Pollinators Often Tiny in Size, These Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Moths and More Play an Enormous Role in Nature

AppalachianThe FREE June/July 2018Voice

Remarkable Pollinators Often tiny in size, these bees, birds, butterflies, moths and more play an enormous role in nature

Keeping Bees • Hazards of Herbicides Make Your Yard a Pollinator Paradise

ALSO INSIDE

Adventures The Cost Pipeline at Hidden of Coal Resistance Rocks Cleanup Grows ATheppalachianVOICE Across Appalachia A note from our executive director Northam promised a stream- A publication of In late May, a Virginian named sounding the alarm. by-stream review of water AppalachianVoices Fern set up camp on a tree platform The governors of crossings on the campaign Conservation Groups Purchase Managing GenX Contamination trail last year, which the state NC: 589 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 • 828-262-1500 to block construction of the Moun- North Carolina, Vir- On May 17, North Carolina House like the potentially cancer-causing GenX VA: 812 E. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-293-6373 tain Valley Pipeline. This came after ginia and West Virginia has failed to deliver. Land in Western North Carolina Democrats and House and Senate from infiltrating municipal water supplies. Other Regional Offices: Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA the U.S. Forest Service barred an- should join Virginia Sen. Residents along both This spring, two land trust groups executive director, in a blog post. Republicans filed separate legislation Upgrading the plant to the new AppalachianVoices.org | [email protected] other tree-sitting pipeline protester’s Tim Kaine and U.S. rep- pipeline routes are docu- purchased a total of 190 acres of unpro- The purchase was funded by the to address the emerging contaminant granular activated carbon treatment menting violations and test- tected land, waterways and habitats in nonprofit organization Conservation Editor...... Molly Moore access to food, water and medical resentatives from both GenX. The proposals differ in funding system would take about two years and Associate Editor...... Kevin Ridder care, and a judge imposed fines parties in calling for federal regula- ing water quality, providing North Carolina. Trust for North Carolina and con- allocated to the N.C. Department of require customers to pay a 7 percent Consulting Editor & Designer...... Jamie Goodman on two women who established a tors to reconsider the improperly more evidence that these projects The Southern Appalachian High- servation supporters Fred and Alice Environmental Quality. increase in total water and sewer bills Distribution Manager...... Meredith Shelton cannot be built without putting House Bill 968 offers the NCDEQ — costs that the utility hopes to recoup Editorial Assistant...... Sara Crouch treetop camp in their own backyard, approved projects. And they should lands Conservancy, which protects Stanback. Editorial Assistant...... Hannah Gillespie forcing them down. halt construction while this vital as- people, water and ecosystems at risk. over 71,000 acres of North Carolina and With support from the Foothills over $14 million, while Senate Bill 724 through litigation against Chemours, Editorial Assistant...... Ashley Goodman By supporting the profiteering sessment takes place. It’s time for state leaders to act. Tennessee, added areas in Buncombe Conservancy, a land trust group based proposes more than $1.3 million for the the manufacturing plant tied to GenX Editorial Assistant...... Shelby Jones agency. Both bills would address the contamination around Wilmington. Graphic Designer...... Jimmy Davidson aims of a private fracked-gas pipeline States also have the authority — For a just future, and Henderson counties along the in Morganton, N.C., the Tuttle Forest department’s permitting backlogs. Between August 2011 and Febru- Graphic Designer...... Cara Adeimy company and monopoly utilities and responsibility — to protect their Eastern Continental Divide in April. Foundation purchased 20 acres of GenX is a fluorinated chemical ary 2018, similar filters were installed at over the clear will of the people, the own waters. Unfortunately, Virginia The new properties include 155 acres land in Caldwell County that adjoins DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Courtney Alley, Alison Auci- compound used by companies like drinking water wells in West Virginia and ello, Jill Averitt, Cathy Bachara, Debbie Bahr, Nelson and Lanie government agencies abetting these and West Virginia have so far deferred Tom Cormons, Executive Director of thriving forest at Strawberry Gap and with the 288-acre Tuttle Educational Chemours (a subsidiary of DuPont) to Ohio near a Chemours facility; sampling Bailey, Gretchen Barelski, Ashly Bargman, Becky Barlow, Bec- projects are standing on the wrong to the federal government’s improper ca Bauer, Laura Bayer, Sara Bell, Bob Belton, Teresa Board- 15 acres of rocky bluff at Stony Point. State Forest. manufacture products such as food has shown the filters to be effective at side of history. use of a one-size-fits-all water quality P.S. Our April/May issue focused on wine, Roberta Bondurant, Charlie Bowles, Bethann Bowman, “We are proud to have purchased Tuttle Forest Foundation, a non- packaging, cleaning products, GoreTex removing GenX-related chemicals from Dale Brady, Lynn Brammer, Ben Bristoll, Steve Brooks, Paul The movement to stop the permit without scrutinizing any of natural gas fracking, frack waste, this previously unprotected portion of profit educational organization, worked fabric and non-stick pans. the water. In April, the U.S. Environmental Corbit Brown, Teri Brown, Anne Brown, Christa Brusen, Bill pipelines, and proposed petrochemi- Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast the numerous pipeline water cross- to secure this tract of land for 20 years On May 9, the Cape Fear Public Util- Protection Agency announced that the Bunch, George Burazer, John Calhoun, Pat Calvert, Sarah cal plants and gas storage hubs. We’re the landscape around Hickory Nut Gap, Caskey, Shay Clanton, Helen Clark, Ridge Cook, Dave Cooper, pipelines has vast, and increasingly ings — many on very steep, erosion- ity Authority Board approved new water compound was found in wells near the grateful to the extraordinary volunteers which is a visible landmark to so many to expand their free, public outdoor Dave Copper, George Cortesi, Darlene Cunningham, Nancy broad, backing across geographic prone slopes. treatment methods for its Sweeney plant Petersburg, W.Va., Chemours facility. — Dagley, John David, Sister Davies, Heather Dean, Deborah who helped boost our distribution of people from various vantage points,” education efforts at Tuttle Educational and ideological divides. Legal chal- These states owe it to their citi- in Wilmington, N.C., to prevent chemicals By Hannah Gillespie Deatherage, Tina Del Prete, Denise Der Garabedian, Ellen Dod- that special issue across the region from said Carl Silverstein, the conservancy’s State Forest. — By Shelby Jones son, Cynthia Dunn, Clint Dye, Heather Earp, Bill Elliott, Patricia lenges to both projects have traction, zens to conduct a rigorous state English, Mike Feely, Sandy Forrest, Frank Fry, H A Gallucio, and a growing bipartisan chorus of reviews of the pipelines’ effects on 65,500 to 72,500 copies. Read it online John Gillespie, Dave Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Bruce Gould, Gary state legislators and local officials is water quality. In fact, Virginia Gov. at appvoices.org/thevoice/gas-issue Greer, Tauna Gulley, Kelly Haber, Bill Harris, Christine Harris, Lawsuit Challenges Logging Sale in Cherokee National Forest torney Sam Evans of the Southern Envi- Paul Hayes, Michael Hayslett, Susan Hazlewood, Eberhard Conservation groups filed suit Heartwood — are represented by the streams and watersheds in the area. A ronmental Law Center in a press release. Heide, Sharon Helt, Regina Hendrix, Dr. Laura Henry-Stone, Four other conservation groups Matt Hepler, Cricket Hunter, Tim Huntley, Dakota Icenhour, against the U.S. Forest Service on March Southern Environmental Law Center, logging project on the steep slopes of Nicholas Johnson, Mary K, Debra Kantwell, Thom Kay, Alisa 15 for allegedly allowing unlawful, a nonprofit law firm. The groups are Tumbling Creek would increase the risk — Cherokee Forest Voices, Mountain- Keegan, Denny Keeney, Donita Kennedy, Katie Kienbaum, GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events high-impact logging in Polk County, concerned with the Dinkey Sale, which of soil erosion and runoff. True, The Wilderness Society and Wild Brianna Knisley, Mary Ann Kokenge, Len Kosup, Deborah South — shared similar concerns with Kushner, Frances Lamberts, Waltr Lane, Don Langrehr, Tracy Star Party dation for their fifth fully solar-powered music See more at appvoices.org/calendar Tenn., along Tumbling Creek in the would allow logging on 534 acres. “The public came forward and said, Leinbaugh, Susan Lewis, Lincoln County Library, Fayette June 15, 8-10 p.m.: The Nature Foundation and festival, this time at Cantrell Ultimate Rafting. Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee The three conservation groups ‘We don’t want to see these kinds of ero- the agency. County Library Headquarters, Loy Lilley, Bill Limpert, Marion Charlottesville Astronomical Society host a star- There will be trips down the New River, music, National Forest. expressed concern over potential ir- sion problems on our lands ever again,’ The Cherokee National Forest public Loper, Maggie Louden, Diane Lucas, Jacki Lucki, Lara Mack, gazing party with high-powered telescopes. Bring educational activities and workshops. $20-55. Ridge Farm host the second Floyd Energy Fest at Paula Mann, Gail Marney, Brian McAllister, Kate McClory, Kim The filing groups — the regional reparable damages to native wildlife and but the agency simply refuses to learn affairs office declined to comment due chairs and binoculars. Refreshments available. Fayetteville, W.Va. Call call (304)-205-0920 or Chantilly Farm, featuring energy-related activities, McClure, Rich McDonough, Tom McIntosh, Mike McKinney, to current litigation. — By Shelby Jones $8/members, $10/non-members. Roseland, Va. visit: tinyurl.com/solar-fest-2018. speakers and vendors. $5-10. Floyd, Va. Visit: Heartwood organization, Sierra Club water quality at Tumbling Creek, which from its mistakes. They are sweeping Sherri McMurray, Kevin McWhinney, Tim Milling, Joy Mira- chantillyfarm.com/wp/event/floyd-energy-fest or Visit: twnf.org or call (434)-325-8169. Tennessee Chapter and Tennessee they described as one of the healthiest literal dirt under the rug,” said staff at- cle, Steve Moeller, Caroline Noel, Don Odell, Lynne Oglesby, Forest Herbs Weekend call (540)-353-5898. Megan Ong, Rob Keith, Allison Osborne, Sheila Ostroff, Ken Home Energy Block Party July 6-8: Learn identification and ecology of Canoe the Big Sandy Pace, Lee Payne, Adam Pendlebury, Cleve Phillips, Stepha- June 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Appalachian Voices local medicinal plants and participate in a for- nie Pistello, Niki Powell, Chase Pugh, Sister Ann Marie Quinn, July 21, 11a.m.-4 p.m.: Learn about John’s hosts a block party to celebrate results of the est farming project at Yew Mountain Center. Health Improves in Allegheny County, Pa., After Shenango Coke Plant Closes Justin Raines, Bronwyn Reece, Collin Rees, Carolyn Reilly, Creek in the Big Sandy through a natural and Home Energy Makeover Contest. Enjoy activities $50, under 13 free. Hillsboro, W.Va. Visit: www. Jake Resor, Carol Rollman, Kristin Rouse, Jenny Rytel, Deb- historical interpretive canoe trip. $25. Advanced On May 8, the DTE Energy-owned munity protest and multiple air and in benzene and a “modest decrease” in Members of the community group about energy efficiency for all ages and refresh- yewmountain.org/forest-herbs.html or call bie Samuels, Mar Sartari, Steve Scarborough, Gerry Scardo, registration only. Prestonsburg, Ky. Visit: Shenango Coke Works facility on Penn- water violations. hydrogen sulfide. However, the health Allegheny County Clean Air Now are ments. Free. West Jefferson, N.C. Visit: tinyurl. (304)-653-4079. Frank Schaller, Sandy Schlaudecker, Elvira Schrader, Susanne kentuckytourism.com/canoe-the-big-sandy or Seiler, Kathy Selvage, Mayzie Shelton, Charles Shelton, Brenda com/home-energy-party or call (828) 262-1500. sylvania’s Neville Island was demol- The plant, which was named one department did not feel comfortable working to convince DTE to open a Kill the Dam Invasive Plants call (606)-889-1790. Sigmon, David Skinner, Bradford Slocum, Meg Smith, Janeen Bird Walk ished. The Pittsburgh-area plant, which of Allegheny County’s largest polluters, attributing rhw drop in ER visits to the solar facility on the former coke works Solberg, Lucy Spencer, Jennifer Stertzer, Jim Stockwell, Mast July 7, 9-1 p.m.: Join Appalachian Trail Conser- Virginia Highlands Festival June 16, 9-10 a.m.: Join Blackwater Falls State baked coal to produce coke for steel- paid more than $2 million in penalties changes in air quality alone. site. — By Hannah Gillespie General Store, Emily Terrell, Gail Thomas, Pat Tompkins, Bon- vancy in honoring the 50th anniversary of the July 27-Aug. 5: Enjoy 10 days of arts, music, Park’s naturalist on a one-mile walk to learn nie Triplett, Bill Wasserman, John Weitzel, Tina White, Tamara National Trails System Act by removing invasive food and fun. There will be many free daily making for 54 years, was closed in for pollution violations between 1980 the basics of bird watching. Davis, W.Va. Visit: Whiting, Ann Williams, Barbara Williamson, Diana Withen, plants. Includes lunch, music and a naturalist-led workshops and activities, an antique market and January 2016 following years of com- and 2012. tinyurl.com/wvbirdwalk or call (304)-259-5216. Chuck Wyro, Danny Yousef, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman walk. Free. Fontana Dam, N.C. Visit:tinyurl.com/ outdoor adventures. Free, some ticketed events. An Allegheny County Health De- Recently released Rhododendron Festival plant-service-day or call (304)-535-633. Abingdon, Va. Visit: vahighlandsfestival.org or partment study presented in March June 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Celebrate the STAY Summer Institute call (276) 623-5266. CORRECTION: Madam’s Creek by Betsy Reeder About the Cover found a reduction in certain emergency world’s largest natural rhododendron gardens July 12-15: The Stay Together Appalachian Youth Energy Summit 2018 The article “Sparking Petrochemical is a historical novel, set in the Civil War with food, arts and crafts booths and music at Project hosts a weekend of group activities July 30-Aug. 1: Appalachian State University Valley?” in our April/May 2018 issue in- room visits in the year following the era, that tells a poignant tale of hardship Roan Mountain State Park. Roan Mountain, including art, music, storytelling and political hosts current and future leaders of energy poli- correctly attributed James Fabisiak say- plant’s closure. Visits for asthma and and redemption while celebrating Tenn. call (423)-772-3303 or Visit: roanmountain. discussion to celebrate 10 years of youth orga- cies and practices to discuss the theme, Lead- ing the Beaver County cracker plant’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Appalachian culture and the familiar com/rhododendron-festival. nizing. Age 30 and under for full event, over age ership for Good. $. Boone, N.C. Visit: sustain. carbon dioxide emissions would be dropped 37.9 percent, and 26.5 percent beauty of the New River landscape. Tom Butler at Grandfather 30 welcome beginning Friday evening. $0-150. appstate.edu/initiatives/energy-summit/2018 or equivalent to the entirety of Pittsburgh’s June 21, 6-8p.m.: Visit Grandfather Mountain New Market, Tenn. Visit: bit.ly/stay10years call (828)-262-2659. for cardiovascular diseases including CO2 emissions. Fabisiak instead stated and hear Tom Butler of the Foundation for Deep Whipporwill Festival heart attacks and strokes. For more detail, see Southeastern Permaculture that CO2 emissions from the plant Ecology present an illustrated lecture and argu- July 13-15: Learn and share earth-friendly skills Gathering The study also found an 11 per- ment for wilderness preservation. Stop by the would be equivalent to roughly 25 to BetsyReederWriter.com. A bee prepares to pollinate an azalea flower and promote sustainable living with workshops, Aug. 3-5: Celebrate nature and community by cent decrease in airborne particulate Appalachian Voices table! $20 general admis- 30 percent of the city’s, which would in the Cedar Mountain, N.C., backyard of pho- speakers, folk music, dancing, food and commu- learning permaculture skills at the 25th annual sion. Linville, N.C. Call (828) 733-2013 or visit effectively negate Pittsburgh’s stated matter in the year following the plant’s Copies are available as paperback or tographer Rob Travis. View more of his work at nity. $20-130. Beattyville, Ky. Call (703)-994-2786 gathering. There will be work-trade, camping, robtravis.com. Inset photos courtesy of Virginia- grandfather.com/events. or visit whippoorwillfest.com goal to reduce greenhouse gas emis- closure, as well as a 37 percent decrease e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, food and workshops. $5-130. Burnsville, N.C. and from Canterbury House Publishing. TrailGuide.com, Kevin Ridder and Appalachians Solar Fest Floyd Energy Fest Visit: southeasternpermaculture.org sions by 20 percent by 2023. Against Pipelines July 6-8: Join Keeper of the Mountains Foun- July 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: SustainFloyd and Apple The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 3 Attendees hang from Prospector’s Roof Across Appalachia for a group photo during the two-day Access Fund climbing summit. Photo by Zachary Lesh-Huie Summit Stresses Sustainability in Climbing Workshops and summits such as this one aim to ensure that In April, the Access Fund, a national nomic impact surveys conducted in the as climbing visitation increases, nonprofit advocacy group that promotes Red River Gorge in Kentucky and Chat- measures to mitigate impacts climbing and conservation, held a sum- tanooga, Tenn., which show that regions and to sustainably develop new mit and workshop on sustainable climb- in Appalachia with public access to and exciting climbing routes ing management at Breaks Interstate world-class climbing can see substantial are established. To learn more Park along the border of Virginia and local economic benefits. A similar study about sustainable climbing Kentucky. is underway at the New River Gorge in management, visit accessfund. The two-day workshop was centered West Virginia. org — By Aaron Parlier on how rock climbing is growing in the Breaks Interstate Park Superinten- Appalachian region and how climbers dent Austin Bradley told attendees he and land managers can work together was excited to see increasing visitation to ensure that the sport has a positive from climbers, whitewater paddlers and Study Connects Acid Rain to Global Temperature environmental and economic impact. other outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Joe Carrara, a biology Ph.D. can- returned to the atmosphere. Nearly 50 climbing advocates, repre- Zachary Lesh-Huie with the Access Fund didate at West Virginia University, has “Any small change in the rate at sentatives from local climbing organiza- discussed how economic benefits from found a way to improve climate change which carbon dioxide is released back tions and universities, local community outdoor recreation at Breaks could boost predictions using Appalachian forests. into the atmosphere from soil can have leaders and land managers attended local business income and park visita- To do this, Carrara studied the huge impacts on atmospheric carbon from across the East Coast. Through tion alike. impact of increased levels of acid rain levels, and ultimately the temperature round-room discussions, presentations Visitors to Breaks Interstate Park — caused when pollution mixes with of the Earth,”Carrara wrote in an email. and demonstrations, attendees explored can experience one of the deepest river atmospheric water — on forest ecosys- Carrara states that if atmospheric the upsides and challenges of managing gorges in the East, world-class kayak- tems at the Fernow Experimental Forest carbon dioxide levels increase, the tem- climbing, including wildlife and cliff ing, and a variety of park amenities and in Parsons, W.Va. Due to its long history perature of the Earth also increases. ecology, fixed anchor replacement, stew- activities. Climbers are treated to high- of coal-fired power plants, West Virginia Increased carbon dioxide is also ardship, trails and a host of other topics. quality, interesting southern sandstone has experienced some of the highest an issue for lakes and rivers. A study Brian G. Clark of Eastern Kentucky with a number of easily accessible route- rates of acid rain in the United States. published in January showed a link University presented the results of eco- climbing opportunities. Carrara found that increased acid between high concentrations of the rain causes decreased decomposition gas in the atmosphere and the rap- of carbon in the soil, which ultimately id acidification of freshwater lakes. affects the rate that carbon dioxide is — By Hannah Gillespie

Fifth Grader Spurs Sustainability Officer Lauren Bishop to rein- force stormwater runoff prevention and pro- Change at WCU vide more buffers to avoid harmful sediment In North Carolina, Cullowhee Valley pollution in the future. — By Sara Crouch School fifth grader Liam Tormey made an impression on judges and Western Carolina New Public Lands Open University officials at February’s Western in Northeast Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair. On April 12, the Kentucky Department Tormey’s testing of the Tuckasegee River of Fish and Wildlife opened 323 acres for revealed that rainfall had resulted in sedi- public use in Lewis County. The land, known ment coming from WCU property into the as Old Trace Creek Wildlife Management river. Sediment affects water quality and is Area, surrounds a stream that the agency a danger to wildlife in and around the river. is currently restoring. This discovery prompted WCU Chief The agency’s Stream Team Program purchased the private property and plans to restore it back to its original flow, con- tour and meander, according to Nathan Gregory, Northeast Region coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wild- life Resources. The area is open to hunting, fishing, MACED seeks a communications hiking and wildlife observing, but does not coordinator who will enhance allow high-impact uses such as ATVs or MACED’s impact by capturing and horseback riding. The dense upland hard- sharing MACED’s work and mission. wood forests provide habitat for species like turkey, squirrel, deer, rabbit and grouse. This position will be based in Access to the area is free, but proper MACED’s Berea, Ky., office. licenses and certifications are required for hunting or fishing on the property. — By Visit www.maced.org for details. EOE. Shelby Jones

Page 4 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice Hidden Rocks TRAIL

Hiking the Highlands Trail length: 3.3 miles roundtrip Difficulty: Moderate Directions: From Interstate 81 take U.S. Adventures Await Route 33 W to Virginia State Route 613, make a left. Follow Virginia State Route at Hidden Rocks 257 W to Hone Quarry Road and make a right. Trailhead is nearly a mile further Breathtaking vistas for on the right and begins on the right side hikers and a variety of of the parking lot with trail marker #511. Contact: Call North River Ranger Station routes for climbers at (540) 432-0187 Other notes: Trail #511, yellow blaze. This By Becca Bauer is a hiking-only trail, no horses or bikes. Just a 30-minute drive from Har- Amenities: One mile away, Hone Quarry risonburg, Va., shaded rhododendron Campground is open year-round, $5/ tunnels lead hikers and climbers to night. 10 sites with vault toilets. stunning sandstone cliffs, offering sweeping views of the mountains. the peacefulness of the forest. If people The Hidden Rocks trail is not only a are climbing, be sure to not touch or delightful hiking path, but also a great walk near ropes on top of the cliffs for destination for climbers of all abilities. the safety of the climbers and yourself. This trail is located in the North Retrace your steps back to where River Ranger District of the George rive below Lower Hidden and Hidden the trail divided and follow the left path Washington and Jefferson National Cracks cliffs. The base of the cliff is to a cliff called Hidden Roofs. This is a Forests and is designated for hiking majestic with towering, slightly over- secluded place to visit after your hike only. It is appropriate for children and hung, blocky sandstone. Looking all to Lower Hidden and Hidden Cracks in dogs, although during spring you may the way to the top almost strains the order to extend your hike by another have some wet stream crossings. neck; some climbing routes are as high half-mile round trip. It also is a mag- The first half-mile of the trail runs as 80 feet! nificent roof for those climbers who are through the woods just 30 feet from Lower Hidden cliffs has 15 es- looking for a more difficult traditional Human. Hone Quarry Road. Luckily, the road tablished climbing routes ranging in route — 5.13-plus — than those at Nature. is quiet and not highly trafficked so At top, a climber rappels down the towering difficulty from easy to strenuous . The Lower Hidden or Hidden Cracks. After { } it is easy to feel as if this entire hike is sandstone cliffs of Hidden Rocks, one of climbing grades range from 5.5 to 5.11- visiting Hidden Roofs, return to the deep in the woods. Eventually, the trail several climbing options. Above, the trail, plus, so there is a little something here parking area on the same main trail. turns further into the forest, blossom- offers shade and beautiful foliage. Photos for everyone. One hundred and fifty In order to keep these natural courtesy of VirginiaTrailGuide.com. ing through rhododendron tunnels yards uphill from Lower Hidden cliffs places marvelous and open for all, characteristic of Southern Appalachia. is the Hidden Cracks climbing area, follow some of the key Leave No Trace After a well-defined stream crossing, ing areas should take a right and go which has 11 established routes also Principles such as picking up your trash the trail veers left and begins to follow steeply up the hill. This is also the ranging from 5.5 to 5.11-plus. Almost and disposing of all waste properly, be- Rocky Run closely. After a half-mile of route to an awe-inspiring view of the all routes at both climbing areas are ing considerate of other visitors, and walking, there will be a clearly visible surrounding national forest on top of accessible by a top rope setup and can leaving what you find so that others can split in the trail. the sandstone cliffs. also be climbed traditionally. enjoy the same small, special treasures Climbers looking for the Lower After a quarter-mile of relatively Climbers who intend to lead on the trail. For more information on Hidden or Hidden Cracks climb- steep uphill trekking, hikers will ar- climbs along the impressive and in- Leave No Trace, visit LNT.org. timidating 80-foot sandstone cliffs will Hidden Rocks is an alluring place find a variety of traditional routes, and to escape from daily life any time of the those who are setting up a top rope to year. In the summer, take advantage of climb will find hangers that are shared the rhododendron tunnels for needed for multiple climbs. Anyone who plans shade from the hot sun. In the fall, it is to set up a top rope needs to have suf- a wonderful place for viewing leaf col- SunnyHomesD Inc.ay ficient gear to extend over the edge as ors — the top of the cliffs and the trail trees and the anchors are not right on itself will be full of color. In the winter, the edge of the cliffs. it is quiet and serene. During spring, Allow us to design and build a healthy, energy- To access the view at the top with- this trail is full of water and life. efficient, beautiful home as part of a more out climbing, follow a trail on the far No matter what time of year, make sustainable approach to building and living. left side of the cliff. The path is fairly sure to check with the ranger station Seems like we’re all drawn to nature. And whether it’s easy to find and has boulders and stairs before you camp or hike to be sure GRANDFATHER sunnydayhomesinc.com childlike wonder or an adult sense of discovery, ® to walk on. The shaded, flat forest there are no restrictions. you’ll find it here, in abundance. MOUNTAIN Serving the N.C. High Country | (828) 964-3419 above Lower Hidden cliffs is a pleasant Happy hiking and climbing! u www.grandfather.com WONDERS NEVER CEASE Net Zero Energy Homes | Green Building | Remodeling place to hydrate, eat lunch and absorb

Page 6 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 7

HUMAN NATURE Full-page ad — June-July 2018 Grandfather Mountain Contact: Frank Ruggiero (828) 733-2013 Appalachian Voice [email protected] The Sierra Club’s Virginia until July 2019. The mora- Chapter co-hosted a December Coal Ash torium was intended to Environmental Protection Agency Aims to Deregulate Coal Ash Continued from previous page 2017 rally in Richmond, Va., to By Kevin Ridder of this newspaper — shared persuade utilities to pursue tell Dominion Energy to move testimony from Belmont, storage away from waterways, an option closure methods other than their coal ash out of unlined pits. In April, dozens of environmental cap-in-place. Photo by Adrienne Eichner advocates and concerned citizens N.C., resident Amy Brown that is much more expensive. Another and several others who were option is recycling coal ash for use in “This gives the state and traveled to a hotel conference room Dominion another year to remediate all of the state’s just outside Washington, D.C., where unable to travel to the na- concrete — however, air pollution from coal ash sites — a move tion’s capital on a Tuesday reprocessing the coal ash into a suitable reach an agreement over the U.S. Environmental Protection how to most effectively clean that the agency said went Agency held their one and only public morning. material is a concern for communities. further than the federal law. “With the decisions that Pruitt’s proposed changes to the up their coal ash sites,” says hearing on a major policy rollback. On Sierra Club Virginia Chapter According to TDEC the chopping block were components Scott Pruitt has made or is rule have cast uncertainty on whether spokesperson Kim Schofin- considering making, I’m left there will be any future federally man- Director Kate Addleson. “But of the 2015 Coal Combustion Residuals it doesn’t yet require them ski, it is unclear the extent Rule, which established the first federal wondering if he or anyone dated groundwater monitoring or to which a rollback of the else at the agency knows cleanup efforts. According to Earthjus- to do anything like clean monitoring and cleanup requirements closure, which would es- believes that ‘flexibility’ simply means federal coal ash rule would for coal ash, the toxic byproduct of anything about the night- tice’s public comment on the changes, affect cleanup in Tennessee. mare that we have been “state regulators, or even the owner sentially move all the coal ash residue an excuse to pollute in the absence of coal-fired power plants. The public to lined, capped landfills far away from adequate state programs.” “While we do not anticipate federal comment period, typically 90 days, was through,” Brown’s testimony and operators of the dumps them- law changes affecting the order or coal read. “Our well water was selves, EPA suggests, could certify that any of our bodies of water. The bill also In a press release, Gov. Northam halved to 45 days. gave Virginia a start on recycling coal ash stated Virginia’s “ability to enforce ash corrective action in Tennessee, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt tested in February 2015 be- cleanup is not necessary.” which are currently subject to existing cause of how close we live to Lisa Evans with Earthjustice says with a pilot program.” these fair and strong standards will be stated in a press release that the pro- Nate Benforado, an attorney with much greater if EPA maintains its com- state law, it would be premature for us posed changes would allow states to these open coal ash dump the rollbacks are “reckless and uncon- to speculate on the impacts of potential pits containing cancer-caus- scionable.” the Southern Environmental Law Cen- mitment to them.” “incorporate flexibilities into their coal Coal ash ponds at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Gallatin Fossil Plant on the banks of the Cumberland River. A federal rule changes,” Schofinski wrote ing waste. The results showed “This is a time where the EPA should ter, says while he’s “happy that there’s According to Benforado, it’s a ash permit programs,” and the EPA federal judge ordered TVA to move its coal ash to a lined landfill after internal TVA documents revealed decades another delay, it does seem time to good sign that Virginia wants to keep in an email. estimated that the proposed changes that my water wasn’t safe of leaks and pollution. Photo by Nancy Pierce/Southern Environmental Law Center, Flight by Southwings examine the current coal ash rule and After the 2009 coal ash spill, TVA to drink, and it was recom- strengthen it, based on the evidence come to resolution of this issue so we these “minimum standards” in place would save utilities up to $100 million can actually see progress being made.” — but there is still a lot of work to be began dewatering its older coal ash mended that I not use it. My submitted their first reports this March. studies were needed to see if the coal that the sites are leaking and endanger- a year in compliance costs. But Lisa Benforado says that “Dominion done. “We weren’t necessarily doing ponds and capping them in place, as family relied on bottled water for 1,097 After reviewing data for roughly ash basins are indeed the cause of the ing nearby communities,” says Evans. Evans, senior administrative counsel has never shown whether cap-in- the best job enforcing the laws on the well as storing new coal ash in dry, lined days, until finally I was hooked up to 100 coal ash sites, the Sierra Club and groundwater contamination and if “There’s no legal basis that justifies with nonprofit law firm Earthjustice, place will actually work at these sites.” books even before these attempted landfills instead of wet impoundments. city water last Thursday.” partners found “unsafe levels of arse- drinking water supplies are at risk. the significant rollback that Pruitt is says the proposed change “follows Experts brought in by SELC to analyze rollbacks,” he says. The utility projects all wet coal ash sites The United States produces 140 nic, cobalt, lithium and sulfate at most attempting. As a result, when the final directly the request of industry.” Dominion’s own data concluded that If the federal rule is rolled back, will be closed by 2022. million tons of coal ash every year, ac- sites and unsafe levels of radioactivity Leaching into rule is issued, we will contest it in court.” A public comment submitted by Groundwater the unlined pits are already polluting Benforado says, a future state ad- TVA told the USA Today Network- Earthjustice on behalf of itself and cording to the Sierra Club, a national at one in five sites,” according to a May Putting states back in charge of Tennessee in March that the proposed To close coal ash dumping grounds, water supplies and would leak for de- ministration may weaken the state’s 18 other organizations points out the nonprofit environmental organization. blog post. The EPA’s rollback proposed coal ash management is dangerous, federal rule changes “would have no utilities often prefer to employ the cades if they are simply capped. safeguards. most dangerous portions of the roll- Utilities commonly store the material removing the requirement for utilities according to Frank Holleman, senior at- immediate impact” on this process. cheaper “cap-in-place” method — es- In addition to the moratorium, Vir- back, which includes allowing states — on-site in dry landfills or mixed with to release this data to the public. torney with nonprofit law firm Southern Tennessee The old, unlined coal ash dumps at sentially leaving the coal ash where it ginia’s Department of Environmental and potentially the owners of coal ash water in massive sludge ponds that can Duke Energy, the Tennessee Val- Environmental Law Center. “The entire In 2008, coal ash gained national TVA’s Gallatin Fossil Plant on the banks is with an earthen cap and thin, syn- Quality urged EPA Administrator Pruitt sites — to set their own “alternative” be hundreds of acres in size. Most of ley Authority, Dominion Energy and reason we have a national coal ash rule attention when a dike restraining more of the Cumberland River, however, will thetic liner on top intended to prevent not to weaken the 2015 coal ash rule. standards for groundwater contami- these storage pits are unlined, meaning American Electric Power — owner of is that the state agencies failed to protect than 1 billion gallons of the toxic sludge need to meet a higher standard. In Au- rainwater from seeping in. However, “Without a commitment of a fed- nant levels. This could lead to states toxins like lead, arsenic and mercury Appalachian Power — were among us from disasters like TVA’s Kingston spill near Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kings- gust 2017, TVA was ordered by a federal coal ash contaminants can still leach eral permitting program and direct or utilities setting artificially lenient could seep into groundwater. the utilities who reported groundwater and Duke Energy’s Dan River disaster,” ton Fossil Plant burst, damaging dozens judge to move more than 13 million into the groundwater, and some coal oversight by EPA, Virginia cannot sup- standards to avoid remediation. The 2015 coal ash rule required contamination at on-site monitoring said Holleman in a press release. of homes and clogging the Clinch and cubic yards of coal ash from the ponds ash ponds sit below the groundwater port any revision to the EPA [coal ash] Additionally, Earthjustice’s com- power plant owners across the country wells, according to the Associated Press. Emory rivers. to a lined landfill due to Clean Water table — greatly increasing the risk of Virginia rule that would allow owners or op- ments noted the rollback could allow to begin drilling wells on-site near their The news organization reported After the 2015 federal coal ash rule Act violations. The utility appealed contamination. On March 30, Virginia Gov. Ralph erators so-called ‘flexibilities,’” the Vir- coal ash ponds that don’t meet federal dumping grounds to see if ground- that a general consensus among power was passed, the Tennessee Department the decision, arguing that the cost and “It’s not a closed system,” Duke Northam extended the state’s year-long ginia agency’s public comment reads. stability standards to remain open and water was being affected. The owners company executives was that further of Environment and Conservation University professor and coal ash moratorium on coal ash basin closures “Without federal backing, Virginia Continued on next page would remove the requirement for ordered TVA to investigate, assess and researcher Avner Vengosh told Blue plant operators to take immediate ac- Ridge Public Radio in March. “It’s an tion to stop a spill, should one occur. open system. For people living next to The changes could also remove the coal ash ponds, there is a potential of * * 2015 requirement preventing coal ash this contaminated groundwater to flow we are new storage near “drinking water aquifers, • Delicious Deli-Style Sandwiches towards drinking water wells. So we expanding hours in wetlands, fault areas, seismic impact have now a potential of groundwater • Homemade Soups zones and unstable areas.” flow. It could take decades, it could take Once a coal ash dump is closed, • Vegetarian Fare * * years, it could be tomorrow when [that] according to Earthjustice, states could contaminated groundwater would ar- allow the dump’s owner to monitor • And Much More! rive in drinking water wells.” nearby groundwater for five years monday- saturday Southern Environmental Law Center Senior Attorney Frank Holleman, second from right, testifies Many environmental groups, in- instead of the 30 years that the 2015 11:00am 9:00pm before a U.S. Senate committee in April on why the federal Clean Water Act should continue to cluding Appalachian Voices, advocate - rule requires. protect waterways from industrial groundwater pollution like coal ash. “The polluters well know instead for moving the ash to dry, lined 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina 828.268.9600 | 4004 nc hwy 105 s. banner elk, nc Staff from nonprofit organization that, if this pollution is left to the state agencies alone, the polluters will get off the hook,” Holleman reidscafeandcatering.com Appalachian Voices — the publisher stated. Photo by Alexa Williams/Southern Environmental Law Center Continued on next page (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com

Page 8 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 visit: Page 9 The state of West Virginia has not Coal Ash yet adopted the federal coal ash rule, Continued from previous page a West Virginia Department of Envi- This Green House ronmental Protection spokesperson potential pollution from moving the noted. Instead, the agency regulates ash were too great. coal ash and monitors groundwater for An Innovative Cleanup of the Gallatin site — the state’s impoundments under a state which under the 2015 federal coal ash Biochar System solid waste management rule. Regard- rule was supposed to take place as soon less, Lisa Evans with Earthjustice says, By Dave Walker as possible following Nov. 1, 2018 — has “the companies still have to comply been pushed to Nov. 1, 2020 due to The kiln at Against the Grain Farm with the federal requirements.” Pruitt’s rollback. TVA must still com- in Zionville, N.C., is fired, turning bio- In a public comment to the EPA, plete the cleanup by the end of 2023. mass — wood, sorghum stalks, and Vivian Stockman with nonprofit or- animal bones — into biochar, a soil ganization Ohio Valley Environmental Kentucky and amendment similar to charcoal. Hot Coalition lambasted the agency’s pro- West Virginia gas is released through the process, posed rollbacks. At left, from l-r: the biochar kiln at Against In early 2017, Kentucky put for- flowing from a tube through a plant “In West Virginia, we have seen the Grain Farm; a finished 10-pound ward a plan that would have allowed As part of a settlement with citizen groups in 2014, American Electric Power paid nearly $100,000 dehydrator to heat a thermal water time and again that polluters will skimp batch of biochar; and the food dehydrator utilities to self-regulate coal ash storage and agreed to bring water pollution levels from this coal ash pond in Winfield, W.Va., back within tank. The heated water drawn from the at Springhouse Farm, with a rooftop or pass on cleanup efforts when regula- and disposal, with little public input. legal levels. Photo by Vivian Stockman/Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Flight by Southwings tank passes through small irrigation heat water when the kiln is not in use, Both farms are highly diversified, solar thermal array and biochar kiln Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip tors look the other way,” the comment pass the Coal Ash Management Act later lina Field Coordinator Ridge Graham tubes below rows of vegetable plant an efficient storage tank for the heated each growing over 50 different variet- behind. Above, tubes running through Shepherd overturned the plan in Janu- reads. “If enacted, EPA’s proposal to the greenhouse at Springhouse Farm use that year to monitor the cleanup and clo- says, “Ideally, the state rules will pro- starts, heating the young plants inside energy, a root-zone heating system for ies of vegetables for farmers’ markets, ary 2018, stating that the changes “are gut cleanup requirements would mean excess heat from the biochar process to sure of impoundments across the state. vide DEQ the authority to protect the farm’s passive solar greenhouse, plants, and a dehydrator for the gas restaurants and their farms’ weekly not supported by any rational basis or polluters could avoid cleanup, and warm seedlings. Photos courtesy of Nexus At press time in late May, the state public health and the environment which is designed to collect heat from exhausted from the kiln. subscription boxes. Both farms are also substantial evidence,” according to the that would mean continuing water Project/ASU. Department of Environmental Quality and enforce their own regulations in a the sun in the winter. Biochar is made by interrupting certified organic and focus on building Louisville Courier Journal. contamination.” was drafting new rules that would more way that can’t be manipulated by Duke When the biochar is removed the decay or burning of wood or other the soil. Documents obtained by WFPL bone, sorghum waste, wood chips, and North Carolina closely align with the federal standards. Energy’s political pressure.” from the kiln, it isn’t yet ready to be types of biomass. By heating the source While Against the Grain Farm and News in Louisville, Ky., show that Christmas trees are all being tested to In February 2014, a Duke Energy The impact of the EPA’s regulatory roll- The DEQ is scheduled to submit added to soil. Biochar’s value as a soil material in a chamber with limited Springhouse Farm are just beginning to utilities had months of correspondence understand how those biochar prod- coal ash pond in Eden, N.C., spilled back on North Carolina’s revised rules the final draft to the state Environ- amendment comes from providing a oxygen, 50 percent of the wood or other explore the multiple uses of their new with state officials, whereas the public ucts improve soil health. 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan is uncertain. Dave Rogers with the Si- mental Management Commission in porous home for beneficial microbes. biomass is turned into a stable carbon Nexus biochar systems, Springhouse got a single public hearing and stan- Yu says, “Nexus research on River, prompting the state legislature to erra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign says July, which will be followed by a 60-day At Against the Grain Farm, the biochar form that does not break down. Farm has already seen a 60 percent dard public comment period. greenhouse heating systems serves that the DEQ’s draft rules are “designed public comment period. is inoculated with these microbes by “It’s non-biodegradable in hu- reduction in its propane use by transi- community by enhancing access to to work hand-in-hand” with Pruitt’s Environmental advocate and soaking in compost tea, a nutrient- man scale terms,” says Dan Hettinger, tioning to root zone heating from the fresh local produce, farmers by in- proposed weakening of the federal coal Greensboro, N.C., resident Caroline rich liquid formed by steeping aged biochar facility manager at Living Web farm’s blower heater. This allows the creasing their income throughout the ash regulations. Armijo questions the changes to the compost or worm castings in water. Farms in Mills River, N.C. “Otherwise if farm to more economically establish year, and the local environment and “Any weakening of the federal stan- state and federal rules. This charges the medium like a battery. it rotted or was burned, it would release its own plant starts during the winter economy by conserving fossil-fuel dards, and adoption of such weakening “Why do they need to be changed? “Soil is the soul of the farm. It is that carbon into the atmosphere as while reducing its carbon footprint. “I love your new format. energy and expense while reducing by North Carolina, puts communities I’m just concerned that most of our gov- the bridge of what’s deeper down in carbon dioxide. We are literally seques- As the Nexus team continues to It makes a classy magazine greenhouse gas and smog emissions near coal ash dumps at risk,” Rogers ernment action works in Duke’s favor,” the subsoil and everything that hap- tering carbon and we have third-party work with Springhouse Farm and normally associated with greenhouse even classier! You never wrote in an email. Armijo says. “We don’t want the rules pens above — weather, climate, the verification that this process is carbon Against the Grain Farm to incorporate heating and transportation of non- cease to amaze me with According to Rogers, a strict EPA to be weakened in any way, because we solar system,” says Holly Whitesides negative.” the systems into everyday farm life, of Against the Grain Farm. “Adding local produce.” u the great story topics coal ash rule is necessary because it want to clean up the community and Living Web Farms, which has been the team is also experimenting to provides a “strong federal backstop in protect our community members.” u compost and making it a foundation working on biochar systems for the find the most efficient biomass feeder For more information about the and excellent writers to of our farm increases our production last five years, uses the biochar on its stocks for biochar, according to Dr. Nexus system, visit ok.tec.appstate.edu/ case anything does change at the state For updates on state and fed- tell the great tales of our and offsets the risk of disease, pests and pasture with cover crops and livestock. Ok-Youn Yu, principal investigator for biomass. For Dan Hettinger’s blogs and level as we’ve seen and experienced in eral coal ash rules, visit appvoices.org/ weather, helping us meet expenses on According to a blog post by Hettinger, the Nexus Project and a professor at videos about how to make a biochar area. Carolina Mountain North Carolina.” frontporchblog Appalachian Voices’ North Caro- our small farm.” Living Web Farms yields an average of Appalachian State University. Animal system, visit livingwebfarms.org. Life is now even more of a This combination of different tech- 7,400 pounds of biochar each week, keepsake. Congratulations nologies into one system is a result of which could sequester 5,189 pounds on 20 years!” Appalachian State University’s Nexus of carbon. Hettinger calculated that Project. Between 2013 and 2018, Nexus his 60-mile, round-trip work commute —Harris Prevost brought together a team of professors VP of Grandfather Mountain emits about 290 pounds of carbon and students to design the system weekly, which means the farm seques- 2018 CLEAN ENERGY WORKSHOPS at their site in Boone, N.C., and then ters roughly 18 times more carbon each Aug 24 2018 NC Residential Energy Code shared the model with small-scale week than is created by his commute. Training farms in the community. At Watauga County’s Against the Sept 7 Closing the Loop: Why Do We Need Post Each design is unique to the farm “What a great magazine!” Grain Farm and at nearby Springhouse Occupancy Evaluations for Buildings? but employs technology that can be Farm, the Nexus team worked with Sept 14 2018 Appalachian Clean Energy CLE 828-737-0771 • PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 free wireless internet built in local communities and is farmers to integrate the existing farm Locally roasted Fair Trade Sept 21-22 Microhydro System Design & Installation At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country frappes & fruit smoothies low-cost and user-friendly. The Nexus infrastructure into a daily system that ... and online at CMLmagazine.com homemade pastries & desserts system focuses on biochar production allows them to create multiple benefits Coffee & Espresso but also has solar thermal panels to For details, continuing education credits & more workshops: [email protected] from the biochar-making process. 221 w. state street black mountain, nc 828.669.0999 www.dripolator.com energy.appstate.edu [email protected] 828-262-8913 Page 10 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 11 How One Neighborhood Won The Fight for Representation Clean Water and Voting Rights The Fight for By Sarah Kellogg paid about twice as much that was actually promised Representation Continued from previous page Springtime in Stokes County, N.C., for their water as those to us. But it was also a civil is warm and green, with hardwood within town limits. Until rights issue, they did not want concerns about fracking, without the trees leafing out, fields full of flow- being annexed, Hairston, a black person on their board ability to vote, they were unable to stop ers, and small white churches nestled who recently became a in Walnut Cove.” the test. Of the core samples drilled among the greenery. The rural nature board member of Appala- “The reason that they around the state at the time, only the of the county does not seem to have chian Voices, the publish- didn’t want to annex the peo- one taken from Walnut Tree showed changed much in the past 100 years. er of this newspaper, paid ple in the Walnut Tree is be- signs of a natural gas deposit. $108 every two months cause it is a predominantly Horses still wander in the pastures, “That put us all on notice and we Dave Webster and his wife, unable to drink the water in their home for the past 20 years, will no and folks still know their neighbors. just to keep the water in black neighborhood,” Hair- all started working as a group again,” longer have to rely on bottled water thanks to the annexation. Photo by Charles Leftwich, courtesy But for one small community in the his mother’s house turned ston agrees, “and they didn’t Linster recalls. “We started having of The Stokes News. After the Town of Walnut Cove took down the Walnut Tree playground, county, things are finally changing, on. Now he pays $84 every want the votes at the time.” meetings, and that’s when everyone Walnut Tree residents rallied to build a new playground, above. Photo by Sarah Kellogg two months for town wa- Those larger civil rights after a decades-long fight for voting could see the light again, because Linster, filed suit against the Town of the good old Democratic people and annexation “has been a very long jour- ter, which doesn’t smell, issues manifested in tangi- rights and clean water. before that we didn’t have any light.” Walnut Cove. some Republicans that supported us. ney, a journey that I think I deserved, a and that cost includes ble ways: in 2014, Hairston Walnut Tree is a community of 73 Over the decades, Walnut Tree Led by Hairston, the community We had three write-in candidates and journey that we all deserved. This was trash pick-up. discovered that the Town of homes located in Stokes County on the residents watched the Town of Walnut also started organizing for the upcom- all three won, including the mayor who a victory, this showed that the barrier The water was so bad Ada Linster, one of the first property owners in Walnut Tree, celebrating Walnut Cove had shut down outskirts of the town of Walnut Cove. Cove annex several other, predomi- ing local elections. won by about 30 votes.” has been broken. They finally walked in that in 1995, the Farm- with friends after the community was officially annexed into the Town Walnut Tree’s playground, Built in the early 1970s as affordable nantly white, subdivisions, but still “Before the lawsuit was settled, we Replacing the town commission- and picked up a black neighborhood, ers Home Administration of Walnut Cove. Photo courtesy of Amanda Dodson, The Stokes News where Hairston himself had housing, Walnut Tree residents bought in January 2017, their petition for an- started a write-in campaign,” Hairston ers meant Walnut Tree stood a much instead of a white one.” advised that it would sus- played as a child. houses with the expectation that they to coal ash — the toxic by-product of nexation was denied by a vote of 3 to explains. “Even though we were not in greater chance of annexation, and in To other communities fighting for pend any new loans for houses in the “The kids had nowhere to play!” would soon be annexed into the town burning coal —which in the ‘70s and 2, with the white members of the town the town limits we participated in the 2018, the lawsuit was settled by con- their rights, Hairston had this to say: Walnut Tree development until there recalls Hairston. of Walnut Cove. Forty-five years later, ‘80s fell visibly on houses, cars, gar- board of commissioners voting no. So, election system that year by going out sent decree, which allowed the newly “Come together. When you come to- was “a dependable and acceptable “Annexation would have given the in February 2018, they finally were. dens, and, according to some residents, in September 2017, with help from the and bringing people into the polls to elected Board of Commissioners to vote gether and you fight the fight together source of water.” To this day, many of children more of a say-so of what was Walnut Tree is a predominantly was even disposed of in large, uncon- University of North Carolina Center vote that actually live in the town of on the issue. This time, the commu- and you are determined not to lose, the lots in Walnut Tree remain empty going in our area, instead of things be- African-American community, while tained piles within the neighborhood. for Civil Rights and the Raleigh-based Walnut Cove. We got 90 percent of the nity finally saw victory with the board you will win. There will be setbacks, because developers would not build ing taken away from us,” says Linster. Stokes County is mostly white. Mort- Disproportionately burdened by law firm of K&L Gates, the Walnut Tree black people that live in the town limits unanimously voting to annex Walnut but don’t ever let a setback stop you. knowing the water quality was so poor. “They took away their playground and gages for the houses of Walnut Tree pollution and ignored by town officials Community Association along with to come out and vote, and persuaded Tree into the town of Walnut Cove. Know that as long as you are fighting Twenty years ago, Stokes County we couldn’t even vote.” were originally offered by the Farmers for decades, the fight for annexation independent residents, including According to Linster, the path to that fight, eventually you will win.” u Home Administration, a former federal received a $260,000 grant for a new was not just about water, it was also Motivated by his late mother’s agency, as part of an effort to increase private water system for Walnut Tree a fight for representation. Without wishes, Hairston raised money for a homeownership among African- that was built and then sold by the annexation into the town of Walnut new Walnut Tree playground, receiv- Americans in the South. Although county to the Town of Walnut Cove Cove, Walnut Tree residents were un- ing grants from several foundations African-American residents in the for a small fee. Walnut Tree was at that able to vote in local elections for the and donations from residents and area did move from renting to owning point connected to town water, but town board of commissioners and the businesses in Walnut Cove and the their own homes through the program, still residents found the water unus- mayor. Politically, they were power- surrounding area. The new playground people in the Walnut Tree neighbor- able and the bills exorbitantly high. less to change the water system, and was completed in 2017. hood soon found serious issues with Additionally, their concerns about the though they petitioned the town for “Everybody helped us get that the water, which was supplied by a water and its source — was it actually annexation four times, each time the playground,” Hairston remarks, “ex- private system. coming from the town well? — were proposal was voted down by the town cept the Town of Walnut Cove.” “It smelled bad, like rotten eggs,” ignored by town officials. commissioners that Walnut Tree resi- For residents of Walnut Tree, the explains David Hairston, president of In addition to suffering from poor dents could not vote for. issue of annexation took on new life the Walnut Tree Community Associa- water quality, residents also dealt with Ada Linster moved into her home in 2015 when the Town of Walnut Cove tion and leader of the most recent fight air quality issues caused by the neigh- in Walnut Tree in 1972 and has been a approved core sample drilling to test for annexation. “It was discolored too.” boring coal-fired power plant, Duke leader in the fight for annexation ever for natural gas deposits in the Walnut Not only was the water unusable, Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station. since. “Back then,” she explains, “we Tree community. Despite the objec- discolored and sediment-laden, it was Since the neighborhood was built, wanted to be annexed so we could tions of Walnut Tree residents and their residents of Walnut Tree were exposed also expensive. Residents of Walnut Tree have clean water and have the service Continued on next page Building Art and Community While Cleaning Up Coal Ash A public art project underway in By using coal ash as a building Another primary goal of the project Walnut Cove, N.C., is intended to raise material, The Lilies Project aims to dem- is to build community in southeastern awareness of the hazards posed by coal onstrate an alternative to storing the toxic Stokes County. Since its January kickoff, ash and to create a community gather- substance in unlined impoundments like members of The Lilies Project have partici- ing space. Caroline Rutledge Armijo, the the one at Duke Energy’s nearby Belews pated in the Clean the Cove litter pickup project leader, is working with scientists at Creek Steam Station. day as well as ongoing efforts to clean up North Carolina Agricultural and Technical The lilies theme honors the late com- coal ash. Participants also held an oral State University to encapsulate the ash in poser Jester Hairston from Belews Creek, history event and film screening in March, polymer and use it to sculpt large lilies for N.C., who wrote and sang the music for and plan to collect and share stories from public display. the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field.” community members. — By Molly Moore

Page 12 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 13 A Backyard Pollinator Paradise Make your yard a haven for colorful moths, hummingbirds and more le By Ashley Goodman terflies, hummingbirds and other flower-loving riker has been beekeeping for six years, and her ab You have just planted azaleas creatures. This can be as simple as a few flowers father kept bees for 30 years. Carriker gardens ark or a more complex habitat that functions like a with pollen-rich plants to ensure her honeybees Rem in your garden, and already miner bees are whirring about small village, offering food, water and shelter. get the nutrients they need. they move pollen within individual flowers and North American pollinators where long-term the pink blossoms. No matter your space and budget, starting a According to Carriker, as seasons go by she also from one plant to another. Some plants rely data is available, population numbers are trend- pollinator garden is a great way to invite native notes which plants her bees prefer to determine f the world’s more than 240,000 species They have started on a particular pollinating companion — the ing “demonstrably downward.” pollinators to your yard. what to buy next year; some of her bees’ favorites of flowering plants, approximately 75 making homes in O magnolia family, for instance, which includes the Yet between cultivating native flowers and Start by selecting a diverse range of native include bee balm, lavender and tulip poplars. percent rely on pollinators. These crucial crea- dead logs around your Fraser magnolia and tulip poplar, is exclusively eliminating herbicide and pesticide use — or plants, each with different blooming seasons, “Every year, I try to add more pollinator plants tures help transfer pollen from male to female garden, bringing life to the pollinated by beetles. at the very least, adhering to best practices for colors and shapes to appeal to a variety of pol- to my property,” Carriker says. “I know plants I flower parts and ensure the survival of the next yard. A blossoming garden But while pollinators are a vital link in the those chemicals — there are a number of ways linators. The Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit like, and I keep lists of plants the bees like.” generation of plants — and the animals that isn’t just beautiful — it’s also natural world, they are also increasingly at people can assist the countless bees, bats, birds, pollinator conservation group, suggests planting Some native pollinators have physiologically depend on them. Pollinators include insects like a valuable resource for native risk. There is much that science does not know butterflies, beetles, flies and more that keep Ap- flowers in clusters to create “targets” for visitors. evolved to fertilize native plants, according to bees and butterflies in addition to birds, bats and pollinators. about the various bees, like honeybees and palachia blooming. Most pollinators prefer flowers with bright the North American Pollinator Protection Cam- other animals. A garden composed of native, pollen- bumblebees, that are managed by beekeepers for On the following pages, meet some of the colors: hummingbirds and butterflies prefer paign. Beetles, for example, were some of the first Some of these pollinators are drawn to flow- rich plants is a safe haven for bees, but- agricultural purposes. Even less is known about region’s pollinator species and learn more about vibrant reds, and bees prefer yellows and blues, insects to visit flowers. As a result, ancient plants ers because of the nutritional value of the pollen how native, wild insects are faring. According what residents can do — and are already doing according to the group. like magnolia are pollinated solely by beetles. itself, while others are lured by nectar, resins and Native flowers like Echinacea purpurea, left, to a National Research Center review, for those — to help. are critical resources for butterflies and other In North Carolina, Caldwell County Bee- fragrances. As they travel from flower to flower, Continued on page 20 pollinators. Photo by Angel Hjarding/NCWF keepers Association Vice President Tracey Car-

Hummingbird Hairy Flower Chafer Beetle hind legs, which makes them effective pollinators. It takes Identification: Distinguished by its dark coloring, slender body Meet Appalachia’s Pollinators 250 to 300 female orchard mason bees to pollinate an acre and widely spaced hairs on hind leg. Clearwing Moth (Trichiotinus piger) By Hannah Gillespie and Ashley Goodman While bees pollinate 80 percent of flowering of orchard. Males are stationed at the entrance to the nest to What They Pollinate: Azalea flowers and other species of (Hemaris thysbe) Range: Throughout the Eastern give the more productive females a better chance of surviving rhododendron plants, many other animals and insects help pol- United States Long before Europeans brought honeybees Range: Eastern United a predatory attack. When: March to September, most active between April and May linate flora, from bats and birds to butterflies and Habitat: Open areas with flowers to North America, native bees pollinated much of States and across Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List Fun Facts: Azalea miner bees are not aggressive, and they, near woodlands even beetles. Canada along with other ground-nesting miner bees, are among the the continent’s plants. According to the U.S. Forest Identification: This beetle has a Below are several of the extraordinary native Habitat: Open and second-growth habitats, Eastern Carpenter Bee first bees to emerge in the spring Service, native bees are more efficient pollinators dark black or brown body with gardens and suburbs. (Xylocopa virginica) Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List bees, birds, bugs and butterflies who play vital roles two horizontal pale stripes on of native crops. This is due to their unique ability Identification: This moth has an olive green back and a reddish- in pollination in Appalachia. each wing. Its upper thorax Range: Eastern United States to perform buzz pollination, a process where a bee brown abdomen. Its wings are clear, with a black or brown Rusty Patched Bumblebee and abdomen are covered and Southern Canada border, and are nearly invisible when they fly. Males have a (Bombus affinis) uses a rapid vibration movement to loosen pollen. Conservation Sources — The International Union for with dense hair which pokes Habitat: Females use their flared “tail” like that of a hovering hummingbird. This allows them to pollinate pumpkins, cherries, Conservation of Nature is a coalition that tracks global con- out from beneath the beetle’s jaws to cut deep holes in Range: Historically in the Upper What They Pollinate: Red clover, lilac, snowberry and blueberry, servation statuses. The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species wings and collect pollen. thick wooden structures. Midwest and Eastern North blueberries or cranberries, among others. among others What They Pollinate: Flowers include Queen Anne’s lace, New The female will deposit America, their range has There are a variety of native bees — some nest includes: Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Caterpillar Host Plants: Dwarf and coral honeysuckle, Jersey tea, hydrangea, dogwood and Indian hemp, also her eggs and some pollen declined by an estimated 87 underground, while others find or construct holes in Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and snowberry, hawthorns, cherries and plums known as hemp dogbane grains for each larvae to percent recently. Currently Extinct. The nonprofit Xerces Society ranks at-risk pollinators as: When: March to October wood and rocks. Some species of bees specialize in When: April through August eat once it hatches. A the species may be present Vulnerable, Imperiled, Critically Imperiled and Possibly Extinct. Fun Facts: These moths are easily confused for hummingbirds pollinating distinct plants. Fun Facts: Beetles in this genus are known as bee-like flower male guards the entrance in the Midwest, Northern thanks to their thick, fuzzy bodies and ability to hover. But their scarabs because the pollen-collecting capability of the hair on from other males. There Virginia and West Virginia. antennae, clear wings and lack of a beak will give them away. their bodies resembles that of bees. are typically one or two Habitat: Near or within The moths are 1.75 to 2.25 inches long, while hummingbirds Birds, Bugs & Butterflies Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List generations per hive per year. woodlands. Typically resides Ruby-throated average 3 to 5 inches long. Identification: Both males and females have black heads, a in abandoned rodent nests Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List thorax with short yellow hairs and a bald spot in the center, Diana Fritillary Hummingbird located one to four feet (Archilochus colubris) and an abdomen that is glossy, black and hairless. underground. (Speyeria diana) Drone Fly Bees What They Pollinate: Flowers and vegetables such as eggplants Identification: Worker and male bees have a distinctive patch Range: Throughout the United Range: Southern Appalachians and (Eristalis tenax) and tomatoes. This bee is a generalist, meaning it can pollinate on their yellow abdomen — queens do not. All other abdomen States Blue Orchard Ozark Mountains Range: Throughout the United States multiple species. segments are black. Habitat: Primarily wooded areas Habitat: The edges and openings of rich, Habitat: Larvae require areas of Mason Bee When: March to August, hibernates in winter What They Pollinate: Cranberry, tomato and pepper plants, and grasslands, but they moist mountain forests stagnant water and decaying Fun Facts: The Eastern carpenter bee performs buzz pollination among others also frequent colorful flower (Osmia lignaria) Identification: Males’ wings are organic material to develop. Adults and is known to steal nectar for food without pollinating the When: March to October, most active May through August gardens Range: Throughout the United black on the lower half and orange live in rural and urban areas with plant. These bees are solitary and do not form colonies. Fun Facts: They perform buzz pollination and typically pollinate Identification: Ruby-throated States with black veins and spots on the outer accessible flowers for nectar. Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List within one kilometer of their nest. hummingbirds are bright Habitat: Mason bees live around half. Females’ wings are black with Identification: Dark metallic blue in Conservation Status: Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and emerald or golden-green on forest edges and nest in holes white spots in the outer wing and blue coloring and around 10 millimeters Azalea Miner Bee Wildlife Service; Critically Endangered, IUCN Red List the back and crown with gray within dead wood. They use spots on the hindwing. Underwings long. (Andrena cornelli) and white underparts. Males have an iridescent red throat. clay to seal entrances and create are green with no spots. What They Pollinate: Species include sassafras, red trillium, What They Pollinate: Wildflowers like cardinal flower, trumpet partitions between eggs. Range: Eastern United States Photo credits — Diana Fritillary, Dr. Thomas G. What They Pollinate: Species include milkweed, ironweed and skunk cabbage and jack-in-the-pulpit creeper, penstemons, bee balm and phlox Identification: Dark metallic blue in Habitat: In early spring, females Barnes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Ruby-throated red clover When: Early spring through late fall When: March through July coloring. Males are 9 to 10 millimeters, whereas dig holes in dry soil to store Hummingbird, Bill Wakeham; Hummingbird Clearwing Caterpillar Host Plants: Violets Fun Facts: Drone flies almost perfectly imitate bees, which can Fun Facts: Their wings beat over 50 times per second. females are 10 to 11 millimeters. pollen and eggs and may Moth, Neal Lewis, Shenandoah National Park; Drone Fly, When: June through September dissuade hungry predators. They have furry yellow and black Hummingbirds make nests from spider webs, grass and plant What They Pollinate: A wide variety of fruit trees and berry reuse these nests. The young Dimitris Barelos; Hairy Flower Chafer Beetle, Elizabeth Fun Facts: This butterfly is named after Diana, the Roman bodies and mimic the flight patterns of bees, but have two fibers, which are lined with plant down and camouflaged in bushes, plus flowers in the rose family remain in the nest until they Sellers; Blue Orchard Mason Bee, Lynette Elliot; Eastern goddess of the moon and hunting, and protector of women. wings while bees have four. Around the world, other species of dead leaves and lichen. When: March through May emerge as adult bees the next Carpenter Bee, Rollin Coville; Azalea Miner Bee, Brian The Diana fritillary is the state butterfly of Arkansas. drone fly pollinate coffee, chocolate and bananas. Conservation Status: Least Vulnerable, IUCN Red List Fun Facts: They carry pollen on their bellies, rather than their spring. Valentine; Rusty Patched Bumblebee, Clay Bolt. Conservation Status: Vulnerable, Xerces Society Conservation Status: Not assessed, IUCN Red List Facing page: new beekeepers examine hives as part of hive boxes mark where new beekeepers Is it Colony “Honey bee health is still a big is- the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective. Photo provided Keeping Bees are learning the practice as part of the Collapse Disorder? sue, honey bees are still dying, but one Continued from previous page by Appalachian Headwaters. At left, honeybees feed on honey from their hive. Below, James Wilkes Appalachian Beekeeping Collective. The term “colony collapse thing that’s happened is beekeepers back to their own hives.” demonstrates how to use HiveTracks, a record- Appalachian Headwaters is a non- disorder” emerged in 2006 to describe are pretty creative,” says Wilkes. “Bee- However, Wilkes of Hive keeping software he created for beekeepers. profit organization founded in 2016 to the phenomenon where the majority keepers have responded to the losses Tracks suggests that the pesti- Photos courtesy of James Wilkes. focus on restoration of mine lands in of adult worker bees disappear from by replacing those losses, by growing cide issue can be minimized the region. The Appalachian Beekeep- the hive. more bees, and the bee population tion. She pushes for expanding the by controlling the location of ing Collective was created out of this James Wilkes operates his family- themselves have recovered and not queen production industry, which bee yards. He has experience in 2017 as an economic development protecting owned Faith Mountain Farm in Cres- continued to decline. It’s kind of be- involves growing and selling queens, facilitating conversations with opportunity for southern West Virginia. ton, N.C., where he sells honey and coming the way that you keep bees. as well as getting Appalachian beeswax america’s beekeepers and pesticide users. The program provides supplies, sup- baked goods and has kept bees for 11 You are intimately involved.” for cosmetics to the rest of predominant Tammy Horn Potter advises port and training to low-income and years. He is the CEO of Hive Tracks, the country. Threats to the Hive people to consider the hours that displaced workers, among others. pollinator a recordkeeping application for bee- “The cosmetics The U.S. National Agricultural they spray pesticides, if they cannot be This year, the program has worked keepers, and is also a computer sci- [industry] won’t Statistics Service found parasitic varroa avoided. Kentucky’s mosquito spray- with 35 trainees. According to Kate ence professor at Appalachian State touch beeswax mites to be the primary colony stressor ing program, for instance, operates beekeeper Charlie Parton. Asquith, director of programs at Ap- University. from hives in the in 2016. between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. “That whole “We need to keep that palachian Headwaters, they hope to Wilkes says that after a hive experi- United States According to Kentucky State Apia- idea is to give the product time to dry alive and part of that is add an additional 75 trainee beekeep- By Hannah Gillespie demand for products from the hive, ences collapse disorder, “usually there’s because of how rist Tammy Horn Potter, the varroa before pollinators are flying,” she says. local honey.” ers in 2019. including local honey. brood left and a queen and a few adult many chemicals Richard Reid began beekeeping in mite arrived in the United States in the The Xerces Society also suggests Local honey is in high The organization is now process- Charlie Parton has kept bees for bees, whereas two weeks before there can be found in- Blacksburg, Va., in 1973 when his land- late 1980s. The mite lives on, feeds on limiting the application of pesticides to demand, according to Par- ing and promoting the collective’s nearly 40 years in Maryville, Tenn. was a bee population in the hive and all side,” says Horn Pot- lord asked him to tend to a few hives and transfers viruses to the bee at every the target plants to prevent drift. ton. “I can never produce honey to high-demand markets that In the past two decades, Parton has the pieces [were] functioning well. You ter. “We continue to on the property. To learn the practice, life stage. Bees are defenseless to this In addition to pesticides and para- enough local honey,” he says. would otherwise be inaccessible to worked to expand his colonies and know you have done everything that have to import wax from Reid took classes from an entomolo- parasite without attentive beekeepers sites, sometimes honeybee troubles “I lost 50 percent of my bees this small-scale beekeepers. This year will served two terms as the president of you normally do and still you experi- Africa for our cosmetics industry.” gist at Virginia Tech. Now, he owns and that use chemicals to kill the mites. come from poor nutrition. winter so this is a rebuilding year for be the first time their honey is sold. the Tennessee Beekeepers Association. ence loss.” Proper pesticide management operates Happy Hollow Honey, which “It requires more hands-on time,” “Bees need to have pollen for pro- me. So that means people are not going “By selling it out of the region and Now, he sells honey and honeybees. In a 2012 article in the North would lead to higher quality wax, Horn consists of 100 to 250 colonies. says Virginia beekeeper Richard Reid. tein,” says Reid. “They need it for rais- to have enough local product.” with good marketing, we hope that “An old beekeeper used to tell me, Carolina State Beekeepers Associa- Potter says, and is essential for this in- However, his journey hasn’t been “It’s good to breed from your own queens ing young, healthy bees. They also need Honey’s purported health benefits we’re able to help people get a much ‘some people are bee-havers and some tion’s publication Bee Buzz, N.C. State dustry to bloom in Appalachia. without struggle. that tend to deal with mites really well to have nectar in order to overwinter are also driving demand. “I have nu- larger benefit from their work,” says are bee-keepers.’ And back then, you University Extension Apiculturist David According to Everett Oertel, former In 1995, Reid gave up beekeeping and are good honey producers. You pick and create honey. Some years aren’t merous people that buy honey from Asquith. “The next phase of our work could be a bee-haver because we didn’t Tarpy states, “When it comes to recent apiculturist with the U.S. Department for a time after parasitic varroa mites out the ones that have all the good traits very conducive to good nutrition, when me,” Parton says. “They’ll tell me, ‘My is starting to work with people who have all the issues with mites and maybe findings dealing with honey bee health, of Agriculture, the queen-rearing mar- completely wiped out his bees. and you breed new queens from those. the weather is hot and rainy, so you end doctor told me to get some local honey have skills already and helping them some of the pesticides from emissions,” these reports can actually be oversim- ket began in Massachusetts in 1861. In “Shortly thereafter, a swarm moved It’s quite easy once you get the hang of it up with deficits that may compromise to help my allergies.’” to expand their businesses so we really Parton says. “So basically the bees plified, where anything dealing with recent decades, developments have in and actually lived there for 12 years and equipment to put them in to expand the bees’ health.” In addition to the widespread work with all sorts of beekeepers.” thrived, [and] we had to do very little honey bee mortality is immediately been made to produce hybrid and without me touching them or interfer- and start new colonies.” belief that local honey can provide The honeybee’s decline and incon- as far as treatments or anything like equated with [colony collapse disor- The Bee Economy artificially inseminated bees. ing with them at all,” says Reid. “So I Another threat to hives comes from immunity to seasonal allergies, honey sistent recovery shows the need for in- that. It was just a completely different der]. This is just simply not the case!” According to Horn Potter, honey With the latest colony losses, “we thought the bees were doing pretty well the small hive beetle, which usually can also be used to boost energy or as formed beekeepers is growing. Colony world in beekeeping then compared to James Wilkes echoes the sentiment bees arrived in the United States with are always short of queens every single with varroa mites. Since I always really invades around June or July. According a topical treatment for scalp conditions losses due to bee health problems can now ... unlike today where [beekeep- that the phrase “colony collapse disor- European settlers in the 1600s. year,” says Horn Potter. “To me, this liked [beekeeping], about 10 years ago I to Horn Potter, the female beetle will lay and wounds, according to a website be prevented or recouped with atten- ers have] got to be on top of every new der” is overused. “Throughout the 17th and 18th region would produce a really good got back in it again. And this time, much eggs throughout the hive. When these run by Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteo- tive management by beekeepers. development.” centuries, honey provided a sweetener quality queen.” more intensively than prior to that. So eggs develop, they feed off the hive’s pol- pathic physician. “If you want to get into beekeep- and was used for its soothing quality I have been expanding since 2008 and len and honey, and then defecate, which Horn Potter believes the Appala- A New Bee-ginning ing,” says Richard Reid, “join a local this is sort of the new phase of beekeep- Annual Honeybee Colony Loss in Appalachia in cough syrups,” says Horn Potter. causes the bees to abandon the hive. chian region has bee-related economic Atop a vast open field in the moun- club, take a class and have fun.” u ing for me.” WV VA TN NC SC KY The use of pesticides is another “It’s also antibacterial, so it could help 90% opportunities beyond honey produc- tains of West Virginia, at least 50 bee- Other long-term beekeepers echo major threat to bees. According to the deal with surface wounds. Beeswax this rocky timeline, full of extreme loss- % was critically important as far as wa- 80 Xerces Society for Invertebrate Con- thing, I told one of my boys website. It is said that if a yellow terproofing boots, coats and candles. ” Appalachian Bee Legends es and gradual recoveries. Since the late servation, an international nonprofit that the bees would have to be news bee perches on some- 70% 1980s, honeybees’ health has suffered organization, insecticides can be lethal The practice of beekeeping as it In John Parris’ “Mountain America. It is believed that when moved. He and another fellow one’s finger, it is good luck. On is known today became widespread Bred,” a book of Appalachian a beekeeper dies, someone due to a variety of factors, including % and at the very least affect bees’ forag- went out — it was still dark and the other hand, a black news 60 folktales and legends, he dedi- must tell the bees or they will parasites, pathogens, pesticides and ing and nesting habits. on mountain farms by the mid-20th cold — and moved the bees. bee signifies imminent death. cates a chapter to the Appa- leave or die. In Kentucky, this poor nutrition. 50% This is a more pressing problem century, according to Timothy Osment, There was 23 stands. Since then The species known as the lachian folklore surrounding telling was done through a song. I’ve lost but two ... Now, I know, news bee is not technically a bee According to The Bee Informed in areas where the landscape is domi- a masters graduate from Western Caro- 40% beekeeping. In 1967, Parris Parris recounted a similar as sure as I’m a-settin’ here, but a type of fly. The yellowjacket Partnership, a nonprofit public re- lina University. nated by industrial-scale agriculture. spoke with county farm agent belief that if the beekeeper dies, if them bees hadn’t of been hoverfly –– Milesia virginien- “This whole industry of growing search collaboration, the number of 30% “In some areas, like where we are in Paul Gibson who stated that the bees will die too, unless they moved there wouldn’t be sis –– is named for its abil- bee colonies in the Appalachian region the mountains ... we don’t have any big bees, selling bees has gone through the some believe “if a colony of bees are moved. In 1975, he verified a one out there now. I ity to hover over flowers. has been declining by roughly 25 per- 20% agribusiness here, and I’m not seeing roof,” says Wilkes. “That, coupled with swarm, you’ve got to get out and this with Eliza Jane Bradley, a know what I’m talkin’ It is often mistaken for ring a bell or beat on a dishpan Cherokee, N.C., native who was cent each year since 2010. With recent pesticide use as any kind of problem to [the number of] hobbyist beekeepers about.” a hornet because of its 10% before they’ll settle.” the recent widow of a master honey bee losses and developments exploding because everybody’s inter- In other Appala- aggressive flying and speak of,” says Reid. “Bees are sampling German and English colo- beekeeper. “The Old Man died ested in bees, which is great.” chian folklore, the “news buzzing, but unlike hor- in treatments, the role of informed 0 their whole area, many thousands of nists in the Appalachian region about 3:30 in the morning,” beekeepers is increasingly important. 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 “There’s a pretty big movement on bee” appears as an omen, nets and bees, it only has acres, and bringing little pieces of that began a practice of “telling the Bradley recalled. “Right away according to history buff Dave two wings instead of four. At the same time, there is a growing Trends of annual honeybee colony loss in Appalachia from 2010 to 2017, data eating local and knowing where your bees,” according to Tammy we sent to Bryson City for the Tabler’s Appalachian History provided by the Bee Informed Partnership Continued on next page food comes from,” says Tennessee Horn Potter’s book Bees in undertaker. And the very next Photo by Mark Robinson

Page 16 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 17 Hazardous Spray Working Toward Since then, Powell Val- Hazardous Spray Continued from previous page Cooperation ley has included spraying With public concern schedules on their website, Residents and beekeepers work with electric creased likelihood of colony collapse about chemical use on in their community maga- disorder, a phenomenon in which a cooperatives to opt out of herbicide applications the rise, Powell Valley and zine and twice in their bills: majority of worker bees disappear from By Ashley Goodman “I’d been in my garden, Holston Electric aren’t the one general notification the hive and abandon the queen. and I came in for lunch,” only utilities in Appalachia about the upcoming spray- Residents in Claiborne and Union Herbicide use is not only wide- Strickland says. “I went back whose customers are sparking season followed by counties in Tennessee, were taken by spread in electric cooperatives. In outside to find strange people ing conversation about pro- specific information about surprise when strangers showed up in Tennessee, as in other states, highway popping out from behind my tecting pollinators. spraying times in certain their yards and began spraying chemi- agencies, railroads and other utilities utility building. It literally In French Broad Elec- areas, according to Tolliver. cals under their power lines in 2016 employ similar herbicide combinations. “We try to notify every and 2017. Shortly after, crops, bees and scared the life out of me.” tric Cooperative, which In the months following, Holston Electric Opts serves seven counties in beekeeper in our system,” even pets began dying — and com- Goodin says. “We talk to Powell Valley member-owners For Communication North Carolina and Ten- munity members began experiencing some of the people who from Sharps Chapel, Cum- When they heard about the herbi- nessee, beekeeper and a myriad of health issues. are in organizations like berland Gap, Hancock and cide spraying in Powell Valley, mem- member-owner Rachell The strangers were subcontractors beekeepers’ clubs, and we surrounding towns com- bers of the neighboring Holston Elec- Skerlec said she has heard with Powell Valley Electric Cooperative, notify those especially prior which residents allege utilized exces- plained of health problems, tric Cooperative decided to increase complaints in her commu- Lynn and Tim Tobey’s property in Sharps to herbicide treatments. sive herbicide spraying when clearing withered crops, dead pets communication between member- nity about over-spraying. Chapel, Tenn., was sprayed by Powell They’ve been very receptive to work vegetation from its power line right- and decimated pollinator owners and staff in their own co-op. “People definitely are concerned A nature trail in Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Valley Electric Cooperative in 2017 and with. They’re working with us, and of-ways. populations. The Heritage Beekeepers of about if it will turn up in waterways, if shows signs of herbicide spraying in July photographed here in May 2018. we’re trying to work with them just Herbicides can have harmful Residents reported Hawkins County, a group with mem- it’ll linger in the environment,” Skerlec 2017, above. At left, Lisa Strickland and as well.” rashes, high blood pressure bers of both Powell Valley and Holston says. “I am a beekeeper and people in effects on people and pollinators. her dog Lola. In June 2017, herbicides were the future. French Broad Electric Co- Moving forward, Strickland says and even hospitalization electric cooperatives, initiated the dis- the beekeeping club are concerned it Glyphosate, for example, a chemical sprayed on Strickland’s yard 10 feet from her operative did not respond to multiple she hopes to continue discussion with for kidney problems after cussion with Holston Electric in August might contribute to honeybee losses.” used by PVEC and found in the her- seedlings and 20 feet from her chicken pen. phone calls. Powell Valley and encourage them to touching or eating sprayed 2017. They asked the the co-op for a Skerlec has been a beekeeper for bicides Roundup and Rodeo, is one of Lola was unharmed. Photos provided by Lisa This year, Powell Valley Electric hire a right-of-way supervisor who is plants and crops or swim- policy that would allow concerned 10 years, and experienced almost no many herbicides proven to negatively Strickland. Cooperative is working on opening up versed in forestry and environmental impact bees’ health and behavior. ming in nearby bodies of residents to opt out of right-of-way annual bee losses in her four years in water. communication, according to Assistant science so this problem is not repeated In response to the public’s con- Garlon 3A may cause a range of health cals than honeybees, according to the herbicide spraying and manage veg- Cape Coral, Fla. But in the six years she Sharps Chapel resident Mike Shel- Manager Bo Goodin and Director of for a third consecutive year. cerns about herbicide impacts on problems for people and animals. West Virginia Pollinator Handbook. etation independently. has lived in North Carolina, Skerlec has ley told USA Today that soon after he Apparatus Maintenance Travis Tolliver. “It is important that members of humans and the environment, some While Aqufact is listed as “not clas- Even when they don’t die of herbicide Heritage Beekeepers Vice Presi- seen bee losses every winter but 2017 and his dog swam in a nearby lake fol- Like the Holston and French Broad any cooperative understand that they utilities are taking steps to manage the sified,” its manufacturer warns that and pesticide interaction, the chemi- dent Becky Johnson says their requests to 2018. lowing the June 2016 spraying, he was electric cooperatives, in early 2018 are actually member-owners and do chemicals more responsibly — and the product is highly toxic to aquatic cals can affect their reproduction and were met within months. An opt-out According to Skerlec, she started hospitalized for unidentified kidney Powell Valley instituted an herbicide govern how their cooperative operates are beginning by engaging with com- species and may cause birth defects in pollination habits, impacting the over- policy was made available, and Holston opting out of pesticide use in spring problems, and his dog was euthanized opt-out policy after consulting with a through their cooperative’s bylaws,” munities. humans. The manufacturers of Aqufact all health of their nests. Electric announced in a news release 2015, just before she got goats to main- due to kidney failure. small group of member-owners. Strickland says. “With Powell Valley and Enhance both cite possible respi- The herbicides Rodeo and Round- that employees would visit members’ tain the co-op’s right-of-way on her Chemicals and Beekeepers in Claiborne County According to Lisa Strickland, who we continue to engage members of ratory tract, eye and skin irritation, up are both composed mostly of homes and hang door knockers indi- property naturally. Despite concerns believe the spraying killed their bees, was involved in the meeting, the the community and help them un- Concerns though Enhance is classified as “non- glyphosate, a broad-spectrum her- cating what areas would be treated. about the use of chemicals, Skerlec according to Strickland. member-owners worked with the co- derstand that they do in fact have a According to its website, Powell hazardous.” bicide that kills a variety of weeds. There are still problems to over- says she also understands the difficul- Jay Heselschwerdt, a local bee- operative to write and implement the choice. They do have a voice, and that Valley Electric Cooperative has over Garlon 3A is the only chemical Glyphosate was declared “probably come, according to Johnson. Holston ties French Broad Electric faces with keeper, told WVLT-8 News that 34 of his opt-out policy as well as notification voice truly does matter and will make 3,500 miles of power lines that serve listed as “hazardous.” The chemical carcinogenic” by the World Health Or- Electric primarily informs member- vegetation management. 38 hives died after Powell Valley Electric procedures for the general public and all the difference in the way that our more than 31,500 member-owners in causes extreme eye irritation and may ganization’s International Agency for owners about spraying schedules via “This area is mostly mountainous Cooperative sprayed herbicides on his specifically for beekeepers. The group cooperative manages its right-of-ways Northeast Tennessee and Southwest damage kidneys through prolonged or Research on Cancer in 2015. Facebook, a channel not all residents and wooded, and they were explain- property in 2017, and that he believes also encouraged Powell Valley to up- and so much more.” u Virginia. Since Powell Valley is an elec- repeated exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection have access to. Johnson also stated that ing to me that it’s a real challenge to the chemicals were the cause. grade its website. tric cooperative, it is a nonprofit entity Although scientists may have stud- Agency lists glyphosate as “practically Holston was reluctant to discuss details keep that power reliably supplied,” Skerlec says. “It’s so important to and the residents who receive energy Herbicides and ied the herbicides’ individual impacts nontoxic” to honeybees — but other of their spraying practices during con- from the co-op are also the its members have those right-of-ways maintained Pollinators on humans or pollinators, the interac- studies indicate it can still have nega- versations with Heritage Beekeepers and owners. tive health effects on pollinators. representatives and the state apiarist. so if something goes wrong, they can Rodeo, Method 240SL, Escort SPX, tion among combined chemicals has Lisa Strickland, a beekeeper and A 2014 study by the University of Nonetheless, member-owners’ very quickly access what they need Arsenal and Aqufact were the chemical largely gone unresearched. organic farmer in Harrogate, Tenn., re- Buenos Aires found that after exposure communication with the cooperative to access to get power to the people. products sprayed in 2016, according to Multiple herbicides can over- VOTED BEST BBQ calls spraying occurring in nearby com- to glyphosate — in this case through was an important step for humans and When they explained the amount of a list released by Powell Valley staff to whelm a bee’s defenses. Honeybees use munities — including Sharps Chapel glyphosate-laced sucrose — honeybees bees alike, according to Johnson. time and money it would take trying USA Today. a specific enzyme to detoxify chemicals IN THE REGION and Cumberland Gap — in June 2016. exhibited reduced sensitivity to the “It’s about time that people stand to do this area with just manpower Strickland says the chemicals they ingest. If the enzyme is being used by Appalachian Voices’ staff of tasters! The following June, her community scent of sucrose, leading to a decreased up for their rights and their animals’ versus chemicals, they very quickly sprayed in 2017 were Arsenal, Roundup to detoxify one chemical, it may not be was again impacted by spraying that able to fully detoxify another, resulting ability to find food, and poorer memory rights to be paid a voice,” Johnson painted me a picture that made me Custom, Milestone VM, Garlon 3A and OPEN FOR LUNCHCLOSED AND MONDAYS. DINNER. also took place in surrounding areas. and learning performance. says. “The bees are a link to everything, realize the scale of the challenge Enhance. in poisoning, according to BeeAware, Hwy 321 Bypass PVEC was not obligated to no- an informational organization for As worker bees struggle to find they’re linked to the plants that grow, they’re up against.” According to research conducted Blowing Rock,N.C. tify member-owners about when and their way home or locate food, the to other forms of wildlife and livestock, Skerlec describes French Broad by chemical manufacturers, the ma- beekeepers. (828) 295-3651 where herbicide spraying would occur; study suggests this may lead to an in- to the obvious honey. They help con- as respectful and communicative, jority of the herbicides are “non- Further, native bees are often as a result, many residents had no idea smaller and more susceptible to chemi- nect so many different aspects of our and noted that she feels comfortable www.woodlandsbbq.com hazardous,” but Aqufact, Enhance and Continued on next page the sprayers were coming. everyday life.” coming to them if problems arise in

Page 18 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 19 Aster, iris, cardinal Tree-sitter Fern Bee Misconceptions Debunked flower, bee balm and MacDougal took up camp A Backyard Pipeline Resistance MacDougal said her butterfly milkweed are about a mile down the Wasps are not bees, and neither are they pollinators. They are banner was “largely among the flowers that same access road sus- Pollinator Paradise carnivores and some species are very aggressive. directed” at the U.S. Continued from page 15 The Butterfly Highway, pended high above the Only 45 of the 20,000 bee species produce honey. Grows on Multiple Fronts Forest Service. Photo a program of the N.C. Native plants are adapted to the courtesy of Appalachians ground. “Which side are Male honey bees do not forage for nectar or pollen, but focus on Wildlife Federation, By Kevin Ridder the fracked gas pipelines. In Against Pipelines you on?” read a banner climate, soil and pollinators they co- mating with the queen. recommends for the On her 57th day of blocking Moun- March, the Federal Energy hanging from her plat- evolved with. They also require less The lifespan of bees ranges from two to three weeks for male mountains. Photo by Regulatory Commission de- miner bees and four years for honeybee queens. tain Valley Pipeline construction crews form, quoting the region- water and are better equipped against Angel Hjarding/NCWF nied environmental groups’ Honeybee workers can only sting once. Their stinger is attached from reaching the fracked gas pipeline’s al labor song by Florence native pests than non-native species, request to suspend construc- to the end of their digestive system and remains in the skin, so tracts bees, simultane- route on Peters Mountain, a protester Reece. making them good choices for gardeners tion on the Mountaineer using their stinger is fatal. ously repels bugs like known as “Nutty” willingly left her According to WDBJ7, seeking hardy, low-maintenance plants. XPress Pipeline. The compa- Male bees cannot sting and not all female bee species can sting. flies and mosquitoes. monopod stationed in the center of Virginia state Sen. Chap In urban residential areas, homog- nies behind the Mountaineer When bees do sting, it is usually out of self-defense. Other pest-repelling Pocahontas Road in Giles County, Va., Petersen filed a federal enous lawns and shrubs lead to fewer XPress, NEXUS and Rover plants include basil and after being without food for several first amendment lawsuit native plants, according to Carriker. pipelines state they expect to caterpillars. ground-nesting in- chrysanthemum. days. The road leads to a section of the lina. The exact route of the expanded against the Forest Service for prohib- “Pollinating insects need variety. begin service in 2018. The company Make sure your garden still has sects’ homes. The pipeline’s route that burrows under- pipeline, called MVP Southgate, is yet iting anyone to come within 200 feet That’s why it’s really important to re- behind the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline, adequate access to sunlight. Since West Virginia Polli- Garden neath the Appalachian Trail. to be determined, but it would begin at of the pipeline’s right-of-way or enter search your area and see what good which began operating in September, butterflies are cold-blooded, the North nator Handbook sug- Networking “If we rely on one location, one a proposed compressor station in Pitt- some access roads in the Jefferson pollinator plants [there] are to plant states full service is expected in mid- American Butterfly Association suggests avoiding mow- Once your garden is tactic or one group of people to stop sylvania County, Va., and end near Gra- National Forest. The closure made those for bees,” says Carriker. 2018. And while construction has been gests placing your garden where it will ing when flowers are accepting visitors, there this pipeline, we will fail. But we’re not,” ham, N.C., after crossing Interstate 40. it difficult to reach the protest and stalled at points along the Mountain Pollinator-Friendly receive at least six hours of sunlight in bloom and to only are many opportunities she wrote in a May 23 post on the Ap- The private companies behind prevented supporters from supplying Valley, Atlantic Coast and Mariner East Yard Maintenance a day. mow one-third of the to help the pollinator palachians Against Pipelines Facebook Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, expect Nutty and MacDougal with food, water 2 pipelines, it has not been stopped. Once you have planted your gar- Butterflies also require shallow lawn at a time. community at large. page. “I know that as this one facet of the $350 million project to be opera- and medical treatment. Dominion Energy broke ground den, there are a few other ways to make puddles or moist soil. Puddling areas Herbicides and The Butterfly High- the struggle draws to conclusion, more tional by late 2020, contingent on ap- When three supporters attempted on the 600-mile Atlantic Coast Pipe- your yard a pollinator oasis. allow butterflies to soak up water, salts pesticides can also way, a North Carolina people in other places are gaining mo- proval from the Federal Energy Regu- to cross the boundary to resupply line in West Virginia in May. However, Nearby trees and shrubs can block and nutrients. pose a threat to pol- Wildlife Federation mentum.” latory Commission and the states of Nutty, according to Outside Magazine, construction will have to wait until the wind, offer areas for pollinators to Mud can also provide home- linators. Glyphosate, the main ingredi- project, allows gardeners to register “Nutty.” “Ink.” “Deckard.” Theresa North Carolina and Virginia. Opponents agency officials reportedly ordered fall in other areas due to a tree-clearing roost and hide from predators, and building material for ground-nesting ent in the popular herbicide Roundup, their gardens as points along the “Red” and Theresa Minor Terry. Fern of the project like nonprofit citizens’ them to the ground before putting one deadline intended to protect migratory sometimes serve as host plants for bees and wasps, while logs offer nesting destroys milkweed, the monarch cat- “highway” and collect data on visiting MacDougal. These are only six of at group Haw River Assembly dispute MVP in handcuffs and leg shackles and ar- birds and bats. space for some species, like carpenter, erpillar’s primary food source. This is pollinators to help track the insects’ least 10 individuals who have taken to Southgate’s argument that the expan- resting all three. FERC extended Mountain Valley leafcutter and mason bees. contributing to the monarch butterfly’s habits and migration patterns. the trees at various points along the sion is a public necessity, and assert In a press release, the Forest Ser- ONLINE EXTRAS developers’ tree-felling deadline in As you maintain your garden, avoid decline, according to a 2012 study in Though most of the highway’s Mountain Valley Pipeline’s route since on their website that Duke Energy and vice stated the closure “was enacted July 21-29 is National Moth Week: Help parts of the Jefferson National Forest to pesticides and herbicides, which can the journal Insect Conservation and 1,700-plus gardens are in North Caro- February. On June 1, MacDougal was Dominion Energy “will buy and sell to to protect public safety due to haz- scientists track moths at a mothing party! May 31, where tree-sitters have blocked negatively impact pollinator health. Diversity. lina, pollinator-friendly spaces have forcibly evicted from her tree-stand each other to show a consumer need.” ards associated with constructing the Participants lure moths with light and clearcutting in some areas. Don’t be afraid of a few weeds — they While some poisons warn about also been registered in Virginia, South by law enforcement and charged with Duke Energy owns Piedmont Natu- Mountain Valley Pipeline.” food, photograph their visitors, and sub- Mountain Valley Pipeline develop- mit photos to one of the National Moth can be homes for young pollinators. risks posed to honeybees, combina- Carolina and Tennessee. To join the four misdemeanors after a 12-day tree- ral Gas, which owns the gas that will The agency has also come under ers unveiled plans in April to extend Week’s 19 partners, who use the data Many caterpillars depend entirely tions of multiple chemicals can have Butterfly Highway, visit ncwf.org/ sit, according to Appalachians Against flow through the pipeline. Mountain fire for allowing Forest Service officials the 303-mile fracked gas pipeline by an to study moth populations and educate upon specific host plants like milk- unforeseen effects, and the risks to butterfly-highway. Pipelines. Shortly after, law enforce- Valley, LLC, stated that MVP South- and Mountain Valley security to drive additional 70 miles into Rockingham the public. For details, visit appvoices. weed. Weeds like thistle, clover and native bees often go unmentioned. Ac- On a larger scale, the National ment prepared to extract Deckard — gate is “anchored by a firm capacity ATVs on the Appalachian Trail, where org/moth-parties. and Alamance counties in North Caro- dandelion can also benefit pollinators cording to the West Virginia Pollinator Pollinator Garden Network’s Million the last remaining person at the first commitment from PSNC Energy,” motor vehicles are typically prohibited. “Our Native Bees” is a book by Paige when more nectar-rich flowers, such as Handbook, native bees can actually Pollinator Garden Challenge connects tree-sit. Deckard descended willingly a subsidiary of SCANA Corpora- At the Little Teel Crossing tree-sit Embry that explores native North Ameri- azaleas, aren’t in bloom, according to be more susceptible to health risks 695,190 pollinator gardens across the after 95 days and was arrested. tion, which is a Dominion Energy in Franklin County, Va., the protester can bees and reveals captivating facts the West Virginia Pollinator Handbook. related to pesticide and herbicide use United States and into Canada. Atlantic Coast Pipeline oppo- subsidiary. known as “Ink” was injured on May 25 about these important pollinators. Read Mowing and weed-eating can than honeybees. (Read more about The Million Pollinator Garden nents continue to occupy Three Sisters when Mountain Valley workers cut into Hannah Gillespie’s review at appvoices. According to nonprofit news eliminate those food sources, de- the impact these chemicals have on Resistance Camp in the pipeline’s org/our-native-bees. Challenge partners with individuals outlet NC Policy Watch, a land trees Ink was clipped to. According to stroy eggs and larvae, and damage pollinators on page 18.) and organizations to track pollina- path in Buckingham County, Va. And agency contracting with MVP the Little Teel Crossing Facebook page, If pesticides are necessary, apply to tors’ progress and growth regionally, in Huntingdon County, Pa., Ellen Southgate has been pressuring which posts updates from the tree-sit- plants directly to avoid drift, and don’t and uses the data to pinpoint areas of Gerhart, her daughter Elise and sup- people along the MVP Southgate’s ters, security crews and U.S. marshals ’s Cafe & Ba apply while plants are in bloom. Early greatest need for future gardens. View porters are still resisting the Mariner potential route into signing pipe- told the workers to keep cutting even lo k morning or night application can pre- a map of registered pollinator places at East 2 Pipeline on their property. They line easements. In one case, an when told that Ink would be hurt. l 206 Draper Rd. er Espresso, Teas and Smoothies o y vent drift, as wind velocity is typically B Blacksburg, VA pollinator.org/mpgcmap. hosted a tree-sit until April 8, when the agent reportedly called landowners Facing contempt charges, Ink [email protected] - (540) 953-1669 Fresh-Baked Bread and Pastries lower. Nighttime application, when The map displays a range of oases company cut down the trees, which in the pipeline’s proposed path and descended the tree-sit on May 28 after bolloscafe.com bees are not foraging, can also limit for pollinators nationwide, though were temporarily vacated. Ellen Ger- told them, “This is for the people. 38 days. A tree-sitter named “Sprout” Breakfast and Lunch Selection bee mortality, according to the West there are still many gaps across Ap- hart faces up to six months in jail with- … North Carolina is for it and has took up camp adjacent to Ink’s former Virginia Pollinator Handbook. palachia. But each backyard that hosts out trial and possible restitution to the deemed it necessary,” despite the position that same day but was forced Made-to-Order Cakes and Pies Introducing native plants to the colorful flowers like bee balm, lavender company for her role in the protest. fact that MVP Southgate had not to come down hours later when U.S. area can provide habitats for insects Event Catering and Delivery and azaleas will help sustain another Community and environmental filed for state permits at that time. marshals delivered a notice of con- that help control pests and weeds generation of bees, butterflies, hum- groups including nonprofit organi- After several days of heavy rain in Franklin tempt and an order to appear in court Gluten-Free and Vegan Options naturally. mingbirds and more — as well as the zation Appalachian Voices, the pub- County, Va., erosion controls at a Mountain On The Front Lines later that day, according to the tree-sit’s Some herbs also drive away un- vibrant ecosystem that lisher of this newspaper, have filed Valley Pipeline construction site failed and A few days before Nutty de- Facebook page. Little Teel Crossing caused a mudslide, blocking this road. Photo wanted insects. Lavender, which at- depends on them. u numerous legal challenges against scended from her monopod, Fern by Dylan Guilliams Continued on page 24

Page 20 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice The App alachian Voice June / July 2018 Page 21 Cost of Cleanup Cost of Cleanup rose in 2017 due to an increase in exports. Continued from previous page Coal Mining Under Trump According to the U.S. Office of On June 1, President Donald Trump gence to the coal Despite problems with the current system, coal companies Surface Mining Reclamation and En- ordered Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to industry. But while like self-bonds and pool bonds. forcement, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, are being granted more leeway in paying for mine reclamation stop coal and nuclear plants from closing, preliminary numbers Self-bonding is an inherently risky Kentucky and Virginia all experienced citing national security and grid reliability. A show a slight bump By Kevin Ridder including regrading the land, practice that follows the philosophy of increases in new mining permits issued draft White House memo with a plan to bail in Central Appala- replanting vegetation and ad- between July 2016 and June 2017 com- At the edge of Tennessee’s most re- “too big to fail.” Companies that employ out those plants by forcing grid operators chian coal jobs to dressing any remaining water pared to new permits issued in the previ- cent mountaintop removal coal mine, silk this strategy merely have to prove that to purchase coal and nuclear power for two date, not much has pollution. But these require- ous fiscal year. flowers and overturned vases lay amid they have the financial resources to cover years was released the same day. changed nationally. Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani However, this doesn’t necessar- ments only work well when In a statement, PJM-Interconnection Preliminary em- gravestones in a 128-year-old cemetery all reclamation, and do not have to post ily mean more mining. Even though these properly enforced by regulators. — which manages much of the Eastern ployment numbers for the first quarter of yards from the mine’s permit boundary. a bond. If one of these companies goes states had more new permits, the acreage Coal mines opened after electric grid — said, “Any federal interven- 2018 show an 11.4 percent increase in Mist from a rainy March day dots the bankrupt, however, then taxpayers could covered by them is nearly 45 percent less tion in the market to order customers to buy Central Appalachian coal jobs since 2016, bright petals. Beyond the still-in-use the federal surface mining law be fully responsible for the cleanup costs. than the previous year’s new permits. electricity from specific power plants would or 1,824 jobs. This is less than half of the went into effect have been re- On the policy front, the Trump admin- cemetery, ponds of gray sludge hold From August 2015 to April 2016, be damaging to the markets and therefore region’s employment numbers from 2011, quired to post bond money to istration has repealed several coal-related sediment and runoff from the mountain- three of the nation’s largest coal com- costly to consumers.” when coal jobs entered a six-year freefall. ensure that regulatory authori- regulations meant to protect communities turned-rubble. panies, with approximately $2.4 billion Mary Anne Hitt, director of environ- Overall, from 1984 to 2017, Central Appala- and the environment. In February 2017, ties will be able to reclaim the mental group Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal chian coal jobs declined by over 77 percent, “They’ve done this since November combined in self-bonds, went bankrupt, Congress overturned the Stream Protection land after mining if the operator campaign, decried the announcement in according to data from the U.S. Mine Safety of last year; that’s how fast they move,” The Cooper Ridge mountaintop removal coal mine and nearby signs in Claiborne putting taxpayers at risk of picking up Rule, a rule passed late in 2016 and backed fails to do so. A company can a statement. and Health Administration. says DJ Coker, a Campbell County, Tenn., County, Tenn. Photos by Kevin Ridder the tab. In August 2016, former President by Appalachian Voices. The rule was pro- “This is an outrageous ploy to force Nationwide, coal production increased resident and member of nonprofit group receive the full bond amount Barack Obama’s administration issued jected to protect or restore an estimated of the way, companies “would leave it sume,” Bush says. “But I don’t want to go American taxpayers to bail out coal and by 6 percent in 2017, but coal jobs only back as long as an inspector approves 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres Statewide Organization for Community an advisory to state regulators to “not nuclear executives who have made bad grew by 2 percent, or 918 jobs. Preliminary the reclamation results. the way it was and not try to reclaim it.” nowhere else, you know … I’d like to see of forest over 20 years. eMpowerment. “It was like any other accept new or additional self-bonds for decisions by investing in dirty and danger- numbers for the first quarter of 2018 show “The Earth gave [coal companies] it made better, as best as it can be made.” In January 2018, The New York Times mountain, just look around. It was natu- But because reclamation can be any permit until coal production and ous energy resources,” the statement read. a loss of 700 jobs, nearly back to the low something to make money with,” Coker The original intent of the 1977 fed- exposed Trump’s close ties to the coal expensive, especially when unforeseen Dozens of coal plants were shuttered nationwide levels of 2016. rally flowing. Now it’s that.” says. “The least they could do is make consumption market conditions reach industry when it published an “action plan” pollution issues arise, companies have eral mining law was to accomplish the in 2017, according to Forbes, and Mother This mismatch between production Below the ridge and a half-mile equilibrium, events which are not likely the CEO of Murray Energy Corp. sent the the Earth look like it was before they reclamation Bush and Coker hope for, Jones stated that “at least 14 coal-fired and employment gains can be attributed beyond Cooper Ridge mine’s permit a financial incentive to do the bare to occur until at least 2021.” administration in March 2017 outlining destroyed it.” but this does not always happen. When plants are scheduled to close” in 2018. to widespread automation in the industry, minimum, and they will often choose policy goals for Trump’s first year. boundary sits Clairfield Elementary Since mid-2016, the amount of rec- In January, the Federal Energy Regu- especially at large western surface mines the cheapest method of reclamation and the coal market was stronger, many states Robert Murray’s plan included repeal- School. According to a local doctor who After the Mine Closes lamation costs that companies hold in latory Commission denied the Trump that provide nearly half the country’s coal. even postpone the process for years. allowed coal companies to accumulate ing the Obama administration’s Clean asked not to be named, 70 to 80 percent Save for his three years of service in self-bonds nationwide has dropped 75 administration’s proposed subsidies for Coal consumption in the United States huge amounts of reclamation liability, Power Plan, which was projected to reduce of the school’s approximately 100 stu- Coker points to a former coal mine the Vietnam War, Larry Bush has lived in percent, according to data compiled by coal and nuclear power plants. Policy firms has dropped roughly 2 percent from 2016 putting off the physical restoration work power plant carbon pollution by 32 percent on a mountain some distance away, Energy Innovation Group and Climate Policy levels, according to estimates from the dents have a breathing disorder. Coker the mountains of Southwest Virginia his Climate Home News. But last October, below 2005 levels by 2030. U.S. Environ- where it looks as if someone had sliced longer. Now, with the industry lagging Initiative projected the subsidies could cost Rhodium Group, an independent research expresses concerns about how a hauling entire life. A coal miner for 13 years and President Donald Trump’s administration mental Protection Agency Administrator and many mines sitting inactive and taxpayers as much as $11.8 billion a year. organization — but the report shows that route spraying gravel and coal dust into out a square of trees and left patches of a federal mine inspector for 13 years after rescinded Obama’s advisory, creating Scott Pruitt proposed repealing the plan unreclaimed, regulatory agencies have Trump has promised to bring a resur- production of coal used for steelmaking the air will affect the children. green and tan grass in its place — no that, he has seen his community trans- in October. little choice other than to negotiate with the possibility for a resurgence of risky Coker and others visited the Clai- substitute for the rich forest that had form over the decades — and not for the coal companies for whatever amount of self-bonding. Shortly after emerging borne County, Tenn., mine to test the once been there. better. On a park bench in the small town land restoration they can get — or make from bankruptcy, Peabody Energy’s CEO which is owned by West Virginia Gov. because if he sinks, the pool bond fund long way to getting communities like his water quality and see if Kopper Glo, the “People will be like, ‘well, they did of Appalachia, Va., Bush recalls hearing taxpayers pick up the reclamation cost. stated in March 2017 that the company Jim Justice. sinks with him. So they are working to get back on their feet. To do that, however, what they could.’ And that’s not the case,” there used to be 35,000 people a day go- mine’s operator, was properly managing “believes it continues to qualify for self- Virginia also has a troublesome situ- as much reclamation out of him as they Bush says “we need to hold [coal com- Coker says. “They could’ve done better, ing through the town. sediment runoff from the recent coal Problems with Bonding bonding” and will consider using it in the ation with pool bonds, where a group of can, even though he is way behind on his panies’] feet to the fire” when it comes to they could do better. But they don’t, and “Every building was full. You could go mining activities. As of this March, only In 2017, Central Appalachian strip future “should circumstances warrant.” companies put a fraction of their estimat- already-agreed-to commitments and is enforcing reclamation efforts. people just accept it.” at 3 o’clock in the morning and get a hair- 11 acres of the nearly 1,500 acres permit- mine coal production was approximately While several states are moving away ed reclamation costs into a shared pool racking up new violations.” “Primarily, I think the companies However, community members like cut,” he says. “They had bars, they had ted for the mountaintop removal mine 74 percent lower than its high point in from the practice, Virginia is struggling to of funds. If one of these companies goes While he doesn’t think the region ought to be held to task,” Bush says. Coker can request citizen inspections that hotel up there, and everything was were disturbed. By the time mining is fin- 2008, according to data from the U.S. because of the roughly $25 million held bankrupt, funds from the pool are put will ever be the way it was before or dur- “Right to the very last shovel of dirt that’s and put pressure on inspectors to identify just booming all the time, 24 hours a day. ished, the land will likely look completely Mine Safety and Health Administration. in self-bonds by A&G Coal Corporation, forth to cover reclamation costs — but if ing coal’s heyday, Larry Bush believes pushed up.” problems and hold companies account- And now, half the buildings are — they’re different — and Coker is skeptical about As the coal industry overall has declined several companies go under at once, the properly reclaiming the mined areas with “If you take out an oak tree, put back able for land restoration. According to gone, deserted. No industry or nothing to the efforts coal companies put into meet- over the past several decades, the lack of pool could quickly dry up. an eye on increasing tourism would go a an oak tree and make it grow,” he adds. u Coker, if people didn’t watch every step bring them back.” ing requirements to restore coal company funds made available to Tennessee Changes As of April 2017, Jim Justice had ac- To Bush and other resi- the land to its previous state. clean up the mess has become apparent, Mining Regulations cumulated roughly $134 million in mine dents of nearby Exeter, Va., “They’ll throw grass seed according to an April report released by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam recently cleanup costs he has yet to address in Larry Bush stands beside a strip the bleak moonscape of the down, and then they’ll plant The Alliance for Appalachia, a regional signed a law intended to transfer coal Virginia, according to the state’s Coal Sur- mine near his home of Exeter, Va. massive coal mine adjacent mine regulatory authority from the federal random trees that don’t even Photo by Kevin Ridder coalition of nonprofit organizations face Mining Reclamation Fund Advisory belong here and hope for the to the community is a daily including Appalachian Voices, the pub- government to a new state division. The law would also allow valley filling, a com- Board. This dwarfs the state’s bond pool, reminder of the lasting ef- best,” Coker says. “They’ll lisher of this newspaper. mon practice in mountaintop removal coal which contains approximately $8.8 mil- fects of a dying industry. make a mountain out of dirt The report names two central prob- mining in which all of the rubble created lion, according to Climate Home News. “To be able to look back that’s not even a mountain, it’s lems with the bonding system. The first is by blasting is dumped over hillsides. In The inactive coal mine behind Larry from when I was 6, 7, 8 years the long term, funding for the new regula- just a dirt hill.” simply that bond funds are often not high Bush’s community is owned by Justice. The federal Surface Min- old and know what it was enough to cover the actual cost of recla- tory division would rely partially on non- guaranteed federal grants and partially “Virginia is in between a rock and a ing Control and Reclamation back then and see how it mation, especially long-term treatment on coal industry production taxes. Ten- hard place,” says Matt Hepler, Central Ap- is now ... just depresses the Act of 1977 and correspond- of polluted water. The second problem nessee only has three mines producing palachian environmental scientist with hell out of me — and a lot ing state regulations include involves alternative bonding methods coal, which environmental groups expect Appalachian Voices. “They are bending of other people too, I’d as- would lead to public tax dollars making requirements for reclamation, Continued on next page over backwards to help Justice stay afloat, up the difference. Page 22 June / July 2018 The App alachian Voice trespassing … We didn’t ask for a police Pipeline Resistance presence, MVP did,” Red told WFIR Ra- History, Health at Stake in Buckingham County Continued from page 21 dio on May 11. “We didn’t ask them to John Laury has been researching Laury and Fjord were among those The Energy Report cemeteries near his home in Union landowners Carolyn and Ian Reilly have who spoke in late May to the Governor’s try to starve us down, MVP did.” Hill, in Buckingham County, Va., where Advisory Council on Environmental Jus- been fined $1,000 each for allegedly Although Roanoke County police slaves and their descendants were bur- tice, which met in Buckingham County supporting the tree-sit. prevented the Terrys’ supporters from ied long ago, some of whom are likely to hear from concerned citizens. The Tennessee Valley Authority Changes Rate Structure, Adds New Charge Along the Mountain Valley Pipe- supplying them with food and water for his forebears. It’s difficult because most council was formed in 2017 to examine On May 10, the Tennessee Valley in October, and according to a TVA this newspaper. energy-efficient home upgrades or line’s path in Roanoke County, Va., The- two weeks, rations were provided after graves are unmarked, forgotten. how certain segments of the population Authority Board of Directors passed presentation, TVA will not be required A fixed charge can increase the per- install solar panels, as a smaller portion resa “Red” Terry and her daughter The- an article ran in The Washington Post, In Dominion Energy’s federal ap- are disproportionately impacted by pol- a highly debated change to their rate to go through another public process centage of customers’ income that goes of their bills will be based on how much plication to build the interstate fracked- lution and to make policy and legislative resa Minor Terry staged a 34-day tree-sit according to the publication. structure. TVA reduced wholesale ener- to increase the grid access charge in to their energy bills by giving ratepayers energy is consumed. The NAACP and gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline, including a recommendations. on their property, which has been in gy rates by five cents per kilowatt-hour the future. less control over their bill. This will be the Tennessee Small Business Alliance, “I don’t know what the tipping massive compressor station in Union The descendants of slaves and their family for seven generations. They point would be or what critical mass Hill, the company overlooks the deep freedmen “have been living here continu- but added a new grid access charge. TVA received widespread criticism detrimental to low-income families among others, have also argued that the descended on May 5, after a judge told it would require [to stop the pipeline], history of the community, founded by ally for generations,” says Fjord. “It’s that Local power companies that pur- on the proposal from social justice and and small businesses, according to rate change favors large commercial them they faced forced removal by U.S. but it’s not going to happen by people freedmen and still predominantly Afri- continuity of history that’s important.” chase energy from TVA will individu- environmental groups and agencies, Rory McIlmoil, Energy Savings Program energy users over the average citizen. marshals as well as a $1,000 fine to be not doing anything,” Deckard from the can-American. This cultural “erasure,” Read more on the Appalachian ally decide whether to pass the rate such as the Sierra Club, the NAACP, Manager at Appalachian Voices, who — By Sara Crouch says anthropologist Lakshmi Fjord, is a Voices Front Porch Blog at appvoices. paid to Mountain Valley for every day Peters Mountain tree-sit in West Vir- structure on to their customers, which the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy says that “many families in Tennessee form of racism. org/blog. — By Cat McCue they remained past that day. Red’s hus- ginia told The Independent on May 5. could mean a new fixed charge for and the State of Tennessee Department already pay 20 percent or more of their band, Coles Terry, III, was fined $2,000, consumers in addition to costs based of Environment and Conservation, as annual income on energy costs.” Solar Advocates Lose and the Terrys face trespassing charges On the Legal Front The partial suspension applies to the spring, which is roughly 3 tenths on the amount of energy used. well as from citizens, politicians and Fixed charges also decrease resi- as well as the possibility of paying tens of In mid-May, a federal court can- crossings of the Gauley, Greenbrier, of a mile from the Mountain Valley The rate changes will go into effect Appalachian Voices, the publisher of dents’ financial incentive to make N.C. Court Case celled a key permit for the Atlantic thousands of dollars in fines for delays to Elk and Meadow rivers, which Moun- Pipeline, “never runs muddy and it was On May 11, the North Carolina Supreme Coast Pipeline involving the project’s the project and the 24/7 police presence, tain Valley’s records show would not running blood red, muddy.” Anti-Solar Bill Stalls in wastewater pollution permit, according to violates the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, which Court handed down a single-word decision according to WFIR Radio. impact on endangered species. Domin- be able to be completed within the In an April 30 Washington Post op- The Athens News, but its state permit is gives the federal government the final say on — “Affirmed” — ending a two-year legal Kentucky Legislature under internal review. — By Molly Moore matters of nuclear safety. Yet the 1954 act is “I find that funny that I was on my ion stopped construction along 100 required 72-hour limit. Under the ed, Appalachian Voices Executive Direc- battle over control of solar panel installation Despite significant lobbying by the specific to federal land, and the Pittsylvania, land, and they’re charging me with miles of the pipeline’s route in Virginia in the state. general nationwide permit used by the tor Tom Cormons and former Virginia state’s utility companies, the Kentucky New Studies Document Rise Va., deposit in question is on private land. and West Virginia until the U.S. Fish The suit involved solar panels that NC Army Corps, if even one of the water Congressman Tom Perriello called on legislature declined to pass House Bill 227, The deposit is estimated at 119 million and Wildlife Service issues a revised of Black Lung Disease WARN, an environmental advocacy group, crossings can not be completed in 72 Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s adminis- which would have allowed state regulators pounds, and is worth around $6 billion. permit. According to The Exponent — and perhaps the state’s utilities — to In a study published in March, Univer- installed on the roof of Faith Community hours, the entire permit is supposed to tration to halt the projects and conduct sity of Illinois at Chicago researchers found The Trump Administration has supported Telegram, Dominion stated construc- set new rate structures that could have Church, a predominantly African-American be invalidated. a further review of water impacts. more than 4,000 cases of severe black lung, the plaintiffs in this case. — By Sara Crouch tion in other areas will move forward harmed efforts to expand residential solar church in Greensboro, in 2015. The organi- “This admission by the corps pro- In the op-ed, Cormons and Per- also known as progressive massive fibrosis, zation paid $20,000 to install the panels and as planned. in the state. Duke U Delays Gas Plant, vides further evidence that blanket riello underscored the governor’s “It’s a relief to wake up knowing that over the last 50 years. More than half of the then sold the church electricity at the rate As of press time on May 31, the permits cannot protect water quality power to ensure Virginia waterways the utilities’ effort to destroy rooftop solar cases were found in the last 16 years, with Considers Hog Waste of five cents per kilowatt-hour. According to Pennsylvania Department of Envi- from large pipeline projects like the are protected instead of deferring to in KY has been defeated, again,” tweeted the frequency of the fatal disease increasing Duke University has indefinitely de- InsideClimate News, this rate is well below from year to year. As much as 30 percent of ronmental Protection had issued the Mountain Valley Pipeline,” said Ap- the Trump Administration’s nationwide advocacy group Kentuckians For The Com- layed construction of a combined heat and the 11 cents per kilowatt-hour that utility cases occurred in the coal-mining states of power plant that would have run on natural Mariner East 2 Pipeline 54 notices of palachian Voices’ Virginia Program permit. “During his election campaign, monwealth after the session ended without giant Duke Energy charges its customers. violation. On May 24, StateImpact passage of the bill. — By Elizabeth E. Payne Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. gas. The university’s commitment to going The method that NC WARN used to Manager Peter Anderson. Northam wrote the DEQ requesting A study published in May found an in- Pennsylvania reported that a state carbon neutral by 2024, paired with student finance the project, known as a third-party The corps did not commit to wait- that it do its own analysis of water im- crease in the rate of black-lung-related lung Coal Company Loses Road backlash surrounding the proposed plant, power purchase agreement, is banned in judge shut down construction in the transplants, 79 percent of which occurred ing for a court ruling before reinstating pacts, not rely on the federal permit,” has spurred the university to instead consid- North Carolina and laid the groundwork Philadelphia suburbs on Mariner East the permit, according to nonprofit law the op-ed reads. “Now he is in charge Waiver Request in Ohio in the last decade. — By Hannah Gillespie er powering parts of campus with methane In Ohio, a judge upheld Athens County for Duke Energy’s legal challenge. The Used, 2 and Mariner East 2X as well as the captured from industrial hog farm waste, center Appalachian Mountain Advo- and can make this happen with a Commissioners’ decision to deny a coal state’s utilities commission ruled against operation of Mariner East 1, citing an Virginia Uranium Mining Ban called “biogas.” Biogas has high levels of cates, which filed the stay request. phone call to his DEQ director.” company’s request for a waiver that would NC WARN’s right to act as a utility by sell- Rare & Out “imminent risk to the public.” Mariner methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Us- The center has filed a federal motion Roanoke County resident Jacki allow mining alongside a public road. Goes to Supreme Court ing electricity to customers. After an appeal, ing biogas for energy reduces the amount East operator Sunoco has appealed Judge George McCarthy’s May ruling In May the Supreme Court announced the N.C. Supreme Court upheld this ruling. of Print Books seeking a full suspension of the permit. Lucki’s land near the path of the Moun- of methane released into the atmosphere. the decision and plans to continue came after Oxford Mining Company, LLC, that it will hear mining companies’ attempt “It’s very unfortunate that Duke Energy Specializing in The partial suspension came weeks tain Valley Pipeline was highlighted in The student-led Duke Climate Coalition constructing the pipelines elsewhere appealed a prior decision, but the company to overturn Virginia’s ban on uranium mining remains able to protect its monopoly against Books about Black after West Virginia regulators cited a May report by environmental con- praised this change. Activists also urged could appeal again. in the next court session. clean competition and to keep stifling the along their route. Mountain Valley for failing to control sulting firm Downstream Strategies the university to include communities near Mountain College The company’s road request accom- Virginia put the ban into effect due to growth of cheaper solar power across North Nonprofit citizen group Bold Alli- erosion and a few days after a mudslide showing that both the Atlantic Coast hog farms in the decision-making process, panies its proposed 300-acre Johnson Run concerns about radioactivity in 1982. The Carolina,” Jim Warren, executive director of ance is challenging the Federal Energy plaintiffs — Virginia Energy Resources, Inc. according to Energy News Network. — By from the pipeline’s construction site and Mountain Valley pipelines threaten mine. Oxford has received a federal draft NC WARN, told InsideClimate News. — By Regulatory Commission’s notices to and similar companies — claim that the ban Sara Crouch blocked a road in Franklin County, Va. Virginia’s groundwater supplies. Elizabeth E. Payne proceed with construction of the Six landowners in Franklin County are “I live amid a mountain sanctu- Mountain Valley Pipeline. In May, FERC suing Mountain Valley for property ary that has been lovingly protected Appalachia’s Environmental Votetracker denied a rehearing of the notices, and damage caused by the mudslide. for generations and is now threatened 115TH CONGRESS: Below are recent congressional bills and amendments on envi- Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Virginia West Virginia Bold Alliance asked a federal court Citizens monitoring water qual- by this pipeline project,” said Lucki in ronmental issues and how central and southern Appalachian representatives voted. To for both a rehearing and a stay on the see other recent votes, or for congressional representatives outside of the five-state area, ity with the Mountain Valley Watch a Natural Resources Defense Council visit congress.gov. =pro-environment vote✗ =anti-environment voteO =no vote pipeline’s construction. network reported the mud-covered press release. “The governor and state

On May 23, the Army Corps of HOUSE T. Massie H. Rogers A. Barr RoeP. J. Duncan Fleischman S. Desjarlais V. Foxx McHenryP. M. Meadows T. Garrett B. Goodlatte M. Griffith D. McKinley A. Mooney E. Jenkins road. According to WVTF public radio, agencies should put a halt to it, so we can (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 Engineers indefinitely suspended por- citizens had reported at least 15 ero- continue to enjoy safe drinking water.” u H.R. 2, known as the Farm Bill, allows the EPA to approve pesticides without considering tions of a 404 Clean Water Act permit sion control violations as of May 25. endangered species, shrinks a program that pays farmers for adopting conservation For updates, visit appvoices.org/ practices, expands the types of logging and other forest activities that are exempt from O ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ Jean & Carl Franklin Powered needed for construction of the Moun- by (PV) In Southwest Virginia resident Linda blog. For info about water monitoring, environmental review and restricts access to food stamps, among other provisions. AYES 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells tain Valley Pipeline after a coalition of 198 NOES 213 NV 17 ... FAILED *the Farm Bill vote became tied to immigration bills Sink’s case, WVTF reports a spring visit appvoices.org/pipeline-monitoring Black Mountain, NC 28711 environmental groups, including Ap- near her water supply may have been H.Amdt 597 to H.R. 2 would require forest management agencies to either approve or (828) 669-8149 palachian Voices, asked the agency to disapprove logging proposals without considering alternatives and would limit judicial ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ breached. Sink told the station that review of forest agency actions. AYES 224 NOES 191 NV 12 ... PASSED *the bill it was O O [email protected] stay the full permit for further review. attached to failed, but it is now part of any future 2018 Farm Bill Inside Appalachian Voices Inside Appalachian Voices A Sunny Welcome for Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air Southwest Virginia Solar Workgroup Receives Award and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Austin Counts Mike McKinney: Environmental Educator With an Impact Our mission is to empower people to defend our region’s Our Norton, Va., office is thrilled to The Southwest Virginia Solar Work- Forum in 2016; its goal is to create a locally sustainable cities and bring urban rich natural and cultural heritage by providing them with tools and strategies for successful grassroots campaigns. welcome our new Southwest Virginia Solar group received the first Torchbearer award rooted solar industry in Southwest Virginia Member Spotlight wilderness into highly populated VISTA, Austin Counts! Born and raised in at the 2018 SWVA Economic Forum held as an economic development catalyst. In areas where people can easily visit. By Hannah Gillespie Organizational Staff the Southwest Virginia mountains, Austin in May on the campus of UVA-Wise. The 2017 the workgroup released the Road- He also conducts biodiversity sur- obtained a B.S. in Environmental Sciences at Executive Director ...... Tom Cormons honor, accepted on behalf of the work- map for Solar Development in Southwest Growing up in Orlando, Fla., veys on endangered cave ecosystems the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Deputy Executive Director ...... Kate Boyle group by co-conveners Adam Wells of Virginia, which identified strategies to during the construction of Disney and studies mussel and land snail 2017. With experience in the biofuels indus- OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Appalachian Voices and Mark Moormans advance the four goals of the workgroup: World had a major impact on Mike try and environmental research, he seeks to conservation. Director of Philanthropy ...... Susan Kruse delve further into the environmental field and of People Incorporated, is a new annual establishing commercial-scale rooftop McKinney. “As a geologist, I can tell you Controller ...... Maya Viknius scientific community while improving the fu- award designated to a group that is work- solar projects, workforce development, Seeing his hometown transform that the Appalachians are the oldest Operations Manager ...... Shay Boyd ture for his home region. As our AmeriCorps ing for economic progress for the region. education and outreach, and state-level from a lush natural area to an urban mountain chain in the world,” says Director of Strategic Advancement ...... Brian Sewell VISTA member, Austin will be assisting our The Solar Workgroup was formed as policy changes. development strengthened his ap- Mike, “And as a result they not only Development Coordinator ...... Leigh Kirchner New Economy Program in all its activities Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Meredith Shelton a result of conversations that began at the The workgroup was nominated for the preciation for the environment. He inspire a lot of respect in me, but including sharing information about solar inaugural Southwest Virginia Economic Torchbearer award by the economic forum went on to pursue degrees in biol- PROGRAMS energy with local communities and helping that means it has a lot of biodiversity, Director of Programs ...... Matt Wasson interested residents and businesses access Adam Wells of Appalachian Voices and Mark planning committee as an exemplary effort ogy, geology and environmental sci- because evolution has had a long Senior Legislative Representative ...... Thom Kay the benefits of clean, local renewable power. Moormans of People Incorporated accepted that emerged from the event and has had ence, and earned a Ph.D. in geology time to create a lot of new species.” the Torchbearer award on behalf of the ville, Tenn., works at the University Central Appalachian Program Manager ...... Erin Savage deep impact on the region while including and ecology from Yale University. As the environmental club advi- Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Willie Dodson Southwest Virginia Solar Workgroup at the of Tennessee as a professor of evolu- Blocking an Energy a broad set of stakeholders. “Of course, when you care about sor on campus, Mike works with stu- Central Appalachian Environmental Scientist ...... Matt Hepler 2018 SWVA Economic Forum. tionary biology and environmental Monopoly Move the environment, you want to be an dents on energy policy campaigns North Carolina Program Manager ...... Amy Adams In a win for consumer access to clean science, the department head of educator because you want to reach against mountaintop removal coal North Carolina Field Coordinator ...... Ridge Graham energy, the Virginia State Corporation Com- earth and planetary sciences, the Virginia Program Manager ...... Peter Anderson out to as many people as possible,” mining. mission — the body responsible for regulat- Contest Brings Energy Efficiency Upgrades to N.C. Home director of the environmental stud- Virginia Field Organizer ...... Lara Mack says Mike. “Increasingly, I’m really con- ing monopoly utilities — rejected a Dominion The winners of our High Country more comfortable and healthy. The electric cooperative serving ies program and an advisor to the Energy Savings Program Manager ...... Rory McIlmoil Energy proposal that would have eliminated Mike, who now lives in Knox- cerned about climate change and N.C. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Lauren Essick Home Energy Makeover Contest were Our North Carolina Energy Savings North Carolina’s High Country, Blue student environmental club. competition when it comes to selling renew- the impact it’s going to have on the Tenn. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Brianna Knisley announced in May. team organized the contest to bring Ridge Energy, has access to federal Since 2009, as part of a service able energy to large commercial customers. mountains because I see that a lot Tenn. Outreach OSMRE/VISTA ...... Nina Levison The grand prize winner, Amy Cook awareness to the burden of unaffordably funding to help residents make energy Pipeline Pushback component of his courses, he gives AmeriCorps Energy Savings Outreach Associate ...... Becca Bauer “The more options customers have when pur- in the Smokies,” says Mike. “We see of Boone, N.C., will receive $4,000 worth high energy bills in the region, where efficiency improvements, like the ones students the option to help him dis- AmeriCorps Energy Savings Outreach Associate .... Katie Kienbaum chasing clean energy, the better,” said Peter Continues with Water a lot of problems with the Fraser fir Anderson, our Virginia Program Manager. of energy-saving home improvements. some families are spending as much offered by this contest. Unfortunately, tribute The Appalachian Voice. Mike New Economy Program Manager ...... Adam Wells Monitoring and Lawsuits and hemlocks from climate change New Economy Field Coordinator ...... Lydia Graves The Southern Environmental Law Center Though Amy’s house is small at about as 30 percent of their income on home to date the co-op has not applied for any keeps a list of 20 places that they and that drives invasive species too.” Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA ...... Austin Counts represented Appalachian Voices in this case. 600 square feet, her winter electric bills energy costs. of those funds. As the fights against new fracked-gas frequent, which include Mast Gen- While Mike keeps himself busy, Communications & Technology have exceeded $300 per month. The pipelines in our region press forward, eral Store, Whole Foods, The Fresh we’re continuing our legal challenges to he enjoys hiking throughout the Ap- Director of Communications ...... Cat McCue prize will cover some of the home’s Market and Three Rivers Market. the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast palachian region in his spare time. A Senior Communications Coordinator ...... Jamie Goodman Appalachian Voices needed upgrades, which may include “As an environmental stud- Membership for the Win! pipelines along with a variety of partners. few of his favorite spots include the Editorial Communications Coordinator ...... Molly Moore crawlspace insulation or a new, efficient Our Membership for the Win campaign has gotten ies professor, I think it’s kind of an Graphic Communications Coordinator ...... Jimmy Davidson Business League On May 22, we joined a new lawsuit call- Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs, heat pump, resulting in lower energy off to a rousing start! At the end of each month obligation for me to distribute (The Communications Associate ...... Kevin Ridder ing on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the N.C., Big South Fork National River New & Renewing Members through October, we’re holding a drawing for folks IT Specialist ...... Jeff Deal costs and a warmer home for Amy in Fourth Circuit to immediately halt the Appalachian Voice),” says Mike, “I who become members at the $35 level or above. and Recreation Area in Oneida, April / May 2018 the winter. think I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t INTERNS In April we gave away a gorgeous Patagonia back- Mountain Valley Pipeline’s construction Tenn. and Frozen Head State Park Four finalists from Alleghany, Ashe promote the distribution of this kind Virginia Environmental Fellow ...... Quenton King Mast General Store pack, and in May a new member won two tickets across waterways because the company’s in Wartburg, Tenn. and Watauga counties also received free own documents show it cannot meet the of information. We don’t really have N.C. Energy Savings Outreach Assistant ...... Lauren Burrows Valle Crucis, N.C. to FloydFest. For June, we’re drawing for a special Between educating students, Environmental Justice Outreach Assistant ...... Laurel Roser home energy audits. The assessments, requirements of its Army Corps permit. an (environmentally-focused) paper Blue Ridge Outdoors swag bag and Patagonia researching biodiversity and hiking, Communications & Outreach Assistant...... Locke Curtis We’re also working with over 10 Peason Financial Group, Inc. performed by local business reNew backpack. Stay tuned to our website or follow us in our region so it really fills an im- Outreach Assistant ...... Mackenzie Morgan Staunton, Va. nature plays a major role in Mike’s Home Inc., helped the finalists deter- on Facebook to learn about July’s giveaway! Join teams across western Virginia (and even portant niche.” Outreach Assistant ...... Michael Aguero life. We are grateful to have him and To join our Business League, visit mine which energy upgrades would save now at AppVoices.org/for-the-win east of Richmond) to monitor over 50 sites In Knoxville, Mike works with Multimedia Communications Assistant...... Caroline Noel on creeks and rivers that the Atlantic Coast his students as part of the Voice vol- AppVoices.org or call 877-APP-VOICE the most energy and make their homes graduate students to create more Energy Savings & Editorial Assistant ...... Sara Crouch and Mountain Valley pipelines propose to unteer distribution team. Editorial Assistant ...... Hannah Gillespie cross. Along with partners Wild Virginia Getting Started with and West Virginia River Coalition, we’re Board of Directors using a pipeline water monitoring proto- Home Energy Efficiency Do you support FREE Chair ...... Kim Gilliam col developed by Trout Unlimited to train The In 2018, the SEEA Appalachian Vice-Chair ...... Dot Griffith Conference will focus on the Do you want to lower your energy bills but don’t know where to begin? interested local residents in how to inspect The Appalachian Voice? Secretary ...... Bunk Spann April / May 2017 Treasurer ...... Christopher Scotton fusion of multiple opportunities A comprehensive energy audit is the best way to learn how your home uses energy. water quality at these precious headwater VOICE During an audit, a home energy professional examines all areas of your home Help us reach more readers by handing which together share a common streams and major rivers. Volunteers are Members-At-Large including your basement, crawl space, attic, and out papers at no cost to you. foundation in energy eciency. taking measurements for pH, water tem- Hitting Clara Bingham Pallavi Podapati 2018 SEEA Conference heating and cooling systems to determine which the Trail David Hairston Tracey Wright Join us in imagining the perature, conductivity, flow, and turbidity Drop them off at work, meetings, cafes, More hikers than ever are upgrades will improve the comfort of your home traveling the Appalachian Trail The science and synergy Pat Holmes Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) on Energy Eciency visitor centers, libraries, grocery stores, of trailbuilding Southeast’s energy future. while saving you the most money. to catch any changes to the waterway. Peggy Matthews universities, shops, doctor’s offices or Oct. 22nd - 24th The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is ex- The Problems Advisory Council The Department of Energy recommends choosing other areas in your community you feel with Pipelines pected to file for an air pollution permit Fracked-gas pipelines Jonathan C. Allen Van Jones a certified contractor who will conduct a calibrated would deepen the region’s the paper is needed. reliance on fossil fuels for its proposed compressor station in Jessica Barba Brown Landra Lewis blower door test and thermographic inspection. Also Inside: Leave it to Beavers | Budget Blowback | Refuge and Restoration at Laurel Fork Buckingham County, Va., this summer. To Visit appvoices.org/raise-our-voice Alfred Glover J. Haskell Murray Randy Hayes Rick Phelps Learn more about energy efficiency and stay informed, visit appvoices.org/blog or or call our Boone office at (828) 262-1500. Silas House Kathy Selvage Join us! www.SEEAconference.com our work at appvoices.org/energysavings join our email list at appvoices.org/signup. Christina Howe Brenda Sigmon Non-Profit The Appalachian Voice Organization 589 West King Street US Postage Paid Boone, N.C. 28607 Permit No. 294 appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

According to photographer Neal Lewis, visual specialist with Shenandoah National Park, the hummingbird clearwing moth is one of the most difficult subjects he has ever attempted to photograph. This unusual pollinator flies during the day, unlike other members of the sphinx moth family, and is often mistaken for a hummingbird because of the way it hovers in midair. To learn more about Appalachia’s remarkable pollinators, turn to the centerspread. Photo courtesy of Shenandoah National Park

JOIN NOW!

For Clean Water, Name ______Address ______Clean Energy and a City ______Sustainable Future State ______Zip ______Phone ______Email ______

❑ Please mail each issue of The Appalachian Voice (min. $25) ❑ Do not mail The Voice—I prefer to read it online.

❍ $35 ❍ $250 ❍ $50 ❍ $500 ❍ $100 ❍ Other $______❍ Make me a Mountain Protector monthly donor at $______/month ($10 minimum) Appalachian Voices fights every day Membership Level for a healthy environment, sustainable MC/VISA # ______communities and just economies that reflect Expiration date ______Security Code______the value of our region’s natural heritage. Signature ______

To become a steward of Appalachia, please Mail this completed form to: fill out and mail in this form, or visit: 589 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607 AppalachianVoices.org/donate AppalachianVoices AppalachianVoices06/18