The Appalachian Voice
A Call to Protect the Hellbender, Appalachia’s Largest Salamander
The Eastern hellbender is eligible to receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposal to classify the hellbender as endangered.
Read MoreFacing a Funding Fight
We take a look at some of Trump’s federal funding proposals for Fiscal Year 2026 that have a disproportionate impact on the air, land, water and local economies of Appalachia.
Read MoreSnapshots of Disaster Recovery
In this issue, we shared snapshots of disaster recovery, including a West Marion Resilience Hub and updates on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Read MoreState Park All-Terrain Wheelchair Program; Fire Ants in South Virginia
Two Across Appalachia stories from Virginia cover six Virginia parks adding all-terrain wheelchairs and invasive fire ants spreading in the state.
Read More‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us:’ Building McDowell County, West Virginia, After February Floods
Before Feb. 15, the worst floods to hit the town of Welch in McDowell County, West Virginia, were in 1977, followed by 2001 and 2002.
Read MoreWest Marion Resilience Hub is ‘Not Your Grandma’s Community Center’
A nonprofit is working to transform the historic Mountain View School building into the West Marion Resilience Hub to create a more resilient and equitable future for the community.
Read MoreOrganizations Band Together to Help with Long-Term Recovery in Cocke County, Tennessee
Catastrophic flooding from three rivers damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Cocke County, Tennessee.
Read MoreA Creative Renaissance:’ Recovery in the River Arts District of Asheville
Historic flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated up to 80% of the vibrant River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, located along the French Broad River. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed more than 300 artist studios, impacting over 750 working artists.
Read MoreDebris Removal in Waterways Causes Concern
Cleanup of debris after Hurricane Helene in rivers has become an unanticipated point of tension in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Read MoreMiners and Advocates Push for Better Black Lung Benefits and Protections
On a rainy May afternoon, nearly 20 members of the Southwest Virginia Black Lung Association Chapter II gathered in Big Stone Gap to discuss the black lung crisis, which has been rising among Appalachia’s coal miners, often at younger ages.
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