Bonding: Are the chickens finally coming home to roost?
By Cindy Rank West Virginia received approval for primacy for the Surface Mining Regulatory program in 1982-3. As a member of the local group Friends of the Little Kanawha (FOLK) and [...]
April was another month of dealing with the restrictions associated with COVID-19, what is now known as the silent enemy. Although the coronavirus has us all hunkered down, Mother Nature [...]
Since we are all sheltering in place, staying at least one turkey vulture wingspan apart, we could not have a regular Board meeting this quarter. A big part of the [...]
The Highlands Voice, After looking over your survey regarding so-called "global warming," more recently called "climate change," I hope this letter will not be butchered as was my previous communication. Why? As a supporter of academic freedom, I believe all opinions must be expressed. Regarding number 3 of the survey, there is no proof storms are more severe today compared to those of the past. As proposed [...]
We Surveyed the Members; What Did They Say?
By the WVHC Climate Change Committee The Climate Change Committee conducted a historic survey of Highlands Conservancy members on climate change in March and the first part of April. This [...]
ClimateWise – Brook Trout, we need to listen to them
By Jeff Witten, Elkins, on behalf of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Climate Change Committee As I type this article, looking at Shavers Fork on March 28, Elkins has just [...]
West Virginia Considers Weakening Water Protections
By Randy Kessling The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection held a virtual public hearing on April 20 to receive comments on its proposed Biological Assessment Rule which governs the [...]
West Virginia Admits That Its Coal Mine Reclamation Bonding System Is On Brink of Collapse
By Peter Morgan A recent filing by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) makes clear that state mine regulators are completely unprepared to deal with the coming tsunami of [...]
The New Trail: Finding a way while keeping apart during the pandemic
By Hugh Rogers Twenty-some years ago, Ruth and I led a hike for the Highlands Conservancy’s “Mon-a-thon” program. We brought tea. When we reached some flat rocks off the Highlands [...]
By Jack Slocumb I have been reading in the Voice about the development of the Management Plan for the Mon. In regard to timber harvesting operations, I would like to [...]
Federal Court Voids Key Permit
By John McFerrin A United States District Court Judge in Montana has ruled that Nationwide Permit 12 issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act is invalid because it was issued [...]
Up Spruce Knob road in cloud mist How like the heart when absence outweighs that heft once carried Forest Roads 12 and 1024 Startle doe at East Overlook light rain [...]
Fossilized sunshine, we dig it out of the ground It can still shine brightly and it makes the world go ‘round We use it all day long, by the ton [...]
