TheAppalachian August / September 2009Voice

From drinking to agriculture to bathing to recreation, water is the most critical element to our existence. So why aren’t we treating it that way?

Plus: Dancing for MTR • The Summer of Discontent • Monarch Migration • Operation Medicine Cabinet Pa g e 2 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Inside this issue The APPALACHIAN VOICE The New River near its headwaters in Watauga A publication of It’s all about County, NC. Photo by Christine Arvidson, the water National Committee for the New River 191 Howard Street • Boone, NC 28607 hanks to the powerful flow of the 1-877-APP-VOICE Tearth’s complex water system, a www.AppalachianVoices.org rain drop that falls into the New River’s Appalachian Voices bringsAPPALACHIAN people together to solve VOICES the environmental headwaters in North Carolina will problems having the greatest impact on the central and southern Appalachian eventually flow through Virginia and Mountains. Our mission is to empower people to defend our region’s rich into West Virginia, combining with the natural and cultural heritage by providing them with tools and strategies for Ohio River and on to the mighty Mis- successful grassroots campaigns. Appalachian Voices sponsors the Upper sissippi, eventually spilling into the Gulf Watauga Riverkeeper® and is also a Member of the Waterkeeper® Alliance. of Mexico thousands of miles down- stream. All of our water is connected, Ed i t o r Bill Kovarik from stream to river, aquifer to well. It Ma n a g i n g Ed i t o r Jamie Goodman As s o c i a t e Ed i t o r Sarah Vig is precious and irreplaceable. But are Distribution Ma n a g e r Amanda Lewis we treating it that way? p. 12-18

Appalachian Voices Staff

Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r ...... Willa Mays Dancing Appalachia’s Joys and Sorrows Pr o g r a m s Di r e c t o r ...... Matt Wasson “Eating Appalachia: Selling Out to the Hungry Ghost” is a simul- Ca mp a i g n Di r e c t o r ...... Lenny Kohm taneously heartwrenching and humorous modern dance perfor- De v e l o pme n t Di r e c t o r ...... Sandra Diaz mance about mountaintop removal coal mining. In-Ho u s e Co u n s e l ...... Scott Gollwitzer Plus: How Country Became Contra p. 6 OPERATIONS Ope r a t i o n s Ma n a g e r ...... Susan Congelosi Ad m i n i s t r at i v e As s i s t a n t ...... Shay Boyd The MTR Summer of Discontent PROGRAMS A summer of discontent is rapidly turning into an autumn of confrontation, as Congres- sional hearings and regional protests increasingly pit environmental activists against Le g i s l a t i v e As s o c i a t e ...... J.W. Randolph p. 8 coal industry employees. VA Ca mp a i g n Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Tom Cormons VA Fi e l d Or g a n i z e r ...... Mike McCoy No r t h Ca r o l i n a Fi e l d Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Austin Hall Uppe r Wa t a u g a Ri v e r k eepe r ...... Donna Lisenby Behold the Beautiful Butterfly Te c h n o l o g i s t ...... Benji Burrell Monarchs, the fascinating long-distance flutterers that fly from the US IT Spe c i a l i s t ...... Jeff Deal to Mexico each year, present unique educational opportunities for Co mm u n i c a t i o n s Co o r d i n a t o r ...... Jamie Goodman school kids and citizen scientists alike. Ame r i c o r p s Ou t r e a c h As s o c i a t e ...... Amanda Lewis p. 10 INTERNS Vo i c e Ad v e rt i s i n g In t e r n ...... Zach Ollis App a l a c h i a n Tr e a s u r e s Ou t r e a c h Te a m ...... Diane Adkins, Lauren Essick, Brittany Newsome Every Issue:

Hiking the Highlands: Pilot Mountain...... p. 4

Across Appalachia...... p. 9

AV Book Club...... p. 11 Cover photo: Appalachian Voices Board of Directors Opinions and Editorials...... p. 19 The New River rolls through picturesque rapids at Narrows, Virgina before Ch a i r ------Christina Howe Naturalist’s Notebook - Fireflies...... p. 21 plunging down the New River Gorge Vi c e Ch a i r ------Heidi Binko in West Virginia. Sport fishing and Tr e a s u r e r ------Leigh Dunston ecotourism generate income, but that is Inside Appalachian Voices...... p. 22 Se c r e t a r y ------Matthew Anderson-Stembridge threatened by a mix of coal flyash dumps, At Large: Brenda Boozer, Steve Ferguson, Mary Anne Hitt, Brenda legacy industries, erosion and non-point Huggins, Lamar Marshall, Kathy Selvage, Bunk Spann, Pat Watkins, Get Involved!...... p. 24 pollution. (Photo by Bill Kovarik). Jim Webb, Dean Whitworth, Sarah Wootton

Appalachian Voice Distribution VOLUNTEERS: Jere Bidwell, Blue Smoke Coffee, Charlie Bowles, Jane Branham, Steve Brooks, Chris Chanlett, Ed Clark, Shay Clayton, Tom Cook, April Crowe, Lowell Dodge, Dave Gilliam, Gary Greer, Colton Griffin, Susan Hazelwood, Jennifer Honeycutt and Jim Dentinger, Brenda and Larry Huggins, Allen Johnson, Mark Kidd, Rose Koontz, Frances Lamberts, Loy Lilley, Gail Marney, Keisha and Chad, Kim Greene McClure, Mike McKinney, Linda Milt, Steve Moeller, Dr. Emmanuel Mornings, Dave and Donna Muhley, Dennis Murphy, Catherine Murray, Dave Patrick, Monica Randolph, Carol Rollman, Gerry and Joe Scardo, Kathy Selvage, Jennifer Stertzer, Ray Vaughan, Bill Wasserman, Dean Whitworth, Brad Wood, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 3

A note from our Executive Director I learned to swim in a rushing creek in Appalachia. I splashed in shallow pools when very small, venturing into the rapids as I got older. I joke that I learned to swim “rock to rock,” which was a necessity in the white waters of the gorge. My dad was a Boy Scout leader, and I know many of his scouts also learned to swim in those mountain streams, lifting their voices in a gleeful chorus when they hit the icy water. The rivers are the lifeblood of our Appalachian heritage; it is our responsibility and privilege to protect them. It seems amazing to me that we Americans have allowed our waterways to be so diminished. According to the latest data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are currently 3,080 fish consumption - advisories for mercury spread throughout 48 states, covering 14.1 million acres of lakes and 882,963 miles of rivers. Twenty-three of these states have issued statewide fish consumption advisories due to mercury in fresh water lakes, rivers or both, while 12 states have statewide advisories due to mercury in their coastal waters. Coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of airborne mercury in the country, spewing nearly 50 tons of this deadly poison into the air and into our local watersheds each year. Several studies have shown that as much as 70 percent of these toxic emissions are ending up in local waterways and fish. The Appalachian region has some of the most beautiful and vibrant streams in America and we have been blessed with abundant water supplies. But we are wasting that abundance. And, although it seems unbeliev- able, nearly 1200 miles of headwater streams have been totally buried by coal mining waste. Legally. The EPA recently released a list of 44 high hazard coal waste impoundment ponds—24 of those sites lie in the Southeast, 12 in North Carolina alone. Although these ponds have been discharging untreated coal waste into rivers for decades, to date, there have been no comprehensive water quality monitoring programs to measure the amount of heavy metals in water, sediment and fish below these discharges. This is astounding when considering that the highest concentration of these ponds is in close proximity to the Carolinas’ largest population center. Appalachian Voices, a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, is working at the national, state and local level every day to change policies that allow the continued pollution of Appalachian waters. But we cannot do it alone. Let’s raise our voices together to protect our heritage. If not us, who? Working for clean water for today and tomorrow—Appalachian Voices. ~ Willa Mays Coffey Behold the Beautiful Butterfly Join Appalachian Voices Today!

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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 4 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

Joe Tennis is the author of “Sullivan County, Tennessee: Images of America” (Arcadia Publishing), which explores the history Hiking the Highlands of the Cherokee National Forest, South Holston Reservoir and Kingsport’s Bays Mountain Park. On Pilot Mountain Story by Joe Tennis Pi l o t Mo u n t a i n St a t e Pa r k

Ask any fan of “The Andy Griffith HIKING LENGTH: Jomeokee Trail (1 mile); Grassy Ridge (2 miles); Ledge Show” what mountain they remember Spring (2 miles); Yadkin Islands (5 miles); and Sassafras (half-mile) hearing about most, and they’ll say DURATION: One hour, including time for photographs and wildlife study, Mount Pilot. and exploration of the must-see Little Pinnacle Overlook Why, Andy Taylor and Barney Fife TO GET THERE: Pilot Mountain State Park (1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd., talked about going to Mount Pilot prac- Pinnacle, N.C.) is located along U.S. 52, about 24 miles north of Winston-Salem, N.C., and 14 miles south of Mount Airy, N.C. tically all the time. But where is it? Well, if we assume that Andy Grif- PARKING: No fee required. fith’s hometown of Mount Airy, N.C., INFO: (336) 325-2355 is actually “Mayberry,” and that its businesses such as the real-life Snappy Matt Windsor, park superintendent Lunch served as inspiration for TV of Pilot Mountain State Park, stands scripts, then maybe we can also assume at Little Pinnacle Overlook, with the Big that a nearby peak - Pilot Mountain - Pinnacle rising in the background. was the source of similar inspiration for North Carolina’s 14th state park - after years monadnock - a rugged of being a commercial tourist attraction. mountain rock that has TV’s Mount Pilot. to reach the Little Pinnacle Overlook: You It was saved in the 1960s thanks to survived millions of years while every- It is certainly plausible, said Matt simply follow an easy trail measuring the Pilot Mountain Preservation and Park thing else around it has withered away. Windsor, the superintendent at Pilot barely one-tenth of a mile. This short trek Committee, which had proposed turning The Sauratown Mountains are, by Mountain State Park. gives you a classic view of Pilot Mountain the place into a park in order to protect far, not the easternmost peaks of North What’s more, it makes a good market- plus Hanging Rock State Park, deep in the it and the surrounding area from further Carolina. Over 150 miles due east you run ing hook. Businesses in the nearby town distance, looking east. commercial development. Over the years, into Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax of Pilot Mountain use such names as Aunt Another easy outing, starting at the several acres have been added, ultimately County. At 325 feet above sea level, Mer- Bea’s, Mount Pilot Soda Fountain and main parking lot of the park’s mountain bringing the total protected acreage to doc is hardly what you call a mountain, Mayberry Shazzam! Go-Karts and Games. section, is the half-mile-long Sassafras more than 3,500. but it is the core of what was once a mighty Yet other town landmarks include Dr. Flip- Trail. Now this park not only protects a natu- range of mountains east of Raleigh. pin’s Bed & Breakfast, housed in an 1896 Still, the big must-see must be the ral landmark, it doubles as a monument to Pilot Mountain, located in both Surry mansion overlooking Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle. This can be reached by the show what people can do when they work and Yadkin counties, consists of two Main Street. Here, owners Charlotte and nearly mile-long Jomeokee Trail, which together to save a place they love. prominent pinnacles. The one you can see Gary York cater to visitors wanting to wraps itself in a circle around the base of Windsor considers Pilot Mountain from so many other surrounding peaks - explore the wine country of the Yadkin the actual peak still commonly called The among the most recognizable landmarks the “Big Pinnacle” - is connected to the Valley - or simply rest after hiking the Pilot. On this moderate path, hikers can of North Carolina. Though only having “Little Pinnacle” by a narrow saddle. highlands of Pilot Mountain State Park. get an up-close view of the sheer cliffs of an elevation of 2,420 feet, Pilot Mountain Trails at Pilot Mountain State Park Centuries ago, when the Saura Indi- Pilot Mountain. rises about 1,400 feet above the rolling range from the five-mile-long stroll of the ans inhabited this area, they called Pilot Or you could just relax and sit a spell countryside of the Piedmont plateau. Yadkin Islands, along the Yadkin River, to Mountain such names as “Jomeokee,” on a boulder bluff, studying the bark of a Like the rocky escarpments of nearby the two-mile Grindstone Trail, ranked as “The Pilot” or “Great Guide.” pine tree. Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain moderate to strenuous. In 1751, surveyors Joshua Fry and Peter One caveat: Climbing on the Big Pin- is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Practically anyone could skip and Jefferson mapped the mountain. More than nacle is not allowed. two centuries later, Pilot Mountain became Mountains. Specifically, it’s a quartzite hop among the park’s scruffy pitch pines 100% FAIR TRADE, Voted best barbeque Proudly supporting your ORGANIC COFFEE in the region & ESPRESSO. coffee habit since 1999. ------by Appalachian Voices’ Free Wireless Internet crack staff of tasters! ------Hwy 321 Bypass SHAKES & FRUIT SMOOTHIES ------Blowing Rock,North Carolina (828) 295-3651 homemade pastries www.woodlandsbbq.com 221 W. 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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 5 Hiking the Highlands Saving the Places We Love

Join us on Saturday, September 12th as we celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Friends of the Reedy River. A percentage of sales on that day will be donated to these organizations that are preserving and protecting the places we love.

Proud local sponsor of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, a fi lm series by Ken Burns. Sept. 27 thru Oct. 2 8 pm PBS

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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 6 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Dancing Appalachia’s Joys and Sorrows

Story by Bill Kovarik Dancers cling to each other and spread their hands in the air, like trees on an Appala- chian mountainside. Then, explosions rock the stage, and erupt on a screen in the background. The dancers collapse, and, in a while -- after a slow, sad dance of grief -- a grinning man in a bowler hat, smoking a cigar and grasping at fistfuls of money, is wheel-barrowed across the stage. It’s one of most heart-wrenching moments, followed by one of the funniest insights, to be enjoyed in a multimedia dance performance called “Eating Appalachia: Selling Out to the Hungry Ghost” that premiered this May at Radford University. The 45-minute modern dance perfor- mance premiered in May and will be going on tour in the fall of 2009. Blending strong emotions and envi- ronmental politics is difficult, says chore- ographer Deborah McLaughlin. Humor was the key. “I feel that the humor is important; it frees us up,” says McLaughlin. “I didn’t Photos by Lora Gordon want it to be depressing, because I feel that the media does depress us, as a culture, consumption,” she said. “There’s a place tended to honor the region’s history, and add new dimensions to the social and and I think that’s part of the problem.” for technology but for whatever reason our McLaughlin said. At one point, as an old political process, she insists. The problem of technology and greed society just tends to overdo things. We’re coal mining song plays in the background, “People who are in the arts think out- is at the heart of mountaintop removal just so used to luxury.” the dancers are in rocking chairs, holding side of the box, and that’s what we need, in mining, McLaughlin says, and it is a major McLaughlin’s depictions of nature still, almost holding their breath. order to figure out new ways to do things,” theme in the dance. At one point, dancers are also inspiring. The dance performance “I was trying to imagine what women McLaughlin said. are caught in a web of electronics and opens in a deep blue light with dancers would feel like when their sons or husbands “I think this economic crisis is going cables. At another point, dancer Whitney tumbling along a rippling cloth, depicting would go off to work in the mines, and how to be a blessing if we allow ourselves to Isaacs wanders around the stage, screech- a tumbling brook, embodying the beauty frightening that would be,” she said. learn from it,” she said. “Maybe we don’t ing with greed: “That. I’ve always wanted of free water. The idea for the dance performance need all this stuff. That’s not what is going that. It’s perfect. And that … ” But, like “I was thinking about water as source about mountaintop removal mining to make us happy.” Appalachian musicians Bud Bennett and a hungry ghost, the dancer can never be of life, and that’s one of the big issues with emerged in the fall of 2008, in conversa- Don Hall worked with McLaughlin on the satisfied. mountaintop removal is that we’re killing tions with others who had been engaged piece. Readings describing the impacts of “We can point the finger and blame the springs and the creeks and the rivers,” in the environmental struggle. And yet, mountaintop removal by Theresa Burriss were the coal companies, but I finally realized she said. McLaughlin’s Appalachian childhood – also part of the performance. Paintings by artist I’m part of the problem with my own over- Another part of the dance was in- she grew up near Louisville, Ky. – had already sparked a lifelong interest in the Suzanne Stryk, projected against the backdrop, region. helped illustrate some of the themes of hope, Her first choreographic work, per- life, history and the joyful renewal of life in formed in the 1970s, was about women the mountains. who stood up for the unions and against At one point, as the dancers talked about the coal companies. their connections to Appalachia, McLaughlin “There was something there that realized that Juliana Utz was the great-great touched my heart,” she said. granddaughter of Peter Urban, the only survi- McLaughlin is an assistant professor vor of the great Monongah mine disaster of of dance at Radford, and her background 1907. “This is destiny,” McLaughlin said. also includes professional credentials as “People end up feeling hopeless and the artistic director of the Movement So- helpless… and just go out and shop,” said ciety in New York, performing with the McLaughlin. “We entertain ourselves to Cincinnati Ballet with Lee Nagrin, and as death.” a student with Cecile Heller of the Paris “So I was trying to figure out how to do Opera Ballet. a piece that would be compelling and provide Arts make an important contribution some hope,” she said.

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 7 How Country Became Contra: The American Social Dance

Story by Sarah Vig such as the Turning Waltz, Photo by Kelly Jordan Society, and priming contra which came to popularity for large-scale revival in the To say contra is a dance craze would starting in the 1870s. 1950s and 60s. imply that it just came about recently or is As more metropolitan Renewed interest in going out of style. Neither of which seems dancers began to abandon contra was fueled by the to be true. Country Dancing, the style incorporation of new dance Contra’s origins lie with the early remained popular in more moves such as the “gypsy” American colonists who brought the secluded communities. Its and the “hey” by new contra popular English Country Dances with sink into semi-obscurity in the choreographers in the 1970s. them when they hopped the pond to settle small, rural towns of Appala- The dances don’t require any in the New World. chia and New England both formal training or set partner A very social form of dancing, the Eng- changed and saved the dance (which must feel liberating lish Country Dances are organized, as is form, making it dissimilar after decades of couples contra, in a long line which sets of partners from English Country Danc- dancing!), and often each move through, so everyone has the oppor- ing and more distinctively dance is taught by the caller tunity to dance with everyone else. This American Contra. The Ameri- before the music begins. kind of dancing remained popular until music selection and has been influenced can form of the dance is freer in meter and the rise of more couple-centric dances, by intermingling and coevolution with Today, American contra has spread to traditional square dancing. all 50 states. It remains perhaps most popu- Unlike some turn-of-the-century lar, however, in the places where it survived Put Your Dancing Shoes On - Where to Dance Macarena, though, contra didn’t remain the cruel whims of fashionable society. Georgia them online at discoveret.org/kcd in obscurity. Folklore historian Cecil So grab a pair of dancing shoes (clean The Chattahoochee Country Dancers Chattanooga Traditional Dance So- Sharp documented the dances of small, and soft-soled, please) and go swing your nd th in Atlanta have dances weekly on Fridays ciety dances on 2 and 4 Saturdays. rural communities in the World War I era, partner… or your neighbor, depending on st rd th They offer a yearly dance pass for $70. and on the 1 , 3 , and 5 Tuesday. Their founding the Country Song and Dance the dance! website has a great series of instructional Online at contranooga.org videos for beginning contra dancers from all Nashville Country Dancers dance regions. Online at contradance.org. both English Country Dance and Ameri- can Contra. Contras are held Fridays and Kentucky English Country Dances are held each Oh Contraire! based in Berea, Ky., holds 2nd Sunday. Online at nashvillecountry- a monthly dance every 4th Saturday as well dancers.org as a “pick-up dance” on the 3rd Friday, where live music is performed by a pick- Virginia up band and calling is open mic. Online at Charlottesville Contra Dance holds folkcircle.org/contra. a Friday night dance September- June Lexington Traditional Dance Associa- and also during those months Contra tion sponsors dances on the 1st Saturday Corners hosts Greenville dances on the nd th and most 2nd and 4th Fridays. They give 2 and 4 Sundays. Online at contra- a discount to first time dancers. Online at corners.com. ravitz.us/ltda. Blue Ridge Country Dancers holds contras in Floyd, Va., on 2nd Saturdays North Carolina September through June. Online at floyd- Boone Country Dancers hold a con- contradance.org. tra 2nd Saturdays year-round, though they Two Dog Waltz sponsors contra danc- move indoors during the chill mountain win- es in Blacksburg once a month on the 3rd ters. Online at boonecountrydancers.org. Saturday. Online at twodogwaltz.com/ Old Farmers Ball in Asheville, N.C, contra. holds two weekly dances: Thursday Roanoke Virginia Contra Dances nights on the campus of Warren Wilson began in February of this year and are College, and Monday nights at the Grey now being held every 4th Saturday. Online Eagle. Online at oldfarmersball.com at roanokecontra.org. Tennessee West Virginia Historic Jonesborough Dance So- Kanawha Valley FOOTMAD (Friends ciety holds dances twice monthly on 1st of Old Time Music and Dance) of and 3rd Saturdays. They also regularly Charleston, W.Va., not only holds dances sponsor dance weekends, including the every 1st and 3rd Friday October to June, upcoming Carolina Contrathon in Sep- they also hold concerts, workshops and tember and Mountain Madness in Oc- festivals! Online at footmad.org! tober. For information on these events, Morgantown Friends of Old Time visit their website: historicjonesborough- Music sponsors dances at different times dancesociety.org throughout the month and dance a mix of Knoxville Country Dancers dance old time squares, contras, circle dances, weekly on Monday nights. They offer a deep and waltzes. Online at myweb.wvnet. discount for student dancers (only $3!). Find edu/~mswim/sqdance.html.

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 8 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

Across Appalachia Environmental News From Around The Region Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining’s Summer of Discontent Story by Bill Kovarik to “immense and irreversible hearing, at a family picnic on Kayford damage” being done to West A summer of discontent is Mountain, 20 men and women dressed in Virginia. rapidly turning into an autumn of coal miners outfits crashed a picnic intend- Margaret Palmer of the U. confrontation, as Congressional ing to intimidate environmental advocates. of Md also testified: “There is hearings and regional protests One particularly disturbed man issued a no evidence to date that miti- increasingly pit environmental string of direct death threats. A video of the gation actions can compensate activists against coal industry event (“Mountain Madness – Invasion of the for the lost natural resources employees. coal thugs”) went viral on YouTube in July. and ecological functions of In one of over a dozen full In response, the West Virginia Council the headwater streams that scale protests this spring and of Churches issued a statement warning are buried.” summer, scientist James Hansen that “bitter rhetoric and latent violence” and actress Daryl Hannah were The hearing begins a leg- needed to be “put aside.” arrested in a protest at Marsh islative process to the Clean “We ask leaders to encourage an at- Fork elementary school in June. Water Act to stop the dumping titude of understanding toward those with The arrests took place amid a Miners and workers for Massey Energy counter a protest at Marsh Fork of coal overburden into stream whom one disagrees,” said the Rev. Dennis swirl of abusive and threatening Elementary School in West Virgina. One counter-demostrator was arrested beds. Such a prohibition would Sparks, head of the council. for slapping a local environmentalist. Photo by Jamie Goodman commentary from coal miners, effectively stop mountaintop Meanwhile, on the regulatory side, and one counter-demonstrator was removal mining. Some 155 the US EPA will be taking over some water arrested after she struck Goldman winner Maria Gunnoe, who noted that Congressmen are cosponsoring discharge reviews from West Virginia’s environmental prize winner Judy Bonds. MTR contaminated water so badly that HR 1310, the Clean Water Protection Act, state Dept. of Environmental Protection. on the House side, while eight Senators To highlight the issue, four demonstrators A few days later, spectators swamped it was impossible to live near the mines. have thus far signed on to cosponsor a chained themselves to the doors of DEP the first formal Congressional hearing on “Our people were here before the coal was companion bill. offices in mid-August, saying the agency mountaintop removal mining. Testifying discovered. Why should we have to leave was “closed for incompetence.” against the practice was Goldman Prize now in the name of coal?” Others testified A few days after the Congressional Music on the Mountaintop Combines Music, Mountains and Sustainability The Music on the Mountaintop Festival will be held compostable cups and utensils, and the again at the Old State Fairgrounds in Boone, N.C. on Satur- integration of renewable energy non-profit day, August 29, 2009. The event will feature headliners Sam organizations. A portion of the proceeds from Bush, Keller Williams, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Acoustic this year’s festival will go to the Appalachian Syndicate, and Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, as well as 15 Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) and the regional and local acts from western North Carolina. Appalachian Energy Center. Camping will be available on site the evening of Au- The festival, run by Appalachian State University stu- Music on the Mountaintop 2009 will showcase three mu- gust 29. Camping spots are limited but will be announced dents, returns with a green theme, using a solar-powered sic stages, a Green Village, a 35-foot climbing wall, and many for purchase on the festival’s website. stage, precise recycling and waste disposal programs, local and organic food and craft vendors from the Boone area. The gates will be open to the public at the Old State This year’s festival will also feature Fairgrounds on August 29 at 10 a.m. and the music will a River Cleanup Initiative that will begin at 11 a.m. For tickets or more information on Music take place the day before the festival on the Mountaintop 2009, visit www.musiconthemoun- on Friday August 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. taintop.com. For more information about AIRE, visit at the fairgrounds. www.aire-nc.org.

Prize-Winning Prose to be Performed at NC Stage Peter Neofotis is an extraordinary story- working as a Contributing Author for the In- teller. He does more than narrate; he embod- tergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. ies every syllable of his well-crafted prose, Neofotis grew up in the Blue Ridge and which centers on a small town in the moun- will be returning to the mountains to perform tains of Virginia. He navigates characters, his stories. drama and flashbacks with grace and brings Performances will be held August 20-23 life to an entire town through the personali- and 27-29 at 7:30 PM at the North Carolina ties and personal histories of its people. But, Stage Company in Asheville. Tickets are $12 we don’t want him to quit his day job. in advance, $15 at the door. Reach the box Neofotis wrote his collection of short office at (828) 239-0263 or online at www. stories, “Concord, Virginia,” by night while ncstage.org.

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 9

Across Appalachia Environmental News From Around The Region Will Harlan Runs 72 New Report Projects 8,000 lower court decision barring the Kensington country’s waterways. “Miles for Mountains” Clean Energy Jobs For KY Mine from dumping its tailings from ore pro- For more information about Alaska’s cessing into an Alaskan lake just north of work on H.R. 1310, visit http://www.seacc. The same day members of the Alliance for A projected 8,750 new jobs in the energy Juneau. The ruling allows the Coer d’Alene org/issues/mining/kensington-mine. Appalachia waited in the halls of Congress efficiency and renewable energy sectors Mines Corporation’s gold mine to pump over ...... for the Senate hearing on the could be created in the next three 200,000 gallons per day of toxic wastewater Appalachia Restoration Act years and spread out through 87 slurry—composed of water, chemicals, and Berea College Goes Solar (S 696) to begin, iLoveMoun- Kentucky counties, a new report solid waste from ore processing— directly Berea College has joined the ranks of tains.org supporter Will Har- by the Ochs Center for Metropoli- into a lake in the Tongass National Forest. higher education seeking to diversify their lan ran 72 miles along the tan Studies claims. The job cre- The dumping will deposit 4.5 million tons of electric generation. As of March 13, the TN-NC border to raise aware- ation would be possible through solids in the lake over a 10-year period, kill- school’s Loyal Jones Appalachian Center ness about the campaign to investments by the East Kentucky ing nearly all its aquatic life. is now partially powered by a 66-panel, end mountaintop removal Power Cooperative (EKPC) in H.R. 1310 would amend the Clean Wa- 15,000 watt photovoltaic roof system. The coal mining. Harlan, editor of clean energy projects, rather than ter Act’s definition of “fill” back to its original installation contributes to the college’s goal Blue Ridge Outdoors Maga- in its proposed $766 million Smith intent, thereby making it illegal for mining of meeting 10 percent of its energy needs zine, completed his end-to-end “Miles for coal-fired power plant. operations—such as mountaintop removal through renewable sources by 2010. A Mountains” run of the Great Smoky Moun- Another study released in May by Syn- coal mining prevalent in Southern Appala- monitoring device attached to the PV sys- tains National Park in just under 17 hours. apse Energy Economy Inc. showed that chia—to dispose of mining waste into the tem will feed data to the internet, where the During the run, his support crew distributed diversification of EKPC’s energy sources public can view stats such as information about iLoveMountains.org and will help protect co-op utility customers from air temperature and electricity mountaintop removal coal mining at popular higher costs of coal and coal-burning facili- output. Visit www.berea.edu/ trailheads. ties. appalachiancenter/ and click on Harlan’s ultimate goal is to enlist hikers, Economic modeling shows enormous “Solar Array Status” in the right runners, walkers, and others to dedicate potential for jobs in home weatherization, column. their mileage—whether it is on a treadmill hydroelectric dams, solar hot water, heat- The center is also working to or the trail—toward the collective goal of 1 ing, cooling, and more. reduce energy use by exploring million Miles for Mountains to end moun- Copies of the Ochs Center report and the lighting options, energy controls taintop removal coal mining. Find out more modeling data source are available at www. and usage habits. at milesformountains.wordpress.com kyenvironmentalfoundation.org...... Blair Mountain Historic NC Senate Votes to Ban Places Status Uncertain Western NC Wind After less than four months as a protected A North Carolina state Senate vote to ban historical site, the 1,600-acre Blair Mountain wind turbines in mountain areas but approve battlefield is facing removal from the Nation- coastal development may not pass the House al Register of Historic Places, a list that is this year, but it has energized opponents. maintained by the National Park Service. About 768 to 1000 Megawatts of elec- In April, the State of West Virginia request- tric power, enough for 300,000 - 400,000 ed the de-listing of Blair Mountain. Federal energy efficient homes, could be produced rules mandate that an area can be registered along North Carolina’s Appalachian ridge only if a majority of area property owners sup- tops, according to a study by Appalachian port it. Originally, 22 out of 57 property own- State University’s Western North Carolina ers opposed the listing, but that number was Renewable Energy Initiative (WNCREI). revised to 30 following the request to de-list. Western NC Senator Steve Goss, the only A signed petition was delivered to Governor state Senator to vote against the bill, tried Joe Manchin in June urging him to help reach several times to amend the language to in- a solution to allow both mining and preserva- clude responsible, environmentally sensitive tion of the historic site, but so far no word. At wind energy development for the mountain the end of July, the National Trust for Historic region. At the center of the debate is North Preservation won an extension through mid- Carolina’s 1983 Ridge Law, which prohibits September on the required comment period large structures from protruding more than for the de-listing. To comment, visit www. 35 feet above the crest of a mountain’s ridge. preservationnation.org/travel-and-sites/sites/ However, wind energy proponents note that southern-region/blair-mountain-battlefield.html “windmills” are explicitly exempted from the Blair Mountain was the location of a 1983 statute. The bill is expected to remain 1921 battle between 10,000 miners and in committee in the NC House until the end coal-company sponsored police and fed- of this year’s legislative session. eral troops. Since 1980, various organiza- ...... tions and local residents have tried to obtain Historical Places status for the site. Alaska Joins H.R. 1310 Opponents of the historic register listing in- Environmental rights groups in Alaska clude Massey Energy, a company which plans recently threw their support behind H.R. surface mining near the original historic site. 1310, the Clean Water Protection Act, af- ...... ter the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 10 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Behold the Beautiful Butterfly Monarch Migration Offers Teaching Opportunities

Story by Marsha Walton monarch larval development,” said Crewe. University of “There is also evidence that some farming Talk about endurance athletes! Mon- Georgia photo practices reduce the amount of milkweed arch butterflies make human tri-athletes by Pat Davis look like slackers. Millions of these available to monarchs,” she said. beautiful insects (weighing less than two Monarchs must fly south for the win- ounces as adults) embark on a spectacular ter. They cannot fly in temperatures below 2000+-mile journey from the United States 55 degrees Fahrenheit. And while caterpil- and Canada to spend winters on a few lars feed exclusively on milkweed, adults mountaintops in central Mexico. need nectar from other flowers, so they Tens of millions of the orange and have to go where the food is. In Mexico, it black butterflies create one of the most is habitat loss from logging that puts them stunning sights in the natural world, in jeopardy. during their winter slumber party in the Davis said protection and understand- oyamel trees in the state of Michoacán. ing of monarchs doesn’t take a lot of study. While there is no clear evidence of a His advice to young people fascinated by population decline in monarchs (Danaus these iconic butterflies: “Ask questions. plexippus) across this continent, scientists Be curious. Get outside and start looking are concerned about threats to their habitat at plants and caterpillars. Ask yourself, and other human-induced pressures. ‘Why is it there? Why this plant, and not that one? Why is there only one here, and “The mountaintops where they over- six on another one?’” winter are the Achilles heel of North Ameri- whole system may collapse,” he said. monitoring programs. Questions like that, he said, are the can monarchs,” said Andy Davis, a monarch A few weeks ago a “butterfly brain Davis and Professor Sonia Altizer of basis of all good science, and could spark expert and doctoral student at the Warnell trust” from Canada, U.S. and Mexico met Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology orga- an interest in contributing important data School of Forestry and Natural Resources at at the University of Georgia to discuss nized the gathering, designed to get the to monarch research. the University of Georgia. “If they go, the ways to improve monarch population three governments on the same track for monarch observation and protection. Crewe suggested participation in For nearly 30 years scientists have monitoring programs already in place, been collecting data on monarchs. This including Journey North, Monarch Larvae new effort aims to coordinate that infor- Monitoring Program, Monarch Health, mation among governments, universities, and Monarch Watch. MonarchNet.org is conservation groups, and another group of now in development, and will provide growing importance—citizen scientists. links to many programs. “Citizen scientists are extremely “People can also plant butterfly gar- important to large-scale monitoring pro- dens at their home or school, with a focus grams, which, if run only by paid staff, on milkweed and other flowering plants could rarely, if ever, collect the amount of (for nectar) that are native to their area,” data that volunteers can over the broader said Crewe. “Native plants are preferred landscape,” said biologist Tara Crewe of because they are adapted to the climate Bird Studies Canada. and require less maintenance and water- Currently, information collected by ing than non-native species,” she said. individuals or even some conservation “Native flowering species are a great groups might be unknown to others with deal of help,” said Davis. “[The monarchs] the same mission—to protect this elegant migrate through the Appalachians,” he species and its habitat. The Commission said. Migration south takes place from for Environmental Cooperation, estab- August until mid-November. lished by Canada, U.S., and Mexico, is a While pandas and polar bears may be major player in the effort to improve data the most visible stars of the conservation collection, and, scientists hope, better world, Crewe believes the monarch is also target research and conservation efforts a great ambassador species. for the monarch. “People are overall very fascinated by These butterflies face a lot of different the life cycle of this insect,” said Crewe. threats, including the disappearance of “The fact that monarchs that developed habitat. Females must lay their eggs (usu- in northeastern North America can fly ally 100-400) on the underside of milkweed all the way to Mexico, without ‘parents’ leaves. A toxin in that plant protects the to show them the way, is astounding! Its caterpillar and butterfly from predators. long-distance migration is truly unique to “Unfortunately, milkweed is still con- the insect world, and that alone is reason sidered a noxious weed in Ontario and some to conserve this species and this phenom- states, even though this plant is required for enon in particular,” she said.

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 11 Prodigal Summer: Steamy and Smart Summer Reading Story by Sarah Vig (especially those who make their living complex environment to life. The lessons off the land, a point that is brought out as in biology, ecology, organic farming and Appalachian author Barbara King- ironic by the author), they are brought to entomology woven into the narratives solver’s 2000 novel “Prodigal Summer” light by the awareness of the book’s female are often fascinating, and for the most reads at times like a steamy romance, a characters. part flow smoothly with the action of the natural history, and a family drama, and Kingsolver’s multiple narrators are novel. At times, however, the do-no-harm it is the best of all these things: sexy, smart, isolated, yet drawn together by the en- principles Kingsolver clearly holds make lovely, and at times deeply sad. The un- vironment they share. Natural events the text feel slightly overwrought. likely mixture of all these elements makes become like a recurring character in the the book perfect for summer reading. In total, the novel holds many rewards: narratives, giving the reader a reference The book gives the reader three nar- a blushing romance colored by the fervent point with which to align the pasts and rators, all living on the fictitious Zebulon sexuality of the natural world; a truer un- presents of each. This interconnectivity Mountain in Southern Ap- derstanding of the environment and natural serves to accentuate the reader’s atten- palachia. Especially for history of the southern Appalachians; an tion to the common setting and sense of those who live in the intriguing interwoven narrative that reveals shared cultural history that pervades small southern Appala- the social history of a small town; and most mountain towns as well as bear proof of chian Mountains, importantly, a great read! Kingsolver’s skill at interweaving complex the setting will To view archives of our Book Club, histories and events in unconventional seem familiar, visit appvoices.org/bookclub. pressures on the action of the narrative form. yet fresh. Na- novel and the evolution of its The novel’s compelling characters ture is nothing characters. Though its forces and rich prose are vivid enough to bring if not vital in the are unrecognized by many the town of Egg Fork and its unique and novel, exerting its

Reading Questions Online The book contains three the novel change or challenge to be exceptionally in touch Resources 1 narrative voices; which your views on interspecies with nature and succeed by On YouTube narrator do you find yourself relationships? working within natural orders. The luna moth is a beautiful, fascinating relating to most? Why do you Why do you think Kingsolver The book presents dif- creature that holds special significance think Kingsolver chose to give made this choice? How do ferent approaches to for Lusa in the novel. See its life cycle expression to these three par- 3 you think voice in the final farming; to some it is a con- from hungry caterpillar to mouthless, ticular voices? chapter, “31,” fits in? stant battle to keep nature in mating moth in this detailed, informative Used, Invasive species are a check, to others the natural Each narrator identifies video from Backyard Bugs software: you- 2 recurring motif in the processes are tools to enable 5 with a specific species: tube.com/watch?v=atOSro3_W7c Rare & Out novel (coyote, honeysuckle, production. How do you see coyote, moth and chestnut. If of Print Books chestnut blight) and the narra- characters’ involvement with you were to have a narrative Websites and Blogs tors have an intimate relation- farming shaping their views? in this book, what species of Specializing in The American Chestnut Foundation ship with the ecological effects plant or animal do you think Deanna, Lusa and Nan- (acf.org): An Asheville-based non-profit Books about Black of each, though some of their you would be identified with? nie Rawley are all strong carrying out the work being done in the Mountain College views are unconventional. Did 4 Why? female characters who seem novel by the narrator Garnett. Through back-crossing and inter-crossing Ameri- can and Chinese chestnuts, they hope to restore the chestnut to Appalachian forests. Their website is a wealth of infor- mation and resources to help you learn more and get involved.

Further Reading The Audubon Magazine article “The Ultimate Survivor” by Mike Finkel (May/ June 1999) inspired much of King- solver’s thinking on coyote populations Jean & Carl Franklin Powered and helped inform the creation of the by (PV) 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells characters of Deanna Wolfe and Eddie Black Mountain, NC 28711 Bondo : audubonmagazine.org/coyote/ index.html (828) 669-8149 [email protected]

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 12 Th e Ap p a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Th e Ap p a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 13 Proposed Water Intake Facility Near New River Now more than ever, it’s a good time to think about the future of water in Appalachia and the Southeast. Experts warn Headwaters Concerns Downstream Residents

that we will have to face declining quality and quantity of water due Story by Linda Coutant The New River in Ashe County, downstream from the proposed facility. Photo by Christine to expanding population, changing climate, mountaintop removal One community’s demand for Arvidson, National Committee for the New River drinking water is causing angst mining and other issues.The solutions may prove to be elusive, but among residents concerned about rational planning and conservation top the list. preserving the New River’s his- Matters toric, environmental, recreational and economic future. It’s a com- mon debate across North Caro- lina and other states as growing populations demand more from a little more holisitic with planning, get- limited natural resources. WATER WARS OF THE SOUTH ting water regulators talking with energy The Town of Boone, located in Drought  Georgia, Alabama and Florida have been in court over the Chattahoochee River and the river’s Lake La- regulators.” Watauga County, N.C., proposes nier for decades. Water supply for Atlanta is the upstream issue; enough water for fisheries and shellfish, The energy sector “adds immense to build a water intake facility that Brings About particularly in the Apalachicola Bay, is the downstream issue for Florida and Alabama. A federal court ruled stress to river systems during the would pull up to four million gal- in July that Congress would have to get involved in negotiating a deal within three years. Environmental warm months,” a recent report by lons a day from a section of the New Water Wars attorneys said this was a “resounding wake-up call” for Georgia. the Southern Environmental Law River’s south fork frequented by ca-  Georgia and Tennessee have been in court over the state boundary line. Apparently the original line was in Center said. noers, kayakers and fly fishermen. The The center, which is involved Story by Bill Kovarik error by about a mile, and that kept Georgia’s border away from the Tennessee River. In the unlikely event that site is located near the county line. The the 192-year old error were to be corrected, Georgia would be able to draw water from the Tennessee. in several lawsuits related to water town’s proposal – which includes running When Mark Twain famously  North Carolina and South Carolina are in a lawsuit over a 10 million gallon per day transfer of water from useage, advocates greater plan- the water through its water treatment said “whiskey is for drinking; water also fear untreated waste pharmaceuticals idly approaching maximum the Catawba and Yadkin rivers to the Rocky River basin. North Carolina approved the transfer to accom- ning and protection for aquatic facility before returning it to the river – is for fighting,” he was referring to in the return water – a growing concern capacity from its existing water modate development in the area east of Charlotte. species. is awaiting review by state and federal the American West. Today, water is in many municipalities across the U.S. – sources. The Town of Boone  South Carolina is fending off a suit by the Southern Enviornmental Law Center over re-licensing 13 hydro- “We’ve urged states to take agencies before an official 30-day public also for fighting back East, as drought could cause environmental harm. implemented a voluntary water electric stations owned by Duke Energy. SELC says Duke’s plan would reduce flows in the Catawba and serious steps to do water planning comment period, but neighboring Ashe cycles and increasing population lead on a watershed scale, ensuring They also point to the New River’s conservation program in 2005, an Wateree rivers to a level “insufficient to maintain water quality and habitat for fish and other species.” County residents are already organizing to intense competition for the remain- flow, quality, and habitat,” said Cat American Heritage River designation, effort that Public Utilities Director  The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a bill creating the Yadkin River Trust, which would in protest. ing supplies of water. McCue of SCLC. “We need to get a which President Bill Clinton signed in Rick Miller calls successful. It has allow the state to acquire and operate the river’s dams and recreational lakes rather than Alcoa Power “Who owns the river? It belongs With average per capita water use grip on land-use patterns that exacer- person in a ceremony along the river’s included rain barrel giveaways, Generating Inc. Alcoa has held federal license to control the river for the past 50 years. to everyone,” said Mia Hartsook, in the South at 1,553 gallons per day – bate these water resource issues, and banks in Ashe County. free home and business water au- a resident of Fleetwood, an Ashe and increasing— experts are warning NOT get distracted by chasing down “We feel Boone is making decisions dits, and educational sessions in the that the region will have to start taking County community just down- that are regional in terms of water rights public schools. Virginia and Georgia, Holman and Richard Whisnant, a law professor at UNC big, expensive, engineered fixes like conservation and planning seriously. stream from the proposed facility. and that will clearly affect Ashe County Despite conservation, Boone’s but had to be voluntary Chapel Hill, authored a water allocation study last year dams and pipelines that are short-term and cause Water use in the rest of the country is 1,168 gallons per She and other residents, known water system surpassed 80 percent of in some others , such as the Carolinas and Alabama, where that recommended a permit system for water withdrawls more eco-problems down the road.” day and decreasing. as the New River Stewardship Impaired Rivers in capacity in 2006, at which point the N.C. state regulations have been proposed but not passed. that would at least be similar to other states. Meanwhile, paleo-climatologists believe that even without MORE INFORMATION Committee, have gathered TN, NC, VA, WV, KY A more organized approach will be needed in the Many businesses are planning ahead for water re- Department of Environment and Natural human-influenced climate change, the Southeast is looking at sogweb.sog.unc.edu/Water -- The UNC / Duke Univ- more than 400 signatures on a Good future, according to Bill Holman, director of state policy source risks, Holman said, so there are economic as well Resources recommended expansion. A increasing long-term drought. eristy “Water Wiki” keeps track of current events and petition opposing the project, 90 percent capacity is expected some- at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental as environmental reasons for better science, better coor- trends in water science and policy. The drought of 2007-08 for example was considered the including the signatures of Policy Solutions. dination of conservation efforts, and more centralized time in 2009, at which point the state worst since recordkeeping began in 1895. More than one www.wri.org/stories/2009/05/water-watts-south- Boone, N.C. residents and Impaired could impose a moratorium on new “We’re in a transition to thinking about water as a regulations. east -- World Resources Institute - Water for Watts in Not tested yet quarter of the region was covered by the National Weather out-of-state tourists. scarce and valuable resource,” said Holman. “Just like carbon footprinting is a real trend, water the Southeast. water hookups. Service “exceptional” category. The response involved vol- The petitioners ques- A new study shows the town’s “Our 20th-century water policy is inadequate for our footprinting is also an important trend for businesses,” www.southernenvironment.org -- Keeps track of wa- untary and mandatory water conservation measures, but tion the methodology used 21st-century population and economy,” said Holman. Holman said. ter resource lawsuits and issues. The report “Drought population doubling over the next how effective they were is still not known. for projecting Boone’s future “The water resources that sustained a population of 4 Elliot Metzger, a policy analyst with World Resources in the South: Planning for a Water-Wise Future” 50 years. Consultants said the pro- Electric utilities – which use two out of every three population and water needs, million in 1960 and barely sustained 9 million during the Institute, said that the East would have to learn to be more makes state drought and policy comparisons. posed site is best from a location and gallons in the region – monitored water supplies closely as well as the scientific validity of Source US EPA Watershed Assessment 2007-08 drought will have to sustain a population of over like the West when it came to water policy. “The real focus snr.unl.edu/niwr -- National Institutes for Water Re- economic standpoint. The same firm, to see if they would have to cut back production, as hap- data used by the town to determine 12 million in 2030.” in western states is on efficiency, on making sure that risk sources provides science – based information on and others. We’re not opposed to growth, W.K. Dickson, was retained for the pened in France during the heat wave of 2003. the river’s flow rates. They claim Whether that is possible or not remains to be seen. is mitigated with basic policy,” Metzger said. “They are a state-by-state basis. but we feel everybody who is a stake- environmental assessment. Conservation was mandatory in some states, like there’s been little coordination with holder should be involved in the decision “We considered reservoirs from neighboring governments in the making,” Hartsook said. Watauga Lake in Tennessee to the Percentage of Southern counties in drought by year planning process and believe that According to a project description Yadkin River in North Carolina, as withdrawing and returning water available on the Town of Boone website, Continued on next page to the river could hurt tourism. They the town learned in 2004 that it was rap-

Au g u s t / Se p t e m b e r 2009 Au g u s t / Se p t e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 14 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

Excerpt from a new book: were far less adept (than Native Americans) written records of what occurred. during the 1950s, extinguish- Heart of Dryness / By James G. Workman. at coping with protracted thirst. Queen Eliza- As water dried up, Jamestown’s ing many rural economies. Visit www.heartofdryness.com beth’s first settlers at Roanoke were last seen former “London Gentlemen” Over subsequent decades ------on August 22, 1587, hungry and running out degenerated into thirst- wracked, the already arid Southwest “New hard evidence, accumulated from of water, during a dry spell so severe that it scurvy- ridden starving wretches and West grew increasingly tree ring data and pollen counts, suggests even affected the native subsistence food turning on each other, killing and dry. Starting this century, that devastating droughts have shattered of indigenous Croatoan tribes upon whom even eating members of their laypersons across America human settlements, dating back to when the colonists depended. Three years later own family. have been observing every- people first arrived in North America. they had vanished. Following centuries of Following those first unfor- day weather that seems hotter Paleoclimatology remains a young and mystery, a recent tree ring reconstruction tunate colonies, the geographi- and drier than normal. inexact science, and no one could pinpoint from A.D. 1185 to 1984 showed that the Lost cally blessed United States Scientists confirm that in the precise stages at which high temperatures Colony precariously arrived at the onset of enjoyed an exceptionally cool, fact it is, and will likely worsen and dryness caused local human extinctions. the region’s driest three-year episode of the wet era during which it progressed from in the decades ahead. As we But the correlation was sobering…. last eight centuries. agricultural and mercantile economies humans burned and cleared vast forests, Some 5,000 ago, flourishing Native Two decades later, 4,800 out of 6,000 through a postindustrial Information Age converted land to irrigation agriculture, American cultures suffered prolonged ex- Jamestown colonists died in waves upon of 300 million highly urbanized people. and powered industrial growth with fossil posure to climate only slightly hotter than their arrival. Early historians blamed the Even so, during the wettest century of the fuels, we were unwittingly baking the earth it is today and nearly went extinct; for more deaths on dumb planning incompetence past millennium a few dry “speed bumps” in what appeared to be an irreversible pro- than a millennium the Southwest was little and weak support, but scientists have now have profoundly destabilized Americans, cess. Our carbon emissions had thickened more than one big ghost town. directly and precisely linked the sudden suggesting the level of risks water scarcity the relatively thin layers of the outer atmo- A hot era that lasted from 800 to 1300 crash— in native subsistence, peak mortal- held. A relatively mild six-year drought in sphere, trapping solar radiation. The effect boosted medieval European agriculture but ity, domestic livestock deaths, and a rapid the 1930s wreaked agricultural and social resembled leaving our collective car in an scorched much of pre-Columbian America. decline in drinking water— to the driest mayhem throughout the Dust Bowl. exposed parking lot with windows sealed … Despite superior technology, immu- seven- year period in 770 years. Unlike A less acute but more widespread and kids locked inside.” nity, and weaponry, America’s first colonies the colonists at Roanoke, these settlers left drought pressed down across the Midwest Proposed Water Intake Facility Near New River Concerns Downstream Residents Continued from previous page in April 2009 that, if passed, would grant we’re dealing with,” said George Santucci, threat, trust me, we’d react.” Boone the right “to construct and maintain executive director of the non-profit group When it comes to water usage and wa- well as sites in the Watauga River basin. a water intake system in the waters and the National Committee for the New River. ter rights, Santucci said it’s easy to point to These involved interbasin water transfer, submerged land of the South Fork of the His advocacy organization, which has municipalities as the problem while ignor- a process that creates quite a few environ- New River notwithstanding any public trust fought development of the river in North ing the impact of housing developments mental issues,” Miller said. rights.” The bill passed first reading in the Carolina and Virginia in the past, has outside town limits, which rely on wells. The Town of Boone claims the proposed House and has been referred to the Water been involved with the Town of Boone’s “Everyone’s actions impact the watershed, site has sufficient water flow from which Resources and Infrastructure Committee, exploration of the proposed site. It has also and people need to own up to that and act to withdraw water and still meet state and which Tarleton chairs. conducted its own research. At this point, in accordance. Rain barrels, cisterns, and environmental requirements, based on Construction of the proposed facility Santucci said he doesn’t see cause for an low-flow showerheads and toilets – people calculation methods approved by the N.C. cannot begin, however, until the environ- environmental battle. should have these in their own homes.” Department of Environment and Natural mental assessment is approved by the state “The research we’ve done doesn’t show Learn more about this local issue at: Resources. and federal agencies. It is uncertain when any scientific data that the proposed water • townofboone.net Support for the project is being sought the agencies will be ready to announce their intake facility will have a significant nega- • newriverstewards.blogspot.com in the N.C. General Assembly where Rep. response. tive impact,” Santucci said. “If there were a • smartnewspost.blogspot.com Cullie Tarleton (D-93), who serves both Ashe “Until the environmental assessment and Watauga counties, introduced a bill report is made public, we don’t know what Music he Mountains • Delicious Deli-Style from t Offering a diverse mix of Sandwiches music and informative programming for the diverse heart of Appalachia. • Homemade Soups Broadcast from Your listener supported radio, WMMT. the Appalshop • Vegetarian Fare • and Much More!

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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 15

By George Santucci, Executive Director with a retired U.S. Navy vessel and heavy National Committee for the New River conveyor equipment to move tons of trash from Claytor Lake. Like the rest of the New We started talking last year about a River, Claytor Lake’s biggest problem is complete trip down the New, from Wa- the ever-present development pressure. tauga County, N.C., all the way to the The Expedition also floated the river confluence in West Virginia, to celebrate in the Radford Army Arsenal section with the river’s 10 years with the American Lt. Col. Andy Munera and son Justin. The Heritage designation. Arsenal’s contribution to the pollution At times we feared we’d bit off more of the New River is a major concern for than we could chew; the logistics are daunt- NCNR, as it is for officials at the Arsenal. ing for such a trip and in these economic Our float emphasized the importance of times, all non-profits are keeping a close continuing dialogue. eye on expenses and bottom lines. But the As we put in one morning, local fisher- river called and volunteers came and our man said Claytor Lake dam had released members and supporters encouraged us . water during the night; they thought the We launched just outside Boone, N.C., water was up a full foot and a half. With where the river is narrow but spectacular. so many rapids due for the day, we hoped Volunteer Tony Patchett , board president the novices in our group would spend less Henry Doss, Chris Rasmussen, and others Non-point source pollution from agricultural runoff presents a major problem along many Appalachian time swimming and more time paddling joined us. rivers, but is an issue that can be fixed with farm conservation measures. Photo by Bill Kovarik as we continued our expedition. During the first week, in Watauga the New shifted from Christmas trees to and Ashe counties, we passed many of Lake. Where homes are close to the river NCNR began their New River Expedition cattle. A little further long, Ronnie Pow- our restoration projects. Over the last few banks, or where the banks are mowed to on July 20 and will conclude in August. Visit ers, president of the Friends of Claytor years we’ve planted or restored more than the edge, a great deal of erosion can be www.ncnr.org and click through to their Face- Lake, took the expedition crew out on his 69 miles of New River and tributary banks, observed. book Causes page and Twitter account (www. pontoon boat. He and volunteers run a creating riparian buffers and correcting If only property owners understood twitter.com/ncnewriver). erosion problems. Overdevelopment, the that grooming the banks of their property sophisticated cleanup operation complete result of poor or non-existent land plan- is a guarantee they’ll be sending their own ning, is the New River’s greatest threat land downstream. The runoff carries nutri- these days. ents from fertilizers and other pollution— Western North Carolina Further along, we passed sections of elements which healthy riparian buffers the river where very large new homes are naturally filter. The river was often muddy Renewable Energy Initiative being built, often in posh developments (in when hard rains preceded us, especially in 2009 Renewable Energy Workshops spite of the housing downturn). The pres- areas of Ashe County, N.C.. sure is only increasing as available land There are also places on the river that appropriate for development disappears have been traditionally used as dumps - August 22 -- Solar Thermal with Brian Raichle and land which would normally remain particularly for tires. The efforts of NCNR vacant becomes valuable as riverfront Clean Ups in North Carolina and excellent property. and very active groups like ReNew the August 26 -- PV and the National Electric Code with John Wiles - CEU credits available This is especially true in areas of what New in Giles County, Va., are helping to with John Wiles - CEU credits available could be called “suburbia;” on golf courses improve the trash situation overall. like the one on the outskirts of Radford in As we ventured from North Carolina September 12 -- Small Wind with Brent Summerville Virginia, or along the shores of Claytor into the heart of Virginia, farms along September 26 - 27 -- Solar Thermal with Chuck Marken A GREAT SOURCE FOR LOCAL FOOD! September 18 - 19 - 20 & October 2 - 3 - 4 -- WeekendWeekend NABCEPNABCEP EntryEntry LevelLevel PVPV CourseCourse

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Story by Sarah Vig tal and public health ramifications of coal slurry injection. In a partial victory for citizens and environmen- Once the DEP released its report, a moratorium tal groups opposed to the process, the West Virginia was declared on new injection permits, although Department of Environmental Protection declared a 13 currently operating slurry injection sites will be two-year moratorium on new permits for disposing allowed to continue. of coal slurry by injecting it into abandoned mines. Coal slurry is a byproduct of coal preparation, Though SSP sees the study itself and the tempo- a mixture of fine coal particles and water, as well rary moratorium as a step in the right direction, the as the chemicals used to remove impurities from group doesn’t feel the DEP has gone far enough. the coal before it is sold. “The solution the DEP has come up with is Three citizen groups in West Virginia, the inadequate,” said Maria Lambert, a representative Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Coal River for SSP. “People are going to be left with the same Mountain Watch and Concerned Citizens in Mingo health issues for as long as companies are allowed County, formed the Sludge Safety Project (SSP) to to inject slurry under existing permits.” spread awareness about what they see as insuf- “There is one solution to fixing the problem of coal slurry contamination in West Virginia,” ficient regulation. Members of the Sludge Safety Project successfully argued for a reconsideration After many hours of citizen lobbying, the state Lambert stated in response to the DEP’s announced of slurry injection and, so far, have partially stopped the practice. Photo by legislature asked the DEP to evaluate environmen- plans, “a ban on all slurry.” Vivian Stockman

primary water source. “That was heartbreaking for me,” Lloyd says. He had built Stories by Sierra Murdoch the pond for his grandchildren to camp and fish like he had done Maria Lambert in the mountains, decades before Sand Lick, W. Va. when the peaks were still intact. Regional inspectors fined Nal- Maria Lambert was born in the coal camps at the ly & Hamilton and gave the com- head of Prenter Hollow. When she moved down the road pany 30 days to remove Lloyd’s to Sand Lick in 2000, her father drilled a well. He tested pond. But Lloyd’s grievance ad- the water and found it safe to drink. dressed one of many company In 2003, Massey Energy began blasting the ridge violations, and his was evaded over Prenter Hollow. The first time her house shook, like the rest. Lambert says, boards fell from the ceiling. The next day, A year after the incident, Ken- she noticed orange slime and blackened water coming Maria Lambert of Prenter Hollow in Sand Lick, W.Va., shows a sample of her tap water— tuckians for the Commonwealth through her home’s waterline. contaminated by nearby mining—and the countless jugs of water she must now carry to her found and publicized Lloyd’s story, Many months later, Lambert’s mother gathered a home every day for cooking, drinking, etc. Photo by Paul Corbit Brown connecting him with the Kentucky meeting of neighbors who had polluted wells. Lambert Resources Council. After two years, discovered that in Sand Lick and neighboring commu- then, Lambert says, “I’m waiting on our governor to say, ‘I’m Nally & Hamilton has agreed to compensate Lloyd and nities – Hopkins Fork, Prenter, Laurel Creek – an abnor- sorry, I’m not going to let this happen to anyone else.’” rebuild his pond, a process that could take 10 years. mally high proportion of citizens had gallbladder and But for Lloyd, this isn’t just about his fishpond. It’s kidney disease, intestinal disorders, and cancer. These Elmer Lloyd about protecting his neighbors from poisoned water ailments affected residents of all ages. Benham, Ky. when they won’t speak out themselves: “I don’t believe Lambert suspected that a possible cause of the poor Elmer Lloyd calls himself a lost-and-found man. He’s in giving up on something I know is right.” water quality and health was a slurry injection, located 52, back bent from 15 years in the mines. If his property three miles from her house, adjacent to the blasting site. hadn’t flooded three years ago when Nally & Hamilton Erica Urius Slurry – the wastewater produced when coal is washed with began blasting the mountain above his home, he wouldn’t chemicals to prepare it for use – had been pumped back into Phyllis, Ky. have thought twice about strip mining. Now Lloyd’s seen an abandoned underground mine. In addition to chemicals, what’s happened to his water as a result of it, and he’s Erica Urius worried about strip mining long before slurry contains high amounts of the heavy metals found in spoken out. her water smelled like rotten eggs. TECO Coal began coal, including arsenic, mercury, and selenium. In 1993, Lloyd built a pond behind his home and blasting above her hollow in the mid-nineties. Heavy With Coal River Mountain Watch, the Ohio Valley stocked it with fish. Thirteen years later, his fish died due truck traffic rutted the roads. Environmental Coalition and her neighbors, Lambert cre- to sediment run-off from the strip mine above his home. With help from Kentuckians for the Commonwealth ated the Prenter Water Fund (prenterwaterfund.org), which When the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Service tested the (KFTC), Urius organized community meetings and pro- supplies clean water to polluted communities in the area. By pond, they told Lloyd that it was dead and he should Continued on page 18 next April, the communities expect to have city water. Until have it removed. The pond drained into Cumberland’s

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Story by Sarah Vig A 2009 study by the USGS for private well owners in Central Ap- found that more than 20 palachia. According to the USDA Natural You would think for small, percent of domestic drinking Resources Conservation Service, over rural communities in central water wells had one or more 50 percent of the private drinking water Appalachia, water from a contaminants above a human- wells in the Appalachian area of Kentucky private well—available at the health benchmark. Sampling sites are contaminated with disease-carrying fairly low cost of maintaining with contamination issues are marked in red, sample sites that were unaffected pathogens as a result. a well and without the hassle in white. Image courtesy of USGS. The EPA recommends that well own- of a monthly bill—would be a ers get their water tested annually, after blessing. Other regional concerns arise from floods, or if otherwise suspicious of con- And if it weren’t for mining high concentrations of agricultural or tamination. Annual tests are important operations, slurry injections, ra- industrial activity in certain areas. High for both ensuring the safety of private don-rich aquifers, and an often levels of agricultural activity can lead drinking water supplies and establishing poorly managed private sewage to higher concentrations of nitrates in documentation of contamination issues. system, you might be right. the water; mining may increase heavy Though home test kits are available, “The results of this study are important Whereas public water sources are metal contamination. well owners should contact their local because they show that a large number of tested for contaminants regularly (several In a 2005 study published by “Water, health departments for information on people may be unknowingly affected,” said times a day in some cases) and are regu- Air, and Soil Pollution” nearly half of the well testing. Often, county health depart- Matt Larsen, USGS Associate Director for Wa- lated by EPA-set standards, water from 179 tested wells from across the Appala- ments will help perform basic tests for ter. “Greater attention to the quality of drink- private wells have no such insurance. chian region (eastern Kentucky, western bacteria and nitrates. If not, or if more tests ing water from private wells and continued Private wells, the source of drinking West Virginia, southern Ohio, and northern are required, they should be able to pro- public education are important steps toward water for 15 percent of U.S. residents, are Tennessee) had detectable levels of arsenic. vide contact information for state-certified not regulated; their monitoring and safety the goal of protecting public health.” Six percent of these had levels exceeding the labs. These labs provide testing kits and is the sole responsibility of the owner. The study also showed trends in con- EPA MCL of 10 parts per billion. conduct sample analysis. Though well-maintained, regularly tamination based on geologic characteris- Poor sewage management, including You can find one in your area by call- tested wells are generally safe to drink tics of aquifers. Radon, for example, a ra- large numbers of “straight pipes” which ing the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at from, recent studies indicate that contami- dioactive gas that can dissolve in water was send untreated sewage directly into surface 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/ nant levels in domestic wells may be an found at relatively high concentrations in water supplies, is also an area of concern safewater/labs. area of concern for public health. crystalline-rock aquifers in the Northeast, In a March 2009 study, the United in the central and southern Appalachians, States Geological Survey (USGS) found and in central Colorado. According to the that more than 20 percent of sampled study, about 30 percent of wells in these domestic wells contained one or more regions had radon levels above the EPA- contaminants at a concentration greater recommended human-health benchmark, than an EPA Maximum Contaminant compared to 4.4 percent nationally. Radon Limit (MCL) or other human-health exposure has been linked to the develop- benchmark. ment of lung cancer.

Well Contamination Checklist Conditions or Nearby Activities: Test for: Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria Household plumbing contains lead pH, lead, copper Radon in indoor air or region is radon rich Radon Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria Coal or other mining operations nearby Metals, pH, corrosion Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas Volatile organic compounds, total dissolved station, or dry-cleaning operation nearby solids, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and near gas Volatile organic compounds station or buried fuel tanks Objectionable taste or smell Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese Salty taste and seawater, or a heavily salted Chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium roadway nearby Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather Hardness Rapid wear of water treatment equipment pH, corrosion Water softener needed to treat hardness Manganese, iron Water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored Color, detergents

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running orange, and now the mountains are stripped to gravel and grass. The pool Continued from page 16 their pump and found it coated with a Urius. With KFTC’s support, she contacted where the Exeter Methodist Church once black, oily sheen. Researchers from Eastern TECO Coal, and the company began deliv- baptized its congregation has filled with tests, and filed grievances against TECO Kentucky University tested the water – it ering water from city taps to her home. silt. Just across the road from town, the Coal. She and her neighbors slowly earned contained over 100 times the safe levels of Urius has requested direct access to slope is clear-cut in preparation for moun- the company’s wary attention. arsenic, in addition to high levels of iron, city water, but she lives remotely, and taintop removal mining. In 2004, TECO began blasting the mercury, and manganese. digging a waterline would be expensive. Bush has asked the Virginia Depart- ridge above Urius’s home. Not long after, At the time, Urius’s daughter was TECO Coal tried drilling the family an- ment of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) to Urius and her husband noticed something three years old, and the orange stains in the other well, but the water still ran orange. test the water around Exeter for toxins and different about their water. They checked bathtub, sinks, and toilet deeply concerned “I think TECO thought we’d just get heavy metals. The VDEQ has mostly denied quiet after a while,” says Urius. “But my his requests. daughter will be six this month, and I still But Bush has seen the orange water can’t let her play in the tub. So we still before in other mountain-stripped regions believe in what we’re fighting for.” – the color could indicate heavy metals and Larry Bush a highly acidic pH. Exeter, Va. After repeated calls, Bush convinced two biologists from the VDEQ to observe Larry Bush is quick to say that coal has the stream behind his house. They as- been good to him – his father was a miner, sessed the stream’s biological diversity, as was he. He recalls picking blackberries and concluded that it was critically low down by the streambed near Exeter and – the stream was essentially “dead.” hunting with his father in the mountains With Southern Appalachian Mountain above the coal camp. “We’d wash the Stewards, Bush is working to gather commu- squirrels in the water and drink right out nity support against the Exeter mine. “I’ve of the stream,” says Bush. got three grandkids,” he says, “and I don’t But in 1999, the streambed started want them living in a desolate wasteland.”

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 19 Editorials Unequal Justice in the Coalfields In the long and troubled history of Appalachia’s coal fields, violence between the industry and its critics in the labor and the environmental movements is not unusual. What needs to be understood now, however, is that the cycle of violence is escalating with the strong encouragement of the coal industry. Just this summer, events caught on video include: • Coal industry thugs openly threatening to cut children’s throats at a picnic on Kayford Mountain; • Judy Bonds, a Goldman Prize winner, getting socked in the face by an angry counter-demonstrator; • Coal miners screaming threats of violence at demonstrators, includ- ing NASA scientist James Hanson, movie star Daryll Hannah and former WV Congressman Ken Heckler; • Someone named “superhippieslayer” on YouTube urging people to shoot and hang environmental activists; Events have taken such a serious turn that the West Virginia Council of Churches issued a statement this July and asked the governor to step in. Gov. Joe Manchin did make a weak and perfunctory statement that violence would not be tolerated, but no one has been charged for making public death threats, and the counter-demonstrator who attacked Judy Bonds in plain view was given the lightest possible charge. When police Letters to the editor protection is needed for demonstrators, it is frequently unavailable. In contrast, activists arrested in protests are facing criminal conspiracy Appalachian Voice welcomes letters to the editor and comments on our website. Letters are subject to editing charges and heavy fines. Journalists who trespass while covering protests due to space limitations (letters can be read in full on our website). The views expressed in these letters, and in are having their cameras and equipment confiscated. Instant police pres- personal editor responses, are the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the organization ence at demonstrations is a given. Appalachian Voices. Write to [email protected]. In short, the West Virginia state government is performing as a sub- ordinate branch of the coal industry, administering unequal justice in an escalating climate of violence. More News, Less Fluff numerous journals, magazines, and on the Dear Editor, internet. I don’t expect to find in this kind A number of years ago while visiting of newsletter articles about kayaking, trail Dirty Coal Forgeries the Southern Appalachians for birding building, and gardening. This information Just when we thought the debate over “clean” coal couldn’t get and botanizing, I picked up a copy of your can easily be found elsewhere. any dirtier, the news breaks that pro-coal lobbying groups have been newsletter and I have been an avid reader But the remainder of the June/July 2009 caught forging letters to Congress. They have opposed carbon trading of it ever since. It has encouraged me to issue is VERY interesting and appropriate. in the name of civil rights groups, university women and the aging, take many trips to the area since, which, of It contains much information about events appropriating their logos and making up names of staff members. course, helps the local economy in many and issues that concern the Appalachian The harder investigators look at the American Coalition for Clean ways. Being a conservationist and preserva- region that I cannot find elsewhere. Coal Electricity (ACCCE) and its subcontractors, the more forgeries tionist, I look forward to every issue in order I would hope that in the future you they are finding. Its nothing less than an Anti-American Corrupt and to keep abreast of things that are going on will stress the environmental issues in your Corrosive Conspiracy Effort. in one of the critical natural environments newsletter and leave the people–activity Even with all the heated rhetoric this summer, such as the nonsense on our planet. articles to other publications where they are about the elderly facing “death committees” under reformed health However, in some of the recent issues I more appropriate. Of course, I realize that in care, the ACCCE forgeries have registered a new low on the American feel that you are seriously straying from the order to make a publication viable and not political barometer. original intent of the newsletter and from lose money, one has to occasionally publish ACCCE has done our country, our communities, and our very the kinds of news that those of us working items that are attractive to the masses who democracy a great disservice. This is a time of unprecedented change in the environmental field crave to read and will make monetary contributions. How- in Appalachia, and as our coal supplies decline and our economy di- become familiar with. The June/July 2009 ever, in my opinion you went overboard in versifies, we need to shareideas on how best to shape the future of our [issue] is a case in point. Other than some the [June/July] issue. region. interesting, appropriate, and necessary We all need to do so in the spirit of honest public debate and vigor- Sincerely yours, ous collaboration with fellow citizens. Our future is too important to be advertisements, the first nine pages contain Richard C. Rosche decided by fraud and forgeries. the types of articles that one can find in

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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 21 Naturalists Notebook can find no evidence of fireflies the size of bumblebees or hummingbirds. They can The Firefly Phenomena be up to an inch long, but even the largest firefly wouldn’t produce a light the size Story by Alison Singer their lights as entrapment. Fe- of what I witnessed. Maybe I found a new For me, the mystique of fireflies be- males of the Photuris genus use species. Maybe my eyes played tricks on gan in childhood. We went outside with their flash patterns to attract me, maybe I had had a little too much our mason jars, captured the beckoning males of other firefly species, wine; but my friend was there too—giving lights with open palms. We held them who they then devour. While me a valuable witness. this may sound familiar to some under our blankets, or sleeping bags, and Photo © ABdesigns Now the thing I find most fascinat- watched their flickering lights as we faded of you (in a metaphorical sense, ing about fireflies is their ability to bring into sleep. of course), scientists are unsure fers slightly in its synchrony, though ap- wonder to even the most grown up of I used to name all the fireflies I caught of the females’ motivations. One reason proximately six-second intervals are com- grown-ups. You can know the facts: their Pete. Whether this was a result of lack of could be that, by targeting species that mon. The purpose for this synchronization light is created from a bioluminescent reac- creativity or some uncanny affinity for generate bad-tasting chemicals within their is unclear, though scientists hypothesize it tion; they communicate with other fireflies the name, I can’t remember, but I at least bodies, they can absorb the chemicals for has to do with mating. with their flickers; they can be violent and had the gender right; female fireflies often themselves, thus becoming more distaste- For a time, I thought my own fas- deceitful; they aren’t flies at all, but beetles; don’t fly at all. ful to predators. cination with fireflies had ended along they are actually very small. We can know All through the summer their lights Another unexplained flashing phe- with my childhood. I grew up, and I did all that, but the sight of one flash in the begin at dusk, soaring and swooping, nomenon is the synchronization that oc- more important things than hang out in darkening sky is still enough to become flashing and flickering. Males perform curs among some species, particularly in backyards and chase bugs. Then, I saw a that child again, wanting only to capture intricate flying and blinking patterns; Southeast Asia. In the mid-nineties, locals giant firefly. that source of light. the stationary females give their own in Elkmont, Tenn., contacted scientists I was sitting on my porch in the evening Tonight, if it’s still warm, I encourage patterned flash responses. The flashing about the synchronized fireflies that be- when I spotted it. It was flitting around you step outside, listen to the crickets and patterns are species-specific, a useful trait gin each June. Since then, synchrony has behind some trees, maybe 50 feet in the air. frogs and the whisper of bat wings, watch the since there are more than 2,000 species of also been discovered at high elevations of Glowing intermittently. It looked to be a last pink light sink behind the trees, and look fireflies in the world. the southern Appalachians, in Congaree firefly the size of a hummingbird, or perhaps for blinking lights. And, if you catch one, tell Swamp in South Carolina, and along the Some devious she-flies actually use it was an enormous glowing bumblebee. him to say hello to my friend Pete. Georgia coast. Each firefly population dif- I don’t know what I saw that night. I pring into summer S with a Brighter Smile!

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Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 22 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES Appalachian Coalfield Delegation Travels to Colombian Coal Region that, the coal companies had destroyed an important Part 1 of a 3 part series economic center and shut the remaining communities Story by Sandra Diaz out of the land they have traditionally used for hunting This June, I was fortunate enough to visit the and fishing, forcing them to ask for relocation. Colombian coalfields with a delegation of people The negotiation process has been going on for sev- from across the U.S., including citizens from the Ken- eral years, with little progress until recently. tucky coalfields. The trip was organized by Witness El Cerrejon has hired a new Manager of Social Re- for Peace, a group which sends delegations to bear sponsibility, Paul Warner, who has specialized in com- witness and support communities working against munity engagement in other land relocation scenarios. corporate and government abuses. We were able to meet with Mr. Warner and go on a tour The delegation spent time seeing the area’s natural of the mine. beauty and the unnatural destruction caused by min- It seems that Cerrejon has been paying strict atten- ing. We also spent several days visiting communities tion to things like reclamation and wildlife services, but not as much to the rights of the indigenous and Afro- directly impacted by the two biggest coal mining com- Sandra Diaz of Appalachian Voices, far right, stands with the Colombian communities. Hopefully, Paul Warner will plexes in Colombia, El Cerrejon, owned by a consortium Witness for Peace delegation at the El Cerrojon mine complex. of multinationals, and El Descanso, owned by Drum- change that, but it is still too early to tell. mond, an Alabama-based company. Witness for Peace Appalachian communities are fighting to stay on their The connections between Colombian and Central has been working with the communities affected by El Cer- land. This is because of the different way mineral rights Appalachian coal-impacted communities was striking. rejon for a while, and have recently started to do outreach are governed. One McRoberts, Ky. resident on the tour was particularly in La Loma, the community affected by Drummond. In Colombia, mineral rights are government-owned, affected. “I went fully expecting to see all these differ- Listening to the community members in the Colom- no matter who owns the land. In an action called expro- ences between my coal community and the Colombian bian coalfields tell their stories, I sensed a similar tie to priation, the government can forcibly take land away for coal communities,” said Willa Johnson, “instead I found the land as there is in communities in the Appalachian corporate interest. The town of Tabaco, a trading hub for more similarities then I ever expected. Coming back home coalfields. However, the communities located near the surrounding villages, was forcibly and violently razed I realized how much of a human rights issue this is, and Colombian coal mines are fighting to be relocated, while in August 2001 for the Cerrejon mine expansion. With that we need to act now to protect our people.”

Virginia Office Helps The Town of Dendron Are you a To speed the approval process of a from Appalachian Voices and the Wise Energy proposed 1500-megawatt coal-fired power Coalition, citizens have led the fight for a plant in the small town of Dendron, Va., locally-based planning commission, knocking the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative on virtually every door in Dendron to ensure Steward? (ODEC) and the pro-coal Surry County residents were aware of tthe decision. Board of Supervisors presented an ordi- When the ordinance came up for a Chances are, your piece of the Appalachian Forest didn’t nance to the Dendron Town Council to vote, it was standing room only. By a 3-2 come with an owners manual. Your forest is an investment have the Surry County Board of Supervi- margin, ODEC’s ordinance was rejected. for you and your family. It also comes with a responsibility sors serve as a planning commission to Instead, the town council vested itself for good stewardship. That’s why we made a handbook “help the town with various studies,” with the legal power to make a decision that gives you the knowledge and resources you need “assist in expertise,” and make the ultimate on the plant. to make smart decisions about your forest. decision on the plant’s approval. The fight is not over, but Dendron has But residents who learned of this prop- kept the ultimate decision in their hands. ndnd 2 editionedition osition were hesitant to surrender their Visit wiseenergyforvirginia.org for sovereignty to the Board of Supervisors. details on Appalachian Voices’ coalition- Managing With the help of community organizers based work on this and other issues. Your Woodlands you for Dining A Guide for Southern nk O A Guide for Southern a Appalachian Voices would like to ut Produced by: h Thanks for Dining Out! ! Produced by: Appalachian Landowners T thank the following restaurants for participating in our Annual Dine Out for the Mountains by donating Now with a FREE DVD: a portion of their Earth Day proceeds to our cause! “Landowner’s Guide to To get your FREE copy: Boone Bagelry Dos Amigos Our Daily Bread Sign up at: www.appvoices.org Sustainable Forestry” - from the Appor contact:AlAchi 1-877-APP-VOICEAn Voices Model Forest Policy Program Canyons Restaurant Joe’s Italian Kitchen Reid’s Cafe [email protected]@appvoices.org CiCi’s Pizza Makoto’s The Gamekeeper

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e Pa g e 23 APPALACHIAN VOICES INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES Operation Medicine Cabinet: Saving the River and Kids from Drugs Donna Lisenby, our Upper Watauga substances will also be taken with no ques- use over the past several years has been Prozac, and antibiotics and estrogen. Riverkeeper, has teamed up with organi- tions asked. in prescription drug use, most commonly Partners in Operation Medicine Cabi- zations in Watauga County, NC to offer Takeback locations will be available obtained by raiding a family member’s or net include The Upper the first ever prescription drug take-back at three Food Lion stores in Watauga friend’s medicine cabinet. Watauga Rivereeper, day on Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. County: the Hwy 321 store in Boone, the As well, because local Boone Drug, The Wa- to noon. Hwy 421 Deep Gap store, and the Blow- water treatment facili- tauga River Conserva- Dubbed Operation Medicine Cabinet, ing Rock store. The event will be held ties are not set up to fil- tion Partners, Watauga the event is designed to safely dispose of in conjunction with the county’s annual ter prescription drugs, County Sheriff’s Depart- drugs and keep them out of the hands of Hazardous Household Waste day from 9 an emerging threat to ment, Boone,Police Dept, children and out of our water. a.m. to 2 p.m. our waterways is the NC Cooperative Extension Anyone with outdated or unused pre- The disposal of prescription drugs increasing evidence of Service, Town of Boone Utili- scription drugs, syringes or other medical has long been a dilemma, and many home prescription drug resi- ties Department, the DEA, North supplies are invited to drop these off at medicine cabinets contain unused or due in the rivers. Tests Carolina SBI, Mountainkeepers, and the take-back centers. The event has been outdated medications. Among teenagers, have found blood pressure Watauga County Solid Waste/Recycling declared as an amnesty day, so controlled one of the highest increases in illegal drug medicine, mood-enhancement drugs like Department. Voices from the Field: Citizen activists speak about what inspires them to stand up and take action

Lorelei Scarbro is no strang- living in the area where AV: With difficulties, including threats what you have done.” Many of us would er to the economic support they mine. But I say, we and anger from your neighbors, why not have had the courage to do what we have you not just given up? coal mining has brought to don’t live where they do without what [Larry] has done. West Virginia. Her grand- mine coal, they mine coal LS: I have a five-year-old granddaugh- AV: What is the worst experience you father, father, and husband where we live. ter and it pains me to think of the quality have had during this time? of water she will have to drink and the were all underground min- AV: If your husband LS: I cannot think of any one incident air she will have to breathe when she is ers. She is also no stranger were alive, what do but the hardest thing is watching people of child-bearing age if we don’t stop this. to its downsides. Black lung you think he would say suffer adverse health effects due to coal. about mountaintop re- It is not about me. I have a responsibility made her a widow before I watched my husband struggle for moval coal mining? to do all I can to leave this world a bet- she turned 50, and now every breath until his last with black LS: My husband ter place than I found it for her and the the threat of mountaintop lung, I have friends who live in com- was a very proud under- generations to come after me. That being removal mining, slurry im- munities where large numbers of them ground union coal miner said, I can’t stop. poundments, coal dust, and have terminal illnesses, and I fear for my and he was also very con- tainted water loom heavy on AV: What is the best experience you have own longevity because of water and air nected to and protective of had during your time as an activist? her community of Rock Creek, W. Va. Now 54, contamination. this place. He loved the land and grew up Lorelei is one of the most dedicated coalfield LS: Standing with Larry Gibson [a AV: Who would you say is your hero or activists in the fight to end mountaintop re- living off it. He quit school when he was 16 fellow coalfield activist] in D.C. on March heroine, and why? years old to work in the mines to help his moval. She travels monthly to Washington to 2, 2009...we turned and looked down the LS: The people who risk their lives parents feed and clothe his brothers and meet with legislators about critical legislation street to see 2,500 people coming toward us expecting nothing in return to stop moun- his sister. He harvested coal because it was that would put a federal ban on valley fills, part standing in solidarity against the evils that taintop removal. There are a lot of them the only way to make a living, but he never of the process of mountaintop removal where are inflicted upon us by the coal industry. but Larry Gibson in particular is my hero did anything to harm the land. He would literally tons of exploded mountain are depos- Because of his 20+ years in this battle and and the biggest man I have ever met. ited in mountain valleys as a crude, destructive be outraged [about mountaintop removal] all that he has sacrificed I told him, “Look form of “waste disposal.” Lorelei spoke with and very proud of me for the stand I have The Voice about mountaintop removal, activ- taken to protect the land he loved. ism, and what inspires her to fight. AV: How long have you been an activ- ist? AV: Why did you first decide to go to Washington to advocate for an end to LS: I started as a community activist mountaintop removal? on another issue in early 2001. The local New and Renewing Business League Members ou for Dinin Board of Education decided to implement k y g O LS: I believe what is happening here June 2009-July 2009 an u [in central Appalachia] is a social justice a planned closure for our local high school. h t! Some of my closest friends and I decided T issue and a crime against nature. I know Gaines Kiker Silversmith ..... Blowing Rock NC Capone’s Pizza ..... Boone NC that was not a good idea and we engaged the people in Washington, D.C., have the Dancing Moon Bookstore ..... Boone NC Red Onion Cafe ..... Boone NC power to stop this. Unless we are there in a two and a half year battle to stop it. PPALACHIANGladiola Girls ..... Boone NC OICESThe Bead Box ..... Boone NC telling them how [mountaintop removal] We won the battle and lost the war. Today, The Mustard Seed Market ..... Blowing Rock Rexel of Boone ..... Boone NC impacts the lives of real living, breathing the coal company is removing the top of The Looking Glass Gallery ..... Boone NC human beings, they don’t know. The coal the mountain behind where the school industry tells them there are no people used to sit. We encourage you to patronize members of the Business League. ATo become a business member visit www.AppalachianVoices.orgV or call us toll free at 877-APP-VOICE Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009 Pa g e 24 Th e App a l a c h i a n Vo i c e

Non-Profit APPALACHIAN VOICE Organization 191 Howard Street US Postage Paid Boone, NC 28607 Permit No. 294 www.appalachianvoices.org Boone, NC

WATER CONSERVATION is all well and good, but there are certain essentials, such as a cool shower during the dog days of August. Bonnie, a golden retriever, enjoys a charity “dog wash” at the Radford, Va. city farmers’ market sponsored by Grace Church. Low-flow nozzles and a conscientious approach to saving water will make sure that there is enough for future dog washes. (Photo by Bill Kovarik) GETINVOLVED environmental & cultural events in the region

WNCREI trainings Rangers, Acoustic Syndicate and Yo Mama’s ...... include: Patty Loveless, The Dan Tyminski Big Fat Booty Band will join 15 regional west- Band, Dr. Dog, Gene Watson, Tim O’Brien, Appalachian State University and the Daniel Boone Days Western North Carolina Renewable Energy ern NC acts on three stages. The student-run Darrell Scott, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Friday Sept 4th, 2009 and Saturday Initiative invite you to attend their upcoming green event festival boasts a solar-powered Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Scythian, Sierra Sept 5th, 2009: Join Boone, NC for the 2nd 2009 renewable energy workshops: Satur- stage, precise recycling and waste disposal Hull & Highway 111, Larry Keel & Natural Annual Daniel Boone Days Music & Culture day August 22nd - Solar Thermal with Brian programs. A portion of the proceeds from Bridge, and many, MANY more! Visit www. Festival. Performances by Larry Keel and Raichle, Wednesday August 26th - PV and this year’s festival will go to the Appalachian bristolrhythm.com for more information. Natural Bridge, Donna the Buffalo, Upright the National Electric Code with John Wiles, Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) and the ...... & Breathin’, The Forget-Me-Nots & Randell Saturday September 12th - Small Wind with Appalachian Energy Center. Limited camping Jones, and more! Also featuring: The Wa- LEAF Brent Summerville, September 18th-20th and is available. Cisit www.musiconthemountain- tauga Arts Council 2nd Annual Fiddlers’ Oct 15th - 18th, 2009: The Lake Eden October 2nd-4th (Friday evening through top.com. For more information about AIRE, Competition, kid activities, games, AirWalk, Arts Festival fall lineup is red hot! Exceptional Sunday evening) - NABCEP Entry Level PV visit www.aire-nc.org. storytelling, living history, a Daniel Boone headliners include (DRUM ROLL!): Arrested Course (NOTE: the full workshop includes ...... Look-Alike Contest, a World Record At- Development, Zap Mama, Cowboy Junkies, both weekends), Saturday September 26th & The Gathering of the tempt, and other fine merriments. Visit www. Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra (Mexico), Sunday September 27th - Solar Thermal with danielboonedays.com for more information The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Los Amigos In- Chuck Marken. Visit www.wind.appstate.edu/ Peacemakers Aug. 30-Sept.5: Join us for days of and news. visibles, Los De Abajo (Mexico), Battlefield workshops/workshops.php for more informa- conscious instruction and nights of conscious ...... Band, Wild Asparagus & Notorious, Red Stick tion and registration. music. Workshops include: solar, wind, per- Ramblers, and more. Other activities include ...... Bristol Rhythm and maculture, organic gardening, holistic health, a Special Kids’ Village, performers including Music on the meditation, yoga, creating loving unions, Roots Red Herring Puppets - a special Latin-themed Sept 18th - 20th, 2009: Bristol, TN’s Mountaintop finding peace within chaos, expressing love puppet show, Jam Tent, a Poetry SLAM, Yoga 9th Annual Rhthym and Roots Reunion & Healing Arts, workshops and more. For ad- August 29: Held at the Old State Fair- in your worklife, and much more. At night hosts some of the best artists in bluegrass, ditional information visit www.theleaf.com. grounds in Boone, Music on the Mountaintop party w/ Inner Visions, Chalwa and Satta Americana, jamgrass, traditional country, ...... features stellar headliners and a green theme. Lion. Held at Camp Rockmont in Asheville/ Celtic, Old-time, singer/songwriter, Piedmont Sam Bush, Keller Williams, The Steep Canyon Blk. Mtn, NC. Info at www.onelovepress.com or (828) 295-4610. Blues, and other music genres. Performers

Au g u s t /Se pt e m b e r 2009