Written by Elizabeth E. Payne
Elizabeth E. Payne
A native of Boone, N.C., Lee earned degrees in archaeology and ancient history at Brown University and Boston University, and received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Yale University. She served as our AmeriCorps Communications associate from 2015-16, and as our Communications Associate from 2016-2017.
Hidden Treasures: Fishing and Swimming Spots
Scattered throughout the lush Appalachian Mountains are beautiful pools of water that perfect for fishing or swimming or both! Read our latest “Hidden Treasures” feature to learn about a few of them.
Fishin’ n’ Pickin’
Renowned musician Larry Keel has found a way to combine his love of bluegrass music and freshwater bass and trout fishing.
Wildlife Officials Plan to Reduce Black Bear Population in Virginia
Wildlife officials in Virginia approved a controversial plan to reduce the population of black bears in the state.
Tennessee Broadband Law Brings Opportunities and Restrictions
A new Tennessee law will provide $45 million in grants and tax credits for private companies to subsidize the buildout of rural fiber networks. It also allows rural electric cooperatives to provide broadband.
Agricultural Runoff Defiles Shenandoah River
A recent report documented numerous instances of agricultural runoff polluting the Shenandoah River with the E. Coli bacteria.
Art Exhibit Raises Awareness of New River
An new art exhibit raises awareness about water quality issues facing the New River. It is on display at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, N.C., through July 29.
Citizens Fight New Mines and Mining Problems in West Virginia
Citizens continue to fight mountaintop removal mining happening in West Virginia. As the state’s Surface Mine Board continues to issue new permits, watchdog groups remain vigilant in monitoring for environmental violations.
(Re)Introducing AppalachianVoices.org
Appalachian Voices is pleased to introduce our newly redesigned website. Come visit and tell us what you think!
Mascara Wands to the Rescue for Appalachian Wildlife
A donation program started in Western North Carolina, Wands for Wildlife, has gone viral along with images of small animals being combed with mascara wands.
Environmental regulations didn’t cause coal’s decline — and rollbacks won’t save it.
Despite his repeated promises to do so, President Trump is unlikely to revive the coal industry through federal policy, and CEOs of electric utilities and coal mining companies know it.
