.  We have reached this milestone (see insert) in great measure thanks to your support as donors, calendar purchasers, staff, consultants, interns, and neighbors.  Where would we have been without you?  We have decided that our principal celebration is redoubling our work in a number of ways (solar, ginseng, land stewardship, nature center and ORV work).  We welcome you back and intend to host a day of entertainment and food on Saturday, June 1st — our annual River Day.  Some asked about a black-tie banquet, but that is not to our keeping.  Rather we would like to celebrate the people who have helped us over the years as part of the ASPI family.  We have given and received together, and so we want to show gratitude to all our associates.

Flooding Study

One of the first projects, which ASPI undertook a quarter of a century ago, was research on Jerry Hardt’s Harlan County Flood Report.  This was performed through interviews and hand calculation using topographic maps;  the report clearly showed that the severity of floods went hand-in-hand with land disturbance.  We are in the process of updating this study on a more regional scale, using up-to-date technologies.  While we have initial funding, the extent of the study will depend on the amount of grant money available.  We are using computer data and aerial photography to co-relate this connection between the destruction of forest cover by strip mining and unsustainable forest practices and the severity of the flooding.  This will be done in selected Appalachian counties with a focus in southern West Virginia and western Virginia.  Dan Bond is analyzing existing data from the U. S. Weather Service.  Results will be made available to the public, especially WV flood victims, who are involved in a class action suit against a number of southern WV coal and logging companies.

Spring Gardens

As a research organization ASPI constantly tests a variety of approaches, some of which are not as successful as others.  Our use of pine slab bordering for raised beds only lasted five seasons in contact with soil.  Also these beds tended to lose moisture during dry times.  Eddie Stallsworth is now replacing all the wood bordering on 15 beds with sandstone ones.  They are beautiful, will have a far longer lifespan and will retain moisture fairly well.

ASPI Publications

The 2002 ASPI technical papers which we will have by the year’s end include:  Solar Net Metering Implementation;  Solar Educational Materials for Youth; Upgraded Solar Cooker, Reviewing the Appalachian Straw Bale House, Hermitages in Appalachia and Rock Wall Construction Techniques.  The 2003 calendar is coming along quite well and should be ready a little after mid-year.  Al Fritsch and Kristin Johannsen have signed a book agreement with the University Press of Kentucky for a book that critiques eco-tourism in Appalachia.

We were surprised with the number of readers of the piece in the winter Appalachian Alternatives on “Security in America.”  Remarks ranged from a request to publish it in every paper to demand for an apology.

Upcoming Events

March 22-24 —  Dogwood Alliance 5th Anniversary Event at Camp McDowell, Alabama.    Videotaping sessions.
April 7 (start at 10 am) — Workshop on 900-watt stand-alone solar system installation in Rockcastle   County, KY.  Call for more details.
April 20 (10am - 3pm) — Workshop on Solar installation at Cranks Creek Survival Center in Harlan Co., KY.
April 21 (afternoon) — Solar and Energy cycle Display at Earth Day Eve Event at Salato Wildlife   Education Center at Frankfort, KY.
April 26  (2:00 to 4 pm) — at Eastern Kentucky University,  Ginseng Conference with Al Fritsch   and Laura Murphy.
April 27 — “Land Use Taskforce” near Cleveland, Ohio with Al Fritsch.
April 29 — “Sustaining Wild & Wonderful WV” at Flatwood, WV.  Videotaping Sessions.
April 30-May 1 — Congressional ORV program, Washington, DC.
May 19-22 — World Ecotourism Summit,  Quebec City, Canada.
May 31-June 1 — Homecoming/Rockcastle River Day Celebration.
Mount Vernon & Livingston, KY.
June 21-23  — Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Custer, WI.   Videotaping Sessions.

“What’s with Our Name?”

Many have asked us over the years, why the title Appalachia — Science in the Public Interest?  It’s fitting after a quarter of a century to respond.  Honestly, we never got around to changing it, and once we became known as “ASPI” we found no substitute words.  Recently, the local NPR reporter stumbled when trying to pronounce the full title.  Numerous folks change the “—” to an “n” to correct our supposed typo.  One of our consultants frankly told us that we could get much more Resource Assessment Service business, if we would get that word “Appalachia” out of our title.  

Our title is “Appalachia” with a sub-title, which explains what we are trying to do, namely making science and technology responsive to the lower income people of this particular region.  Our aim is to stay focused on Appalachia, not on a type of public interest science, if “Appalachian science” even exists.  However high sounding this might be, it wasn’t really our intention to make matters difficult.  The original hope was that there would be other regional “Science in the Public Interest” groups spinning off of CSPI in Washington.  That was never the case.  

With time, we have done what groups do, namely invent better reasons.  ASPI now sees as part of its mission the promotion of respect from outsiders for our land and people.  When volunteers come and do tasks which residents could just as easily do themselves, little respect is gained, only their question  “why can’t these lazy bums do it themselves?”   When writers portray the region as poverty-stricken in pejorative articles, they can be a negative influence on honest regional promotion schemes.  We were once tempted to form an Appalachian Anti-Defamation League — for it hurts to hear “hillbilly”, especially when used with impunity by otherwise sensitive persons, who pride themselves in never using racial epithets.

Our counter to the possible loss of assessments is that we get through word-of-mouth more than we can handle.  Furthermore, each satisfied non-profit group gives us, and Appalachia, the respect deserved.  We are convinced that Appalachia has much more to give the world than coal and timber.  Through these 25 years at ASPI we have strived to remain faithful, provide hope for our people, and never print anything demeaning in any fashion.  Some may say we could have done more, or different things, or been more or less focused.  We have done the best.  We have championed appropriate technology long after it became passe in governmental circles, because we are stubbornly convinced that it is needed.  For those saying ASPI is too Kentucky-focused, remember that 93% of our 190 Environmental Resource Assessments have been outside KY, half of the 200 Earth Healing shows have been in 16 other states, and we have shared our appropriate technology expertise with people on 5 continents.  Finally, for those with the opposite criticism, we emphasize that we have always treated our Appalachian people and land with respect — and that requires a unique focus.  

(From 1-4-02 to 3-18-02) John & Sandra Freda, Ron & Nancy Leeseberg, Dennis & Maureen Darcey, Christine Caldwell, Frank & Barbara Creegan, Karen Marshall, Candace Kresse, Bruce Griffith, Martha Lester, Donald Erceg, Chris &      Olga Ahrens, Denise Peterson, Dan & Lauren Chapman, Winnie Hepler, Bernie & Ellen Engelman, John      & Colleen Harmeyer, Jim & Christina Tenhundfeld, Debra Bledsoe, Richard & Margaret Touma, George      & Charlesetta Perraut, Thomas & Rita Maurer, Robin Hille/Cumberland Center for Justice & Peace, John      & Anne Horstman, SCN Ministry Fund, Nance Burrell, Julie Barnes, David & Nan Fry, Matthew Pine, John     Ball, Richard & Martha Lammers, Douglas & Laura Fortmeyer, Robert & Rosemary Courboin, Ted & Betty Linden, James Sullivan, David & Babette Kern, Frank & Mary Fritsch, Sheryl Elston, Ralph Nader, Oswald Loidl, Judy Stafford, Ron Okagaki & Sarah Miller, Jesuit Community of Wheeling Jesuit Univ., Greg Reineke, John & Nancy Gallini, Joan Anderson, Ian Rudick, Bruce & Mimi Wilson, Nancy Jackson, Jane Nowakowski & Kevin Mulcahy, Gregory G. Karambellas, William Shallenberger, Eugene Bazan, John Keehan, Jack Carl Hoefer, Margaret Hollowell, Sara Mahy, Kris Peterson, Rev. Richard J. Hoar, SJ, Bruce W. Carter and to the many people who gave literature for the library during the winter months.

ASPI MILESTONES

1977 — ASPI beginning.  The first project involved the citizen’s right to know what toxic materials are present in the neighborhood even though they are considered trade secrets.  This was run with Art Purcell’s Technical Information Project   “Toxic Substance and Trade Secrecy Conference” at Coolfont, WV — the first activity partly staffed by ASPIers Dennis Darcey, Jerry McMahon & Elaine Burns.  Funding: National Science Foundation’s “Science, Ethics & Values in Science and Technology” Program.

1978 — ASPI National Blasting Conference.  Homes and water wells were being affected by vibrational pollution due to surface mine blasting.  The first solely ASPI run project was a national conference held at Cumberland Falls State Park funded by the NSF and attended by a hundred concerned scientists and citizens.  It was the first treatment of the effects of blasting on the homes and water wells of residents living near surface mining operations.  Staff persons for this project were Mark Morgan, Ed Moss and Jerry Hardt.  

1979 — Appalachian Institute Projects.  The object has been to work together with other groups in trying to solve problems related to the Appalachian region.  Six groups in five Appalachian states took part in the two year program which included a joint conference in Virginia on land stewardship in 1992.  This was funded by the NSF’s “Science for Citizens Program” and initiated a series of projects.  Staff:  John Davis and David Siegenthaller.

1980 — ASPI Solar House. This was the first Solar House constructed “off the grid.”  Steven Strong claims that distinction for his Mass. house built in 1981, but our House was dedicated in the spring of 1980.  It has a cistern, passive solar heating and photovoltaic lighting. It was built by Jerry Nichols and 15 volunteers including 2 Jesuit Volunteers, Jerry Munley and Robert Beaudoin.  Wayne Clark and volunteers built the solar greenhouse.  The current satisfied occupant is Mark Spencer.  

1981 — Sorghum Alliance (SA).  Every effort was made to stop the proliferating nuclear power plants from coming to King Coal’s Appalachia.  Here the KY and WV congressional delegations were in agreement.  The SA was the only Appalachian anti-nuclear coalition fighting against eight nuclear powerplant units which would have all been within a few miles of Kentucky’s borders in Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.  None were completed as nuclear powerplants.  Funding: CORA. Staff: John Cates, Don Huesman & Mary Davis.

1982  — Knoxville World’s Fair.  ASPI was co-sponsor and assisted under the leadership of David Pate in converting an existing building on the grounds to a “Solar House” with a number of solar applications.  This was visited by an estimated 300,000 people.  At the time, a conference was held on promoting solar energy.  ASPI was a member of Southeast Connections and Al Fritsch was on the Board of the “Solar Lobby.”  Staff and associates:  David Pate, Sharon Cates (Kentucky Solar Alliance Newsletter), and John Davis.    

1983 — Cordwood Building.  The ASPI cordwood building was the southernmost cordwood structure when built according to Rob Roy.  It is a 1000-square foot building and equal size attic, built with local white and red oak by Al Fritsch, Lee Faulkner and volunteers.  Solomon Dillingham did the interior finishing touches.  It is equipped with solar water heating and dry compost toilet.  It is snug in winter and cool in summer and was used for ten years as the ASPI office.  Current resident is Sr. Therese Tackett.    
1984 — Rockcastle River Days.  ASPI turned its attention to protecting the beautiful Rockcastle River through water monitoring projects, support of the late Jerry Waddle’s “Rockcastle River Rebirth,” and fighting to keep out a local landfill (1984).  ASPI started an annual River Day and canoeing event and initiated a Livingston Economic Alternatives in Progress (independent) with a local sorghum product.  Staff: Don Martin, Peter Neitlich, and Tammy Gartner.

1985 — Appalachian Herb Network.  This project involved 20 south central Kentucky residents who were interested in growing herbs for supplementary income.  The project expanded from cultivated herbs to wild native varieties (especially ginseng) in our current forest-related work.  The first project was partly funded by Christian Appalachian Project.  Staff: Robert Fairchild.  The ASPI herb garden was designed a few years later by Ilse Ackermann.  

1986 — ASPI Simple Lifestyle Calendar.  The calendar was started to make people aware of the need to simplify one’s life through practical suggestions, one for each day of the year.  During the quarter of a century over 7,000 hints have been inserted, some as renditions on former hints.  During 1986 the decade-old calendar received its current format with designer Mark Spencer and photographer Warren Brunner.  It is the mainstay of the ASPI Publications under Martha Bond and with 8,000 satisfied customers.

1987 — Native American Environmental Training Program.  With graves on the property, ASPI has a strong Cherokee connection.  ASPI ran the only KY Native American crew funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor and built a house on the Sand Hill Community Land Trust (now part of ASPI), an herb greenhouse, a storage building, and a modified yurt.  Staff:  Russell Parms, Eddie and Stan Howard, Jeff Brock and Lewis Van Winkle. Tim Collins produced an Appalachian American Indian report.  The Program was funded in part by the Jesuit Apostolic Fund.

1988 —  ASPI Nature Trails.  The unusual rock formations and the nearby old-growth forest all deserve to be seen by others.  From 1981 the beginnings of a trail was made which was extended in bits and pieces, mostly with volunteer help on the ASPI property, the adjacent land trust, and within the adjacent Daniel Boone National Forest.  The Zalla, Dickenson and Blue Warbler Trails now extend over five miles.  They pass camping sites including a one-room yurt and a dome, each equipped with compost toilet.  Staff: Lewis and Eugene Van Winkle, Mark Spencer, Solomon Dillingham.    

1989 — Forest Watch: The Off-Road Vehicles.  ASPI is located at the geographic center of the Mixed Mesophytic Forest, the oldest and most varied hardwood forest in the world with over 100 naturally growing woody species. The drought of 1988 put a heavy natural stress on our forests, which was exacerbated by large numbers of recreational off-road vehicles (ORVs) riding over public lands and trespassing on private ones.  We let out the first alarm in this region. Since then the U.S. Forest Service has increasingly restricted ORV use.  ASPI has worked to restrict and register ORVs.  Also the Kentucky Heartwood (independent) started at ASPI which has been successful in restricting logging on public lands.  Staff/volunteers: Robin Arnold, Chris Schimmoeller, Pete Ayers, John Robischer, and Bill Spencer.  

1990 — Technical Paper Series — In 1990, ASPI launched a series of publications which involves first-hand appropriate technology experience.  These papers for the most part are based on first hand Appalachian experience working in areas where very little research has been done.  By the end of 2001 some 66 papers had been compiled on a wide variety of subjects.  Six of the papers have been translated into Spanish and six into French.  Many of these can also be found on the ASPI web site