The Appalachian Voice
Federal Judge Strikes Down Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan
A federal judge struck down the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to expand logging in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, finding it violated the Endangered Species Act.
Read MoreProposed US Forest Service Reorganization Brings Uncertainty
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing a major restructuring that would consolidate offices and close 57 of its 77 research stations, including several in Appalachia.
Read MoreRebuilding Roads and Rethinking Rivers
After Helene, communities must grapple with how to balance repairing infrastructure, preserving and repairing the structure of the Pigeon and Rocky Broad rivers, and protecting aquatic life.
Read MoreRiver Cleanup of Helene Debris Continues
As the region continues to recover after Hurricane Helene, a look at cleanup efforts in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina reveals lessons about how to improve the cleanup of public waterways after future floods.
Read MoreThe Appalachian Voice Celebrates 30 Years
The first issue of The Appalachian Voice went to press in early 1996. We look forward to our next 30 years of bringing you news and stories that highlight underreported issues affecting Appalachia’s land, air, water and communities.
Read MoreSaving the Ruffed Grouse, Appalachia’s Woodland Drummer
The ruffed grouse is a woodland bird that lives in young, regenerative forests in Appalachia and is considered one of the most commonly hunted birds for sport. The ruffed grouse has black or dark brown feathers on their neck, which they can raise into a distinctive collar — the ruff that gives them their name.
Read MoreNoquisiyi Mound Returns to Cherokee Ownership
The Noquisiyi Mound is a sacred and historically significant Cherokee site in what is now Franklin, North Carolina, that was recently returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In January, the Franklin City Council voted unanimously to return the mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. One month later, the deed was officially signed.
Read MoreRule Change Would Gut the Clean Water Act
A federal rule change will cut protections for wetlands, headwater streams, and rivers that go underground. In Appalachia, this would harm wildlife, damage water quality and increase flood risk.
Read MoreThe Beast of Bristol Saga Continues
The Beast of Bristol is back. Or rather, the landfill’s impact and its intense odors, which have grown less frequent but never fully dissipated for some residents, have been recognized in a new federal public health agency report.
Read MoreBob Egbert: A Life of Service and Environmental Advocacy
A Navy veteran, community activist and lifelong environmental advocate, Bob Egbert has spent decades working to protect Virginia’s environment and to strengthen citizen engagement in government.
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