Attention!

 Mountaintop Removal, the most destructive method of surface mining ever, has become an urgent concern in Appalachia’s coal belt. A growing number of grassroots groups and concerned individuals have raised there voices in opposition, but, so far, our successes have been piecemeal. The time has come to broaden our efforts across organizations, across communities, and across state lines.

 The time has come to take action – together!

 The purpose of the First Interstate Summit for the Mountains is to bring together individuals and representatives from citizens groups to deal with the harmful effects of mountaintop removal. During the weekend everyone will have the opportunity to voice their grievances and concerns about mountaintop removal/valley fill mining.

 The goal of this summit is to come up with a joint action to curb mountaintop removal and bring about viable alternatives. Once we have shared our ideas and concerns, we can organize and stand united in our efforts to combat the problems created by irresponsible surface mining practices.

 Registration Information: The registration fee is $25 for individuals and $40 for families. This included meals. Meals are catered by the Heartwood Forest Council and are vegetarian (although the ASFC has grills for those who want to bring meat). 

For individuals and families on a fixed income: If you cannot afford the full amount of the registration, pay what you can. Limited scholarships are available if you like to assist with some of the tasks associated with the meeting – eg. setting up tables and helping in the kitchen. 

Lodging at Appalachian South Folklife Center: Dormitory facilities w community bathrooms can accommodate up to 40 individuals. $10/night per person.

Camping – $5/night per site. Bring your own linen and toiletries. If you wish to stay at ASFC, please send in payment with registration fee. You may wish to contact OVEC first to see how much space is available. Otherwise you are responsible for making your own arrangements.

Pipestem State Park and Resort; Just three miles away from ASFC. Offers hotel rooms, cabins and camping. May be difficult to reserve. Call (304) 466-1800

Johnston’s Inn: (we recommend this one) Probably the closest hotel to ASFC, prices range from $34 to $46.50 per night. Call (304) 425-7591 or 1-800-424-7591.

 Registration deadline is August 16^th!

 Directions to the Appalachian South Folklife Center: From Beckley: take I-77 South (WV Turnpike eastbound) to exit 14 towards Athens and pipestem resort (signs on interstate). From Athens follow Rt. 20 north.

From US 460(coming east from Bluefield or west from Blacksburg, VA): Get off 460 at Princeton, WV. Take Rt 20 North towards Athens.

From all routes: Follow Rt 20 North past Athens to Pipestem State Park and Resort (on left hand side of road). Continue 1/4 miles past Park entrance on Rt. 20. Take a right on Indian Ridge Road. Follow Indian Ridge Road for 8/10 mile. Mkae a left on an unmarked road (there should be a sign by the road that reads "Rocky Mount Church"). Go 5/10 of a mile. ASFC is on the right.