Public invited to comment on migratory bird season

Full announcement from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission: RALEIGH, N.C. (June 4, 2013) — Starting June 3, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is inviting public comments on the early waterfowl and webless migratory game bird hunting seasons. The seasons include dove, woodcock, rail, snipe and those waterfowl seasons beginning before October 1. Input on extended […]

News 13 food drive today

Full announcement from Children First: (Asheville, NC) News 13, Carolina Furniture Concepts, and Two Men & a Truck are hosting the first ever Break the Hunger food drive to help keep kids from going hungry during summer break. The station is asking viewers to bring non-perishable food items to Carolina Furniture Concepts in Arden between […]

Emails reveal state reps trying to settle Asheville water lawsuit, may change city elections

Emails obtained by Xpress reveal that some state legislators have asked city of Asheville representatives to drop their lawsuit contesting a state-mandated transfer of the water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District. The emails also show legislators discussing the fate of legislation that consolidates Asheville and Buncombe County parks-and-recreation services — a move that could save the city $5 million a year. Further, the candid discussions shine a light on a long-rumored proposal that the state may force Asheville to switch to district-based elections.

WNC Alliance looks for steering committee members

From WNC Alliance: Would you or someone you know like to be considered for a leadership position at the only grassroots environmental advocacy group focused solely on conserving Western North Carolina’s natural heritage? The Western North Carolina Alliance is looking for candidates to fill three positions on its Steering Committee, the governing body of the […]

EPA and USDA join together to reduce wasted food

From the Environmental Protection Agency: WASHINGTON – Today EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce the launch of a challenge that asks farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, communities and government agencies to reduce wasted food. The U.S. Food Waste Challenge builds upon the success of EPA’s Food Recovery […]

Information for outdoor use of forests

From the U.S. Forest Service: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Before visiting the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie or Croatan national forests this summer, get the information you need to have safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. The summer issue of Carolina Connections electronic newsletter gives visitors useful information ranging from fun activities to safety tips, trail improvements to road […]

EPA and USDA join together to reduce wasted food

From the Environmental Protection Agency: WASHINGTON – Today EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce the launch of a challenge that asks farmers, processors, ma√nufacturers, retailers, communities and government agencies to reduce wasted food. The U.S. Food Waste Challenge builds upon the success of EPA’s Food Recovery […]

What if?

Asheville's budget process has been on a roller coaster this year. Faced with an aggressive, GOP-dominated state Legislature that’s often been at odds with city government, and charged with crafting a balanced budget, city staff had anticipated potential sharp cuts to key services. And when the formal $143 million proposal finally made its way to […]

League of Women Voters: legislature’s tax plans “unfair, unwise”

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina, meeting in Charlotte for its 34th biennial convention, announced its opposition to tax plans now being considered in the General Assembly which promote unfair and regressive tax policies, including House Bill 998. This opposition is in line with long-standing positions of the non-partisan organization. The League, which […]

McCrory proclaims June “great outdoors month”

From the office of Gov. Pat McCrory: Raleigh, NC– Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed June 2013 as “Great Outdoors Month,” encouraging all North Carolinians to enjoy our state’s natural beauty and near-perfect climate, and celebrate our commitment to conserve and protect our air, water, wildlife, spectacular lands and quality of life. “June in North Carolina […]

One dead in Springdale Road apartment building fire, arson unit investigating

From the Asheville Fire Department From the Asheville Fire Department: Just before 9:00 a.m. this morning the Asheville Fire Department was dispatched to 10 ½ Springdale Rd for a reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene at a 2 story, detached apartment building to find heavy smoke showing. Crews forced entry into the apartment […]

Dogwood Alliance launches campaign against logging for energy

From the Dogwood Alliance: May 28, 2013 – Southern forests are being burned for electricity, and a new campaign announced today aims to put an end to it. Dogwood Alliance and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have launched “Our Forests Aren’t Fuel” to raise awareness of an alarming and rapidly-growing practice of logging forests […]