Autumn 1999 Number 61
Advocacy Work
ASPI Lawsuit: Our legal action to free Kentucky of its horrendous illegal dump, straight-pipe and litter problems moves on. Since being filed it has had a immense improvement in Clay County (testimony of local citizens) where enforcement has transformed the landscape - a practice that could truly cleanup Appalachia. Also our legal counsel credits the summer Kentucky tire moratorium (for return of old tires to authorized locations) to pressure from this lawsuit. In September depositions were taken from the Governor and Secretary of Natural Resources in this legal matter. The case moves on. Among actions ASPI and other plaintiffs seek include: mandatory door-to-door garbage pickup; 20 more solid waste enforcement officers; and recycling centers accessible to all residents in rural Appalachia.
Portsmouth, Another Paducah? Exposure of workers to plutonium at the Paducah uranium enrichment facility has been in the news this summer. An ASPI team travelled to Portsmouth and Piketon, Ohio to interview Vina Colley, president of PRESS, a citizens group, for our Earth Healing show about exposure of workers and residents associated with and/or living near the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. During this trip it became evident from other sources that additional radioactive contamination problems may result from a heavily guarded industrial waste site in downtown Portsmouth (next to the Ohio River). Citizen monitors have sworn they observed trucks carrying radioactive material enter this facility. We asked in a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Bill Richardson, that this disposal site be included in a needed comprehensive review of uranium processing safety in southeastern (Appalachian) Ohio. Mary Byrd Davis' recently released report, The U.S. Uranium Enrichment Establishment 1999, is pertinent, and may be obtained from the Yggdrasil Institute of Georgetown, Kentucky (502) 868-9074.
Appropriate Technology Demonstration
Grant for workshops. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has funded two workshops during the year 2000 on dry composting toilets and artificial wetlands. We have slated these two in Rockcastle County and in Harlan Counties for early and middle June. For more details on the three-day AT workshops please write or call.
Herb Garden Rock Work. We are currently doubling the size of the herb garden. Eddie Stallsworth is lining the paths and beds with rock work. We are hoping to increase the variety of herbs and to specialize in Appalachian native and naturalized herbs.
Drought takes toll. As of the beginning of autumn much of Kentucky has severe or extreme drought, the worst conditions since 1930. Water shortages are occurring; crops are heavily damaged or lost; homes are cracking as the sub-stratum clay loses moisture. As of the beginning of September poundage on our Mount Vernon intensive garden is almost identical to last year's September first (1003 versus 1008 pounds) thanks to our cistern. No municipal (public) water sources have been used. Autumn crops may be dramatically affected if rain does not come soon. We found that the cistern had an added advantage beyond a source of pure, non-chlorinated water; it is more easily recharged by thundershowers than are ground water sources during dry times. Would that we could further popularize well-built cisterns.
Sustainable Forestry
Ginseng Workshops. We have held two mid-summer workshops on ginseng planting, care, and marketing in Powell and Harlan Counties. About forty attended the two workshops and there seems to be a growing enthusiasm that virtually wild ginseng is a way to go to save the forest cover of central Appalachia and at the same time give a viable livelihood for many of the landholders in the region.
Ginseng Training Workshops. We expect to expand the ginseng workshops in the year 2000 but not on the basis of the first four. For economy of time and resources we plan to change to a system of workshops for trainers or community leaders who will conduct the same in their respective central Appalachian states. We are open to holding four workshops in the states of West Virginia, western Virginia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. If you are interested in helping to sponsor any one of these workshops please let us know.
Kudzu Utilization. Kudzu is a major invasive species which was deliberately introduced a century ago and has spread over farmlands, buildings, cars, trees, and telephone poles. It is truly gone wild and an American problem -- though a quite controlled plant in it's native Japan. Eradication using toxic herbicides complicates the problem. ASPI is convinced that kudzu can be utilized for beneficial purposes and maybe the explosive growth could be checked by utilizing it's four main components: blooms for jelly, vines for baskets, leaves for forage, and roots for a very prized food starch. Amanda Allen and Koh Ming Wei have created an excellent jelly from kudzu blossoms which could become an income source in Appalachia.
Nature Trails & Center. Bonnie Chinn has greatly improved the marking of the Zalla Nature Trail. Eddie Stallwsorth has installed Texas Crossing to keep horses and off-road vehicles off of our foot trails. Bonnie has returned to the University of Kentucky this autumn to take up veterinary studies but promises to bring volunteer groups to help maintain the trails. Chris Sowers is now the Nature Center coordinator. Teachers and students may call her at (606) 453-2105 for times of visits.
The May, 2000 Land Stewardship Conference still has openings as of September 10th. We are willing to offer partial scholarships for persons who find it difficult to come to the participative conference. Michael McNamara has replaced Casey Sterr as Conference and Workshop Coordinator. Casey still gives us time as he takes courses at UK in preparation to joining the Maryknoll Missionaries at the end of the year.
Publications and Television Shows
Calendar. We appreciate the patience of the large number of 2000 calendar purchasers who have experienced a printing delay. This 23rd calendar has many beautiful photographs by Warren Brunner, new sayings, and presents new opportunities to bring simplicity into the year 2000.
Earth Healing Shows. By the end of September the 42 Pollution Prevention television shows will be composed and edited. Some recent shows include Alternative Pest Controls with Ron Bessin, UK Extension; Drip Irrigation with Dave Spaulding of the UK Horticultural Center, Sustainable Forestry with Gary Anderson; Quilted Insulated Window Shades with Doris Preciado; and Root Cellars with Nature Spirit Center, SC. Tapes are available to other television stations & the public in mid-autumn.
Cordwood Paper. Al Fritsch & Jack Kieffer's Mobile Home Converted to Cordwood Masonry was included in the 1999 Continental Cordwood Conference at Cambridge, NY.
Must Reading
Robert W. McChesney's Rich Media Poor Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times, University of Illinois Press, Urbana. [This book] "is more than a prolonged wake-up call; it shames those who do nothing and motivates those who are trying to build a more democratic media that reflects the all important noncommercial values which forge a just society." - Ralph Nader
Environmental Awards
ASPI is offering environmental essay prizes to Kentucky high school juniors and seniors. This award will commence in the 1999-2000 school year and provide first ($300), second ($200) and third place ($100) awards. Judges will include educators on the ASPI Board of Directors plus independent persons who form our screening and judging committee. For further essay details visit our Web site or write to our ASPI main office.
Thanks Leona Drennen (automobile), Shaline D. Souza, Jane Burgess, Frank & Mary Fritsch, Nancy Jackson, Zachary & Linda Comeaux, David & Sandy McFarland, Phyllis Robinson, Richard & Carol Jackson, Anna Suter, Danny McKinney, Paul & Elizabeth Oberst, Charles & Joy Perry, Judson Cramer, Charles Crail, Karen Marshall, Cynthia Leedham, Maggie Brandt, Lilian Lawrence, Albert Ruschman, Imogene Margison, Nan Fry, Patty Kipps, Rick McGuern, Esther Rule, Marliese Rick, Marjory Dunn, David Cockley, Mary Morgan, Donna Goebeler, Greg VanWarmer, Marilla Barghusen, Martin Ogle, Becky Czarnik, David Moreau, Jim Storm, Louise Hamel, John Hawes, Jack Vetter, Willanne McNamara, Hazel Robinson, Robert Gorman, Leanne Herda,SSSF, Ray Dunkelberg, John Jay Chapman, Bill Deutsch, Jessie Lang, Phillip & Linda Pfeiffer, Jim Perkaus, Robert Blinn, Shirley Reynolds, Donna Hanley, Celeste Jirles, Meg Bowerman, Fred Weckenmann, Joni Morgan, 10% Committee/Church of the Epiphany, Marilyn Cleveland, Patrice Emmerson, Ann Magner, Wendy Gellard, Jane Thomas, Joy Crosby, Peny Marshall, Tom Bruns, Robert Downey, Sidney Baker, Sr. Carolyn Lambert/Benedictine Sisters, Mary E. Fritsch (home furnishings and tools), George L. Schloemer, Francie Link, Marge Cipkar, Cheryl Steenerson, Daniela Handelman, David & Betty Lollis, Dianne Hill, Beverly Bunnell, Sam & Margaret Lynd, Dave Hinchen, Barry Howard, Anton Prange, Maureen Darcey, Glen Ihrig, Albert & Elizabeth Seeley, Paul Rothkrug, Richard & Jane Frank, Bruce Griffith, Nannette Roe, Helen Harms, Gwen McMahon, Lee Amundsen, Virginia Polanski, Sally Firestone, Sr. Bridget Haase, Margaret Kiekhaefer, Paul Rothberg (books), Elly Buren (books), and Joseph-Beth Book Sellers (books).
Wish List
Even though ASPI received over $4,000 worth of books, Nature Center equipment, glassware, furnishings, and tools along with other useful and heirloom items during the summer months we are still in need of display and other materials for our Nature Center.
Proposal for Appalachian Development in 2000
Government agencies and economic development groups talk often about introduction of new industry in the poorer counties of Kentucky and West Virginia. To a limited degree this has been a routine solution since the War on Poverty days. However, we have seen that when times get tough or the perks wear thin, the newly arrived companies pack up and move south of the border to cheaper labor sources and looser environmental regulations. Modern manufacturing industrial parks are fading dreams and those programs that promote high tech jobs have limited application, especially where few have been trained in computer use. Thus there needs to be other options for central Appalachians, which may appear at first glance to be challenges, but could prove to be opportunities.
Come home, retirees! Several states such as North Carolina and Arkansas have highly successful programs for promoting retirement communities in areas with rural beauty, moderate physical and cultural amenities, accessible transportation, and connections with retiree kinfolks. Central Appalachia may add to this an enticement of lower home rental or purchasing prices, higher quality of services, lower congestion and stressful conditions, neighborliness, and good recreational facilities. People would like to come home but need an extra special invitation.
Advantages for Appalachia. The returnee brings back retirement funds and thus does not have to find a high-paying primary job. The children have generally flown the coop and so there are less educational costs for the community. Higher health expenditures per capita could be met by insurance and Medicare funds. The returnee will demand such services as personal care, automotive repair, and food sales, but that will mean more local jobs to handle the increased load. The retirees are more able to volunteer for assisting in community improvements and bring a wealth of civic experience that can be shared. Furthermore, these are generally ex-residents from the region which has given them their primary education. They may be anxious to return some of their experience to their home place. Lastly, they can bring back a sense of hope and well-being, that will help heal our region which has experienced so much out-migration.
Practical Implementation. This retirement incentive proposal should be properly funded, even with Federal money. It should include pinpointing retiree target groups, creating promotional literature, and exploring ideal retiree community sites. It may involve searching out opportunities for cultural enrichment, adult education and recreation. It could pinpoint economic advantages, basic services and available health facilities. The invitation package should be both attractive and informative. It could be coupled with additional literature from local areas which cooperate with the Come Home Retirees! regionwide program.
Solar Home Tour-99 Saturday, October 16, 1999 10:00 to 5:00 pm
both at the Livingston and the Mount Vernon Demonstration Sites.
Nature Center Tours Especially geared for youth and teachers during
the work week from 8:00 to 4:00. Please call (606) 453-2105 and
ask for Chris Sowers, the Nature Center coordinator.
Land Stewardship Conference May 9-11, 2000 at Milford Retreat
Center, Milford, Ohio. There are still openings.
Ginseng Training Workshops during 2000 at locations in Central
Appalachia to be announced.
Compost Toilet/Artificial Wetland Workshops Rockcastle County
June 1-3, 2000; Harlan County June 22-24, 2000.
River Day, 2000 June 3, 2000 from 9:00 to 12:00 (canoe) & 12:00 to 6:00 festival.
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For more information or to order contact:
Ian Rudick,
Come From the Heart
1-800-727-2412
Eastern Old-Growth Clearinghouse
PO Box 131
Georgetown, KY 40324
Also visit the Eastern Old Growth Clearinghouse online.
MAIN OFFICE, RAS, & PUBLICATIONS
50 Lair Street, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456
Telephone & Fax 606-256-0077 e-mail: aspi@kih.net
DEMONSTRATION CENTER & ASFC
Rt. 5 Box 423, Livingston, KY 40445
Telephone & Fax 606-453-2105