Maintaining trails in Western North Carolina’s mountain forests poses tough choices between recreation and sustainability.
From CPP: Elk and other large species in NC mountains constrained by changing habitats, human activity
Climate change and extreme weather events disrupt habitat areas and food sources in NC mountain forests, while human infrastructure blocks natural migration paths and creates dangers near roadways for large animal species.
From CPP: Whipsawed by erratic weather, mountain forest ecosystems under stress
Researchers seek to understand risks climate change poses for the Blue Ridge woodlands of Western North Carolina while many residents experience the disruption of extreme weather.
Local nonprofits talk climate impacts
Uncertainty is a fact of life at nonprofits, especially with regard to funding. But local organizations are increasingly attuned to another uncertainty: how to prepare for the consequences that climate change will have on their work.
Waste reduction and smart design help extend landfill life
Landfills tend to fall in the “out of sight, out of mind” category — unless you’re living next to one. But Buncombe County’s recent move to prepare additional landfill space for both construction and municipal debris is a reminder that such facilities have a finite life.
Buncombe proposes land conservation goal
At the recommendation of the county board’s Environment & Energy Stewardship Subcommittee, which includes board Chair Brownie Newman along with Commissioners Parker Sloan and Terri Wells, members will vote on whether to commit to conserving 20% of Buncombe’s total acreage by 2030.
Green in brief: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park opens to public
About 35 acres of the nearly 450-acre tract — purchased by the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2020 and recently transferred to the town of Canton — are now open, including the Berm Park mountain bike skills course and a mixed-use hiking/biking trail.
Commissioners to consider $70M in bond referendums on November ballot
One referendum would authorize $30 million in borrowing for conservation projects while a second referendum would authorize $40 million in bonds for affordable housing efforts.
Economic, community and cultural resilience marks aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred
For survivors of Tropical Storm Fred, sustainability in recovery is more than environmental. Local governments, property owners and residents are also focusing on economic, community and cultural resilience.
Spring clean: Asheville organizations, volunteers clean up downtown
After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Asheville was due for a spring cleaning. City government, along with area nonprofits, kicked off the first of four community cleanup efforts downtown April 18.
One year after freeze, farmers, scientists talk the future of WNC apples
The late freeze in spring 2021 caused millions of dollars in damages throughout the region, as well as price hikes and supply chain issues for many local farmers and distributors. How worried should they be about WNC’s tumultuous weather?
Student-led activism: A deliberate approach to sustainability
Elizabeth Nesbitt, a junior at Western Carolina University and president of the school’s Student Environmental Health Association, speaks with Xpress about reducing waste, encouraging others to take concrete actions to help the environment and setting personal priorities.
Student-led activism: The importance of social sustainability
Elias Goldstein is a senior at Warren Wilson College and co-leads the school’s Community Oriented Regeneration Efforts work crew. Here, he speaks with Xpress about his college’s sustainability shortcomings, the need for activists to avoid burnout and the importance of combatting systemic racism.
Voters may decide on $70M in Buncombe borrowing this year
During an April 19 briefing, the county Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land about the feasibility of issuing $70 million in bonds for housing and land conservation, which in this case would require approval through referendums of Buncombe voters.
Controversial rule change allows bear hunting in 3 former sanctuaries
Critics of the rule change dispute that the bear population is growing uncontrollably. And they particularly oppose one of the hunting methods: using dogs to chase a bear to corner the animal, or chase it up a tree, and then it is shot.
Student-led activism: Making sustainability more accessible
Drake Elder Bruner, a senior at Brevard College, speaks with Xpress about food waste, gardening and building community.
Green in brief: MountainTrue seeks ban on single-use plastics
A study conducted by MountainTrue found an average of 19 microplastic particles — pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, formed by the breakdown of larger plastics — per liter of water in local river systems. Exposure to microplastics has been tied to allergic reactions and other health impacts in humans, as well as negative effects on fish.
Local author’s new book honors Olmsted’s work with national parks
The Asheville-based author discusses the book he’s been working toward his entire career.
Study puts $3.8B annual price tag on French Broad
A recently completed study, commissioned by the French Broad River Partnership in 2019 and led by economist Steve Ha of Western Carolina University, sets the total economic value of the French Broad and its tributaries at $3.8 billion per year. By comparison, the Blue Ridge Parkway that also runs through Asheville creates about $1.3 billion in economic output per year.
Student-led activism: Make a difference locally
Xpress speaks with Cora Wingate, a junior at Warren Wilson College, about her environmental efforts and how they differ from previous generations.
Student-led activism: Reduce and reuse
Xpress speaks with Tyler Pesce, a junior at Mars Hill University and president of the school’s Environmental Action Club, about her her role with EAC and the ways she stays motivated to combat climate change.