although a permit is required. Four Incredible Facts About Bats the conservancy or the National Speleological researchers would trim the fur on its back populations across the country (see “White- speculation on my part, but possibly the FUN FACTS: The Dance Hall in Cascade Cave, ➤ Society or one of its approved chapters. Parties Bats are the only major predators of and use surgical glue to attach a tiny radio nose Syndrome” above). The Tyvek suits are fact that they live in caves all the time has the largest scenic cave, received its name must be between three and 12 people, and any night-flying insects. A summer colony because the previous owner of the land held North Carolina tag about the size of a fingernail, with an thrown away and the clothes worn under helped them to ward off the disease where- larger groups require special permission. More of 1,000 bats can consume 22 pounds weekly dances in the space. antenna sticking out several inches. the suits are boiled between each cave visit as other bats that move out of caves in the information can be found online at rkci.org of insects each night, or as many as 4.5 CONTACT: Visit parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ Linville Caverns WHERE: Linville, N.C., in Avery County. million insects. “It doesn't seem to impair their flight, to ensure no spores are transferred. summer are less resistant,” says O’Keefe. carter-caves for more information. HOW TO ACCESS: Linville Caverns is one of ➤ The heart rate of a hibernating bat slows as far as we can tell,” says Joy O’Keefe, To prevent bites, O’Keefe’s techni- Researchers are careful when handling Mammoth Cave National Park Spanning 52,830 acres in Central the most accessible caving experiences to only one beat every four or five seconds, lead researcher of the project and director cians wear leather batting gloves — more bats, as they are surprisingly delicate — Rockcastle Karst Conservancy Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park in Appalachia, with portions open to The Rockcastle Karst Conservancy, an while the heart rate of a bat in flight is over of Indiana State University’s commonly used to handle bats on base- O’Keefe notes that Virginia big-eared bats features the world’s longest cave system at wheelchairs. The caverns are open to the organization dedicated to safe caving practices 1,000 beats per minute. The endangered Center for Bat Research, ball fields — which allow more dexterity weigh about the same as 10 paper clips. about 400 known miles. Other large cave public daily March through November, with and land protection, owns three cave preserves ➤ Because their bodies are so well-adapted to systems nearby include Great Onyx Cave, varying hours. All tours are guided and last Virginia big-eared Outreach, and Conservation. than work gloves. These are also boiled When picking up a bat, she states that they in Rockcastle County, Ky. The group allows hibernation, a bat can survive on only a few which is within the park’s borders, and the between 30 and 45 minutes. Prices vary, and bat. Photo by Extensive preparations, between visits and are worn under latex can often be “pretty squirmy,” but that this limited access to Misty Cave and Pine Hill grams of stored fat for a five-month winter. Fisher Ridge Cave System, which is separated children under the age of five can enter for John MacGregor/ Cave, but the Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve ➤ Most bats breed in autumn but females will store the including a series of rabies gloves that are discarded between bats. species is typically more docile. from the Mammoth Cave system by a mere free with adult supervision. Kentucky Fish and is closed. All preserves are closed from Nov. sperm until fertilization takes place in the spring. vaccinations, are required Many individuals in this population “It seems like each bat has their own 300 feet. Mammoth Cave offers wheelchair- Wildlife Service 1 to May 1 while endangered Indiana bats are — Amy Renfranz, Grandfather Mountain before technicians can han- of Virginia big-eared bats already carry Continued on page 16 accessible tours, surface-level activities, Continued on page 17 The Masonic Hall at affect and even destroy up trash (yes, you will have to pee in a Caving Adventures Fountain Cave in Grottoes, Va. West Virginia SPELUNKING SAFETY these features by in- bottle if necessary!). To protect both the Continued from centerspread Photo by Thomas Carpenter hibiting the mineral cave and its wildlife, do not leave any Organ Cave WHERE: Near Lewisburg, W.Va., in Greenbrier DIFFICULTY: These caverns are considered By Sam Kepple buildup that formed waste behind. County commercial, as opposed to wild. While Linville them. So please, admire HOW TO ACCESS: The cave has more than My sophomore year at Personal safety Caverns does not allow spelunking, this 45 miles of mapped passages. Tours are with your eyes only. caving spot is great for families and children. UNC Asheville, I led The most important gear when cav- offered year-round, and are by reservation FUN FACT: In an area of the cave too dangerous college students on Wildlife within only from November through April. ing is sturdy shoes, headlamps with extra for human traffic resides a rock that bears Reservations are recommended May expeditions through The most common cave batteries, and helmets. Many caves in the the signature of explorer William Hidden. through October. Organ Cave is always Worley’s Cave in Bluff City, He was sent to the area in the late 1800s critters are bats. You are enter- region are typically around 50 degrees closed on Sundays. Prices vary. by Thomas Edison in search of minerals Tenn. Exploring caves, also called ing their home, so be a polite visitor. Fahrenheit, so dress accordingly and in DIFFICULTY: Tours range from kid-friendly to needed to create the light bulb. spelunking, can feel like being trans- Never touch bats, and avoid shining clothes you don’t mind getting very dirty. more advanced spelunking options called CONTACT INFORMATION: Call (800) 419-0540 or ported to an alien planet. But while “Exploring Expeditions.” lights on them, especially in the winter As with any outdoor adventure, it is also visit linvillecaverns.com caves are fascinating and fun, there when they might be hibernating. critical to bring water and stay hydrated. FUN FACT: Organ Cave is part of the longest are three major considerations when cave system in the state and is listed as a Bats are also highly vulnerable to Never cave by yourself. Always The Flittermouse Grotto National Natural Landmark. It is also listed entering these underground worlds: the Commercial caving is sparse in North a disease called white-nose syndrome, These young explorers at Carter Caves State go with highly experienced friends or on the National Register of Historic Places, features of the cave, the wildlife within Carolina, and the few wild caves are closed to which has killed millions of bats (read Resort Park are equipped with headlamps. trained tour guides. Every caver should and is a part of the West Virginia Civil War the public. The longest known limestone cave Trails. Organ Cave was used in the Civil and personal safety. more on the centerspread). To combat this, Photo courtesy of KY State Parks have a map in the event that someone in the state is only one mile long, according War as a mining operation for saltpeter cave visitors are often asked to take part gets lost, and the group should review to Steve Bailey, the chairman of the Western Cave features blind and unbothered by headlamp light, to produce gunpowder, and today the in a cleansing routine after exiting the the map and route of the tour before- North Carolina caving group Flittermouse cave has the largest collection of saltpeter Not everything is touchable! Caves but some could be highly light-sensitive. cave. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hand to ensure everyone feels comfort- Grotto. Named after an old-time word for hoppers from the Civil War. are naturally decorated with sculptural As with bats, try not to shine your light bats, the Flittermouse Grotto promotes safe FUN FACT: Appalachian Caverns’ history the tour more physically strenuous by requests that spelunkers obey any cave able with the upcoming adventure. It is includes archaeological evidence of Native selecting different routes. CONTACT: Visit organcave.com or call (304) features that hang from the ceilings or on these critters, as it can disturb their caving practices by leading group caving 645-7600 closures and research their caving spot also wise to bring climbing gear, such as trips, surveying caves and hosting seminars Americans and land ties to both the Boone FUN FACT: No one knows the true reason that grow upwards from the ground. These sleep or alarm them — and don’t touch! before entering. Stay out of caves with ropes and harnesses, in the event that that train would-be cavers about topics such and Crockett families. Fountain Cave was closed to the public formations are caused by a buildup of There are no restroom facilities CONTACT INFO: Visit appacaverns.com, or call more than a century ago. After access West Virginia Cave prior cases of the syndrome to help stop the route proves too difficult. If you find as vertical techniques and ropework. water with a high concentration of cal- within caves. Human waste can dam- The grotto meets on the third Friday of 423-323-2337 was restricted for more than 100 years, Conservancy the spread. yourself crossing over a hole or on nar- visitors can now once again enter and go cium carbonate, which is hardened by age the cave, so make sure to go to each month in Asheville, N.C., and welcomes WHERE: Various cave locations in West Virginia You may also encounter other spe- row pathways where the risk of falling Wolf River Cave spelunking. The only remaining evidence chemical changes within the cave. Oils the bathroom beforehand and bring interested adventurers. Find more information and Virginia cies within the cave, such as salamanders is high, maintain three points of contact on their Facebook page or at flittermouse.org. WHERE: Fentress County, Tenn. of the cave’s time as a show cave are HOW TO ACCESS: While the conservancy and dirt from your skin can permanently supplies to use the restroom and pick signatures from 19th century visitors and or crawfish. Some cave creatures may be between your body and the cave. u HOW TO ACCESS: The cave sits on 33 acres and strives to preserve access to the caves is co-supported by the Southeastern Cave the rugged remnants of a walkway. it manages, all commercial use of its Tennessee Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy CONTACT INFO: Call (888) 430-CAVE (2283) or properties is banned. Several of the caves in Tennessee and Bat Conservation visit grandcaverns.com/ticketing.html require advance arrangements with the Joey Weber listens for signals While the groups raised enough- Worley’s Cave International. Closed from September 10 to conservancy for access. Protecting At-Risk Bats from the radio tags he and other funds, a private philanthropist pur- WHERE: Bluff City, Tenn., in Sullivan County April 30, the conservancy requires a permit Dixie Caverns DIFFICULTY: The conservancy’s cave Continued from centerspread researchers attached to 19 Virginia chased and held the land to ensure no HOW TO ACCESS: Worley’s is located on to explore Wolf River Cave. WHERE: Salem, Va., in Roanoke County preserves are largely restricted, and only big-eared bats in 2013. Photo development took place. private property, and it is recommended DIFFICULTY: Experienced cavers only HOW TO ACCESS: Dixie Caverns offers daily highly experienced cavers are encouraged personality,” says Joey Weber. “Some of courtesy of Indiana State University that visitors tour the cave with a third- FUN FACT: Wolf River Cave is eight miles long. guided tours. Children under the age of 5 to explore these locations. “It's really an awesome example of It is home to about 2,500 Indiana bats, the can access the cave for free. Other amenities them don't react much at all, they just party outdoor recreation company, such FUN FACT: West Virginia Cave Conservancy is bats’ foraging territory, and partnership with all the organizations,” as High Mountain Expeditions, River & rarest endangered bat in the Southeast. include a campground and rock store. a volunteer-based nonprofit organization kind of sit still and let you do your thing the bright lights could make says Nikki Robinson, communications Earth Adventures, USA Raft or Wahoo’s Access is controlled by the Southeastern DIFFICULTY: While all caving can be physically committed to preserving and managing until you let go, but then some of them Cave Conservancy, a nonprofit organization strenuous, this location offers tours that are the bats more susceptible to and outreach associate for the conser- Adventures. However, the owner may grant cave resources. In order to protect will try to bite you and get offended by entry permission to experienced individuals that protects 31 preserves with more than well-suited for young kids and beginners. significant caves and preserve the access predation. The bats might vancy. “They each had something really 170 caves in six southeastern states. None FUN FACT: Dixie Caverns has been open to you handling them.” or groups such as university programs or to them, the conservancy owns and seeks even abandon their pups. important to bring to the table.” scout troops. Tours through Worley’s can of their caves are available for commercial the public since 1923. It is known for its out ownership of cave properties, as well “Some of them try to look mean, “Sometimes people go Since the Virginia big-eared bat is be done as both day trips and overnight use, but permits can be acquired for free magnificent rooms with fun names, such as as forming agreements with other property but it's really hard for them to be mean on their website. After a permit is approved, Fairyland, Wedding Bells and Carrot Patch. and close off holes in the sensitive to disturbance, the conservan- trips, and vary in length of time to complete. owners for the management of the caves. The first room is reached by climbing 48 when they're so small,” he adds. cy is not disclosing the cave’s location. DIFFICULTY: While Worley’s can be beginner- parties are allowed to hike above ground CONTACT INFO: wvcc.net ground like that, which friendly when accompanied by a well- on the preserves, as well as explore certain steps called Jacob’s Ladder. Once the bats were tagged, finding “This isn't going to be a camp- to the multiple radio receiver towers the would be really devastating trained guide, this caving experience is caves, although some are closed for CONTACT INFO: Call 540-380-2085, or visit the maternity roost was no easy task — u u u team erected around the area to record for the bats,” says O’Keefe. ground or hiking trails, that kind of physically strenuous and better for more conservation purposes. dixiecaverns.com according to Sue Cameron with the Fish the bat signals. Once researchers discovered that the place,” says Hiegl. “Resource protection adventurous or experienced cavers. CONTACT INFO: Visit saveyourcaves.org or call and Wildlife Service, researchers had (423) 771-9671 “That was pretty new and different area might be developed, they reached is the number-one reason for this.” FUN FACT: The cave is also known as Morrill been searching for more than 30 years. Cave, after 20th century explorer John than most other bat studies,” he says. out to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, a non- O’Keefe states that it’s important “The rocks in that area can really Morrill who led trips at the site. It includes a profit land trust dedicated to protecting to preserve the maternity roost because giant, open room deep in the cave known as Virginia throw you off,” says O’Keefe. “You Protecting the Land natural spaces in North Carolina’s High this endangered species is native to the Cathedral Room because of its natural could be standing at the side of the road The maternity roost and the sur- North Carolina’s High Country. curtains and other cathedral-like features. Fountain Cave Country. The conservancy and multiple WHERE: Grottoes, Va., in Augusta and pointing your antenna at the mountain rounding 174 acres of land became a “There's no other places in North Car- CONTACT INFO: Email worleyscaveinfo@ state and federal agencies collaborated gmail.com, or search the websites of the Rockingham counties, adjacent to the more and it might sound like the bat is there, North Carolina state natural area in 2017. olina where you can find that species, so • Delicious Deli-Style Sandwiches to purchase the 174 acres from eight companies listed above for tour information. accessible Grand Caverns • Homemade Soups but it's actually completely 180 degrees Had the roost not been found in 2013, it's a really unique and iconic species for HOW TO ACCESS: While this cave once had separate landowners and transfer it to • Vegetarian Fare behind you and it's just the signal however, this story could have a very the region,” says O’Keefe. “I think that's Appalachian Caverns walkways, it is now a wild cave ideal for the state park service. In a rare turn of • Dinner Entrees bouncing off the mountain.” different ending — the land was slated to important, the character or flavor of that WHERE: Blountville, Tenn., in Sullivan County a more adventurous caving experience. events, all eight landowners agreed to Cavers must be 12 years or older, and • Desserts But Joey Weber was able to track become a housing development. area that is found nowhere else.” u HOW TO ACCESS: Appalachian Caverns offers sell their property to the state for con- the tour lasts roughly two hours. The cave • And Much More! the bats to an area near North Carolina’s “The Virginia big-eared bat is known several guided tours to the public. servation purposes. Blue Ridge Conservancy and Appala- DIFFICULTY: Appalachian Caverns offers a variety is open year-round. Reservations are Beech Mountain roughly eight miles to be highly sensitive to disturbance,” chian State University Documentary Film Ser- recommended. Prices, including discounts “It was very pleasantly surprising,” of experiences, from beginner to advanced. 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, from Grandfather Mountain as the bat says O’Keefe. Housing development There are four different tours, available based and group rates, are offered on the website. says Eric Hiegl, the conservancy’s direc- vices produced a short film about this project. North Carolina (828) 262–1250 flies. Weber credits much of the success around the cave could severely affect the on skill level and priced accordingly. DIFFICULTY: Visitors have the option to make tor of land protection and stewardship. View it online at tinyurl.com/brc-bats-video. www.peppers-restaurant.com

Page 16 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 17 Naturalist’s Notebook How to Be a Friend to Bats Barring the Way to Disease Bats are necessary pest controllers, pol- During fall and winter, bats typically Bat-friendly gates are barriers placed linators and seed dispersers. But of approxi- hibernate in caves or trees. When disturbed over the openings of caves and mines that mately 1,300 bat species, nearly one-third are by human activity during hibernation, they allow bats to freely fly in and out but prevent Cave Creatures of Appalachia threatened, according to global bat protection prematurely burn through their fat reserves, humans from entering. Bats awakened Fascinating organization Bat Conservation International. which can lead to death. To respect bats, do during hibernation use up energy stored as Destruction of their roosting sites and the not disturb their roosting sites — especially fat, which can lead to starvation, especially By Ridge Graham Clever Adaptations rise in white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungal during hibernation season. if they have been infected by the fungus that The Central and Southern Appala- The hundreds of species that call disease, have greatly affected bat populations. Another way to protect bats is by sup- causes white-nose syndrome. Humans enter- chian region is known for its biodiver- Appalachia’s caves home have over- Bats find shelter in dead trees and caves, porting organizations like Bat Conservation ing caves or mines can unknowingly spread sity with some of the highest numbers come these challenges through a host but people can provide additional roosting International. This global nonprofit group the fungus. The gates also protect humans of salamanders, plants and fungi any- of bewildering adaptations. sites by constructing bat boxes on the sides is engaged in researching white-nose syn- by keeping them out of dangerous areas. of buildings or on top of metal poles. Boxes drome and other threats to bats, educating “Bats can be awakened by human entry where in the temperate world. But an- Deep underground, there is no light, and the source of most nutrients comes should receive six to eight hours of sunlight the public to combat the bat’s negative rep- even if the humans are quiet – their presence other enchanting and diverse ecosystem daily, have covering to protect bats from rain utation, and protecting habitats like forests, is enough to rouse the bats,” U.S. Forest from the surface, such as plant debris hides underneath these lush and scenic and predators, and be located 12 to 20 feet caves and abandoned mines. Visit batcon. Service Biological Technician Mike Donahue mountains in a wide variety of caverns that washes into the cave and the fungi above the ground. Boxes on the sides of org for more information. — By Jamie Tews says. “Smoke from campfires within the The southern cavefish, top, and the southern that grows on the droppings of bats, buildings retain the most heat, which helps cave or even blowing into the cave from a A bat gate blocks a mine entry in Virginia’s found across the region. cave crayfish, right, not only have similar names, woodrats and cave crickets that venture maintain a healthy temperature of between campfire at the entrance disturbs the bats. George Washington and Jefferson National The Cumberland Plateau hosts an they also share adaptations to life underground, 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the sum- Smoke from campfires is bad any time, since Forest. Photo courtesy of USFS especially stunning array of caves. For down below. such as the loss of pigment and use of their eyes. mer when bat pups are young. The National the bats can be suffocated.” years, Matthew Niemiller, a professor “Different species have evolved Photos by Matthew Niemiller. Affairs Specialist Rebecca Robbins, in 2009 different strategies to [adapt to the cave Wildlife Federation provides a helpful bat box If Donahue determines that bats use the Forest Service closed all caves and at the University of Alabama in Hunts- extended antennae that help them detect how-to guide at tinyurl.com/build-bat-house. a cave or mine, staff and volunteers build environment]; in some cases they’ve mines on national forests in the agency’s ville, has been studying organisms that changes in air currents. To attract bats to an open yard, plant the gates onsite. The sites often lie in steep converged on similar solutions,” says southern region to human entry for one year. are only found in caves. Cave species also do not need to flowers like white jasmine and evening terrain and construction requires heavy The Forest Service extended the closure Niemiller. “The biggest constraint “The southern part of the Cumber- produce pigment in their skin and exo- primrose or herbs like mint and lemon balm. materials and equipment that must be trans- multiple times, including in 2014 when it [physically] is you can’t use your eyes. Planting oak or field maple trees nearby to ported by hand, which can be dangerous. land Plateau is recognized as a global skeleton, as they do not need to blend was extended for an additional five years You have to rely on your other senses provide shelter can also attract bats. The biggest obstacle Donahue faces hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in with their surroundings or protect through 2019. to detect food, each other, potential that has 150 named species that are all And to ensure that a yard is bat-friendly, is the small number of people who resist “We are hopeful that bats can continue with over 200 species that are only themselves from the sun. predators and where you’re at in your eyeless and wingless and are scattered keep cats indoors. If that is not possible, keep having the cave or mine closed to their entry. to be protected as long as necessary – they found in caves,” he says. “For cave In addition to these physical chang- them inside from a half hour before sunset Some gates are vandalized or breached, environment.” all along the Appalachian Trail from are a critical part of our ecosystem,” Dona- biodiversity, there’s no better place es, cave species also adapt their lifestyle until an hour after, when bats are most active. A bat house in Virginia. Photo by Jon Fisher rendering them ineffective. Many species have stopped West Virginia down into Georgia,” he hue says. — By Lorelei Goff in North America.” to the infrequent and sparse availability According to U.S. Forest Service Public growing eyes complete- continues. “There’s no obvious close of food. ly. Instead of eyes, surface relative, so it’s hard to under- “Reproduction is delayed, lifespans southern cavefish have stand how they have such a wide range Underground World in the Appalachian region rely on get longer [and] metabolism slows Your Southeastern Seed Company a finely tuned system of sense through the Appalachians when they’ve Continued from previous page groundwater as a drinking source. way down,” Kirk Zigler, a professor at organs that run along their never been found on the surface.” Cave species are also important Celebrating 10 years! Sewanee: The University of the South, body with large structures This is an extreme example of ende- “There’s a tight connection between models for learning more about as- says. “They require less nutrients and Visit our store called neuromasts that allow mism, the ecological state where a spe- what happens in our caves and what pects of certain diseases. According to Visit the Sow they can live longer without being fed them to detect the tiniest vi- cies is unique to a defined geographic happens with our groundwater,” says Niemiller, southern cavefish have curi- at all.” True Seed brations in the water. They use location. Around a third of known cave Zigler. “Disappearing or crashing cave ously avoided developing metabolism According to Zigler, while crayfish this to locate potential food species, like these beetles, are found in populations usually mean something is disorders that should arise from the found in surface waters typically live HQ and Retail sources and to navigate. just one or a handful of cave systems. wrong with the groundwater.” lack of nutrients they receive. Diabetes for two to three years, studies indicate Some invertebrates have Caves and their inhabitants are researchers have focused on the Mexican Store that subterranean crayfish can live for Conserving Caves developed elongated limbs inherently vulnerable to changes on blind cavefish, a relative of the southern • All our seeds on dis- several decades. Endemism provides challenges for and appendages to help them the surface. Pollutants can enter under- cavefish, with hopes of finding a new With these physical and lifecycle researchers who want to learn more play and friendly advice maneuver. Millipedes and ground waterways through surface water strategy to help humans with the disease. Supporting seed sovereignty changes, many cave species are unable about the biology and biodiversity of to help pick the perfect Cave biologist Matthew Niemiller ventures through Armours springtails have noticeably or through human disturbances such as Other species could have complete- and sustainable food systems Cave in Overton County, Tenn. Photo by Chuck Sutherland to live on the surface or move from cave cave species, which in turn leads to pipeline construction near porous karst ly undiscovered applications. garden. to cave. Over time, this isolation has led difficulties in understanding how to rock formations. Deforestation destroys “Twenty years or 50 years from since 2009 • Tour our seed storage to the diversity on display today. protect them. the homes of bats and other animals, now, [we might find] a breakthrough facility for a sneak peak “They’re not a panda,” says Niemi- “There is a group of cave beetles ... disrupting the cycle of nutrients coming that will benefit humans in the future,” behind the scenes! ller. “They’re not charismatic. It’s tough in to the cave, and can change surface says Niemiller. “Preserving this biodi- VOTED BEST BBQ to develop a conservation platform for water patterns in ways that alter the versity is critically important.” • Seed starting and gar- the public. They’re fascinating to look water flowing underground. All of these Whether it’s the eyeless and long- den supplies, books, gifts IN THE REGION at. They’re bizarre. They have a wow impacts can have a cascading effect on the limbed Appalachian cave harvestman and more. by Appalachian Voices’ staff of tasters! factor— but why should we care about communities of subterranean organisms. arachnid or the ghostly Tennessee them? They’re underground, out of “Cavefish and cave salamanders cave salamander, these creatures have Offering over 500 varieties 243 Haywood St OPEN FOR LUNCHCLOSED AND MONDAYS. DINNER. sight and out of mind.” are great bioindicators,” Niemiller says. demonstrated an ability to thrive of open-pollinated, organic Asheville NC While cave creatures might not be Hwy 321 Bypass “Cave bacteria and fungi are great pu- under circumstances that most life and heirloom seeds. 28801 Blowing Rock,N.C. the prettiest mascots for environmental rifiers for groundwater.” forms would find impossible. As Earth (828) 295-3651 protection, they are vital for under- The majority of rivers in the South- undergoes the shifts of climate change, Endemic to Cumberland Plateau caves, Tennessee Request a FREE seed catalog & planting guide: standing the health of the region. east are derived from mountain head- there may be much to learn from these www.woodlandsbbq.com cave salamander populations are threatened by underground survivors. u deforestation. Photo by Matthew Niemiller Continued on next page waters, and a majority of communities 828-254-0708 | sowtrueseed.com

Page 18 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 19 PROOFEXPORT PROOFEXPORT

Pipelines Update Pipelines Plagued by Lawsuits and Delays Continued from previous page By Kevin Ridder endangered species. A hearing was Cooper announced that Duke and As spring arrives in the Appala- set for March, but the federal court Dominion would pay into a $57.8 mil- chian Mountains, construction remains pushed it to May 9 due to the govern- lion clean energy and environmental frozen on a majority of the Atlantic ment shutdown. The Southern Envi- mitigation fund slated for communities Coast Pipeline’s proposed route due to ronmental Law Center, a nonprofit in the pipeline corridor. Then-Virginia a slew of court decisions. Work is also law firm, is representing several Gov. Terry McAuliffe also signed a $57.8 halted at water crossings and national environmental groups in both cases. million environmental mitigation agree- forests along the Mountain Valley Pipe- In March, student reporters ment with the monopoly utilities right line’s intended route. from Morgantown High School in before he left office in early 2018. In a March interview with Bloom- Morgantown, W.Va., interviewed The North Carolina fund would berg Television, Duke Energy CEO Lynn Atlantic Coast Pipeline Lead Engi- have been under Gov. Cooper’s con- Good conceded that the monopoly util- neer Brittany Moody and found that trol, but the legislature took control of ity might need a “Plan B” if the Atlantic the project would provide about 20 the proposed fund later in 2018 and permanent jobs in total. The students Protestors repeatedly chanted “Shame! Shame!” Coast Pipeline fails to overcome opposi- Mountain Valley Pipeline At left, a section of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Anne Way Bernard’s Franklin County, Va., worked with PBS NewsHour’s Stu- after Virginia regulators voted not to pursue redirected any future dollars to school tion. Duke owns a 47 percent share in field in March. Photo by Anne Way Bernard. Five Robeson County, N.C., Native American revocation of Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Clean districts in the pipeline’s path. On March 1, the Virginia State Wa- the proposed fracked-gas pipeline. dent Reporting Labs. residents with land near a proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate facility are suing the Water Act certification. Photos by Lara Mack In December 2018, the governor’s ter Control Board unanimously voted to Good noted that Duke “remains Previously, developers had stated county to revoke their permit. First row, from left to right: Rev. Mac Legerton, Donna Chavis, that the pipeline would create 82 office released more than 19,000 pages stop pursuing revocation of the Moun- attorney Sean Cecil, plaintiff Robie Goins. Second: Greg Yost, Steve Norris, John Wagner. Third: committed” to completing the pipeline, population 981, already has a natural of documents related to the pipeline and tain Valley Pipeline’s Clean Water Act Jerome Wagner, Attorney Jane Finch, and Tom Clark. Not Pictured: plaintiffs Cecil Hunt, Dwayne which is estimated to cost up to $7.5 permanent jobs, a claim that originates gas compressor station owned by Pied- the $57.8 million deal which show that permit. Environmental groups includ- Goins, and Dwayne and Tammie Cummings. Photo courtesy of APPPL billion. When asked at what point the from a 2014 report prepared for Domin- mont Natural Gas, which leaked gas in Duke and Dominion had close access ing Appalachian Voices, the publisher of utility would consider the project too ion Energy by research firm Chmura November 2017. to the governor. Additionally, legisla- this newspaper, denounced the board’s Pipeline, LLC, to do anything, it was Southgate Extension expensive, Good refused to comment. Economics and Analytics. In August 2017, the Robeson Coun- tors claim the records show that Gov. decision. not technically a permit and could not Mountain Valley is currently suing Good told Bloomberg that if the Atlantic Native Americans Stand ty Commissioners unanimously voted Cooper used Atlantic Coast permits as “The public is so interested in this be revoked by the board. three Alamance County, N.C., couples Coast Pipeline project fails, Duke will Up to Pipeline to allow pipeline developers to build a bargaining tool to get Duke to support process and this permit, and I think they More than 300 of the pipeline’s to gain access to their land to survey for likely look into a pipeline from eastern entitled to hear sworn detailed expert The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is im- the station in Prospect, expecting $6.5 solar policy changes that benefitted a deserve a much better explanation for permit violations are cited in a lawsuit the company’s proposed 73-mile South- to western North Carolina. testimony and should have been able plicated in another lawsuit, this time million in tax revenue for the county. Cooper family business partner, accord- the board’s about-face,” Appalachian against Mountain Valley filed by Vir- gate pipeline extension into the state. “Duke Energy is finally getting to cross examine the experts as well as at the pipeline’s southern endpoint in The site would be on land that was ing to the Raleigh News & Observer. Voices’ Peter Anderson told The Roa- ginia Attorney General Mark Herring Mountain Valley claims that state the picture that it cannot overcome the inspect and question the documents Robeson County, N.C. The case involves previously zoned as agricultural. While the governor was negotiat- noke Times on March 9. in late 2018. Environmental groups law allows them to enter people’s land power of the grassroots, the economics submitted by the ACP,” said the Alli- whether the Robeson County Commis- Dwayne and Robie Goins filed a ing the multimillion-dollar fund, Duke The board had previously voted are calling on state officials to order a to survey it before eminent domain that favor clean energy over fossil fuels, ance in a press statement. “According to sioners should have issued a permit for petition that October with the Robeson was at a standstill in talks with solar in December to consider revoking the stop to construction while the suit is proceedings. However, developers are and our fundamental environmental [Sean Cecil, the Goins’ attorney,] none a pipeline-related metering facility and County Superior Court alleging that companies on how much power the project’s certification after developers pending. unable to condemn the land without safeguards,” Kelly Martin, the Sierra of this happened.” 350-foot tower in the town of Prospect. the commissioners illegally granted the monopoly utility would purchase from racked up more than 500 reported viola- Construction along some of the the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign Additionally, North Carolina law In March, a county judge postponed a permit to Atlantic Coast developers by them, WBTV reports. Strata Solar CEO tions of the permit and Virginia’s water route remains at a standstill as federal mission’s approval. A hearing was set director, said in a press statement. states that governing boards deciding hearing until April 15. failing to hold a proper public hear- Markus Wilhelm, whose company used pollution laws during construction. agencies have not reissued two permits for April 1. “Now, Duke is trying to double down on a special permit are not supposed to Four of the five plaintiffs — Tammie ing. The other three plaintiffs joined to rent land in Nash County from Gov. In an attempt to explain their most to Mountain Valley that were thrown FERC announced in March that on fracked gas, but ‘plan B’ for Duke have a fixed opinion on the issue prior and Dwayne Cummings and brothers afterwards. Cooper and still does from his brother, recent vote, board members stated they out in 2018 by a federal court. they would release a draft Environmen- is still a worst-case scenario for our to receiving all of the evidence. Accord- Robie and Dwayne Goins — are mem- The N.C. Alliance to Protect the came to the governor in 2017 and asked had no authority to strip the pipeline of On March 18, Virginia Del. Chris tal Impact Statement for MVP Southgate climate and communities.” ing to NC Policy Watch, the Robeson bers of the Lumbee Tribe, and plaintiff People and Places We Live, a nonprofit him to speak with Duke leadership the permit. However, the certification Hurst sent a letter to the DEQ request- in July, which will be followed by a pub- In March, lead Atlantic Coast de- County Commissioners passed a resolu- Cecil Hunt is of the Tuscarora Tribe. All advocacy group fighting the pipeline, about the impasse. that the board previously approved ing an immediate stop-work order on lic comment period. The agency expects veloper Dominion Energy stated that tion in support of the pipeline in 2014, but Robie Goins own land adjacent to is raising money to fund the legal fight. Days after the state issued the included the stipulation that the board the entire pipeline. to release their final environmental pipeline construction likely will not which later appeared on Duke Energy the proposed pipeline facility. The 93 Learn more about the case at APPPL.org. Atlantic Coast permits in January may revoke it for noncompliance. “Clearly there is evidence of viola- study by December and decide whether resume until the third quarter of 2019. letterhead. percent Native American community, “The public should have been 2018, Duke reached a deal with solar The board claimed they relied on tions and a lack of seriousness on the to approve the fracked-gas pipeline by This comes after the U.S. Fourth Circuit Cecil told NC Policy Watch that the companies that resulted in the utility the advice of an assistant attorney gen- part of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, March 2020. u Court of Appeals negated several key judge can either deny the permit, affirm purchasing more solar power. A legisla- eral, but the Attorney General’s office LLC,” wrote Hurst. federal permits in late 2018, including its issuance or send it back to the board Protest Marks 200 Days tive oversight committee hired private as well as the DEQ declined to offer an one issued by the U.S. Forest Service On March 23, two tree-sitters in the to be reconsidered. investigators to look into the matter. explanation, according to the Roanoke that would have allowed the pipeline path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in North Carolina Governor The governor’s Chief of Staff Kristi Times. to cut across two national forests and Elliston, Va., celebrated their 200th day Under Investigation Jones has called the investigation an After the March 1 meeting, a board the Appalachian Trail. On Feb. 25, the above ground. The protest was still going strong at press time. As of March 29, the North Carolina “extraordinary open-ended political member told the Roanoke Times that Fourth Circuit refused developers’ “I think Mountain Valley will run out legislature was investigating Gov. Roy fishing expedition,” according to the because the board’s certification alone request to rehear that case, and a Do- of money and give up,” tree-sitter Phillip Cooper for his involvement in the state’s News & Observer. did not authorize Mountain Valley minion spokesperson stated that they Flagg told CityLab in March. “I think we’re issuance of permits to Atlantic Coast planned to appeal to the U.S. Supreme going to win.” developers. Court within 90 days. In December, Mountain Valley Pipe- Despite Problems, Mountaineer XPress Pipeline Begins Operation On Jan. 26, 2018, the state Depart- In December, the Fourth Circuit line, LLC, asked a federal judge to fine the In West Virginia, a federal agency allowed TransCanada to begin full service on the 170- ment of Environmental Quality granted suspended a U.S. Fish and Wildlife tree-sitters and authorize U.S. Marshals to mile Mountaineer XPress Pipeline in March. The state had fined TransCanada $122,350 in forcibly remove them if they don’t comply. key permits for the pipeline’s construc- November for environmental violations, and pipeline construction contributed to numer- Service permit that would have al- One of the two tree-sits. Photo by The judge had not issued a decision as tion in the state. That same day, Gov. ous landslides throughout winter. Developers had documented 260 landslides as of Feb. lowed Atlantic Coast developers to cut Appalachians Against Pipelines of late March. 26, according to nonprofit environmental group Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. through the habitat of threatened and Continued on next page Page 20 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 21 EXPORT

This Green House Appalachia’s Political Landscape Congressional Hearing Addresses Abandoned Mine Cleanup Duke and Dominion Energy’s Permaculture Ponds On March 28, a U.S. House subcom- fied Eric Dixon of Appalachian Citizens’ authorize the AML Trust Fund that pays Contributions to NC Legislature mittee held a legislative hearing titled Law Center. “It should be shaped and for cleanup of these mines. By Eliza Laubach fungi to plants and small aquatic ani- In North Carolina, Duke Energy is one “Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation: implemented in a way that maximizes “The fee on which the [AML] pro- of the top contributors to state legislative mals. Sometimes the tanks are placed In the tale of Peter Rabbit, Robert Innovative Approaches and Economic public awareness and meaningful com- gram relies is set to expire in 2021,” said campaigns. Appalachian Voices, an environ- inside a greenhouse and grow tropical McGregor waters his garden from a Development Opportunities.” munity engagement, and directs benefits Eric Cavazza, a Pennsylvania regulator mental nonprofit organization and publisher plants; for oil spill remediation, boxes of pond. Author and illustrator Beatrix The hearing provided an opportu- to local workers and residents.” representing the Interstate Mining Com- of this newspaper, examined how much polypore mushroom spawn are added legislators and candidates received from Potter drew this scene with a white cat nity for regional leaders to testify before The hearing also addressed the pact Commission and National Associa- to the system. the monopoly utility in 2018. perched on the pond’s edge beside a members of Congress about strategies to Community Reclamation Partnerships tion of Abandoned Mine Land Programs. “Any tech I wanted to create would In total, Duke and the company’s top ex- watering can. The cat intently watches restore abandoned mines, sites that coal Act, H.R. 315, which would allow non- “Meanwhile, in an era of increasing have to have a place for all kingdoms of ecutives gave $465,450 to the state’s House goldfish swim between lily pads, as companies deserted prior to 1977 federal profit organizations and other groups economic hardship for coalfield com- and Senate last year. Senate President Pro life,” says John Todd. Peter Rabbit safely slips away. surface mining regulations. not paid by states to assist with hands- munities, the state AML programs’ work Tempore Phil Berger (R-30) received the Growing up on the ocean and highest amount, $76,250. House Speaker Jonathan Todd, water systems ecol- Above, Jonathan Todd Witnesses expressed support for the on remediation of AML sites without has become more important than ever.” with experience working at sea, son Tim Moore (R-111) received $16,550, the ogist and designer, interprets this scene points toward the pond at RECLAIM Act, a bipartisan bill introduced taking on all of the project’s liabilities. Robert Hughes of the Eastern Penn- Jonathan is deeply connected to water. highest in the House. About 78 percent of as relating directly to the work he does the focus of the workshop, in 2016, 2017 and 2018 that would use $1 In his testimony, Dixon expressed sylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine “It’s gotten a lot more intense and Duke’s contributions went to Republicans, to improve water quality. The plant life while Living Web Farms billion in existing AMLabandoned mine how this program could help address wa- Reclamation called on Congress to raise kind of intimate, repairing water and who control both chambers. creates nutrients, which feed the fish. landowner and director land cleanup funds to restore damaged ter contaminated by acid mine drainage, coal companies’ contributions to their seeing how nature can do it given the Virginia-based Dominion Energy and While perhaps only occasionally eaten Patryck Battle looks on. At land and water while advancing economic which he said is common in his Eastern historic levels. “The scope of the aban- opportunity,” he says. “The power of their subsidiary PSNC Energy contributed by the cat, the fish can be a food source, left, workshop participants and community development. The bill’s Kentucky community. “Our organizations doned mine land and water problems $119,100 to the North Carolina legislature. nature to heal itself is tremendous.” but even more importantly they help to discuss various solutions advocates expect a new version to be in- believe that this approach displays merit continue to exhaust available resources, Roughly 78 percent of their donations went The two taught a workshop in cycle nutrients through the water. for streambank erosion with troduced in the coming weeks or months. and should be seriously considered as and the Abandoned Mine Land Trust to Republicans. Dominion and Duke are March at Living Web Farms in Mills the largest stakeholders in the proposed Peter Rabbit was written in England Todd and Battle. Photos by “In Eastern Kentucky and across Ap- a possible approach to Good Samaritan Fund has been impacted over the years River, N.C., to address water systems fracked-gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline. PSNC in 1902, before plumbing captured water Lisa Soledad Almaraz palachia, a strong local movement for the relief for coal AML,” he wrote of the bill. by sequestration, leading to even less in small-scale agriculture. The Organ- Energy would be the primary buyer of gas in garden hoses. The fictional Robert Mc- RECLAIM Act has been building for many Citing a backlog of AML sites await- funding being distributed for reclama- ic Growers School, an organic farming from the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s South- Gregor’s traditional garden pond was their gills. You can grow protein for the elder. Floating water plants that cover years now and has earned unequivocal ing reclamation, many of the witnesses tion and water restoration,” Hughes school and incubator that hosts biannual gate extension. well-designed with plants and animals dinner table and create higher-quality 50 to 70 percent of the pond’s surface and bipartisan support for this bill,” testi- discussed the need for Congress to re- stated. — By Molly Moore In February, a coalition of 15 local, state conferences in Western North Carolina, present — as if the pond were lined not water for irrigation with the nutrients will reduce algae growth by limiting and national groups including Appalachian sponsored the workshop in collabora- with cobblestones but a wetland. the fish deposit. Tilapia can grow to light penetration, according to the Voices, the publisher of this newspaper, tion with their spring conference. Most Sweeping Public Lands Bill in Decades Becomes Law Jonathan Todd refers to this story as harvestable size in just nine months. USDA Natural Resources Conservation launched a campaign that aims to end Living Web’s large pond experiences President Donald Trump signed the Congress determines how much of that and Wildlife Service to provide assistance to Duke’s monopoly control of North Carolina’s an example of permaculture, a sustain- Feed them food scraps to close the loop! Service. Using native species is impera- eutrophication, a condition where excess bipartisan John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, money goes towards the fund’s conserva- landowners who take certain steps to pro- energy markets, stating that the corporation able design system integrating harmo- Aquatic scavengers, such as snails and tive, as some floating water plants are nutrients lead to algae blooms, low Management, and Recreation Act on March tion purposes. It expired in September 2018 tect key habitats. The act also permanently is harming communities, gouging consum- nious relationships between humans, tadpoles, will also control algae. invasive. If you choose other plants, oxygen levels and sunlight, ultimately 12, designating 1.3 million acres of new wil- and lost more than $403 million during the withdraws federal mineral rights for parcels ers and worsening climate change. plants, animals and the soil. He and his establish a filter or catchment for runoff. “The financial contributions of the cor- killing animal and plant life. Eutrophi- Flowforms derness among other public lands provisions. following months, according to the LWCF of land near Yellowstone National Park and father, John Todd, design systems that To stabilize water edges, the Todds have Many of the act’s congressional supporters Coalition, a group that advocates for the North Cascades National Park, preventing porate fossil fuel industry create a quid pro cation plagues many watersheds, from Wrought from turn-of-the-century mimic ecological processes to treat wa- successfully used spent mycelium from praised it for being the most sweeping of its fund. Trump’s 2020 budget proposal does future mining in those areas. quo situation in our state houses, whereby Lake Erie to the Mississippi River to philosophies about water’s regenerative ter through their company, John Todd mushroom cultivators, which inevitably type in a decade. The act is a conglomeration not include any money for the fund, though The bill marks the creation of new these polluters get a big return in investment small ponds, especially where fertilizer processes and ability to harness energy, of more than 100 separate bills. the president’s budget is essentially a non- public lands in Appalachia, including Mill by obtaining political favor to reduce the Ecological Design. produces more mushrooms! John Todd developed a patented runoff and industrial activity are present. British designer John Wilkes developed This legislation permanently authorizes binding recommendation. Springs Battlefield National Monument rules and laws that regulate their environ- John Todd’s work over the past 30 clay forms in the 1960s shaped to manipu- the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Additionally, the act opens all public and Camp Nelson National Monument in mental impact,” says Appalachian Voices’ ecological technology that filters pol- A permaculture practitioner can years has helped to address eutrophica- late moving water with circular or cascad- although it does not guarantee funding.The lands to hunting unless specifically prohib- Kentucky, which was recently designated Amy Adams. “This is why groups like the luted wastewater by passing it through help those seeking to apply these federal fund was created in 1964 to protect ited. It reauthorizes and funds the Neotropi- by the president under the Antiquities Act. Energy Justice North Carolina Coalition tion and to treat wastewater from sew- ing designs. Mimicking the way water a series of fiberglass tanks. These tanks concepts to their waterways or ponds. America’s natural areas. It has broad biparti- cal Migratory Bird Act, protecting habitat for Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield have formed to challenge this ‘pay to pollute’ age, agriculture and industry. His new moves over rock, flowforms aerate water hold a diversity of life, from algae and Farmers may be able to receive assis- san support and is financed by $900 million 368 migratory bird species. Further, it con- Park in Georgia will be expanded by eight scheme.” — By Kevin Ridder book “Healing Earth,” which includes a through a spiraling, corkscrew effect. tance from the USDA Agricultural Man- annually in offshore drilling revenue, though tinues a program that allows the U.S. Fish acres. — By Jen Kirby strategy to transform strip-mined land “When we put the spin back in, agement Assistance program, especially in Central Appalachia into regenerative we’re speaking the language of water,” TH for the creation of a new pond. 116 CONGRESS: Below are recent congressional bills and amendments on envi- Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Virginia West Virginia communities, is part memoir and part says workshop participant Tika Vales of ronmental issues and how central and southern Appalachian representatives voted. To Come June, the Todds will return manual for creating these “biologically Living Design Consultants. According see other recent votes, or for congressional representatives outside of the five-state area, to Living Web Farms to implement visit congress.gov. =pro-environment vote ✗=anti-environment vote O =no vote complex, mechanically simple” systems. to Vales, the spiraling effect restores an Miller the water system design developed in Riggleman

During the workshop, Jonathan HOUSE T. Massie H. Rogers A. Barr RoeP. T. Burchett Fleischman S. Desjarlais V. Foxx McHenryP. M. Meadows D. B. Cline M. Griffith D. McKinley A. Mooney C. aspect of healthy ecosystems. (R) KY-04 (R) KY-05 (R) KY-06 (R) TN-01 (R) TN-02 (R) TN-03 (R) TN-04 (R) NC-05 (R) NC-10 (R) NC-11 (R) VA-05 (R) VA-06 (R) VA-09 (R) WV-01 (R) WV-02 (R) WV-03 March. Sign up for this hands-on, all- Todd guided participants in redesigning day workshop at LivingWebFarms.org. S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, designates 1.3 million acres of new the ecology and landscape around the Wetland habitat The benefits of ponds ripple wilderness, reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, withdraws federal ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ pond to address the algae overgrowth. Plants grown along the edge of the mining claims from two national parks, and more. AYES 363 NOES 62 … PASSED throughout the watershed: they di- Some of the principal design options are pond help to filter runoff and aerate versify habitat, help mitigate polluted SENATE M. McConnell (R) R. Paul (R) M. Blackburn (R) L. Alexander (R) R. Burr (R) T. Tillis (R) T. Kaine (D) M. Warner (D) J. Manchin (D) S. M. Capito (R) explored below. the water. Diversify with swamp aza- lea, swamp rose and wapato, or duck stormwater runoff and lessen erosion S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, designates 1.3 million acres of new wilder- from flooding. And there are personal ness, permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, continues a federal ✗ potato. Cattails’ early spring shoots are assistance program for conservation on private land, and more. AYES 92 NOES 8 … PASSED Aquaculture edible! Consider native trees and shrubs pond perks: they attract wildlife, pro- S.Amdt. 187 to S.Amdt. 112 to S.Amdt. 111 to S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Cultivating fish will help keep al- such as birch, willow, spicebush and vide food for the table and yield natu- u Act, tabled an amendment that would have limited presidential authority to protect national ✗ ✗ ✗ An illustration from Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter gae levels low as they filter it through rally fertilized irrigation water. monuments. AYES 60 NOES 33 NV 7 … PASSED

Page 22 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice The Appalachian Voice April / May 2019 Page 23 PROOF EXPORT PROOF

The Energy Report The Energy Report Groups Urge Virginia Mining Agency to Strengthen Regulations TVA Releases Long-term Energy Plan, Announces Retirement of Two Coal Power Plants The Virginia Department of Mines, mining companies do not walk away Among other regulatory updates, “temporary cessation,” which is when On Feb. 15, The Tennessee Valley achieving between 3.6 percent and 8.2 on Feb. 14, the board of directors voted board members cited a combined $320 Minerals and Energy is undergoing a from reclamation obligations. Virginia the environmental advocates also urged a mine operator temporarily abandons Authority released its draft energy percent of its 2018 electricity generation to shutter two aging and polluting million in savings from closing the review of the commonwealth’s surface operates a pool bond that allows min- the DMME to replace its remaining self- a mine and is exempt from various generation plan for the next 20 years from solar. In all scenarios, TVA plans coal-fired power plants, Bull Run near older, inefficient power plants. coal mining regulations. ing companies to pay a portion of the bonds with full-cost bonds. In 2014, the regulatory timetables. Currently, a min- for public comment. The report out- no new solar until 2023. Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Paradise 3 in Environmental advocates, includ- During the public comment period, amount necessary to reclaim their mines state legislature abolished the practice ing company can declare that a site is lines several different scenarios, such All of the utility’s scenarios include Muhlenberg County, Ky. Bull Run is ing Appalachian Voices, Southern Alli- which was scheduled to close on April into a shared fund, rather than posting a of self-bonding, where a company can in temporary cessation for years. The as an economic downturn or potential adding energy sources, even if demand now scheduled to close in 2023 and ance for Clean Energy, Sierra Club and 8, environmental groups urged the state bond that is sufficient to fully restore the simply show that they have the re- groups argue this encourages prolonged federal limits on carbon emissions, and continues to fall, citing a need to replace Paradise in 2020. Even with their clo- Statewide Organizing for Community agency to strengthen protections for site. The groups suggested eliminating sources to cover reclamation instead of disrepair and can lead to the mining also projects several different strategies, aging resources. The report does not sure, the amount of energy TVA gener- eMpowerment, applauded the move and land, air and water. Both Appalachian the pool bond’s $20 million cap so that posting a bond. This puts taxpayers on company forfeiting its bond and failing such as continuing with its current project any added energy efficiency ates through burning coal is expected to called on TVA to ensure economic oppor- Voices, the publisher of this newspaper, the fund can better respond to market the hook if a company fails, particularly to reclaim the site. “Temporary cessa- energy mix, prioritizing renewables or savings, aside from specific low-income remain at 17 percent for the next decade. tunities for workers and sound cleanup and the grassroots organization South- changes and stay solvent. In 2017, a state if the company owns multiple mines in tion should be limited to one six-month emphasizing distributed resources. programs, over the coming years. President Donald Trump and U.S. of the facilities. — By Molly Moore ern Appalachian Mountain Stewards advisory board identified the mining need of cleanup. Despite the 2014 law, grace period, after which the company The report outlines potential solar The public comment period on TVA’s Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCon- asked the agency to make it easier for companies owned by the family of West Justice-owned A&G Coal Corp. still must resume operations or begin rec- additions of four to nine gigawatts long-term plan runs through April 8. nell (R-Ky.) had urged TVA to keep the West Virginia Enacts Coal Tax Cut citizens who file complaints to get in- Virginia Gov. Jim Justice as the single holds self-bonds. lamation,” the groups stated in their by 2038, which amounts to the utility At the utility’s quarterly meeting Paradise plant open, but the utility’s On March 27, West Virginia Gov. Jim volved in site inspections. greatest threat to the pool bond fund. The groups also sought limits to comments to DMME. — By Molly Moore Justice signed a bill to gradually drop West Virginia’s severance tax on steam coal from 5 The groups also called on the Reinterpretation of Migratory Bird Law Favors Energy Companies percent to 3 percent over the next three fiscal DMME to strengthen bonding regula- the petition in January 2019, citing exist- site with contaminated groundwater just years. By year three, this will cost the state Fracking Company to On Sept. 5, eight states joined environ- chia, a natural gas pipeline company, took Oil companies were responsible for 90 tions to ensure that financially unstable ing mining permits, but the following week 5.5 miles upstream of Birmingham’s ma- an estimated $60 million in revenue annually. Pay Millions for WV Clean mental groups in federal lawsuits against the advantage of this reinterpretation when the percent of incidental killings under the act, changed course and scheduled the petition’s jor drinking water intakes, which service Supporters of the bill said it would help U.S. Department of the Interior’s December agency granted their request to clear trees according to the Audubon Society, and the Water Act Violations March 29 public hearing. According to Tom 200,000 people. According to Black Warrior the state’s steam, or thermal, coal mines 2017 reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird during birds’ nesting season for the Birdsboro Deepwater Horizon spill and 1989 Exxon On Feb. 12, fracking company Antero FitzGerald of Kentucky Resource Council, the Riverkeeper, the permit does not adequately compete, while opponents argued it would Treaty Act of 1918. The act prohibits killing Pipeline Project in Pennsylvania, according to Valdez oil tanker wreck accounted for 97 Resources was ordered to pay $3.15 million for state also put a pending extension of a strip address the existing contamination at the benefit out-of-state companies and cost certain bird species, but the Trump admin- the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. percent of all fines issued under the act. Un- violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the mining permit for Revelation Energy on hold. site or how mining could safely occur. West Virginians needed services. istration’s legal opinion states that the act Since the 1970s, the federal government der the administration’s new interpretation West Virginia Pollution Control Act. Details on the hearing were not avail- The public comment period ended on The governor also signed a bill granting only applies to the intentional, as opposed has used this act to threaten the energy of the law, oil companies would not be fined The company’s settlement with the U.S. able at press time. Visit appvoices.org/ March 29. Local residents and advocacy a 35 percent tax credit for cost of new equip- to incidental, killing of migratory birds. industry with fines and prosecution for activi- for incidental bird killings that result from oil Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Pro- thevoice for updates. — By Molly Moore groups have been fighting proposals to mine ment for coal companies that expand or open In April 2018, DTE Midstream Appala- ties that kill migratory birds. spills. –– By Hannah McAlister tection Agency and West Virginia Department coal at this site since at least 2006. –– By new mining operations. — By Molly Moore of Environmental Protection follows multiple NC Governor Proposes Hannah McAlister violations at 32 sites. Wind Energy Study Continued from previous page Workers of America pension plan, and to While extracting natural gas, Antero dis- Friends of Perry State On March 6, North Carolina Gov. Roy mit. Oxford Mining Company, a subsidiary of restore funding for the Black Lung Disability charged unauthorized pollutants, including Cooper (D) proposed a $25 billion budget Forest Fight Mine Permit Westmoreland Coal, originally applied for the Trust Fund that was reduced at the end of dredged and fill material, into streams and for the 2019 to 21 fiscal years. Included in the A proposed 545-acre strip mine in permit in 2017. Following Westmoreland’s 2018. The bill’s sponsors estimate that it wetlands in Harrison, Doddridge and Tyler budget was a one-year, $300,000 study that Ohio’s Perry State Forest is garnering local October 2018 declaration of bankruptcy, would protect the pensions of over 87,000 “I love your new format. counties. According to the complaint, the would analyze the state’s potential for offshore opposition. If approved, the mine would Oxford sold the permit to a newly formed current beneficiaries and more than 20,000 EPA learned of the violations in 2011 and It makes a classy magazine wind energy, if approved by state legislators. encompass 12 percent of the public forest, company, CCU Coal and Construction, retirees. — By Matt Hepler Used, began enforcement proceedings that year. Similar studies conducted in Mid-Atlan- which is a popular spot for hiking, hunting, which is owned by former Oxford owner even classier! You never In addition to paying the fine, the court U.S. Sees Growth in Rare & Out tic and New England states have led to those fishing and horseback riding. Charles Ungurean. Under Ungurean’s tenure ordered that Antero will be responsible for cease to amaze me with states starting to corner the U.S. offshore Members of Friends of Perry State For- in 2014, Oxford was found to have intention- Clean Energy Jobs restoration and mitigation of the damaged of Print Books wind market, Katharine Kollins, the president est, a grassroots group that formed to fight ally modified water discharge reports to hide Clean energy jobs in the United States the great story topics sites, which the EPA estimates will cost $8 of the advocacy group Southeastern Wind the mine, were among the more than 150 Specializing in violations from state regulators. saw a growth rate of 3.6 percent, a total of million. –– By Hannah McAlister Coalition, told Energy News Network people who attended a Ohio Department of and excellent writers to Books about Black In January, Friends of Perry State Forest 110,000 net new jobs in 2018, according to The study, Kollins said, would help North Natural Resources meeting about the mine a March report released by Environmental tell the great tales of our Mountain College KY Holds Hearing on filed an appeal of a Clean Water Act permit Carolina maintain a competitive advantage. permit this February. At the meeting, regula- issued to the mine by the Ohio Environmen- Entrepreneurs, a national business group. area. Carolina Mountain 10,000-acre Mining Ban A December 2018 analysis conducted tors acknowledged hearing from more than tal Protection Agency. — By Molly Moore At the end of 2018, nearly 3.3 million The Kentucky Energy and Environment for the state of Virginia by renewable energy 1,000 concerned people, the Perry County Americans worked in clean energy, which Life is now even more of a Cabinet held a public hearing on March 29 consultant group BVG Associates recom- Tribune reported. Westmoreland Coal outnumbers fossil fuels jobs nearly three to keepsake. Congratulations regarding a petition to ban surface coal min- mends a “collaborative, multi-state cluster” Opponents of the permit are concerned Allowed to Sever one. Clean energy employers anticipate a 6 ing on more than 10,000 acres surrounding to service southern Atlantic offshore wind about air pollution, noise, harm to nearby on 20 years!” Worker Agreements percent increase in job growth in 2019. Wind the towns of Benham and Lynch. projects. –– By Hannah McAlister drinking water wells and property damage technicians and solar installers are predicted —Harris Prevost On Feb. 15, a federal bankruptcy court The petition was filed by four area from blasting. They also cite the forest’s to be the top two fastest-growing jobs over judge ruled that Westmoreland Coal Com- VP of Grandfather Mountain residents and the nonprofit organization Proposed Mine Causes recreational and economic value. the next seven years. pany could sever union collective bargaining Kentucky Resource Council. They argue that Concern in Birmingham “This area, this forest, creates a lot of While energy efficiency leads in total agreements for its active and former mining declaring the land near the towns off-limits A Birmingham, Alabama water utility revenue for this town,” Jeff Ivers, whose number of jobs, jobs in clean vehicles manu- operations. This includes agreements that af- to surface mining is necessary to protect and a local conservation group, the Black property is surrounded by the public forest, facturing saw the most growth in 2018, with fect Westmoreland’s former mines in Virginia. the watersheds that supply municipal water Warrior Riverkeeper, have teamed up against told WOSU Public Radio. “They just don’t a national growth rate of 15.4 percent. Solar sources and the historic towns’ viewsheds. Although Westmoreland left Wise County, “What a great magazine!” a coal mine proposed by Mays Mining, Inc., see that. And they think mining is going to jobs declined in 2018, which is attributed Powered Va., in the mid-90s, the company has many area Jean & Carl Franklin The group originally filed the request in citing concerns over permit deficiencies and create more revenue? I don’t see how.” to tariffs on solar and steel, but the group by (PV) retirees whose benefits can now be terminated. 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells 2010. It was denied, and the petitioners ap- potential drinking water contamination. Friends of Perry State Forest is also expects those jobs to increase in 2019. 828-737-0771 • PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 The American Miners Act of 2019, Black Mountain, NC 28711 pealed. In 2018, the state reversed its decision The proposed Alabama Surface Min- concerned about the financial stability and Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia were released in January, attempts to rectify this At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country and allowed the group to resubmit their claim. ing Commission permit would authorize ethics of the company applying for the per- ranked among the top 10 states for clean (828) 669-8149 situation by amending a federal mining law ... and online at CMLmagazine.com The state of Kentucky once again denied surface coal mining at a former industrial energy jobs. –– By Hannah McAlister [email protected] Continued on next page to increase allocations to the United Mine [email protected]

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Inside Appalachian Voices Inside Appalachian Voices Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air and water of utility continues to burn fossil fuels, the Central and Southern Appalachian region. Our mission is to empower Campaign to End Duke Energy’s Monopoly in N.C. Sister Beth Davies: “Love Your Neighbor” in Action people to defend our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage by providing build new dirty energy plants and hin- them with tools and strategies for successful grassroots campaigns. In February of this year, changing climate,” said Bobby Jones of der the widespread adoption of clean Sister Beth and in a way that made it appear less Tarheel residents and partner the Down East Coal Ash Coalition at the Member Spotlight Organizational Staff energy — all actions that work against CLEAN met with addictive than other painkillers. organizations including Appa- public launch Feb. 13. “Duke’s influence the public interest. the executives But the drug’s negative effects were Executive Director ...... Tom Cormons lachian Voices joined together is a moral decay that erodes our democ- By Sam Kepple Deputy Executive Director ...... Kate Boyle “We must create a utilities commis- attempting to swift and it made its way to high in Raleigh, N.C., to launch the racy – and we’re calling for people across sion that puts the future of our residents Sister Beth Davies convince her school students almost immediately, OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Energy Justice North Carolina North Carolina to tell their public officials above the stock prices of Duke Energy,” of the Congregation community of according to Sister Beth. The coali- Director of Finance and Operations ...... Maya Viknius Coalition to promote energy to stop taking Duke Energy’s toxic influ- said Appalachian Voices’ Amy Adams. of Notre Dame is a the coal ash tion worked to bring legal action Operations Manager ...... Shay Boyd choice and end monopoly ence money,” he said. Director of Strategic Advancement ...... Brian Sewell “We must demand freedom from the noted advocate and landfill’s bene- against Purdue until the lawsuit was control of the state’s utility On March 27, the groups hand- Development Coordinator ...... Leigh Kirchner relentless rate hikes that hurt our low-in- activist in Appalachia. fits. However, she taken over by the U.S. Department structure. delivered North Carolina Gov. Roy Operations and Outreach Coordinator ...... Meredith Shelton come and fixed-income neighbors … and Her work has covered a knew the damage of Justice. In 2007, the government Coalition members in- Cooper a letter urging him to select Membership and Development Associate ...... Maggie Stokes freedom from decisions based on profits.” vast spectrum of issues, from caused by the landfill announced a more than $600 million clude residents from local three new com- Grants Associate ...... Marissa Palmer Currently, North Carolina residents environmental activism to help- would far outweigh the ben- settlement with the pharmacy giant’s communities suffering the im- mission members PROGRAMS are burdened by Duke’s blocking of com- ing people suffering from addiction efits, and says that she refused to allow holding company. pacts of Duke Energy’s toxic who have no ties Director of Programs ...... Matt Wasson petition from cheaper renewable energy to improving conditions for inmates. her community to be bought. Together, But this did not solve the problem Senior Legislative Representative ...... Thom Kay legacy — including coal ash Appalachian Voices North Carolina to polluters, will companies, and the utility’s $13 billion Born on Staten Island, N.Y., Sis- Sister Beth and the community were of addiction, and from this point Sister Central Appalachian Program Manager ...... Erin Savage pollution, hot waste biogas, Campaign Manager Amy Adams help fight climate scheme for unnecessary transmission “im- ter Beth moved to the coal mining able to effectively block the project. Beth committed herself to creating clin- Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Willie Dodson worsening effects of climate (above) and Bobby Jones of the Down change, consider provements” – all of which cause power town of St. Charles, Va., in 1972. She “People have become much more ics and addiction education centers to Central Appalachian Environmental Scientist ...... Matt Hepler change, and the proposed East Coal Ash Coalition (right) were economic and en- bills to soar year after year. Charlotte- became involved in environmental aware of their voices, how their voice help those who had become addicted. North Carolina Program Manager ...... Amy Adams Atlantic Coast Pipeline. among the speakers at the Raleigh launch vironmental justice based Duke Energy is the largest U.S. of the new Energy Justice NC Coalition advocacy after witnessing how strip can be heard, and that’s so impor- She became involved with Ap- North Carolina Field Coordinator ...... Ridge Graham The Energy Justice NC Co- in their decisions, power provider, and generates 90 percent in February. Photos by Jamie Goodman mining destroyed her community’s tant,” Sister Beth says. “We’re always palachian Voices after visiting Boone, Virginia Program Manager ...... Peter Anderson alition’s three primary goals and who will move of the electricity used in North Carolina. mountains and water sources. Sister telling people that your boards of N.C., many years ago. For seven years Virginia Field Coordinator ...... Lara Mack are to end the dirty money the state’s fossil- Individuals and businesses are en- tees to the N.C. Utilities Beth played a crucial role in fighting supervisors, they work for you. You she has helped two others distribute Energy Savings Program Manager ...... Rory McIlmoil influence of Duke and Dominion; en- fuel-dominated elec- couraged to sign on to a petition asking Tenn. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Brianna Knisley Commission who will stand up to Duke and blocking the creation of private don’t work for them.” 100 copies of each issue of The Appala- courage decision-makers to promote tricity system to clean energy. Gov. Cooper and legislators to begin an Tenn. Community Outreach Stewards VISTA ...... Lesley Garrett Energy and prioritize the public interest landfills in her community in the Sister Beth has witnessed first- chian Voice newspaper in Lee County, common sense energy policies that shift The coalition will also be pursuing open process for revamping the state’s Regional Dir. of Community & Economic Development ... Adam Wells and the state’s natural beauty. 1990s, and in pursuing federal regula- hand the ways in which environmen- Va. Sister Beth reaches out to locations the state to a more affordable, safer and legislation to open the state to electricity electricity system and stop hindering New Economy Program Manager ...... Chelsea Barnes “Our communities are being harmed tory changes for coal mining. tal issues, public health and addiction where the paper will be welcomed, secure energy system and opens the competition and increase options for growth of solar, wind and energy storage Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA ...... Austin Counts both by Duke Energy’s coal ash negli- According to Sister Beth, major are interconnected. Many people such as a local motel and grocery store. energy market; and support appoin- renewable energy generation. companies. COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY gence and by repeated flooding from our companies have tried for years to ma- within her community suffer from Her faith is central to her activ- The Energy Justice NC Coalition Director of Communications ...... Cat McCue To learn more about the Energy Jus- nipulate her small community with complex health concerns, especially ism. She believes there are no excep- formed to bring an end to the Duke Senior Communications Coordinator ...... Jamie Goodman tice NC Coalition and sign the petition, false advertisements and offers of coal miners. St. Charles has a high tions to the principles of “do unto use trails to connect downtown Dante, Va., Editorial Communications Coordinator ...... Molly Moore Revitalizing Coal Energy monopoly because the electric visit energyjusticenc.org. money, whether it be Purdue Pharma to other nearby communities and recreation rate of black lung disease, Sister Beth others as you would have them do Graphics & Digital Communications Coordinator ... Jimmy Davidson trying to bring in OxyContin or coal areas. The multi-use trails are intended to explains, adding that coal mining unto you” and “love your neighbor.” Communications Associate ...... Kevin Ridder Communities companies trying to dump more In March, Virginia announced $10 support the community’s vision of attract- Now Hiring! North Carolina position has the option of takes a physical and mental toll on Sister Beth never begins a day IT Specialist ...... Jeff Deal ing sports enthusiasts and other tourists to Boone or the Raleigh/Durham area. waste in an already burdened area. million in grant awards from the federal Appalachian Voices is hiring three new workers that can make people more without an hour of prayer and reflec- INTERNS Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Program. Ap- the area and motivate local entrepreneurs positions to help us achieve our goal of We are also seeking a Major Gifts Officer In the effort to prevent such susceptible to addiction. tion, explaining that the time and Operations and Outreach Assistant...... Ellie Coleman palachian Voices assisted with two of the to locate new, profitable ventures in Dante. bringing energy democracy to the region! to develop and implement an effective philan- landfills, Sister Beth founded the In the 1990s, she played a major space keeps her grounded. These Operations and Outreach Assistant...... Natalie Lunsford successful grant applications. Mineral Gap Data Center and Sun Tribe We are adding two new positions to thropy program that will support Appalachian Citizens of Lee Environmental Action Solar were awarded $500,000 for a 3.5 mega- Voices’ strategic plan. The position will serve role in the creation of a community sentiments carry over into her work Operations and Outreach Assistant...... Caelann Wood Russell County and the Dante Commu- work on our grassroots efforts to build state- Network, also known as CLEAN. watt solar installation on a former strip mine as the primary manager of our nationwide coalition that ultimately pursued with people struggling with addic- Virginia Grassroots Organizing Assistant...... Rachel Heymann nity Association will receive $269,000 for a wide engagement in the growing energy “They wanted to dump in waste project that includes the sealing of two open in Wise County, the first of its kind in Virginia. democracy movement. The North Carolina portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, serious charges against Purdue tion. She states that the people she North Carolina Social Work Assistant...... Tyler Owensby from the industrial Northeast and mine portals and the development of multi- Read more about the project on page 10. and Virginia Energy Democracy Field Coor- and will involve a significant amount of travel. Pharma. Sister Beth describes how works with say the practice of quiet Editorial Assistant...... Sam Kepple dinators will work in their respective states to Appalachian Voices is committed to Northwest, they wanted to use our coal Purdue introduced OxyContin to reflection is what they love the most. Editorial Assistant...... Jen Kirby empower communities with tools necessary diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks areas to dump it in on the mountains the community and advertised it “The way the world is going Editorial Assistant...... Jamie Tews applicants who share and exhibit these prin- to decide their own energy future and work they had already destroyed,” today, the way the country is going Do you support FREE ciples. If you think you have what it takes to The towards a cleaner, more affordable and more says Sister Beth. “They’d say, Board of Directors join our team in this exciting new work, visit today, everybody’s moving at such a Appalachian just energy system. The Virginia position ‘We know something we can Chair ...... Kim Gilliam The Appalachian Voice? appvoices.org/employment! pace,” she says. “People hardly have Vice-Chair ...... Dot Griffith April / May 2017 will be based in Charlottesville, Va., and the VOICE do for you, we can bring in this time to think, and I think we’ve got Secretary ...... Bunk Spann Help us reach more readers by handing coal ash and we can bring in to step back and start reflecting and Treasurer ...... Christopher Scotton out papers at no cost to you. Hitting Farewell Lauren this waste. We know the people centering ourselves first.” Members-At-Large the Trail Drop them off at work, meetings, cafes, „ More hikers than ever are We bid a fond farewell to Lauren Essick, a longtime team member there are very indigent and Clara Bingham Pallavi Podapati traveling the Appalachian Trail In her decades of advocacy, Sis- „ The science and synergy with a passion for sustainability and energy justice. Lauren started as David Hairston Tracey Wright visitor centers, libraries, grocery stores, of trailbuilding there’s money needed there.’ ter Beth has seen many challenges, a volunteer in 2009 with our campaign to end mountaintop removal Pat Holmes Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) universities, shops, doctor’s offices or The Problems And, well, you can imagine the but she also knows the strength of Peggy Mathews coal mining, and was a key distributor of The Appalachian Voice for other areas in your community you feel with Pipelines outrage at that.” Fracked-gas pipelines the region’s spirit. Advisory Council would deepen the region’s four years. She joined our staff full time in 2015, working in several the paper is needed. reliance on fossil fuels “Despite all that seems to be Jonathan C. Allen Van Jones Also Inside: Leave it to Beavers | Budget Blowback | Refuge and Restoration at Laurel Fork roles including the paper’s Distribution Manager and Operations and Sister Beth Davies (center) in 2014 Visit appvoices.org/raise-our-voice Outreach Associate, and served the last two years as our N.C. Energy working against us in so many ways, Jessica Barba Brown Landra Lewis with (l-r) her friend Jill Carson of Alfred Glover J. Haskell Murray or call our Boone office at (828) 262-1500. Savings Outreach Coordinator promoting energy efficiency and solar in electric coopera- the Appalachian African-American there’s a resilience and there’s a joy Randy Hayes Rick Phelps tives. We wish her the best in her future endeavors! Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, in living despite all the negatives,” Silas House Kathy Selvage Christina Howe Brenda Sigmon she says. u Page 26 April / May 2019 The Appalachian Voice Va., and her sister, Jane Davies. The Appalachian Voice Non-Profit Organization 589 West King Street US Postage Paid Boone, N.C. 28607 Permit No. 294 appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

The promise of summer hiking can be found in Nathan Farber’s “Rhododendron Tunnel,” a finalist in the Flora and Fauna category of this year’s Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition. Farber took this shot of rhododendron blooms on the Appalachian Trail near Grassy Ridge Bald. The 16th annual exhibition is on display now through June 1 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, N.C. To learn more visit appmtnphotocomp.org.

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