Across Appalachia

Environmental and cultural news briefs

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Overhead view of the Gauley River and adjacent land that the Arc of Appalachia hopes to conserve. Photo courtesy of Arc of Appalachia

Saving 5 Miles on the Gauley River

Arc of Appalachia, an Ohio-based nonprofit, launched a campaign to purchase and protect 1,336 acres in Nicholas County, West Virginia. The property includes 5 miles along the Gauley River and 1 mile of Big Beaver Creek.

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Kris Gulden and Park Manager Lance Elzie demonstrate the all-terrain wheelchair. Photo: Virginia State Parks

State 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.

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Opponents of FCI/FPC Letcher distribute yard signs at an event hosted by Concerned Letcher Countians in March 2024. Photo by Willie Dodson

Indigenous Organization Acquires Land on Proposed Federal Prison Site in Kentucky

A controversial proposed prison site in Letcher County, Kentucky, is facing new barriers thanks to a community-based Indigenous organization and new suggested budget cuts from the U.S. Department of Justice.

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The Appalachian Voice logo on a dark green background

AmeriCorps Continues, but Its Future Is Uncertain

It’s been a chaotic year with potential trouble ahead for AmeriCorps, the federal agency responsible for national service and volunteerism.

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Sunset framing restaurant sign that reads "Julie's Place."

Economic First Responders: CDFIs, The Unsung Heroes of Appalachian Financial Services 

CDFIs serve as ‘economic first responders’ in Appalachia. A drastic reduction in one of their funding sources could significantly alter or slow down their work providing capital to small business owners, mentorship to entrepreneurs, protections from predatory lending and flexible, fast capital in times of natural disaster.

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