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A majority of Americans believe global warming is happening. However, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), for the second time, has compared people who believe in climate change, to Nazis. From theTulsa World: In an interview, he heaped criticism on what he saw as the strategy used by those on the other side of the debate and…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique of France and Cornell University are planning to introduce genetically-modified plums for commercial use…One organization, the Organic Consumers Association, indicated in a nationwide action alert that since the new plum tree will be the first GE temperate tree proposed for commercial planting, it…

From the Richmond Times Dispatch Friday, July 14, 2006 (courtesy of Virginia Forest Watch) Lumberman Thomas Sheets will extol the benefits of exports when the House Agriculture Committee visits Staunton on Monday for a hearing on federal farm policy. Sheets, president of Blue Ridge Lumber Co. LLC in Fishersville, runs a business that derives roughly…

This afternoon I will see Kayford Mountain for the first time. I am terrified. Larry Gibson is a miracle, and an Appalachian hero. Ill tell his story better upon my return, but you can get a taste of his life from the National Geographic article about MTR. Heres the other good, bad, and wierd news…

Virginia currently has one of the most successful private voluntary land conservation programs in the nation. In 2005 alone, over 45,000 acres of land in Virginia were permanently conserved by conservation easements. General Assembly leaders have indicated their support for land conservation, but negotiations on the 2006-2008 Biennial Budget have resulted in a proposal in…

Culpeper Star Exponent by Jeff Poole July 2, 2006 The last time Orange County considered adding forested land for land preservation assessment, the measure failed by a 3-2 vote. That was early 1995. Now, in a county considering options to keep development at bay and its countryside scenic, the measure passed easily 5-0 Tuesday night.…

The Southern Forests Network has received funding for two collaborative efforts to facilitate Forest Stewardship Council certification for private forestlands in the South. In partnership with the Natural Resources Initiative of Northeast Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and North Carolina State University Extension, SFN will establish pilot group certification programs in Mississippi and North Carolina in…

From the Green Guide 115 | July/August 2006 by Francesca Lyman Forests still cover almost a third of the earth’s landmass good news for shade seekers on a hot summer day, especially as 2005 was the warmest year on record in the northern hemisphere. But in the last 200 years, people have cut down some…

Yumm, Yumm! I’ve been using Grannie Chandwater’s recipe for “diily” beans for many moons now. Although she’s a “Yankee,” it’s a great recipe for those who love all things “dilled.” For those of you unrequited (Zappa-ease) with the “dilly” bean, it’s nothing more than a dilled green bean (either pole or bush). Enjoy! This here…

What races across Appalachia have caught your eye? Control of both chambers is up for grabs this fall, with Democrats thinking they can take back either the House, the Senate, or both. Here’s a couple I’ve been watching… House NC-11: Charles Taylor (R)(inc.) Vs. Heath Shuler (D) NC-08: Robin Hayes (R)(inc.) Vs. Larry Kissell (D)…