The Appalachian Voice
Coal Generated Electricity Drops To All-Time Low in First Quarter
By Jessica Kennedy Data released in early May show that coal’s current share of U.S. electricity generation is at an all-time low. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook report, coal made up only 36 percent of the country’s electricity in the first quarter of 2012, a drop of more than eight…
Read MoreKeeping Up with the Fracking Frenzy
By Brian Sewell The debate surrounding the controversial method of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas shows no signs of slowing down. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently submitted a final report in its shale gas study to the state general assembly. The report highlights the importance of establishing a strong regulatory framework…
Read MoreMassive VA Forest Fire Does Little Permanent Damage
By Anna Norwood High winds and low humidity were the perpetrators in starting multiple wildfires in southeast Virginia that burned almost 40,000 acres of national forest in April. The Fire and Aviation Supervisor for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Michael Quesinberry, says these fires were the largest on record for Virginia. Quesinberry accredited…
Read More“Kids In Parks” Gets Kids Outside
by Jessica Kennedy There is a growing distance between children and nature, says Jason Urroz, director of Kids In Parks, an innovative program working to get children outside, active and connected to nature near their communities. A joint effort between the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Ohio
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Cantwell Cliffs Among the natural wonders of Southeast Ohio is a set of reddish-brown sandstone formations known as Cantwell Cliffs. The cliffs are situated atop…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Pennsylvania
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Black Moshannon The most unique aspect of the 3,400-acre Black Moshannon State Park in central Pennsylvania — a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps of…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Georgia
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Fort Mountain Driving up from the flatlands toward the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain chain in the northwestern corner of Georgia, you can catch…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – South Carolina
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway One way to start your exploration of the little-known mountains in South Carolina is by driving along S.C. Highway 11,…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – North Carolina
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Cataloochee Valley Surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley is one of the loveliest early settlements…
Read MoreHIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Tennessee
Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands. Fiery Gizzard Mountain Located in the heart of the South Cumberland Plateau, Fiery Gizzard Mountain remains one of the most pristine landscapes in the Eastern…
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