Dear Members,

To save our mountains, it is important for us to communicate our love of the mountains to the public.

As a member and Advocate of Appalachian Voices, we want to offer you the opportunity to preview our new website that will go live Thursday, August 26, 2010.

By showcasing our work on environmental issues plus the beauty and diversity of the region, we believe our new website will help more people become involved in protecting the land, air, water and communities of the region.

Although we're still busy adding some finishing touches to the site, we are excited to share our progress with you and to hear your suggestions. Let us hear from you at appvoices.org. This, after all, is not just our website. It belongs to you as well.

It is also important for you to directly communicate your love of the mountains, by sharing your voice and support. Read below to find four unique ways you can become involved in protecting the Appalachia we all know and love.

For the mountains,

Willa Mays
Executive Director

Hazardous or Household Waste:
The Coal Ash Debate

This summer the EPA released competing proposals for the storage and disposal of coal ash, the leftover, heavy-metal laden waste from coal-fired power plants. One of these would label coal ash as a toxic waste, the other could have terrible implications for Appalachian coal regions. Read about the two options and add your voice to the EPA's public comment period.

Shoe Shopping for the Environment

Regional outdoor retailers Mast General Store and renowned outfitters Patagonia® have teamed up to raise money for our campaigns to save Appalachia. During the month of September, $10 from every pair of Patagonia shoes purchased from any Mast Store will be donated to our work here at Appalachian Voices. Walk a mile or two (or two thousand) in "our" shoes today!

Getting Festive with Music on
the Mountaintop August 27-28

You have one week left to buy your tickets for this two-day musical extravaganza featuring Appalachian Voices as this year's non-profit receiving a portion of the proceeds. Enjoy Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Acoustic Syndicate and Railroad Earth, among many others while supporting a good cause!