PRESS RELEASE: August 23, 2005
BILLBOARDS OPPOSE LOGGING ON HIGH KNOB
"Stop the National Forest Giveaway" is
the message on one of the billboards that appeared last week on
US Routes 23 and 58 in Wise County. The billboards were purchased
by The Clinch Coalition, a group of local citizens that hopes to
influence the timbering policies of the U.S. Forest Service on
High Knob, located on the Clinch Ranger District in Wise, Scott,
and Lee Counties.
Kirsty Zahnke, a member of The Clinch Coalition (TCC), says
"Our billboard campaign is designed to expose the negative
impacts that the intensive and continual logging on High Knob has
on future opportunities for our children and our
communities."
The Clinch Coalition is a local group of concerned citizens who
have worked for seven years to protect the watersheds, scenic
beauty, and wildlife habitat of the mountains and forests within
the Clinch Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest.
Zahnke goes on to point out that "High Knob supports an
astounding array of species. In addition to being one of
the most scenic and treasured places in southwest Virginia, the
area is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast." Popular
recreational activities include hunting, fishing, horseback
riding, picnicking, hiking, and kayaking.
"And its not just our natural heritage we want to
protect," she explains. "As taxpayers, we feel that our
tax dollars are being ill spent on High Knob and these decisions
are robbing us of our economic future. Our tax money is
subsidizing the logging..We are building more logging roads and
then paying for the devastation left behind - damaged homes,
roads and bridges, the denuded hillsides and streams choked with
sediment."
Zahnke, formerly Ecotourism Coordinator with The Heart of
Appalachia Tourism Authority, says that as mineral resources
dwindle, enhancing and promoting recreation on High Knob and
throughout the Clinch Ranger District can revitalize local
communities - but only if the mountains, forests, and streams are
protected from exploitation and degradation.
In the past, the economy of southwest Virginia has relied heavily
on resource extraction. The Clinch Coalition says that High
Knob is a rare jewel and its rugged beauty should be left intact
to inspire local pride. It should continue to be, the Coalition
believes, a place to recreate, a place to find solace and to new
the spirit.
For more information on how you can help preserve High Knob,
visit www.clinchcoalition.net,
call 276-395-6515 or attend the Blue Highway Benefit Concert at
JJ Kelly HS on Saturday, October 1.
(The billboards are located south of Big Stone Gap on Rt. 23 and south of Tacoma
on Rt. 58)
Contact:
Kirsty Zahnke, Big Stone Gap, 276-523-0610
Otis Ward, Coeburn, 276-395-6515
Steve Brooks, Nickelsville, 276-479-2176
Billboards:
More info: Kingsport Times-News August 23, 2005 article
