FREE AppalachianThe June/July 2017 VOICE

Hidden Treasures Fishing and Swimming Spots

Reclaiming Mountains Communities Create Opportunities Special Section Appalachian Voices on Lands Scarred by Mining Celebrates Larry Keel on Fishin’ and Pickin’ | Carbon Offsets in Appalachia A note from our team A note from our executive director AppalachianVOICE This year, Appalachian Voices celebrates our 20th anniver- A publication of On weekend mornings, my 18-month old son sary. In the center section, we recognize our accomplishments Environmental News From Around the Region AppalachianVoices and I walk our long gravel driveway — he watches and reflect on the work ahead to protect Appalachia’s natural out for puddles to splash in, and I watch him against treasures while fostering a just, healthy economy. Agricultural Runoff Defiles Shenandoah River NC: 589 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 • 828-262-1500 a backdrop of mist rising from the ridgelines above The effort to bring the benefits of clean energy to communi- Communities Push Back Against VA: 812 E. High St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-293-6373 ties impacted by coal is already underway. Below, Adam Wells, By Carl Blankenship creased levels of phosphorus and E.coli. Other Regional Offices: Knoxville, TN • Norton, VA • Raleigh, NC our home. The connection between these ancient Algae growth due to high phospho- mountains, this child, the six generations of our fam- our New Economy program manager, shares his perspective on White Supremacist Groups On April 26, the watchdog group AppalachianVoices.org | [email protected] ily who have lived in this holler and the generations our exciting solar progress in Southwest Virginia. rus levels from the runoff can severely By Lou Murrey such as “Rednecks against Racism.” Environmental Integrity Project re- For the future, harm wildlife in waterways, and con- Editor...... Molly Moore to come is profound. leased a report saying the Shenandoah At the rally, one local Pike County suming water with high concentrations Associate Editor...... Elizabeth E. Payne Appalachian Voices’ work here in Southwest Tom Cormons, Executive Director On April 29, citizens of Pikeville, River had been polluted by livestock onsulting ditor amie oodman woman told a reporter from the inde- C E ...... J G Ky., Central Appalachia, and beyond of E.coli can make humans ill, including Contributing Editor...... Brian Sewell Virginia reflects these connections — we’re nurturing production and sections of the river pendent media network Unicorn Riot, vomiting and diarrhea. Distribution Manager...... Meredith Shelton something new and energizing against a backdrop to keep wealth here in Southwest Virginia. Our innova- showed up clad in red bandanas on the were unsafe for recreation. Spring Editorial Assistant...... Carl Blankenship “We didn’t really plan on coming down that’s old and familiar. tive approach is gaining traction at the local, state and streets of downtown Pikeville in op- The state of Virginia is supposed Spring Editorial Assistant...... Adrienne Fouts here, but once we were watching it from The report, which is based on infor- ummer ditorial ssistant eredith bercrombie to advise the public not to recreate in S E A ..... M A Solar energy is critical to achieving a clean energy federal levels — we’ve received grants this year through position to the white supremacist hate mation from the Virginia Department of Summer Editorial Assistant...... Rachel Pressley afar and we just started thinking about the water when 10 percent of sampling raphic esigner aggie herwood economy. But the clean energy revolution can’t create the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Ini- groups that had converged in Eastern G D ...... M S it and we’re like, we can’t just stand Environmental Quality, says E.coli pollu- Graphic Designer...... Carrie Hayes exceeds safe levels of E.Coli. Of the 58 a 21st-century economy in Southwest Virginia unless it tiative and the U.S. Department of Energy Solar in Your Kentucky for the “Take a Stand for tion levels have exceeded more than 100 Marketing Assistant...... Tyler Bizjack here and not go, that’s just as bad as regular sampling sites on the Shenan- Marketing Assistant...... Jack Pownell reaches the deepest hollers of Appalachian coal country. Community Challenge to further these efforts. White Working Families” rally. [the Nazis], so we came down here.” She times the limit for safe water recreation Coal country isn’t the easiest place to make this The Traditional Workers Party doah, 53 exceeded the safe threshold DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Another Season Honey America can repay the people and places that gave the in certain parts of the river, and Virginia continued, “It’s surreal, modern-day between 2014 and 2016. Farm, Alison Auciello, Karen Austin-Clayton, Debbie Bahr, most to our nation’s economic rise by ensuring that happen, and we’re facing plenty of hurdles. Yet there planned the rally intending to work authorities have failed to notify people Nazis. I think they thought they were The report recommends Virginia Becky Barlow, D’Arcy Batson, Shawn Becker, Bob Belton, mountain communities can share in the benefits of a is a growing recognition that our region is at a historic with other white-supremacist groups, who intend to recreate in the river. Charlie Bowles, Lynn Brammer, Ben Bristoll, Steve Brooks, welcome here but they’re not.” develop a system to manage manure, clean energy future. crossroads. Many in my community are eager to di- including the National Socialist Move- Manure from livestock in the area Teri Brown, Christa Brusen, Bill Bunch, Derek Burke, Rob Pikeville isn’t the only place in require farms to have nutrient manage- We’re working to accelerate the development of versify the economy and see an ever-widening path ment and the League of the South, surrounding the river is used as fertil- Campbell, Sarah Caskey, Charlie Chakales, Shay and Kim Appalachia resisting messages of forward. We hope you’ll join us in the movement to to create a “National Front” in order ment plans, tighten inspections and en- Clanton, Cara Cooper, Dave Cooper, George Cortesi, Carly the solar industry in Southwest Virginia. izer, but it is applied in excess and leaks hate. On May 15 in Charlottesville, forcement on cattle farms and increase Crickenberger, Darlene Cunningham, John David, Sister In May, we co-hosted a Solar Fair in Wise County to build a just, clean future for the region. to strengthen racist organizing in the into groundwater to later be washed Beth Davies, Deborah Deatherage, Clint Dye, Bill Elliott, Va., hundreds of people gathered for the frequency of bacteria monitoring. showcase the benefits of solar and launched “Solarize United States. All three of those groups into waterways, contributing to the in- Jakob Elliott, Nels Erickson, Frank Frey, Joe Geiger, Dave For our communities, a “vigil against hate” in response to Wise” to make it cheaper and easier for people in the are designated as hate groups by the Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Lisa Goodpaster, Bruce Gould, Janet a rally protesting the removal of a county to install solar panels on their homes. Southern Poverty Law Center. Mascara Wands to the Rescue for Appalachian Wildlife Hagy, Bill Harris, Jackie Havenaar, Susan Hazlewood, statue of Robert E. Lee the night be- Sharon Helt, Tim Huntley, Mary K., Dennis Keeney, Allison Along with local partners, we’re identifying solar Citizens of Eastern Kentucky A donation program, Wands for Wildlife, ple to host their own local “Wandraisers” to fore, which was led by known white Keith, Frances Lamberts, Carissa Lenfert, Susan Lewis, projects for schools, low-income housing and other sites had been vocal in their opposition has gone viral along with images of small benefitthe project, and provides a printable Loy Lilley, Joy Lourie, Diane Lucas, Gail Marney, Kate Adam Wells to the presence of hate groups in supremacist Richard Spencer. animals being combed with mascara wands. “Wandraiser” poster and forms for mailing and developing workforce and supply chain solutions The “Wandraiser” collects mascara the wands. — Carl Blankenship McClory, Kim McClure, Rich McDonough, Mike McKinney, New Economy Program Manager their community from the time the The response to the presence of Linda Meyer, Steve Moeller, Nick Mullins, Catherine Murray, white supremacists in Appalachian wands, which Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Don O’Dell, Rob Osborne, Adam Pendlebury, Tessa rally was announced. A University of uses to clean fly eggs and larvae from communities has been varied in tactics Perkins, Rick Phelps, Patti Phelps, Stephanie Pistello Chase Pikeville student organized a counter- the fur of rescued animals. The volunteer, New Entrance Fee for WV Pugh, Bronwyn Reece, Carol Rollman, Kristin Rouse, Jenny environmental & cultural events demonstration, the “Rally for Equal- but unified in message: “hate is not nonprofit refuge coordinates wildlife reha- Rytel, Debbie Samuels, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe GET INVOLVED welcome here.” As one local organizer bilitation efforts in Western North Carolina. State Parks and Forests See more at appvoices.org/calendar ity and American Values” to be held Scardo, Frank Schaller, Susie Seiler, Kathy Selvage, Brenda Roan Mountain Firefly Gathering of the Pikeville counter-protest who The Wands for Wildlife program has An entrance fee to seven West Virginia Sigmon, Janeen Solberg, Lucy Spencer, Jennifer Stertzer, simultaneously across town, but it was Rhododendron Festival June 29-July 2: Learn about methods of eco- wishes to remain anonymous wrote, garnered more than 20 articles in state, state parks and forests was put into effect Andrew Tarley, Robert Thompson, Derrick Von Kundra, Bill SustainFloyd and Apple cancelled due to threats. June 17-18: Celebrate the beautiful annual friendly living with classes and demonstra- national and international media outlets, on Memorial Day Weekend. Wasserman, Dean Whitworth, Barbara Williamson, Diana Ridge Farms Energy Fair “We can’t give in to their scare tactics. blooming of rhododendrons, and enjoy food, tions, on-site camping and nightly entertain- Threats didn’t keep close to 200 and millions of views on videos created According to the West Virginia Division Withen, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman July 15: Adults and children are welcome to ex- We won’t let Nazis terrorize our com- local crafts and music. Roan Mountain State ment. Leicester, N.C. Ticket prices vary. Call plore exhibits about clean and renewable energy, counter-protesters from outnumbering for Facebook by media outlets like The of Natural Resources, the fee will include a munity. Together we can show that Ap- Park, Tenn. Free, parking by donation. Call 828-777-8777 or visit fireflygathering.org including off-grid classrooms and sustainable and drowning out the speakers and at- Dodo and Yahoo. $2 charge per vehicle, or a $12 annual fee About the Cover palachians stand together for a world 423-772-3303 or visit roanmountain.com/ farming. Floyd, Va. $3 single tickets or $5 family. tendees of the white-supremacist rally Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has that guarantees access to all seven parks. rhododendron-festival Museum of Appalachia Call 540-745-7333 or visit sustainfloyd.org/event where all are equal.” started a crowdfunding campaign to with noisemakers, chants and signs The purpose of the fee is to provide Independence Day Celebration raise $15,000 needed to open a triage the agency sufficient funding for park con- Hike-a-thon 2017 Walking the Line into July 4: Participate in traditional celebrations, facility for injured animals. servation and upkeep. — Rachel Pressley the Heart of Virginia including the shooting of the anvil, colonial liv- July 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Part of a summer se- The organization encourages peo- June 17-July 2: Witness first-hand the land ing demos and old-time music. Clinton, Tenn. ries, enjoy a guided hike along Clear Creek Residents Allege Herbicide Spraying threatened by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline by $20 for non-museum members. Call 865-494- Hollow Trail. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, walking along the path of the proposed route. 7680 or visit museumofappalachia.org/events Ky. $10. Visit parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ Caused Health Problems pine-mountain or call 606-337-3066. Bath County, Va. Free, registration required. A group of citizens in Sharps Chapel, Cooperative was negligent in its use of The Future of Ginseng and Forest Call 434-4270-3434 or visit walkingtheline.org Tenn., believe that excessive spraying of toxic chemicals to clear brush from the Botanicals Symposium SWVA Museum Historical State herbicides by Powell Valley Electric Coop- cooperative’s electric poles. Appalachia Barnraising July 12-14: This three-day symposium focuses Park’s Kids’ Summer Fest July 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Bring the kids out for erative in June of 2016 has caused major The spraying lawsuit is the second A.P. “Tony” Gouge came to photography June 24-25: Discuss issues threatening the on the most current research of American gin- a day of hiking, crafts and a tour of the mu- health problems for them and their pets. lawsuit filed against PVEC this year. In later in life, but says that the pursuit has region in a “unconference style” meeting seng and other botanicals in the Appalachian seum and grounds. Big Stone Gap, Va. Free. Residents report that they have expe- January of 2017, the cooperative’s director allowed him to rediscover nature in a different meant to inspire collaboration and ideas. Mor- area. Morgantown, W.Va. Prices vary, registra- Call 276-523-1322 or visit swvamuseum.org/ rienced painful rashes and kidney issues. of accounting and finance filed a wrongful way. While on a camping trip in Great Smoky gantown, W.Va. $50. Contact 504-358-0647 or tion required. Call 740-742-3455 or visit tinyurl. calendarofevents When asked by the Knoxville News Senti- termination suit with Powell Valley. Accord- Mountains National Park this spring, he made visit publiclab.org/Barnraising com/FutureOfGinseng nel to comment, PVEC General Manager ing to the Claiborne Progress newspaper, this image of a stream alternately known as Southeastern Permaculture No Pipeline Concert Whippoorwill Festival Randell Meyers denied that these health the lawsuit alleges that the employee was Tremont and the Middle Prong of the Little Gathering June 25, 12-6 p.m.: Join Friends of Augusta for July 14-16: Learn about sustainable living issues were caused by the spraying of firedafter alerting the auditing committee River. This quick-flowing waterway is known August 4-6: Come learn about innovations and live music and drinks at Seven Arrows Brew- practices in Appalachia through a weekend herbicides. However, on March 10, a that PVEC was possibly engaging in illegal for its fly fishing. trends in permaculture, with countless work- ing Company while standing up against the of workshops and activities. Beattyville, Ky. couple from Sharps Chapel filed a civil activities. — Lou Murrey View more of Gouge’s work at Facebook. shops and educational opportunities. Celo, proposed pipelines. Waynesboro, Va. Free. Ticket prices vary. Visit whippoorwillfest.com N.C. Ticket prices TBD. Call 303-931-7586 or lawsuit claiming that Powell Valley Electric com/APGougePhotography Visit tinyurl.com/NoPipelineConcert visit southeasternpermaculture.org June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 3 Environmental News From Around the Region Tennessee Broadband Law Brings Art Exhibit Raises Awareness of New River Opportunities and Restrictions By Adrienne Fouts history, hand-drawn maps and other components. By Lou Murrey cooperatives to provide broadband An art exhibit at the Turchin Center OUTFIT SUMMER IN STYLE “We want people to understand where previously they were restricted. for the Visual Arts in Boone, N.C., aims On May 16, Gov. Bill Haslam signed that we’re all connected to the water- Isom particularly sees potential for to raise awareness about protecting the the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility shed and our actions, the materials we electric cooperatives to connect rural New River. Entitled “Collective Vigi- no matter what your adventure Act, which will provide $45 million in consume, all will find a way into the areas to internet access. lance: Speaking for the New River,” the grants and tax credits for private compa- watershed,” says Hansell. “It’s also “We have good working relation- exhibit is also intended to get people nies like AT&T and Charter to subsidize amazing looking at all of the trash and ships with the utility boards and we’re thinking about their connection to the the buildout of rural fiber networks. thinking about how much stuff we use excited about an opportunity to engage watershed. William Isom of the Sustainable that we actually don’t need.” with our electric cooperatives in Tennes- A graduate class taught by Tom Equitable Agricultural Development “Collective Vigilance” is on display see,” he says. Hansell in the Appalachian Studies Taskforce, a group working on getting until July 29. The exhibit is also de- The cooperatives seem ready to program at Appalachian State Uni- community-owned broadband to rural signed to travel. The mural in particular engage too. Volunteer Energy Coop- versity partnered with the New River areas, describes the law as “a good first is meant to be taken to schools in the erative devoted the first page of their Conservancy, an environmental group, step, but funding broadband infrastruc- area after the exhibition ends. April newsletter to the issue of broad- and other organizations last fall for the ture is really a billion dollar problem.” “I’d like to work with educational band. SEAD held three informational project. One-third of Tennesseans are un- institutions, art galleries or places along workshops in Cumberland County for The comprehensive exhibit in- served or underserved by high-speed the river who are interested in doing Volunteer Energy members in early May. cludes a display of trash that the class internet, yet this law restricts municipal, something similar,” says Hansell. “They Even the Tennessee Valley Authority helped collect from the New River, as publicly owned broadband networks, can sponsor their own river cleanups wants to get in on the broadband oppor- well as images by local photographers, like the Gig in Chattanooga, from ex- and get people to be part of more advo- tunity. The federally owned utility an- a mural of native plants, a digital time- panding beyond their service footprint. cacy efforts to improve water quality.” The newly signed bill does, how- nounced in May that they plan to invest line of the New River Conservancy’s ever, allow Tennessee’s rural electric $300 million in installing 3,500 miles of fiberoptic across their seven-state region. Wildlife Officials Propose Reducing Timber Rattlesnake Sightings Wanted Black Bear Population in Virginia West Virginia’s state reptile, the timber By Rachel Pressley week of muzzleloading in 34 counties rattlesnake, is in decline and the state Dept. was not approved as it had previously of Natural Resources is requesting help from The Virginia Department of Game caused a 14 percent decrease in the bear citizens to learn about the snake’s popula- and Inland Fisheries implemented a tion distribution. population within five years. controversial proposal to expand black They grow up to four feet long, have a bear hunting in order to reduce the The wildlife agency’s Black Bear banded appearance and a rattle on the tail. Management Plan is based on public If you have observed a timber rattle- population in seven of the 22 Bear Man- input, the bear’s role in the ecosystem, snake in West Virginia, there is a short survey agement Zones in western Virginia. The online in which the department asks for the change is meant to limit the impact of human-bear interactions and bear- longitude and latitude coordinates where bear behavior on humans. related attraction and tourism. the snake was sighted, a photograph of the At the board meeting on May 24, The Wildlife Center of Virginia, a snake and the observer’s name with contact hospital for native wildlife, opposed the information. Access the survey at wvdnr.gov/ the agency finalized changes for the reduction proposal. Instead, the organiza- rattlesnakereport. — Rachel Pressley next two hunting and trapping seasons. A three-day open early season was tion advocated for lessening human-bear added to 37 counties during the week interaction through public education before the statewide archery season. The about how to prevent attracting bears, po- start date of bear hound training season tentially by managing trash responsibly. was changed to Aug. 1. An additional For more information, visit virginia- 2017 WORKSHOP SERIES bearhunters.org/news.php. Aug 11 Solar Thermal Water Heati ng: Overview, STAY Summer Institute Offers Opportunities for Regional Youth Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Hendersonville • Asheville Space Heati ng & Maintenance Registration is open for the Stay To- West Virginia are encouraged to join the Winston-Salem, NC • Knoxville, TN • Greenville • Columbia, SC Aug 25 Appalachian Clean Energy CLE gether Appalachian Youth Project’s STAY STAY Project for a weekend of learning, Sept 15 Introducti on to Building Energy Modeling Summer Institute! The institute will be art, music, action and cultural sharing in • Sept 22-23 Microhydro System Design & Installati on held at the Appalachian South Folklife an autonomous youth space. MASTGENERALSTORE.COM Center in Pipestem, W.Va., July 6 to 9. Visit the STAY Project’s website at Young folks aged 14 to 30 living in thestayproject.com to register or submit a For details, continuing education credits & more workshops: — Lou Murrey energy.appstate.edu [email protected] 828-262-8913 East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, workshop proposal. Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and Page 4 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 Fishin’ n’ Pickin’ Fishin’ n’ Pickin’ continued from previous page the Outer Banks of North Carolina Musician Larry Keel uses fishing as his go-to haven. “Unless there’s a hurricane or a crazy storm hitting the to unwind and access inspiration area, I find it really serene and mysti- By Eric J. Wallace cal there,” he says. “But really, I have For going on five years now, world- to say that every time I fish, no matter renown progressive bluegrass guitarist where I am, it’s a special and soul- Larry Keel has spearheaded intimate, enriching experience.” three-day and four-night “Bass n’ On the road, the Keels say they fre- Bluegrass guitarist Larry Keel keeps an active touring schedule and is working on his sixteenth Grass” and “Trout n’ Tunes” events quently view the sport as a relaxing social studio album. At right, he reels in a bass on Georgia’s Goose Lake. Photos courtesy of Larry Keel combining the guitar hero’s foremost event. Indeed, on top of meeting great Keel laughs. “It’s funny because, It’s just common sense that passions: fishing and picking. locals and fisherfolk, Keel says he’s got- when I was visiting him a couple we“ need to pay close attention Held in idyllic settings at wa- ten every band member he’s played with of months back in Boulder, Colo., to our natural world, take care terfront locations like Goose Lake in over the last 15 years onto the water and I saw he still has the jar—it’s on Larry Keel, left, says this 10-pound brown trout is the prettiest brown he’s ever caught. He of it, be stewards of it instead Georgia and on the Elk River in West has been known to write or play music display in his music room!” reeled in this specimen along Idaho’s Snake River with guide Travis Rydberg. Above, Larry of just reckless users. Virginia, these one-of-a-kind affairs Keel stands with his band Natural Bridge. From left: banjoist Will Lee, guitarist Larry Keel, while sitting in a johnboat on a quiet lake. In addition to viewing fish- ” feature a slew of acclaimed bluegrass mandolinist Mark Schimick, and Jenny Keel on the bass. Photos courtesy of Larry Keel Keel likes to recall a particular ing as a conduit to recharge their known for its excellent fly-fishing. Virginia and all my closest family are still musicians and master anglers — in- misadventure with mandolinist Mark here, so it’s natural for me to stay near raised in an environment strongly Keel playing bass in almost all of Larry’s creative energies and a means of bond- Until then, with Larry currently cluding, but not limited to, Keel, Steve Meanwhile, out by the water, there Schimick and Leftover Salmon’s cur- to what’s always been special and mean- influenced by mountain culture. touring groups, the Keels joke they’ve ing with friends, the Keels say angling working on writing material for his six- McMurry, Jeff Mosier, David Blackmon, are seminars on fishing techniques rent banjo player, Andy Thorn. Along ingful to me. Jenny and I continue to live “Fishing is a total Zen experience, it been joined at the hip since they began is a perfect excuse to connect with the teenth studio album, there will be many a Gove Scrivenor, and award-winning — how to tie flies, what kind of bait with Jenny, the three were playing a in this area because it just calls to us. always calms and centers me,” he says, dating in the mid-90s. “I’m not exagger- natural world. In the past, talking to day spent fishing. “The music I’m writing bass fisherman and banjoist, Will Lee. to use, how to understand various music festival in southern Florida un- Of all the places in our travels, the Blue adding that, while he loves all forms of ating when I say that Larry and I have them about nature and fishing elicited right now is sophisticated and experimen- The events provide participants with a fish habitats and so on. With campers der the banner of Keel’s longtime band, Ridge Mountains are the most purely fishing, he has a special passion for Ap- wanted to do everything together since quiet musings punctuated by heavy tal, playful, dark, exhilarating,” he says. long weekend of instruction in both the typically numbering under 50 and Natural Bridge, and had paused to en- spiritual, magical and inspiring to our palachia’s native brook trout and pre- the minute we hooked up,” says Jenny. doses of laughter, some penchant tall “But I can’t ever get too far away fine art of bluegrass music and freshwa- concert-goers around 100, the events joy an afternoon of fishing on a nearby hearts. Being here always soothes us and fers the catch-and-release experience. “Although I’d never fished before I tales, and a healthy dose of mysticism from my own Appalachian roots. It’s ter bass or trout fishing. are designed to create close interac- lake. Situated in a small johnboat, they restores us when we’re road-weary.” u “Like music, it’s spiritual, it’s met him, I was eager to try it,” she says. thrown in for good measure. However, in my personality… I was born here in “We wanted an atmosphere that tions between participants and staff. glided through the water with Keel metaphysical, and I can’t live without “He showed me how to put the lure on faced with a Trump administration that would lead to a real intimate and laid- Keel has 15 original albums under playing captain, Thorn at the bow and it … I try to fish everywhere I go, be- the line and cast and was with me when they feel is bent on the eradication of back experience,” says Larry Keel, who his belt and has shared the stage with Schimick in the middle. cause, for me, being on the water is a I caught my first fish—a little rock bass environmental protection standards for is 48 years old and lives in Lexington, Va. greats like Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, “Andy was particularly excited main source of power — like, spiritual on the Maury River, in Rockbridge waterways and just about everything STARNES TREE SERVICE “Music-wise we have workshops, Q&A Sam Bush, the Yonder Mountain String about the fishing, and we were all reel- power. I try to gather that power to be County, Va. Fishing with Larry feels else, the connection is something they Specializing in the relationship forums, nightly shows, constant jam-ses- Band, Keller Williams, Del McCoury, the ing in some beauties,” Keel recounts used when needed through the course like all the things we do together, it’s feel obligated to emphasize. between your trees and your home sions and tons of hands-on instruction.” Infamous Stringdusters and New Grass with an ominous chuckle. “He kept of living and creating.” just wonderful to share the experience “I’m for nature first, since mankind Revival co-founder Curtis Burch. What casting pretty wildly, back-casting a I try to fish everywhere I Growing up in rural Fauquier with my best friend.” can’t really do without it here on planet “ led the legendary flat-picker to invest little too long and a little too powerfully go, because, for me, being County, Va., this relationship between Over the course of the past two Earth,” says Keel. “It’s just common the time and energy into helping put on to be in such close quarters with two on the water is a main source music and angling was established early decades, the couple has fished together sense that we need to pay close attention small-scale events that have as much to other anglers in a little boat. Well, one of power — like, spiritual on. “There were three ponds just steps in a variety of settings throughout the to our natural world, take care of it, be do with fishing as music? For Larry Keel, of those back-casts landed smack in the power. I try to gather that away from our house, so I fished every country and beyond. “I try to fish ev- stewards of it instead of just reckless us- the activities are inextricably interwoven back of my head, just below the band of • Pre-Build Consulting • Pesticide/Fertilizer power to be used when day of the summer from a really early erywhere I go, especially when there’s ers. Then it will continue to provide good — his family was rooted in Southwest my hat.” When Thorn went to follow- • Risk Assessment Injections needed through the course age, just because it was so convenient a special spot I want to check out, or stuff for us. You know, inconsequential Virginia for generations and he was through with the cast, the hook set. • Risk Management • Fruit Tree Pruning of living and creating. and close and safe,” he says. “Mom when time allows in the middle of a things like clean air and water! It’s just “He was using a huge treble-hook- • Tree Survey • Spike-Free Pruning ” didn’t mind a bit: I caught fish all the touring schedule,” says Larry. “But we common sense that we have an intrinsic style lure with nasty barbs and it dug • Stump Grinding time and we ate what I brought home!” also make time to go on purely pleasure- relationship with our natural world — • Environmental Consulting deep into the back of my head. Now, • Canopy Reduction Then, for his seventh birthday, based fishing trips that aren’t associated like a family member, it’s something that • Tree Diagnosis you can’t just pull those things out; the Larry’s older brother, Gary, gave him at all with music or touring.” takes care of you and out of love and hooks are designed to grab hold of the RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL a guitar. Encouraged by Gary and his Along with recent forays in Mexico respect you take care of it back.” inside of whatever they attach to. They father — both of whom played guitar, and Hawaii, some of his favorite outings This summer, from Aug. 31 to Sept. were totally embedded in my scalp, with the latter also playing banjo — to were on the Chilkoot River near Haines, 5, Larry and Jenny will again be publicly almost to the bone!” join bluegrass picking sessions, Larry got Alaska, and on Idaho’s Salmon and celebrating the relationship between To the local urgent care the band hooked quick. “I burned to learn how to Snake rivers. Closer to home, he loves music, fishing, creativity and the envi- went, where, after a minor surgical play like them and excel on my instru- to fish the upper James River, the Maury ronment by headlining another pickin’ procedure and a tetanus shot, the doctor ment, I couldn’t put it down,” he says. River and, in North Carolina, a favorite n’ fishin’ festival in Idaho, “Pickin’ on Experienced • Insured • Reliable handed Keel a specimen jar housing the From that moment on, pickin’ and fishin’ is the French Broad. the Middle Fork.” As the name sug- lure. “I gave it to Andy as a souvenir ETHICAL TREE CARE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY became the two constants in his life. However, the guitarist counts gests, the event will be held on the and a reminder to check his wild cast- That is, until he met his wife Jenny. Middle Fork of the Salmon River in a 828-733-TREE (8733) ing when in a boat with other people,” national park wilderness area, which is Married for 21 years, with Jenny continued on next page Page 6 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 7 Hidden Treasures A Little Bit of Paradise Snorkeling the Conasauga River Fishing and Swimming Spots The hundreds of streams that criss-cross the Appa- has led state agencies to maintain populations of non- with local game wardens. lachian Mountains and feed the region’s many rivers also native rainbow and brown trout in Appalachian streams Anglers, hikers and swimmers alike are drawn by the provide countless swimming holes, waterfalls and places as well. The balance between recreation, sport and beauty of the woods and the allure of refreshing, clean water. to fish. Here, we explore a sampling of these fishing and ecology is delicate and sometimes troubled. A complex Respect local trails to minimize erosion, and don’t leave trash swimming hotspots. set of fishing regulations governs each state’s waters, behind. That way, future adventurers can enjoy the pristine splendor of Appalachia’s watering holes, too — and these While the brook trout is the only game fish native to and licenses are required. Doing your homework before Photo by USFS/ Holly Krake special places will be preserved for your next visit! Appalachia, the popularity and economic power of fishing packing your tackle box will ensure smooth encounters Snorkeling might not immediately come to including freshwater drum, bass, darters and shin- mind when thinking of summer activities in Ap- ers. Snorkelers may also happen upon turtles, Fly Fishing the South Holston palachia, but a stretch of the Conasauga River tadpoles or even the hellbender salamander. Exploring the South Toe River and Watauga Tailwaters in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest offers Visitors wanting to snorkel can access the visitors the opportunity to do just that. river from the Conasauga River Trailhead (#61) The clear pools in this section of the river are parking lot in Polk County, about an hour and 15 perfect for swimming and viewing a wide array of minute drive from Chattanooga, Tenn. Individuals fish and freshwater life. Watersheds in the south- can snorkel on their own here or in other streams eastern United States such as the Conasauga in Cherokee National Forest. Larger groups can River are some of the most biologically diverse schedule a guided snorkeling experience with in the world, and at least 45 different fish species gear and lifeguards by calling the U.S. Forest have been identified in this snorkeling area alone, Service at 423-476-9700. — Adrienne Fouts

South Holston, Photo by Dan Grogan Photo by Gary Peeples/USFWS Emerald Pond: A Hiker’s Reward When it comes to fly fishing spots in the waters is the thriving brown trout population, Flowing from Mt. Mitchell, the South five-mile stretch of the river. Southeast, some of the best are the sister with around 11,000 fish per mile in the South Photo by David Hopkins Toe River in North Carolina is filled with Near Burnsville, the river can be tailwaters of the South Holston and Watauga Holston, and the rivers’ famous sulphur rivers. Both are located in eastern Tennessee hatch. “Sulphurs” is the common term for rainbow, brown and brook trout. fished year-round, but the area is quieter On Hwy. 281 near an unof- for water release are available at The river stems from a slew of creeks during the winter months due to fewer and flow from dams at South Holston Lake the mayfly species that hatch on these rivers and Wilbur Lake, ending up in Boone Lake. from May to October, which the trout feed on. ficially marked roadside trailhead tinyurl.com/nantahala-dam-release. and tributaries that are also fishable: Big fish and the parkway’s more frequent in Wolf Creek, N.C., the Nan- The steep 1.5-mile trail Lost Cove Creek, Little Mountain Creek, winter closings. It can be fished more These dam-released waters from mountain People love to fish with dry flies here, King lakes are always cold—ideal for trout fishing. says, especially in the middle of the summer tahala National Forest hosts a re- climbs within and around a gorge, Hemphill Creek, Colbert Creek and Neals successfully in the spring. Sections of Photo by Clark Spitler These rivers maintain optimum water when there are daily sulphur hatches. mote and natural hidden treasure leading to Paradise Falls. Creek, to name a few. The river is acces- the water, including a mile-long stretch known as Paradise Falls. Two popular swimming holes sible via the Blue Ridge Parkway near that flows through Black Mountain Camp- temperatures year-round,” says Robert In addition to brown trout, the South The falls are surrounded by are hidden within the gorge, one A hidden oasis in Virginia’s George Washing- right at the intersection with the white-blazed Bird milepost 352 by turning onto Forest Road ground, are catch-and-release and only King, shop manager and guide at South Holston River contains rainbow trout, and trees and concealed in a mini below and one above the falls. ton National Forest awaits those who are willing to Knob Trail, and at slightly over 3 miles total, they 472 (S. Toe River Rd.), which follows a allow artificial bait. — Carl Blankenship Holston River Fly Shop. “That makes it an the Watauga River has populations of rain- outstanding trout habitat. The trout can bow and brook trout. slot canyon below Wolf Creek Once at the base of the falls, hikers hike for it. Emerald Pond, aptly named for its crys- reach Emerald Pond. They can then follow a forest range from five to 20 pounds, and insect Anglers should make sure to check the Lake. The lake is one of multiple can swim across the pool to the tal-clear green water, is spring-fed and relatively service road, which is also part of the Massanutten life is extremely prolific.” dams’ generation schedules before plan- dammed lakes that make up the entrance of the canyon, climb a warm for a mountain pond, making it an inviting South Trail, back to the Bird Knob Trail junction and Fishing the North Fork of the Cherry River What lures most people to fish at the tail- ning a trip. — Adrienne Fouts headwaters of the East Fork of the rope up the rocks and witness the swimming hole, as well as a good spot to relax. retrace their steps back to the parking lot, making Tuckasegee River. falls flowing into the chasm. The hike to Emerald Pond begins a few miles the hike a little over 8 miles round trip. The release of the dams At this location, there is no east of New Market, Va., at the abandoned Mas- The Emerald Pond Hike is perfect for a sum- affects the amount of water flow- cellular service available. Due to sanutten Visitors Center on U.S. Route 211. For mer’s day — the trail’s overlooks and the beautiful Gorge Fishing at East Fork of Indian Creek ing down the falls, which can be the rough terrain and slippery 0.3 miles, hikers take the white-blazed Wildflower waters of the swimming hole make the moderate dangerous during heavy flows. orF cliffs, water resistant shoes with Trail from the parking lot until it intersects with the challenge of the hike worthwhile. Emerald Pond safety, check the latest water levels good tread are recommended. orange-blazed Massanutten South Trail. The trail even has a campsite on its banks for those wish- before visiting. In addition, the dates — Rachel Pressley climbs steeply through a boulder field until it reach- ing to make the hike an overnight trip. For more es the top of the ridge, where hikers are greeted details about this hike, visit hikingupward.com/ with vistas of the Harrisonburg Valley. Hikers veer gwnf/emeraldpond. — Adrienne Fouts

Photo by Tim Kiser, Wikimedia Upper Little Stony Falls, Photo Photo by Brenda Walker Photography, courtesy USDA/Forest Service The 2.8-mile Little Stony National Recre- destination for very advanced boaters. A bridge The North Fork of the Cherry River is a accessible to anglers. brendawalkerphotography.zenfolio.com ation Trail, located in the Jefferson National stretches across the top of the falls, allowing small stream that flows through Mononga- “The North Fork’s a nice little stream,” Forest in Virginia, follows Little Stony Creek hikers to stand directly above the rushing wa- hela National Forest near Richwood, W.Va. says Jason Starcher of Four Seasons Out- The East Fork of Indian Creek in Me- streams of its size usually receive, according and passes by three waterfalls. A fairly easy ter. The pool below is brisk, making it a great Because it starts in higher elevations, the fitters in Richwood. “It’s shaded a lot, and nifee County, Ky., offers anglers an excep- to Scott Barrett, a biologist at Minor Clark hike, this trail is a good alternative to the more spot to cool down in the late summer months. temperatures of this pristine mountain people like it because it’s smaller than a tional stream trout fishing experience in the Fish Hatchery. strenuous Devils Fork Loop nearby. Hikers can Further along, the trail also passes two beautiful stream stay cooler for longer in the year, lot of the streams around.” middle of the scenic Red River Gorge area. Anglers can also combine their fishing begin at either a parking lot on Forest Road smaller waterfalls. making it a good habitat for wild trout. While the catch-and-release section From April through September, the trip with other outdoor activities that the Red 701 or on the other end of the trail at Hanging For hikers seeking a more challenging A catch-and-release, fly-fishing only is not stocked, on the other side of the stream is under statewide fishing regula- River Gorge area is well-known for, including Rock Picnic Area. trip, the trail connects to the Chief Benge section of the North Fork extends almost bridge the river turns to general regulation tions, but from Oct. 1 to March 31, this 5.3- camping, hiking and rock climbing. From the Forest Road 701 parking area, Scout Trail, an 18.7-mile trail that encompases two miles upstream from a water supply fishing and is stocked with brown, rainbow mile section of the creek is catch-and-release “It’s in a beautiful area, down in the Little Stony Falls is just a quarter mile down the seven different trailheads including High dam in Richwood to the state Route 39 and golden rainbow trout in addition to only. The East Fork is stocked with 4,500 gorge,” Barrett says. “That’s probably the trail. Here, a 24-foot vertical waterfall cascades Knob, an iconic Appalachian lookout. — Anna bridge. Since Route 39 runs alongside the native brook trout. — Adrienne Fouts rainbow trout throughout the year, as well biggest thing that sets it apart from other Little Stony Falls into a 10-foot pool below. This spot offers many Norwood, updated from version published in much of the river, fishing spots are easily as 400 brown trout — more fish than trout trout streams.” — Adrienne Fouts scenic views and is a whitewater kayaking August/September 2012

Page 8 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 9 Kreps says the forests and rivers Carbon Footprints also offer recreational value, which di- This GREEN House continued from previous page rectly benefits the local economy. The Nature Conservancy operates benefit the community. Appalachian on private land and pays the landowners Shrinking Carbon Footprints Offsets has contributed to programs that annually in exchange for rights to man- have eliminated nearly 3,000 metric tons age the land and timber. Funding for the Offset programs aim to counter climate of carbon emissions since its inception. project is generated through timber har- Appalachian Offsets is currently vesting — done in a way that aims to be change while providing other benefits working on two Asheville-area projects: A ecologically responsible — and additional lighting retrofit for Opportunity House, a By Carl Blankenship Commuter offset program in Boone, N.C. Commuters who buy funds from The Nature Conservancy. cultural and performing arts center, and a Students and faculty who purchase park- into the program receive “What we’re doing is carrying out, Changing diets, recycling more, solar array that will have long-term ben- ing on campus can opt into the program bumper stickers that can basically, scientifically sound driving less and upgrading building efits for Isaac Dickson Elementary School. and pay $8 annually to offset all of their be stacked on top of each silvicultural [forestry] practices,” efficiency are all ways to reduce one’s Lighting retrofits replace older in- commuting emissions. These emissions other, leaving the date Meade says. “Which doesn’t re- impact on the environment. But in 2017, candescent bulbs with new LED light make up about 20 percent of the school’s exposed. The organizers ally sound like a big deal, but in while there are plenty of ways to limit bulbs, which are more energy efficient carbon footprint at about 17,000 metric hope that people will absence of us being involved in that impact, it is extremely difficult for Over the long term, Isaac Dickson Elementary School stands and have much longer lifespans. The High school interns with The Nature Conservancy remove tons of carbon dioxide per year. participate year after an invasive plant known as tree-of-heaven in Russell these projects, business as usual individuals to eliminate their entire to save $3.5 million in electricity costs through a solar array Opportunity House project will offset Appalachian State runs its program year and have a collec- donated by Appalachian Offsets. Above, Isaac Dickson students County, Va. At right, a view of Wards Cove in Tazewell, in the Central Appalachian zone environmental footprints. over 40 metric tons of carbon emis- through Sterling Planet, a commercial off- tion of stacked stickers, rally for the sustainability of their school. Photo by Pat Barcas Va. Photos courtesy of The Nature Conservancy on private land is typically mis- That is where carbon offsets come sions annually. Roughly $26,000 has sets provider that has operations nearby. showing each year they management of the forests.” in. Carbon offsets are programs that we can to avoid that, that’s where I see been raised for the project through a Since the program began in 2002, ting other species and communities Sterling Planet has several pro- participated in the program, on their Like other conservation forestry help eliminate the greenhouse gases the impact.” combination of public crowdfunding these trees have absorbed 474,737 met- that get their drinking water from the grams, but the university opted for cars that will passively boost the pro- programs and other carbon offset from the atmosphere that are causing and corporate contributions. ric tons of carbon dioxide, which has river system. methane destruction. While methane gram’s visibility around campus. Appalachian Offsets programs, these projects are capable climate change. There are a number of The effort to provide solar-powered been certified by a third party. Program “Mussels and the fish are kind of like is not carbon dioxide, it also has signifi- When asked about the kind of per- The move to expand carbon offset- of creating positive impacts in the types of programs that offset carbon. electricity for Isaac Dickson Elementary Manager Greg Meade says they expect indicator species as well, and it’s a test for cant impact on global warming. Sterling son who was interested in contributing ting through tangible local projects is areas they serve beyond reducing the Some of the most effective ones have a School is much larger, with a price tag approximately 75,000 more tons of off- how healthy the whole system is,” Meade Planet’s methane destruction program to the program, Dees said he believes it not unique to Appalachian State. The greenhouse effect. Funding for these local impact and produce other benefits. over $1 million. sets to be certified soon. says. “By getting them where they need involves wicking methane off landfills is good samaritans who recognize the is- Asheville-based Western North Caro- projects can produce educational ben- Carbon Neutral Appalachian Offsets is raising The program is doing more than to be, we are also helping the entire sys- and combusting the gas before it can be sue of climate change and are compelled lina Green Building Council, a nonprofit efits, save money and help preserve $220,000 from individuals and groups, offsetting emissions, it is also protect- tem which so many people depend on.” Commuter absorbed in the atmosphere. Methane is to take action and do something positive organization, started Appalachian Off- natural areas. u and investors are contributing $800,000. ing forested areas in the Clinch River Appalachian State University’s Office produced in large quantities at landfills to make amends for their contributions. sets in 2007. Valley of Southwest Virginia and East of Sustainability runs the Carbon Neutral as a byproduct of trash breaking down. Carbon Neutral Commuter was While the program failed to gain The investors will each share use of the array based on how much money Tennessee. The Nature Conservancy, The university’s program be- started as an independent program, much traction in its early years due to a national land conservation organiza- gan in 2014 and has enjoyed above- but its success has encouraged Dees the 2008 recession, it raised about $40,000 they put into the project and receive tax credits for their contributions. After tion, manages the forest, which in turn expected participation rates; 17.5 and Sarah Hooper, a recent graduate in the three years following its creation helps maintain the health of the Clinch ‘TIS THE seven years the array will be donated to percent of commuters in 2015 and assistant, to prepare to expand offset- and finished a couple of projects with and Powell river systems, both part of 12.5 percent in 2016 have bought ting to other university activities, such that money. It was revived in 2016 due the school to serve the remainder of its 25-year lifespan, saving at least $3.5 mil- the Tennessee River Basin. into the program. Those numbers as energy purchases, landfill waste and to renewed interest in the program and a Clinch Valley Program Director Brad SEASON exceeded estimates from Sterling university-sponsored air travel. pair of grants from the Ray C. Anderson lion for the school over that time period. WNC Green Building Council Com- Kreps says the rivers are two of the most Planet by one to three percent, in The long-term goals of emission Foundation and the Kendeda Fund. biologically important in the country, spite of a lack of marketing. reduction programs are to both lighten “It was a combination of enthusiasm munity Engagement Director Cari Barcas says the program targets nonprofits and hosting a large number of rare species. BBQ RUBS “People here really have an ap- the university’s footprint and educate from our board and our membership,” “A big part of keeping those rivers petite for this sort of thing,” says Jim students so they can take what they WNC Green Building Council Executive schools that stand to benefit most from SPICE BLENDS | TEAS Participants in Appalachian State University’s Carbon healthy is to protect the forests that Dees, the data and assessment spe- learn into the larger world. Director Sam Ruark-Eastes says. “Real- these kinds of sustainable upgrades but Neutral Commuter program display these stickers on are often unable to afford them. surround the river and influence all the SUGARS | SALTS their cars. Photo by Carl Blankenship cialist for the Office of Sustainability. “If people don’t know what they’re izing that we could play an active role in “Our program is really designed headwater streams that feed into the doing, how can they lower their emis- supporting energy efficiency upgrades river,” Kreps says. sions?” Hooper says. for non-profits and in schools.” as a bridge to bring together these companies and individuals who are He notes that there are over 40 species SOLARIZE WISE The greatest impact the university When the project relaunched it did of freshwater mussels in the Clinch and can have on the environment comes so with a new, sleeker website — cut- looking to offset their emissions along with organizations that need support in Powell system, half of which are federally www.swvasolar.org from educating students regarding mycarbon.org — with a more intuitive endangered, and more than 130 types of emissions, according to Dees. carbon calculator that allows users to upgrading their facilities and reducing their energy costs,” Barcas says. fish in the rivers. In total the Clinch River “If [Appalachian State] went carbon determine their carbon footprint in a hosts the largest number of imperiled spe- neutral tomorrow, or by next Thursday, few minutes. The calculator can tell how Clinch Valley cies in any United States river. it would be great, but it would be a very many tons of carbon a household pro- Trees also offset greenhouse gas “Historically the Tennessee River sy- Solarize Wise is a community Sign up for more small impact globally,” Dees says. “But duces annually and how much money emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide tem supported a wide variety of fish and program to make it easier and information and if we are cranking out students year af- they need to contribute to the program from the atmosphere during photo- freshwater mussel species,” Kreps says. cheaper to go solar. Solarize a free solar home ter year after year after year for the next to offset their total tonnage. Wise is open to homeowners, assessment by July 31 synthesis. The Nature Conservancy’s On top of the inherent value of spe- ® 25, to 30, to 40 years that understand The program focuses on building The Spice & Tea Exchange farmers and small businesses at SWVAsolar.org or by Clinch Valley program, currently cover- cies, Kreps says protecting mussels is calling (276) 679-1691 in or near Wise County, Va. [global warming is] death by a thousand projects that both offset carbon and ing about 23,000 acres, is preserving a important because they are filter feeders 1087-4 Main St. | Blowing Rock
/$ | 828-372-7070 cuts ... and we need to do everything continued on next page tremendous amount of trees. that help clean the waterways, benefit- Page 10 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 11 Duke Energy Wants to Raise Rates to Pay for Coal Ash Cleanup By Elizabeth E. Payne management of coal ash and the safe seeks to recover were reason- closure of ash basins.” In a long anticipated move, Duke ably and prudently incurred.” Special Section In preparation of its request to seek Energy announced its intention to raise In April, lawyers for the rate increases, Duke Energy also asked the rates of customers in North Caro- company justified its account- the commission to allow it to account for lina, in part to cover the cost of cleaning ing for these costs by saying any coal ash related costs in the future up its coal ash impoundments. that “The federal government rather than admitting them as losses and state of North Carolina Voices Coal ash is a byproduct of burning Appalachian now. This move would also pave the coal for electricity. The utility has stored have adopted significant new way to pass the costs on to ratepayers. legislation and regulatory re- When a Duke Energy coal ash pond failed in 2014, waste entered millions of tons of ash in 34 impound- the Dan River through this pipe. Photo by Appalachian Voices Celebrating 20 years of defending the mountains, ments across the state for decades. According to the Charlotte Business quirements obligating [Duke These unlined ponds have been proven Journal, denying this request would Energy] to spend significant public hearings and comment periods watersheds and communities of Appalachia to leach toxic compounds harmful to “play havoc with [the company’s] fi- amounts to comply,” according to the will be scheduled, after which the com- humans into nearby groundwater. nancial reports.” Greensboro News and Record. mission will decide what, if any, rate On May 2 the company submitted a Once completed, cleanup costs are But in comments filed with the increase the utility can enact. statement to the North Carolina Utilities projected to exceed $5 billion. commission in March, NC WARN, a Duke Energy is also asking the N.C. Commission voicing its intent to apply Many have objected to this account- nonprofit focused on fighting climate Utilities Commission to change the for a rate increase on or before June 1. The ing maneuver, including the office of the change, viewed the impact of the state terms under which it pays for the solar A Letter from Our Board Chair filing applied specifically to Duke Energy state’s attorney general. legislation differently. energy it purchases. Among other tech- When I joined Appalachian Voic- and Southern Appalachia. The well- Progress, a division of the company that “The coal ash costs that Duke Energy “Although compliance with state and nical requests, the company is asking es’ board of directors in 2014, I knew being of local communities remains serves central and eastern North Caro- seeks to recover are out-of-the-ordinary federal regulatory requirements should to shorten the term of its contracts with I was coming into a trusted organi- the soul of our mission and informs lina, as well as the Asheville area. and very concerning because they may be part of the normal operations of an independent solar producers from 15 zation with a reputation for getting our strategies going forward during Duke stated in a press release result in large rate increases for consum- electric company, mandatory require- years to 10 and to make the payment lev- results. The group had long been at the this most criticial time for the region. that the rate increase would pay for ers,” wrote Assistant Attorney General ments to clean up after violations and els variable, resetting every two years. forefront of the fight to end mountain- By engaging deeply in impact- modernization of the state’s electric Margaret Force in a recent filing with the criminal convictions should not.” Each of these requests would draw top removal coal mining by helping to ed communities, our team earns grid, investments in clean energy, costs commission. “There are important ques- Once Duke Energy formally sub- money away from the solar producers build a nationwide movement from the respect of local leaders, state associated with Hurricane Matthew tions that need to be addressed about mits its request for a rate hike to the and make investments in solar energy whether all of the costs that Duke Energy state utility commission, a series of u the ground up. With your support, and federal officials, and members and “costs associated with the ongoing more risky and expensive. The Appalachian Voices team in August 2016. we’ve become so much more. of Congress. Those relationships al- Today, Appalachian Voices is low us to transcend the boundaries To counter that threat, Appala- local jobs and community wealth, working at the nexus of America’s that have hindered progress in Ap- chian Voices is putting forward a and that sustain Appalachia’s incom- energy transition. This organiza- palachia for far too long. positive vision for the region’s future parable natural heritage. tion is a leading force accelerating Although the coal industry has and the role it can plan in America’s After two decades of innovative the shift from fossil fuels to clean begun loosening its grip on Appala- energy transition. and successful campaigns, we are energy, healthy communities and chia, mining continues to endanger Appalachian communities de- well-positioned to help lead the region more sustainable local economies. communities and the environment. serve to share in the benefits of the toward a healthy, prosperous future. Our community-first approach Emerging threats to natural resourc- new, clean energy economy. It’s Please join me in supporting this has been fundamental to Appalachian es are also on the horizon in the form a testament to this organization’s remarkable organization. Voices’ work throughout our 20 years of massive natural gas pipelines that nimbleness and staying power that, On behalf of the of fighting to protect the land, air, cost billions of dollars, often crossing while continuing the fight against Appalachian Voices water and economic future of Central pristine mountain heritage lands. fossil fuels, Appalachian Voices is Board of Directors, now also recognized as a champion of clean energy sources that generate

James (Kim) Gilliam, Chair Dot Griffith, Vice-Chair Bunk Spann, Secretary Kathy Selvage, Treasurer

Members At-Large: Clara Bingham Pat Holmes Rick Phelps Pallavi Podapati Chris Scotton Tracey Wright Tom Cormons (Ex-officio)

Staff conduct water quality monitoring in Central Appalachia. Photo by Kent Mason

Page 12 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 gion — the Mountain Valley Pipeline A Toast to and Atlantic Coast Pipeline — which would cut 900 miles through farms, Our “Top 20”! of Action, Innovation and Collaboration streams and private property and As a grassroots organization, Appa- worsen climate impacts; lachian Voices is deeply connected to the 4 Hold North Carolina’s governor folks who live in and love the Appalachian region. Our work is driven by your connec- to his pledge to rectify the state’s coal tion to this place, and we draw inspiration By Cat McCue, Appalachian Voices A ppalachian home improvements, and ash problems and ensure that citizens every day from people who stand up to Director of Communications Voices formed in 1997 are making inroads with sev- have safe drinking water; and defend the mountains, waters and commu- 4 as an outgrowth of eral others in Western North Motivate more electric co-ops to nities — especially in the face of powerful This year, Appalachian Voices is cel- corporate and political interests. In short, The Appalachian Voice Carolina and East Tennessee. provide debt-free financing for energy ebrating two decades of bringing people efficiency, which would particularly we couldn’t do it without you, our members. newspaper, established We also launched our And so, on the occasion of our 20th together to stand up for the mountains, for A northern parula. Photo by Frode Jacobsen help low-income families. clean rivers and drinking water, for farms, the year before in Boone, New Economy for Southwest anniversary year, we are delighted and undeterred in our mission to advance a honored to recognize our “Top 20” longest- forests and wildlife, and for healthy com- N.C., to cover environ- Virginia program, opening an Over 20 years, our roots in this region sustainable, equitable economy that is standing supporters. We’re indebted to munities across the Appalachian region. mental issues. The pa- office in Norton in early 2015 and have only grown deeper. Our connection powered from the ground up. you. It’s been an amazing journey so per’s founders, includ- expanding our work to promote a to the land and people sustains us in ev- Our staff now numbers 32, and has the far, marked by significant victories as ing Harvard Ayers, soon The inaugural Southwest Virginia Solar Fair was a successs. more diverse economy. Appalachian erything we do, and will guide our work Kent Walton and Susan Tyree credibility, expertise, guts and dedication well as a few bumps in the road. We’ve realized the urgent need Voices is advocating for federal going forward. Whether in the halls of Boones Mill, Va. markets to stand toe-to-toe against needed to make an impact. We work in part- grown stronger and wiser, staying nimble for a nonprofit advocacy investment to repurpose old coal Congress, in a courtroom or on a river- Jane and John Young industry lobbyists. As a co-founder nership with more than 100 local, state and and tackling pressing issues as they’ve organization devoted solely to Appalachia. mines for sustainable activities, and bank, we take a stand on behalf of citizens Arden, N.C. of The Alliance for Appalachia, we national organizations. And we are fortunate emerged, yet remaining true to our vision Our first campaigns aimed to pro- we’re a leading partner in a burgeon- throughout the region. We’ll be sticking George Kegley helped move the issue to the national to have the support of our members, donors of ensuring a vibrant and just economy tect private forests and public lands, cut ing effort to establish Southwest Vir- around for a long time to come. u Roanoke, Va. stage with the iLoveMountains.org and philanthropic foundations.Currently, in Appalachia that sustains our region’s toxic air pollution from coal-fired power ginia as a hub for the solar industry. David and Janet Craft website (for which we were named The beauty of the West Virginia highlands. Photo by Kent Mason we are working to: natural treasures. plants, and fight mountaintop removal After 20 years of action, innova- Greensboro, N.C. a “Google Earth Hero”) and with the coal mining. We helped stop the prolif- Five years later, we were on-site shortly tion and collaboration, Appalachian 4Build public and political sup- Appalachian Treasures road tour under the Michael Baranski eration of massive wood chip mills after Duke Energy’s coal ash impound- Voices is on solid ground as we continue port for growing a solar indus- Woodleaf, N.C. that threatened native forests, and guidance of our grassroots organizing men- this amazing journey over the next 20 ment on the Dan River in North Carolina try in Southwest Virginia Richard and Lucy Henighan tor, the late Lenny Kohm. 4 championed the North Carolina failed. Appalachian Voices has remained years — and beyond. Partner with local citizens to Seymour, Tenn. Our discovery of tens of thousands of Clean Smokestacks Act, one of the at the forefront of a citizens movement investigate the environmental violations of the Clean Water Act started Michael Schwartz strongest air laws in the country. to force regulators and Duke to solve the Looking ahead . . . abuses of coal companies and a five year battle with one of Kentucky’s Shepherdstown, W.Va. As we connected more deeply state’s coal ash crisis. Appalachian communities are on the to hold regulators accountable biggest coal companies that resulted in a Lawrence Darby with impacted citizens, our strate- Recognizing the need to advance posi- frontlines of America’s shift from fossil fu- for enforcing the law; landmark legal settlement in 2015. Lynchburg, Va. gies evolved to better address the tive change in the region, we launched our els to cleaner sources of energy — a critical 4 Challenge new proposed When a massive TVA coal ash im- April & Jeff Crowe challenges they faced. We doubled Energy Savings for Appalachia program transition fraught with challenges as well mountaintop removal mining poundment near Kingston, Tenn., failed in Williamsburg, W.Va. down on our campaign to stop in 2013. Already, we have persuaded one as opportunities. Current politics threaten permits; 2008, we arrived on site soon after, testing Nicholas Young mountaintop removal, building rural electric cooperative to provide financ- to stall that shift, leaving the region behind. 4Defeat two massive fracked-gas for pollutants and documenting the disas- Baltimore, MD our expertise on water law and coal ing for families to make energy efficiency Appalachian Voices is standing strong, pipelines proposed in our re- Citizens examine plans for a walkway and clean up of an abandoned Hiking the mountains. Photo by Kent Mason ter to hold the guilty parties accountable. coal tipple along the Guest River. Photo by Fred Ramey Jane Wentworth Rome, Ga. Establish offices in Washington, Appalachia Restoration Act introduced in After years of work by AV and others, Heike Mueller Help form Christians D.C., and Charlottesville, Va.; help U.S. Senate, first-ever Senate hearings Reach 100,000 people Respond to three coal-related Obama issues Stream Protection Rule Bishop, Ga. Bring together 12 for the Mountains, a found the Wise Energy for Virginia on mountaintop removal held. who have taken action on disasters — the Dan River, Begin organizing groups to pass the N.C. non-denominational mountaintop removal. N.C., coal ash spill, and the providing new restrictions on surface coal Brenda Sigmon Coalition. Launch Appalachian Water Watch in West Virginia to Clean Smokestacks Act, religious campaign Elk River chemical spill and mining. (One of Trump’s first actions is to Conover, N.C. program in Kentucky to train citizens to Launch Red, White and Water end mountaintop one of the strongest air founded on the idea of Launch of “Mountaintop Removal coal slurry spill in WV — to kill the rule.) layer” and “My Connection” online monitor water quality in streams. campaign focused on coal Gregory and Nancy First issue of removal. pollution laws in the caring for creation. document, water test and help First electric co-op in western North tools, for which we are later named ash and coal waste from Smith-Hunnicutt The Appalachian country at the time. Our “Harnessing Coal River Wind focus national spotlight on the Carolina starts energy efficiency financing a “Google Earth Hero.” Southeastern power plants. Voice published. in Appalachia” video featured at events. largely as a result of our work. Asheville, N.C. Copenhagen Climate Summit. Axel Ringe New Market, Tenn. 1996 1998 2004 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 Judy and Bill Scurry Winston Salem, N.C. Launch of “Energy Savings Launch a coalition campaign against two massive Document more than 30,000 Clean Water Defeat proposal Mary Lyons Appalachian Voices is chartered Start the “Appalachian for Appalachia” program to fracked-gas pipelines in WV, VA and NC; help form Voted “Best Environmental Act violations at Kentucky coal mines; bring for the largest as a nonprofit in Boone, Treasures Tour,” a Generate tens of advocate for energy efficiency statewide alliance of citizens against coal ash in NC Organization” by readers of Durham, N.C. legal actions against the companies that coal-fired power N.C., with a mission traveling presentation thousands of letters financing for residents. Blue Ridge Outdoors. Join with 12 other lead to unprecedented fines. plant in Virginia Reach historic settlement with Frasure Creek Mining Herbert Reid of protecting the about the atrocities of to President Obama organizations to form The in partnership over its violations of water law in Kentucky. Lexington, Ky. air, land, waters mountaintop removal, to prioritize an end to Recognized by E, the Environmental Congress designates $10 Alliance for Appalachia; with the Wise and communities marking the beginning of mountaintop Magazine, Resource Renewal Institute, Good Launch of “Communities at Risk” online map million to repurpose old coal Eberhard and Jean Heide hold the inaugural End Energy for of the Central our national campaign to removal. Magazine and Business Ethics Network for tracking expansion of mountaintop removal mining mines in Southwest Virginia, Fairview, N.C. Mountaintop Removal Virginia Coalition. and Southern end the practice. innovative work on protecting water quality due in large part to our Week in D.C.; launch Open office in Norton, Va., to focus efforts on Robbie Cox Appalachian region. and ending mountaintop removal. outreach with local citizens. iLoveMountains.org. diversifing the local historic coal economy. Pittsboro, N.C. Photo by Kent Mason Reclaiming Mined Mountains In this section Join the Movement 17 ... New Growth on Former Mines Protect our natural heritage and help build a sustainable, just future After half a century of surface min- 19 ... Solar Ahead for Coal Mine ing, roughly 1.2 million acres have been in our Appalachian Mountains. There are many ways to get involved. 20 ... Restoring Streams and Forests What You’re Saying flattened by mountaintop removal coal mining across Central Appalachia. Since 23 ... Bill Could Boost Reclamation Funding “Appalachian Voices is by far the most 1977, federal policy has required that coal Take action strategic and effective organization companies take steps to return the land • Sign up at appvoices.org/signup to receive ac- working on the issues of climate and tion alerts and monthly updates about our work. energy in the region.” — Heidi Binko, to its original form, but this reclamation Executive Director, Just Transition Fund work rarely prepares the land for other • Research your state and federal representatives’ beneficial uses. views on fossil fuels and environmental protec- “Appalachian Voices was and remains The reclaimed mine land above is the future site tions. Add their phone numbers to your contact a clear, honest and factual voice for Some nonprofit groups focus on refor- of AppHarvest’s 2 million square foot greenhouse. list, and call to let them know where you stand. presenting environmental issues that estation, such Green Forests Work, which Photo courtesy of AppHarvest. affect daily life in the region.” — Eb- recently celebrated the planting of its two • If you live in Central Appalachia, report and track At left, Lola Cline and Joe Duncan, both former incidents of water pollution via Appalachian Water erhard Heide, Appalachian Voices millionth tree. And across the region, oth- Member since 2002 coal miners, work with site crew chief James Rus- Watch. Visit appalachianwaterwatch.org or call ers are seeking to restore the land through sell (left) to plant seedlings on reclaimed mine land 1-855-7WATERS to submit a report, or subscribe “When it’s time to defend America’s agriculture, renewable energy projects and in Mingo County, W.Va. Photo by Nathan Hall/ to text-message alerts about water contamination beauty from the oil-spillers, from the efforts to rebuild damaged streams. in your area. Coalfield Development Corporation clear-cutters, from the mountaintop removers … Appalachian Voices is right there, on the front lines.” — Van Jones, Activist, Commentator and AV At a North Carolina home, volunteer Sadikshya Aryal replaces a Advisory Council Member New Growth on Former Coal Mines CFL lightbulb with a more efficient LED one. By Elizabeth E. Payne greenhouses to be built may also help. in Central Appalachia. “The ‘America First’ strategy is Make a Gift Throughout an entire summer, Volunteer Brian Hubbard gathered rocks from the “We’ve got 1.2 mil- forcing large entities in this country to • Become a member of Appalachian Voices to • Volunteers help us with a number of needs, land in Pound, Va., where he planned to lion acres of reclaimed rethink, do they want to buy domesti- support our work and help us keep The Ap- including help at events and office work. To mine land,” Webb says. cally, or do they want to gamble and palachian Voice newspaper free. You’ll receive plant blueberries. find out about opportunities in your area, sign “We have the acreage. continue to buy questionable products a year-long subscription to The Voice delivered “What I did is I had a tiller and I plowed up at appvoices.org/volunteer. to your door. Visit appvoices.org/donate or call it,” he says. “And I had to go as slow as We’ve got [tens of thou- from outside of our borders. So, for us, • Spread awareness about environmental issues (828) 262-1500. In honor of our 20th anniversary it would go, and I plowed up rocks and sands of miners] that’ve it has helped so much.” in Appalachia by distributing free copies of The this year, you can become a member for just $20! been laid off in the coal Appalachian Voice newspaper to locations in I gathered rocks. And then I plowed it Reshaping the Ecosystem • Become a Mountain Protector, or sustaining sup- industry in the past five your community. Email [email protected] in the opposite direction and I gathered Nathan Hall has a big vision too, porter, by joining our monthly donor program. years. All the dots are or call (828) 262-1500 to learn more. more rocks.” but he envisions a rebirth of the eco- • Share the gift of membership with a loved one. lining up on this.” • For an immersive and rewarding experience, He estimates he pulled 50 tons of systems destroyed by mountaintop Jonathan Webb of AppHarvest tours a former mine with mem- In addition to AmeriCorps member Katie Kienbaum speaks with the apply for an internship at appvoices.org/intern • Leave an enduring legacy with a bequest or rock out of his land that summer. removal coal mining. public at a film screning. bers of Dalsem, the company designing a greenhouse for the growing produce, Ap- planned gift. Rocky soil that has been compacted Hall is president of Reclaim Appala- site, and with officials from Pikeville, Ky. Photo c/o AppHarvest pHarvest anticipates with heavy machinery is just one of chia, a branch of the West Virginia-based Photo by Kent Mason creating 140 jobs, most- many challenges facing farmers who endeavor initiates a change in where Coalfield Development Corporation, a ly in the greenhouse, which Webb want to plant their crops in the reclaimed Americans get their produce. not-for-profit organization focused on describes as a “hub for innovation, mine lands of Central Appalachia. The project would entail construct- jobs training and community build- At Appalachian Voices, we’re sustainability and conservation.” But Hubbard is one of a growing ing a 2 million square-foot greenhouse ing. Together with their partner branch Webb promises to pay his workers number of farmers who see potential in on 60 acres of reclaimed mined land Refresh Appalachia, Hall is overseeing celebrating our 20th anniversary by at least $12 to $13 per hour, and thinks this land and are willing to put in the in Pikeville, Ky., where tomatoes, bell a pilot project in Mingo County, W.Va., his produce will be able to compete effort to rehabilitate the land for plant- peppers and other produce will be that he also hopes can serve as a model offering new memberships for just $20! with fruits and vegetables coming from ing. Across the region, projects large and grown using hydroponic techniques. for others to follow. Mexico despite the higher labor cost small are restoring the landscape and This type of agriculture involves grow- He is working with four former coal because of his proximity to the market: reimagining the future of Appalachia: ing plants in nutrient-rich water solu- miners and a site crew chief who are Become a member today to take a stand for Pikeville is within a day’s drive of 65 rethinking how to care for the land, tions instead of soil. actively managing eight acres of former the mountains, rivers, drinking water and percent of the United States population. where to find work and how to put food AppHarvest Founder and CEO mine land. This spring they are planting “They’re trucking it five days, we’re communities across our region. You’ll also receive on the table. Jonathan Webb has generated funding an orchard of fruits and medicinal herbs trucking it a day. Our cost to produce a year’s subscription to The Appalachian Voice! for the endeavor through traditional well-suited for the poor soils found on the Reshaping the Market is higher, our cost to truck is lower, bank financing, as well as from private site. Crops include blackberries, raspber- appvoices.org/join20 | (828) 262-1500 A new agricultural project called and we’re coming in at about the same funds and investors. He hopes his proj- ries, pawpaws, lavender and echinacea. AppHarvest is set to break ground in price,” he says. ect will be the first of many large-scale for $20 July, and project planners hope the The current political environment continued on next page June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 17 Farmers Cooperative, many of his con- New Growth versations begin by explaining that hemp continued from previous page does not share the intoxicating character- Kentucky Coal Mine Has Adapting practices he learned while istics of its cousin and cannot be abused. working at the mine reforestation orga- Now, he says that local reaction to grow- Brighter Future as Solar Farm ing hemp is broadly positive. nization Green Forests Work, Hall has By Kevin Ridder situation for the economy Leach notes the potential value of arranged for machinery to rip narrow and the environment. the plant’s seeds, oils and fiber, each There’s no denying that the once- swaths through the compacted, rocky “This was two Ken- of which has its own market niche as lucrative coal industry in Appalachia soils, and then for each year-old bare- tuckians who had a vi- nutritious food additives or as fiber is now a dying one. Approximately root seedling to be dipped in a beneficial sion for a new approach for textiles, paper and other products. 44 percent of coal mined in the United microorganism mix and then planted in terms of job creation Southfork Farm grows blueberries on two “Our overarching goal is to help States comes from companies that have with compost in the rocky earth. in Appalachia, and [who] acres of reclaimed mine land in Pound, Va. diversify the economy and provide declared bankruptcy over the past few Going forward, the group plans to were able to enlist the Photo courtesy of Southfork Farm. J. Mor- some new opportunities to make years. Recognizing the changes taking integrate rotational grazing of small live- support of a global pow- gan Leach, executive director of the West money in this state, so we don’t have place in the energy market, one coal stock that will further nurture the soils. erhouse in helping make it a Virginia Farmers Cooperative, plants hemp this mass exodus of young folks,” company has found a way to stay rel- “The approaches we implement reality,” Edelen says. He notes The company that mined this site for coal intends to convert it to a solar farm. Photo by Berkeley Energy seeds. Photo courtesy of WV Hemp Leach says. “Maybe there’ll be new evant in the energy conversation. there,” Hall says, “we’ll learn how to that big companies like Toyota Solutions Crop Up and exciting jobs within hemp pro- Berkeley Energy Group, in part- devil’s in the details in these projects.” not nearly as good as it could be.” do it correctly and work the kinks out, are moving to renewable energy on cessing, manufacturing, value-added nership with EDF Renewable Energy, Hough has looked into building a For Wasson, the ideal model is to and then have a model we can expand On numerous farms across the “The biggest advice I would do is to their own, and states looking to attract production, retail sales. There’s a lot plans to turn a strip mine site just solar farm on a former strip mine site in build a solar industry from the ground to a larger scale across many different region, individual farmers, as well as co- do plenty of soil tests,” Hubbard says. those businesses to their area would of auxiliary industry that goes along outside of their Pikeville, Ky., head- the past, but he ran into two common up in collaboration with business mountaintop removal sites.” operatives, are working to grow specific “Because, especially on something that’s benefit from being able to provide with it.” quarters into what could be one of problems: the site was too far away from leaders, nonprofits, universities and The funding for this pilot project crops on reclaimed mine lands. been reclaimed, you might have one type green energy. The co-op is also exploring how the the biggest solar farms this side of the transmission lines and the ground too community colleges, similar to the has come from two rounds of federal of soil here, and a certain spot a hundred According to Edelen, Kentucky is Blueberries plant can grow on reclaimed mine land Mississippi. While it’s too early to tell uneven despite some flattening from the organization’s efforts with the Solar POWER grants, and Hall says that he’d yards away, or two hundred yards away, way behind the curve when it comes to One such undertaking is the South- with a test season being grown this year the exact size of the farm or how many mountaintop removal process. Workgroup in Southwest Virginia (read like to see the project expand to at it might be completely different soil.” energy; it is one of just 13 states in the fork Farm in Pound, Va., which grows on Zachary Drennen’s family land. jobs it will support, Berkeley Energy Berkeley Energy’s site, however, more on page 26). He believes these least 30 acres, with up to 10 full-time Despite finding few resources avail- nation that does not require or incen- blueberries on two acres of reclaimed Drennen is president of Strong estimates their project could produce has transmission lines able to handle types of projects will be more beneficial employees working on the site. From able online, Hubbard has developed tivize utilities to purchase renewable mine land. Brian Hubbard, who farms the Mountain Communities, another between 50 and 100 megawatts of the load nearby, and their partner EDF long-term than solar projects run by there the methods they develop could be strategies to manage the three different energy. This makes it more difficult land with his family, is a former coal miner branch of Coalfield Development Cor- solar power, depending on EDF’s determined the land to be flat enough larger energy companies, which have implemented on even larger sites, both soil types he has in his blueberry fields, to sell solar power directly to utilities. who initially planned to plant apple trees poration that focuses on entrepreneur- geotechnical analysis. Construction for development. And with Berkeley historically held power in the region. older reclaimed sites and possibly even and as his plants reach maturity he says Instead, Berkeley Energy will use a util- until he discovered that their soil’s pH ship. He has a background in organic could begin by late 2018, once mining Energy’s extensive land holdings in “If the state developers and local sites that coal companies have failed to he’s optimistic this will be his most suc- ity’s transmission lines to transfer the levels were better suited to blueberries. farming and is eager to try planting ceases on the site. Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, governments were really paying atten- reclaim, with even more jobs created. cessful season yet. power generated by their solar panels His land was mined in the late ‘70s hemp on three acres this season. As for the labor force, Berkeley Johns doesn’t anticipate this to be their tion on how to build a solar industry for “Our goal is to take those pretty The farm also grows sorghum for to a regional grid operator, where it can and early ‘80s, and Hubbard sees advan- Energy Project Development Executive last foray into renewable energy if the the long term in the region, then there undiverse, arrested succession areas, and molasses and maple trees for syrup. Drennen’s extended family owns tages to this. First, he has a relatively flat be purchased by corporations looking to project turns out to be successful. are ways that this could have a much by doing this ripping and replanting, as about 3,000 acres in Kanawha County, Ryan Johns highlighted an unusual piece of land in the mountains. And sec- Hemp reduce their carbon footprint. Matt Wasson, director of pro- greater economic impact,” Wasson says. well as intensive rotational grazing man- W.Va., much of which has been mined condition in the project proposal: to ond, he says, all those rocks he pulled out “I think when government fails to grams for Appalachian Voices, the But for Johns and Edelen, this agement, we can convert the species mix The 2014 federal farm bill and leg- repeatedly since the early 20th century. hire displaced coal miners in every that first summer weren’t as large as those lead by example it creates a vacuum,” publisher of this newspaper, is glad project is a chance to offer hope to a to something that’s much more native, islation in several states has restored a His expectations for this year’s crop phase of construction possible. found in land reclaimed more recently. Edelen says. “I see this as a historic step to see a coal company diversifying its region desperate for jobs and economic much more varied,” Hall says. “So we can long-abandoned crop as an option for are modest, but he sees promise over “This area has been hit probably Challenges he’s encountered on toward establishing a renewable energy portfolio. But he also expresses skepti- diversification. create much more ecological niches, we’re some farmers: industrialized hemp. the long term. the hardest in the country from the the mine land include the invasive and foothold in Appalachia.” cism that this is the best way to bring “It’s not just about our involve- generating more organic matter, therefore Once prized for its fibers, the plant was “The future of southern West Vir- coal downturn on a per capita basis, pervasive autumn olive trees, that were “A small incremental project would the solar industry to Appalachia. ment,” Edelen says. “This is about the carbon sequestration. And at the same later banned because of its relation to ginia, I think, is going to be a lot of these and the area is still feeling the results planted during reclamation and are now be easier to do, but it wouldn’t have the “This project is a good thing in opportunity for economic transition for time, we’re creating profitable business the marijuana plant. small scale industries,” he says. “And I of it,” Johns says. “Seven years ago we extremely difficult to eradicate, and the economic or leadership impact that our general, definitely a good thing for East a region that desperately needs it.” u enterprises. There’s a huge amount of According to J. Morgan Leach, the think agriculture being one of them. And were producing 90 million tons out of inconsistency of the soil. executive director of the West Virginia the Appalachian region, last year we project will,” Edelen continues. “And Kentucky too,” Wasson says. “But it’s land that this would be applicable on.” continued on page 22 produced 16 million tons. ... There’s we think that when we open the door and walk through it, there will be many SPONSORED BY a lot of fear and anxiety in the area.” BUILDING BETTER who follow our lead.” Former Kentucky State Auditor Gil Hough, renewable energy because it is hard to decipher and is not can set the amount of air for it to bring in Adam Edelen says he helped his long- Ventilating a Well-Sealed Home SunnyHomesD Inc.ay manager at Restoration Services, Inc., enforced. and out based on the tightness of the home. time friend Johns come up with and VOTED BEST BBQ In our last article, we discussed the The home that we completed at These are great devices to plan into a enact the idea for the solar farm by and founding member of the Tennessee need to press forward with more energy Ventilation standards in the regular the end of last year had a super-tight new home. They are especially helpful in Solar Energy Industries Association, IN THE REGION “envelope” to separate conditioned air climates that have intense heating or cool- partnering with EDF, an international efficient homes and appliances, regardless residential code are not quite keeping up thinks the initial project has potential. by Appalachian Voices’ staff of tasters! of the current political climate. With a nod to- with the trend towards building tighter from unconditioned spaces and had very ing needs because a good part of the year company with over 30 years experi- little air leakage. We knew this would be the house will be sealed due to the cold or “Abandoned and reclaimed strip wards this, we would like to highlight ventila- houses. Updated information is available, ence and 9,000 megawatts of wind, OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER. tion, which is one facet of your home where such as ASHRAE 62.2 and the ICC Green the case so we planned up front to install hot weather. Therefore, occupants will not mines often don’t have much use af- CLOSED MONDAYS. a Heat Recovery Ventilator, which is com- be getting fresh air via open windows and solar, bioenergy and electric storage it is easy to do better than the standard. Building Standards, but isn’t widely used terward due to the acidity of the soil Hwy 321 Bypass parable to an Energy Recovery Ventilator. doors. These ventilation systems bring in not developments under its belt. Edelen, and location and all that, so turning a Blowing Rock,N.C. These types of ventilation systems are only fresh air but fresh conditioned air, which who now heads Edelen Strategic Ven- ABOUT SUNNY DAY HOMES: Sunny Day homes is a small, family-owned general contracting firm ducted, balanced air supply systems. They not only leads to better air quality for occu- large mountaintop removal strip mine (828) 295-3651 tures, a management consultancy firm that has been incorporated since 1997. They built the first certified green home in North Carolina’s High not only exhaust stale air out of a house, pants but a healthier and more sustainable site into a solar farm is an excellent use www.woodlandsbbq.com Country in 2008 and have been advocating for non-toxic, environmentally responsible and energy-efficient they bring fresh air in at the same rate. You environment for the structure as a whole. in Lexington, Ky., sees the over $100 of land, potentially,” Hough says. “The building ever since. Call/text (828) 964-3419 or visit sunnydayhomesinc.com million dollar project as a win-win

Page 18 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 19 on the environment in that lo- Canaan Valley cation is assessed and they’re Restoring Streams and Forests continued from previous page assigned a certain number of debits. They pay a private com- different widths and different depths.” pany that’s already paid to have Reclaiming Space for Native Plants and Beekeepers Much of the restoration of Lower restoration projects done to buy By Dan Radmacher those companies would live up to their Dempsey also focused on repairing the credits they need to take care riparian zones — the natural vegeta- of their impacts. Elevation and topographical chang- environmental cleanup obligations. tion growth that buffers stream banks In this case, a company es aside, reclaimed mountaintop re- Appalachian Headwaters is work- and protects them from erosion — by can now purchase credits from moval sites look nothing like what was ing with fellow nonprofit groups Green planting saplings and seeds. Ecosystem Investment Partners, there before. Natural forests are gone, Forest Works and the Canaan Valley Newland says large trees have which has already paid Canaan replaced mostly by grasslands and non- Institute on the reclamation projects. disappeared from stream banks due Valley Institute and other orga- native vegetation. While these plants “Chris Barton from the University of to clearing land for farms and timber nizations for the restoration work grow quickly and help stabilize the land Kentucky and Michael French with harvesting, which means there are no in the Lower Dempsey Watershed. that was stripped bare and compacted Green Forests Work are our technical fallen logs in the streams to form habi- The overall project, includ- during the mining and reclamation pro- experts,” Becher says. “They’ve devel- tat for aquatic life. So logs are brought ing the acquisition of the Lower cess, they don’t provide anything close oped techniques to make land condu- in, adding the debris missing from the Dempsey Watershed project proper- to the same type of habitat or ecological cive to regrowth of natural forests.” system, and saplings are planted to ty by EIP, resulted in tens of millions value of the forests they replace. The first step is to loosen soil on provide future habitat. of dollars of investment in the area. A new nonprofit organization, the reclaimed sites. Former reclama- The Twin Star Mining Complex straddles the “It’s a pretty complex system, born out of the bankruptcies of Alpha tion standards required soil to be Funding Streams Virginia and West Virginia state line. Image but it’s actually a lot better than the Natural Resources and Patriot Coal, is compacted to help control erosion. But The funding stream that makes courtesy Google Maps, accessed May 25, 2017. old system,” says Newland. hoping to bring native forests back to compacted soil makes it difficult for restoration projects such as the Lower an Appalachian Regional Commis- Becher says the bee and native Newland says mitigation banks Before restoration, deteriorating roads and culverts, above left, disrupted the flow of these lands, and restore streams that can roots to penetrate. The plan is to use Dempsey possible is often as complex sion economic diversity initiative. That plant project will also help with the are a win-win, streamlining the Lower Dempsey Branch and caused erosion problems that damaged downstream areas, support native aquatic life and insects. bulldozers and other equipment fitted as the streams that are restored. grant is funding work to bolster the re- reclamation initiative. Returning pol- process for both companies and the below left. In the restored sections, such as the one at right, seedlings have been planted “We are planning to restore ap- with ripping bars or teeth to loosen the “It’s not cheap,” says Newland. gion’s bee and native plant population. linators to the area is an important step, environmental impacts. to provide shade and erosion control for the stream. Photos courtesy of CVI proximately 250 acres over the next soil to a depth of three feet. “One of the most difficult things is that This project will help train dis- Becher says. “So much of the land has “In the past, a company would three to four years on unreclaimed mine The technique also involves adding there’s never enough money to do ev- 40,000 acre project site sits atop Cheat and for streams to fully develop their placed Appalachian miners and other been disturbed and so much vegetation come in and propose a restoration project sites, or sites that have been reclaimed nutrients and other additives to change erything that we want to do. We cobble Mountain in West Virginia, which was natural ecology. Newland stressed that workers as beekeepers and provide removed on these sites that pollinators they’d either do simultaneously with the but aren’t successfully growing native the pH of the soil to make it more con- together funding sources from all over logged and strip mined in the 1980s. those are long-term results. financial startup assistance to get them have largely been eliminated,” he says. impact they were making or even after- forests,” says Mike Becher, an attorney ducive to tree growth. the place. Most of the time it’s grants.” The Monongahela project includes “Newly restored streams are never started, as well as processing, marketing Beekeepers will be encouraged to wards. If it wasn’t successful, then you working for Appalachian Headwaters. Then workers will plant thousands But funding for the Lower Dempsey the restoration of native red spruce going to be as good as the streams that of trees — 300 to 400 trees per acre, and packaging honey and other prod- establish apiaries — bee yards — on the have this big delay in actually getting Appalachian Headwaters launched restoration came from a “model that’s forests and reduction of sediment pol- are not impacted,” Newland says. “We Becher says. ucts. Others will be employed to collect reclaimed sites. the restoration appropriately done.” She last year, funded by bankruptcy settle- outside of our normal channels,” New- lution in the Shaver’s Fork River. With need to be clear about that. We’re not ma- The three nonprofit groups also seeds and grow native plants that aren’t In addition to bringing back native adds, “This way, all of it is done, approved ments with Alpha and Patriot to ensure land says: a “mitigation bank” that uses help from partners like the U.S. Forest gicians. We are careful practitioners ,and available in most regional nurseries. ahead of time, and we know we’re getting jointly secured a $1.5 million grant from continued on page 22 private investment money to restore Service, they have decommissioned we’re very dedicated and experienced good restoration work.” wetlands and streams in one area as a four miles of unnecessary roads from at what we do. But a restored stream, it According to the Canaan Valley way to offset the destruction of similar the tract, created and enhanced wet- may take a hundred years before it has Canaan Valley Institute Rebuilds Waterways Destroyed by Mining Institute website, the organization has water resources in another area. lands, removed unwanted non-native the same ecological function as a stream completed nearly two dozen restoration By Lorelei Goff A small nonprofit in West Virginia stored normal hydrologic function to Newland describes it as a holistic Regulators assign a restoration proj- species, decompacted the soil, replant- that wasn’t messed up to start with.” recently completed what it says is one the watershed by reconnecting head- projects. Work is currently underway What took nature millennia to cre- approach to stream restoration, rather ect a certain number of credits. When ed native trees and restored streams. But without restoration, the ecology of the most comprehensive watershed water streams and recreating natural in the Monongahela National Forest, ate, greed destroyed in a mere century. than just trying to patch a stream to a company wants to do some kind of Canaan Valley Institute’s restora- might continue to deteriorate. Canaan restoration projects in the state’s history. ephemeral streams — transient streams where the institute has been doing The coal industry has devoured more make it work. development or resource extraction, it tion projects lay the foundation for Valley Institute restores streams to the Canaan Valley Institute restored the formed by rainfall runoff rather than by restoration for the past nine years.The than 500 thickly forested mountaintops “Our designer called it ‘reconnect- submits its plan for review. Their impact restored streams and watersheds in the best possible condition they can, and then Lower Dempsey Branch, a tributary of groundwater — that had been buried by u in Central Appalachia, costing the most ing the plumbing of the watershed,’” future. It takes time for trees to grow lets Mother Nature take her course. the Guyandotte River, located in Logan fill from the mining process. biologically diverse ecosystems outside she says. County, W.Va. Offers a diverse mix of music & informative programming for the heart of Appalachia. of the Amazon Rainforest more than a More than six miles of ephemeral and Streams are interconnected ecosys- The project encompassed a 1500- million acres. The disfigured geography, headwater streams and 51 acres of native tems with varied features and needs. acre watershed subjected to contour pollution and excess sedimentation vegetation along the waterways were When planning a restoration, stream usi the ountains mining before a federal surface mining M c from M fouled the once-pristine mountain restored. Canaan Valley Institute also re- designers look to healthy streams with law that requires reclamation of mined streams or obliterated them completely. moved approximately 25 miles of unused similar geography and habitats to the land went into effect. Contour mining The coal industry is declining, but road beds that altered the course of rain distressed one and use the information removes wide swaths of a mountain, ugly scars remain — visible even from runoff and eroded slopes and streams, they collect to try to mimic nature. forming flat shelves that cut off stream space — and the mountains’ ecosystems washing excess sediment downstream. “We’re trying to make sure that we flow. The Lower Dempsey Branch are often too severely damaged to heal “We reconnected streams, which build streams that are the right size for the watershed was badly damaged by a themselves. Across the region, com- spread water across the surface the way its size of the valley they’re in, for the slope of free wireless internet Locally roasted Fair Trade contour mining shelf that sliced through munities and government agencies are supposed to, absorbing it back into the soil the valley,” says Newland. “Steeper head- frappes & fruit smoothies 30 headwater streams and altered the searching for ways — and money — to and restoring a more natural water cycle for water streams look very different than a homemade pastries & desserts Coffee & Espresso flow of groundwater. that watershed,” explains Jennifer New- flat, lower valley stream, and they have undo the damage. 221 w. state street black mountain, nc 828.669.0999 www.dripolator.com The Canaan Valley Institute re- land, executive director of the institute. continued on next page LISTENER -SUPPORTED RADIO WWW.WMMTFM.ORG Page 20 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 21 to become like a model that it’s actually New Growth possible,” she says, referring to her ex- continued from page 18 perience converting a traditional farm, Appalachia’s Political Landscape where chemicals were used and geneti- hemp, as a crop, is the one show- cally modified crops were grown, into an ing the most promise right now. organic farm. “So, we can do that same Bill Could Boost Funding to Reclaim Abandoned Mines Lavender is another one.” thing here, with the stripmined land and By Molly Moore the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund and put country – one that will provide much humans, comprise roughly a quarter of He also sees potential for bring it back to what the land used to be it toward reclaiming sites that can be used needed resources to clean up the en- the national unreclaimed mines by cost. agricultural projects on family- before the stripmining happened.” In Mingo County, W.Va., efforts are for economic and community-oriented vironment, create jobs and strengthen H.R. 1731 also no longer incen- owned mine land such as his underway to restore five acres of former Appalachian Grown projects. The funds can be used across the these communities from the ground up.” tivizes states to involve community family’s land, and he hopes that mine land in order to raise fish and Agriculture, whether on a large or nation, but particularly in places hit hard But while the version introduced stakeholders in shaping projects on successful growing operations grow produce in an aquaponics facility small scale, offers many opportunities by the coal industry’s downturn. by Rogers and McConnell — H.R. 1731 Priority 1 and 2 sites, which the original can inspire some of these families powered by solar panels and geothermal Foxfire Farm, left, is a 110-acre farm in Dickenson County, Va., where Tammy Owens grows for the people of Central Appalachia and Since 1977, when a federal law — would still accelerate the restoration RECLAIM Act did. Those Priority 1 and to lease their land to farmers. energy from a nearby abandoned under- medicinal herbs. Photo by Adam Wells. Lola Cline, right, used a tractor to break up compacted for the lands scarred by coal mining, in- that governs coal mining and cleanup of abandoned mines, the current text 2 sites pose environmental or safety “These families probably are ground mine. In addition to providing soil on a reclaimed mine land site in Mingo County, W.Va. Photo by Nathan Hall cluding job opportunities, locally sourced was enacted, coal companies have had includes a few key differences from hazards that can threaten human health. interested in giving back to West healthy food, the project also intends to includes land stripmined in the ‘70s “We’re left with land that has mul- produce and restored ecosystems. to pay a fee to the Abandoned Mine the original. The AML pilot program, on the Virginia or Appalachia in some way,” deliver workforce training to the area. and ‘80s. tiple problems, and multiple problems “If we can tell our story about how we Land Fund on every ton of coal mined. During the April hearing, Fritz other hand, requires an economic com- Dennen says. “And they are interested Several hundred miles away in “[At] Foxfire Farm, our focus is ac- that have never been fully addressed sourced locally, how we’re providing jobs That fund then distributes payments Boettner of the environmental consult- ponent to all projects and encourages in finding a role in the economic diver- Washington, D.C., lawmakers and offi- tually reclaiming this stripmine land, to by the people that set the standard for for farmers and processors and manufac- to clean up mines abandoned before ing firm Downstream Strategies testified local public engagement. sification. … I do think that the family- cials are faced with policy decisions that where it’s thriving, vital soil that can be reclamation,” she says. “It’s important turing, I think that motivates companies the passage of the law. Reclamation of that, “H.R. 1731 as written does not suf- “At this crucial time in rebuilding owned corporations and landholding could either help create more projects used in a multi-layered or multi-faceted to me to start finding those different to be more willing to take a look at using these abandoned mines is prioritized ficiently promote the second stated goal our economies, we cannot limit our op- companies, certainly in West Virginia, like this or prolong the delayed cleanup way, to bring … a truly diverse sustain- standards and setting those standards our raw materials opposed to what they based on safety hazards and the types of the RECLAIM Act: spurring economic portunity for real change,” Boettner told would be very open and kind of excited of abandoned mines. able income.” and showing, okay, we’ve done this and currently use,” says Leach, referring to of environmental damages at each site. diversification on reclaimed sites.” the congressional subcommittee. “The about the thought of hemp and lavender The funding behind the Mingo Owens is frustrated by the condi- this works, and spreading that around.” the hemp grown by farmers in his co-op. But communities affected by the That’s because H.R. 1731 specifies aquaponics project is a prime example and crops like that, and that kind of County aquaponics effort comes from tion of her land but overflowing with Owens’ farm specializes in me- Owens of Foxfire Farm wants to coal industry’s latest bust have in- that only sites ranked Priority 3 would of a High Priority AML site that will be activity happening on their property.” a pilot program run by the U.S. Office optimism at its potential. While her land dicinal plants such as goldenseal and restore not only the soils but also the of Mining, Reclamation and Enforce- creasingly called for accelerated AML need to meet the bill’s criteria regarding reclaimed and the site reused to create An Organic Focus was reclaimed according to the law, it is cohosh, and forest farming is a central culture of Appalachia. ment that helps states saddled with cleanup and funding to remediate economic development. According to long-term jobs. There is significant po- Tammy Owens operates a 110-acre far from healthy. But she believes that it part of her approach. “When you think about what Ap- abandoned mine lands repurpose these sites that can be repurposed in ways Boettner, Priority 3 sites, which pose an tential for creating permanent jobs with u farm in Dickenson County, Va., which can be healed using organic practices. Since beginning her operation in palachia is, when you think about what places for projects that could benefit the that help local residents. After 28 local environmental risk but no direct threat to projects like this one.” 2011, Owens says she can already see our culture is, or was before coal hit, economy and local communities. governments and representative bodies improved vitality in her soils through we were all of those things. We were The pilot program was first autho- across four Appalachian states passed Congress Passes Budget Deal her use of compost, incorporation of resolutions of support for the concept, organic, we were multi-diversified, we rized by Congress in December 2015, In a last minute deal to avoid a govern- coal miners. These benefits had been negoti- sheep and other practices. were sustainable.” and the budget deal negotiated this the RECLAIM Act was first introduced ment shutdown, Congress passed a compro- ated away during coal companies’ bankruptcy “Dear Babette, “I want this land, this farm with the “Let’s build that new model, let’s spring expanded its reach. by Kentucky Rep. Hal Rogers in 2016. mise budget in late April that will fund federal hearings and were set to expire at the end of obligations through September 2017. April. The miners’ pensions remain unfunded. projects that we’re doing here, just like we build that new reality, let’s build that In 2016, the program provided $30 As of this spring, the bill is again in You and your staff of did with the organic farm out in Kansas, vision and make it happen,” she says. u play in the new Congress. Rep. Rogers The priorities set by the budget deal The passage of this spending package million each to Kentucky, Pennsylvania were in stark contrast to the Trump admin- provides a reprieve for numerous govern- writers continue to amaze. and Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and West Virginia — the Appalachian istration’s vision for funding the executive ment programs the Trump administration In my view, the quality newed canopy will help maintain the cor- states with the most high priority aban- have introduced a version of the bill in agencies and national defense, which was sought to cut, including the Environmental of articles in Carolina rect water temperature in streams, and Reclaiming Space doned mine sites. The spending bill their respective chambers, and West released in mid-March. Protection Agency, which enforces the fed- Mountain Life have elevated continued from page 20 the trees will help filter pollutants out of While Trump proposed eliminating eral Clean Water and Clean Air Act. passed in April added Alabama, Ohio Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin reintroduced your publication to #1. the water. “If the forests are healthy, the nearly 20 agencies completely — including On May 23, President Trump released his and Virginia to the list, and adjusted the the original version in the Senate. Congratulations on a sterling hardwood forests, the reclamation proj- water will be healthier,” he says. “The RECLAIM Act will build on the Appalachian Regional Commission, an 2018 plan for the three-quarters of the federal funding figures for 2017 to $25 million economic development agency that invests budget not covered by the plan released in literary contribution to the ect will also work to restore streams on Project planners hope to begin rec- the momentum generated by the pilot each for the original three states and $10 in workforce training and infrastructure March, largely anti-poverty measures. While High Country!” these sites. Often, natural streams have lamation this summer at the Pine Flats million each for the new states. and make countless new job-creating needs like broadband — the budget deal this plan is unlikely to pass through Congress all been destroyed, replaced by drainage Surface Mine in Boone County, W.Va., — Barry M. Buxton, Ph.D. The pilot program tests the policies projects a reality,” Rogers said during retained these programs, even increasing unchanged, it proposes significant cuts to pro- ditches filled with loose stone. Marga- and at the Twin Star Surface Mining the budget for the ARC by $6 million. grams such as food stamps, children’s health President, included in the proposed RECLAIM Act, a House subcommittee hearing held Lees-McRae College ret Palmer, a biology professor at the Complex in McDowell County, W.Va., on the RECLAIM Act in April. “This The deal also included a provision to fund insurance and Medicaid. — Elizabeth E. Payne a bill that would take existing money from health benefits for more than 22,000 retired University of Maryland and a stream and Buchanan County, Va. bill represents a real investment in coal restoration specialist, will be the techni- Kate Asquith, director of programs cal expert for that part of the project. for Appalachian Headwaters, is excited 115TH CONGRESS: Below are recent congressional bills and amendments on envi- Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Virginia West Virginia ronmental issues and how central and southern Appalachian representatives voted. To The stream restoration will focus on by the potential of the reclamation proj- see other recent votes, or for congressional representatives outside of the five-state area, lowering the conductivity of the water. ect. “These forests will never be the visit congress.gov. =pro-environment vote✗ =anti-environment voteO =no vote This measure of how well water conducts same,” she says. “The streams will be im-

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 “What a great magazine!” electricity turns out to be a good indicator paired for generations. We can’t make it (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 of how badly it has been polluted by strip what it was, but we can do a much better H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, would prohibit the EPA and any state from requiring a Clean Water Act permit for discharge of a pesticide into navigable waters ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ 828-737-0771 • PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 mining. The goal is to lower pollution lev- job than what has been done in the past.” if the discharge is approved under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide els to the point that streams can support “We want to try to restore the en- Act. 256 AYES 165 NOES 9 NV PASSED At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country ... and online at CMLmagazine.com aquatic life and native insects. vironment as much as possible to what SENATE M. McConnell (R) R. Paul (R) L. Alexander (R) B. Corker (R) R. Burr (R) T. Tillis (R) T. Kaine (D) M. Warner (D) J. Manchin (D) S. M. Capito (R) [email protected] The forest restoration will aid the was there, and to benefit the environment H.J.Res. 36 nullifies a Bureau of Land Management rule that requires owners of federal stream restoration, Becher says. A re- u oil and gas leases to better detect and repair methane leaks and prevent methane gas ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ and the future of Central Appalachia.” flaring. 49 YEA 51 NAY FAILED The bill passed the House in February. Page 22 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 the ENERGY REPORT the ENERGY REPORT Utilities Face Legal Challenges Water Quality Permits and the Pipelines Empower Kentucky Plan Would Construction on Rover Pipeline Halted After Spills On April 13, more than two million gallons stronger plan for environmental compliance. in Ongoing Coal Ash Cleanup By Elizabeth E. Payne determine whether Dominion Virginia Create Jobs, Boost Energy Efficiency of drilling fluid spilled into Ohio wetlands along Non-drilling activities have not been halted. On May 24, Virginia’s state envi- Power’s purchasing agreements for nat- the Tuscarawas River as a result of construc- On May 17, approximately 100 organiza- By Zach Kopkin against the environmental group on May By Elizabeth E. Payne tal Justice Analysis of the proposal. The ronmental regulatory agency conceded ural gas from the Atlantic Coast Pipeline tion work for the Rover Pipeline. The drilling tions sent a letter to FERC asking that it halt On April 5, Virginia Gov. Terry 11. Duke seeks to close the Roxboro coal assessment demonstrated the strong cor- that information it had provided about are subject to the Virginia Affiliates Act. On April 19, Kentuckians For The fluid contains large quantities of bentonite, a all Rover Pipeline construction and reopen McAuliffe signed a bill putting a ash ponds by removing the water and relations that exist between the proxim- clumping agent, which makes cleanup difficult. the environmental review process. how it would evaluate the potential The law stipulates that public ser- Commonwealth, a social justice grass- one-year moratorium on coal ash capping over 6 million tons of dry ash ity of vulnerable populations to energy The Rover Pipeline is projected to begin The $4.2 billion underground pipeline water quality impact of two natural gas vice corporations must obtain permis- roots organization, released its Empow- pond closures in the state. Prior to the in the existing unlined impoundments. extraction and hazardous waste sites, transporting natural gas in mid-2017, but, in a project is operated by Energy Transfer pipelines was inaccurate. sion from the state before doing business er Kentucky Plan, outlining how the letter sent May 10, the Federal Energy Regu- Partners, the same company involved in the moratorium, Dominion Energy was On March 31, North Carolina’s which can cause negative health effects. In early April, the Virginia De- with an affiliated company. The law state could transition to clean energy. latory Commission prohibited Rover Pipeline Dakota Access Pipeline. It is expected to in the process of draining water from Chatham County Superior Court ruled The Empower Kentucky Plan fo- partment of Environmental Quality may apply because Dominion Virginia The plan seeks to create jobs and from beginning any new drilling activities until span 713 miles, crossing parts of Ohio, West impoundments at its shuttered Possum to revoke two of Duke Energy’s mine cuses much of its attention on improving third-party contractors have fully analyzed Virginia and Pennsylvania before terminating announced that it would require the Power’s parent company, Dominion improve health and climate outcomes Point power plant, intending to cap reclamation permits to dump coal ash in the situation for these at-risk communi- drilling activities and FERC has approved a in Michigan. — Zach Kopkin Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Resources, is a partner in the Atlantic by focusing on energy efficiency and more than 4 million tons of coal ash in newly excavated pits in Chatham and Lee ties, defined as low income, minority Pipelines to detail the impact of each Coast Pipeline. renewable energy and by charging a counties. The ruling overturns a previous place along the Potomac River. In West Virginia, the state’s De- fee for carbon dioxide pollution. and elderly individuals, as well as those Virginia Takes Lead in Efforts to Reduce Carbon individual stream or wetland crossing. Stepping in where federal action has his Executive Order 57, which established a Two families living near the plant decision appealed by three local groups. The initiative also calls for a $1 fee with less than a high school education. Now, it says that the U.S. Army Corps partment of Environmental Protection stalled, in May Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe work group to study the problem and seek found heavy metals in their wells, Duke may still dispose of coal ash in the Synapse Energy Economics, a re- of Engineers will assess the crossings. denied a request to hear an appeal per short ton of carbon dioxide begin- directed the state Department of Environ- input from stakeholders. Appalachian Voices former Brickhaven and Colon clay mines, search and consulting firm, analyzed which they believe came from Domin- The change worries many citizens filed by three citizens and Appalachian ning in 2018 and increasing to $3 over mental Quality to develop a market-based was a stakeholder that provided input to the but only in previously excavated areas ion’s ponds. In May, they filed two and environmental groups concerned Mountain Advocates, an environmental the next 15 years. The fee would deter the plan and projected that if it were plan to limit carbon emissions from power workgroup. that have liners and systems to collect lawsuits totaling $9 million against Do- about the impact of the proposed law firm. The appeal challenged DEP’s burning coal for electricity and it would implemented it would create 46,300 plants. Under the new policy, the DEQ will Republicans in the state legislature have leaching water. The coal ash originates cap emissions in a way that is compatible with spoken out against this action. minion. And in March, a federal court pipelines. certification that the Mountain Valley provide up to $2 billion by 2032 that more jobs in the state by 2032 than if it ruled that Dominion’s storage of coal from Duke’s Dan River, Sutton and Riv- were not. This analysis assumes pas- existing multi-state cap-and-trade programs. — Elizabeth E. Payne The Sierra Club filed a petition ask- Pipeline wouldn’t violate the state’s could be invested in energy efficiency By putting a price on carbon emissions, erbend impoundments, which must be sage of the Clean Power Plan, so pro- ash near the Elizabeth River violated ing the State Corporation Commission to water quality standards. initiatives that would boost employment this move creates financial incentives for the the Clean Water Act by illegally leak- excavated due to their high risk levels. and ensure that vulnerable populations jections may vary now that President state’s electric utilities to shift toward low- ing arsenic into groundwater and the In Kentucky, new coal ash regula- Regional Utilities Don’t Plan to Return to Coal are not burdened by the transition. Trump has directed the U.S. Environ- and zero-carbon energy resources, while river for years. Those issues, combined tions took effect on May 5. The new KFTC also released an Environmen- mental Protection Agency to dismantle providing industries such as wind and solar with the moratorium, are leading the permit-by-rule program for dry coal By Elizabeth E. Payne comply with the Clean Power Plan or and replace the Obama-era plan. a competitive advantage. McAuliffe’s directive concludes a pro- company to reconsider its method of ash landfills “would allow utilities to go On March 28, President Donald anything else. What’s the cheapest way cess begun in June 2016 when he signed burying the ash at Possum Point. ahead and design and construct the land- Trump signed an executive order in- to serve the customer? It turned out to Mountaintop Removal on Coal River Mountain In North Carolina, the Roanoke fill without state oversight,” Louisville’s structing the U.S. Environmental Pro- be retiring those coal plants.” By Willie Dodson Mine Board decided not to hear an ap- On May 16, a citizen complaint River Basin Association has filed a law- WFPL radio reported. Kelley Leach, who tection Agency to unravel the Obama Similarly, Duke Energy will move peal of the issuance of Republic’s Long about improper sediment and drainage suit alleging that Duke Energy is making lives next door to Louisville Gas & Elec- administration’s Clean Power Plan, steadily away from coal. The company’s Citizens continue to fight mountain- Ridge permit. Coal River Mountain control on Republic’s Middle Ridge unpermitted discharges of coal ash waste tric’s Trimble County Power Plant coal which would have limited the amount CEO Lynn Good told the Charlotte Busi- top removal mining happening in West Watch, a local nonprofit organization, mine compelled the state to issue a from its Roxboro power plant in Person ash landfill, has filed a lawsuit challeng- of carbon dioxide emissions allowed ness Journal, “Our strategy will continue Virginia. Republic Energy, a subsidiary of had appealed the new mining permit Notice of Violation. This is the fifth County. Duke Energy filed a countersuit ing the controversial new regulations. from coal-fired power plants. to be to drive carbon out of our business.” Alpha Natural Resources, has been mov- due to concerns about the health im- documented violation at this mine. Despite the president’s promise to Appalachian Power’s new presi- ing forward with a large mountaintop Used, pacts of surface mining and Alpha’s The future of the Eagle 2 mining per- Coal Plant Waste Standards Put on Hold by EPA bring back coal, CEOs from electric utili- dent, Chris Beam, also said that his removal mine on Coal River Mountain Rare & Out in Raleigh County. The mine consists of poor track record. mit remains uncertain. In January, a feder- On May 25, U.S. Environmental Protec- harmful toxins, such as lead and mercury, in ties across the region have stated that they company didn’t have plans to expand The Surface Mine Board stated that al judge ordered the U.S. Office of Surface tion Agency head Scott Pruitt proposed the the liquid waste released from their plants. have no intention of returning to coal. its coal use either, despite local pressure five permits so far, some of which have of Print Books they dismissed the appeal because it Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to delay of Obama-era effluent limitation guide- But they now can continue to release toxic “Our statutory duty is to produce from coal company owner and West been granted for years and others that Specializing in was filed after the deadline. However, consider terminating the Eagle 2 permit in lines that required coal power plants to use waste with few limitations. electricity at the lowest feasible rate,” Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. have just been issued or are still pending Books about Black new and innovative technologies to reduce While Earthjustice has already filed a Coal River Mountain Watch had based light of evidence that the unstarted permit Bill Johnson, CEO of the Tennessee “The governor asked me, ‘I’d like approval. The mine complex includes the Mountain College the pollution of waterways. lawsuit against the postponement, the final the timing of their appeal on informa- had been improperly extended. Valley Authority, the nation’s largest you to burn more coal,’” Beam said, ac- Long Ridge permit, the Middle Ridge Many power plants had started imple- rules and regulations for the guidelines re- tion provided by the state Division of menting changes to reduce the amount of main in question. — Meredith Abercrombie public utility, told the Associated Press cording to the Charleston Gazette-Mail. permit and the Eagle 2 permit. Mining and Reclamation. in mid-April. “And when we decided to “Well, we don’t have any more coal On May 9, the West Virginia Surface close the coal plants, that was the math plants. We’re not going to build any more SAMS is hiring! we were doing. We weren’t trying to coal plants. That’s not going to happen.” Fighting for Reclamation Around Kanawha State Forest • Delicious Deli-Style Sandwiches On April 4 in Kanawha County, W.Va., to discuss enforcement and mitigation plans. Southern Appalachian Mountain Study Finds Link between Fracking and Infant Mortality members of the Kanawha Forest Coalition ac- Keystone Energy was required to bring Stewards is a grassroots • Homemade Soups companied staff of the West Virginia Dept. of the now shut-down KD #2 surface mine into organization based in Wise, Va., An April 2017 peer-reviewed article and 2006 to 60 deaths from 2007 to 2010. Environmental Protection on a site visit to the compliance with the terms of a consent decree that opposes surface mining • Vegetarian Fare published in the Journal of Environmental The number of fracking wells in Pennsylvania KD #1, Rush Creek and Rush Creek #2 surface signed by the company and the DEP by April for coal and seeks to improve Protection suggests that drinking water con- increased 6,500 percent between these two mines operated by Keystone Energy. These 27. The Kanawha Forest Coalition conducted the quality of life in Southwest • And Much More! taminated by fracking for natural gas is driving date ranges. The authors of the study also mines are all in the process of being reclaimed. an aerial inspection of the site on April 28, Virginia. SAMS is hiring a part- significant increases in early infant mortality compared northeast Pennsylvania counties, During the visit, members of the coalition which disclosed large areas without vegetative time contract position for an Jean & Carl Franklin Powered in the five most highly fracked counties in which have a much greater reliance on water identified widespread problems with sediment cover, erosion and sedimentation of streams, by (PV) Administrative Coordinator. 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells northeastern Pennsylvania. wells, to highly fracked southwest counties control, erosion, reclamation failures, acid unpermitted discharges and other problems Black Mountain, NC 28711 The study shows that in these counties with lower rates of water well use. They found 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina drainage and other issues. The organization demonstrating that Keystone Energy is not in the number of infant deaths within the first 28 greater infant mortality in the areas most reli- (828) 669-8149 (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com submitted a report detailing their findings to compliance with the consent decree. Contact [email protected] days climbed from 36 deaths between 2003 ant on well water. — Zach Kopkin the state agency, and requested a meeting — Willie Dodson for details. [email protected]

Page 24 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 June/July 2017 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 25 INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air Southwest Virginia Sunshine ics team from Clintwood, Va., plans to and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. create a solar powered robot to help Steadfast Supporter and Nature Lover Our mission is to empower people to defend our region’s rich natural and cultural heritage by providing them with On May 9, Appalachian Voices sun, and live music courtesy of the educate their peers and community Member Spotlight Judy Newton Scurry tools and strategies for successful grassroots campaigns. was proud to co-host the Southwest Empty Bottle String Band. about solar energy. Virginia Solar Fair. Together with The day also saw the launch of The Solar Fair and the 2017 South- Judy Newton Scurry credits her children a love of nature, and she Organizational Staff our partners in the Solar Workgroup Solarize Wise, a program to help make west Virginia Economic Forum at father with first introducing her to wants to protect the natural re- Executive Director ...... Tom Cormons of Southwest Virginia, we brought solar installations easier and more af- UVa-Wise the following day served as nature as a small child when he would sources and beauty of Appalachia OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT community members and industry fordable for homeowners, businesses an opportunity to showcase the prog- take her fishing. That love of the out- so that it can be enjoyed by future Our Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA Lydia Director of Philanthropy ...... Susan Kruse leaders together to highlight how a and farmers in Wise County. doors, and especially the Appalachian generations. Controller ...... Maya Viknius Graves rallies the crowd at the Solar Fair. ress made on more sizable projects clean energy future could also bring Appalachian Voices also awarded in Southwest Virginia. As members Mountains, came into full bloom dur- A resident of Winston Salem, Operations Manager ...... Shay Boyd Director of Strategic Advancement ...... Brian Sewell jobs to our region. two $500 grants to local high school burn, Va., submitted a plan to build a of the Solar Workgroup, we are also ing youthful summers spent at Camp N.C., Judy volunteers for the edu- Development Coordinator ...... Leigh Kirchner Attendees enjoyed hands-on teams who developed Solar in Your solar phone charger and received ap- working on a handbook for actionable Yonahlossee near Boone, N.C. cational programs at the Reynolda Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Meredith Shelton demonstrations of solar projects, fresh School project proposals. The Eastside proval for installation from their school steps toward solar economic develop- “I grew up going to the moun- Gardens of Wake Forest University, PROGRAMS asparagus and popcorn cooked by the High School Ecology Club from Coe- board. Ridgeview High School’s robot- tains, and loving the mountains. And including their Young Naturalist Director of Programs ...... Matt Wasson ment in far Southwest Virgina. Campaign Director ...... Kate Boyle I feel like the years I went to camp Summer Program. This allows her Senior Legislative Representative ...... Thom Kay Testifying Before Congress Marching for Science and Climate were a real influential period of my to convey a love of nature to the Central Appalachian Program Manager ...... Erin Savage growing up years,” she says. “I’ve just next generation, through nature Central Appalachian Field Coordinator ...... Willie Dodson Water Quality Scientist & Community Organizer ...... Matt Hepler on Mine Reclamation This year on Earth Day, members of always loved the mountains.” walks, gardening and bird watch- North Carolina Program Manager ...... Amy Adams Thom Kay, our senior legislative our staff joined hundreds of thousands While visiting her daughter, who ing, which is one of Judy’s favorite North Carolina Field Organizer ...... Nick Wood others in Washington, D.C., and at sister representative, testified before Con- was a student at Appalachian State ways to enjoy the outdoors. AmeriCorps Outreach Associate ...... Ridge Graham sites across the nation to march for sci- Virginia Program Manager ...... Peter Anderson gress in May regarding reclamation of ence. Appalachian Voices was a sponsor University, the native North Carolin- She grew up mostly in Wil- Virginia Field Organizer ...... Lara Mack former coal mines, giving comments of the D.C. event. ian returned to Boone and picked up kesboro, N.C., and she remembers Energy Savings Program Manager ...... Rory McIlmoil thing and are determined, you can N.C. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Lauren Essick on the draft proposal of the Com- “We all depend on science so funda- her first copy ofThe Appalachian Voice when construction of the Blue Ridge make a difference.’ And I just kind of Tenn. Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator ...... Brianna Knisley mentally, for our health and well-being and munity Reclamation Partnership Act. around 2001. Parkway was completed in that area. Tenn. Outreach Associate ...... Lou Murrey economic well-being,” says Matt Wasson, remembered that through the years.” He advocated for more input from “It was just a small group, and Her family would take picnics along AmeriCorps Energy Savings Outreach Associate ...... Katie Kienbaum our director of programs. When asked to reflect on why New Economy Program Manager ...... Adam Wells community members and against I could be supportive of a small the scenic route, and it remains one Other members of the team marched she’s been reading this newspaper Southwest Virginia Solar VISTA ...... Lydia Graves creating loopholes that would allow in Charlottesville, Va., and in Asheville and group,” Judy says of her early en- of her favorite places. for so long, Judy said, “Over the Highlander Appalachian Transition Fellow ...... Terran Young coal companies to re-mine on these Raleigh, N.C. gagement with Appalachian Voices. One time, about 10 to 15 years years, I feel like you’ve expanded COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY sites without restrictions. The following weekend, Appalachian “Whatever they did in the moun- ago, Judy joined a group of residents into so many different areas. And I Director of Communications ...... Cat McCue If passed, the act would amend the Voices joined more than 300,000 people Senior Communications Coordinator ...... Jamie Goodman tains, it was going to be for the good that successfully blocked a real es- just feel like you keep the area up- federal law governing reclamation of Thom Kay speaks before legislators. for the People’s Climate March in Wash- Editorial Communications Coordinator ...... Molly Moore ington, D.C. We helped increase turnout of the mountains.” tate development that would have to-date on what’s going on in the Graphic Communications Coordinator ...... Jimmy Davidson coal mine sites to allow states and non- National Academy of Sciences held among community members in North And for the last fifteen years, she encroached on a public park near mountains. Some people may not Communications Associate ...... Elizabeth E. Payne governmental groups to work together to IT Specialist ...... Jeff Deal its second public hearing studying the Carolina and Virginia through phone has maintained an active, continuous her home. The land that would have care, but I care.” restore the impacted land and streams. banks and by sponsoring buses. Peter Anderson marched with residents INTERNS health impacts of surface coal mining. membership with the organization. been developed is now a public We’re so glad you care, Judy. The hearing was held by the U.S. opposed to new fracked-gas pipelines. Judy is a former middle school greenway. Energy Savings Research Assistant ...... Sarah Crisp Ally groups CRMW, Ohio Valley En- And thank you for subscribing to Energy Savings Research Assistant ...... Chris Gentry House Committee on Natural Resources’ vironmental Coalition and Keepers of the science teacher, the mother of two “At that point, someone said, ‘It the newspaper and supporting Ap- Stanback New Economy Assistant ...... Jonathan Espitia Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral New Report Supports Financing Energy Economic Diversification Assistant ...... Cory Hanes Mountains presented their experiences and grandmother to six. She’s proud doesn’t matter how small your group palachian Voices since April 2002! Central Appalachian Assistant ...... Isaac Kirk-Davidoff Resources in Washington on May 24. that she’s been able to instill in her is, when you feel strongly about some- fighting mountaintop removal in West Efficiency in Western N.C. Central Appalachian Assistant ...... Caleb Sowers Meanwhile, our team also contin- Virginia. Erin Savage, Matt Hepler and Appalachian Voices released a study on was prepared by Rory McIlmoil, our energy Virginia Assistant ...... Lena Lewis ues to fight against new mines. We stood Virginia Assistant ...... Mackenzie Rooke Willie Dodson of our Central Appala- May 3 that demonstrated how an “on-bill” savings program manager. If the co-op beside Coal River Mountain Watch in finance program could lower monthly bills adopted such a program that pays for the N.C. Program Assistant ...... Zach Kopkin chian team were on hand to provide com- (Re)Introducing AppalachianVoices.org NPIP/ N.C. Organizing Assistant ...... Jorden Revels support of their appeal of a permit for for thousands of families in western North upfront cost of home energy improvements ments and support community members. AppalachianVoices.org has gotten a bit of an upgrade! Marketing and Outreach Assistant ...... Tyler Bizjack the Long Ridge mine, which the West Carolina while creating jobs, strengthening for residents of all income levels, regardless Marketing and Outreach Assistant ...... Jack Pownall Two additional hearings will also local economies, and protecting natural of whether they own their home, participants Our fresh new website, launched in conjunction with our 20th anniversary, Virginia Surface Mine Board declined Editorial and Marketing Assistant ...... Meredith Abercrombie be held, one in mid-July in D.C. and resources and public health. could save $1,000 or more over 10 years, is designed to perform better on devices of all sizes. So whether you’re on Editorial Assistant ...... Rachel Pressley to hear (read more on page 25). another in late August that will likely The report focuses on the French Broad and more than $500 a year after that. Read a phone, computer or tablet, you can easily learn about the different envi- Graphics Assistant ...... Carrie Hayes On May 23 in Logan, W.Va., the take place in Kentucky. Electric Membership Corp. service area and more at appvoices.org/fbemc-report ronmental issues we work on, take action, and discover other ways to get involved. We also have seventeen years of back Board of Directors Chair ...... Kim Gilliam issues from The Appalachian Voice publication available for Vice-Chair ...... Dot Griffith AppalachianVoices To join our Business your perusing and reading pleasure. Secretary ...... Bunk Spann League, visit To follow the latest developments, check out our Front Treasurer ...... Kathy Selvage AppVoices.org or call Members-At-Large BUSINESS LEAGUE 877-APP-VOICE Porch Blog — or, better yet, subscribe to receive daily or Clara Bingham Christopher Scotton New & Renewing Members June - July 2017 weekly blog updates and new online editions of The Ap- Pat Holmes Tracey Wright palachian Voice in your inbox. You can also join our email Rick Phelps Tom Cormons (Ex-officio) list at appvoices.org/signup to receive action alerts and our Pallavi Podapati Advisory Council Peason Financial Group Inc. Mast General Store monthly e-newsletter. Jonathan C. Allen Christina Howe Staunton, Va. Valle Crucis, N.C. Check out the new website, and send us your feedback Jessica Barba Brown Van Jones at [email protected]. Alfred Glover Landra Lewis The new website is designed to work on multiple Randy Hayes J. Haskell Murray Page 26 | The Appalachian Voice | June/July 2017 See you online! devices and screen sizes. Silas House 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

“I love photographing sunrises and sunsets because they’re different every day,” says Carrie L. Hayes, a native of Boone, N.C. She captured this im- age from behind Caldwell Community College in Watauga County, N.C. She nearly left, but her patience that July evening paid off. “The whole sky lit up,” she says. Carrie is our graphics intern this summer. To see more of her work, visit carrielhayesphotography.com.

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