Across Appalachia

Environmental and cultural news briefs

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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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ARP’s co-executive directors Tiffany (left) and Taysha DeVaughan (right) cut the ribbon at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on ARP’s land in Roxana, KY. (PC- Dr. Artie Ann Bates)

Community-based Indigenous organization acquires property on proposed federal prison site as part of grassroots effort to create a different future for Eastern Kentucky

The Appalachian Rekindling Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its recent purchase of a 63-acre plot of land within the currently designated boundaries of a federal prison proposed for construction in Letcher County, Kentucky.

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New Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.

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Study Predicts Five-fold Increase in Regional Wildfires

A recent study warns of a dramatic increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires in southern Appalachian forests, and provides information for fire and land management strategies.

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Pisgah View, North Carolina’s Newest State Park, Moves Forward

A 1,300-acre land acquisition advances North Carolina’s newest state park to the master planning stage.

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