Glossary

9.5 Appalachian conservation efforts

7 min read•august 20, 2024

The Appalachian region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many unique species and ecosystems. Conservation efforts aim to protect these natural treasures while balancing economic needs and cultural traditions tied to the land.

Historically, unsustainable resource extraction devastated Appalachian environments. Today, conservation groups work to preserve forests, rivers, and rare habitats. Challenges include deforestation, mining impacts, and , but successes in species recovery and protected area growth offer hope.

Importance of Appalachian conservation

  • Appalachian region is a global biodiversity hotspot harboring many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth
  • Healthy ecosystems provide essential services like clean air, water, and soil that support Appalachian communities and economies
  • Conserving Appalachian natural heritage preserves cultural traditions and ways of life closely tied to the land

History of conservation in Appalachia

Early exploitation of resources

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  • Unsustainable logging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries devastated Appalachian forests
  • Unregulated mining, especially coal mining, caused severe environmental degradation and pollution
  • Overharvesting of game and medicinal plants depleted populations of many species
  • Early attitudes viewed natural resources as inexhaustible and ripe for unchecked extraction

Emergence of conservation movement

  • Growing recognition of need for conservation to prevent total destruction of Appalachian environment
  • Influential leaders like Gifford Pinchot advocated for scientific management of forests and watersheds
  • Creation of national forests (Pisgah, Nantahala) and parks (Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains) protected large areas
  • Grassroots activists organized to oppose environmentally destructive practices and protect beloved landscapes

Major Appalachian ecosystems

Appalachian forests

  • Highly diverse deciduous forests blanket mountains, with different community types at various elevations
  • Oak-hickory forests dominate lower elevations while spruce-fir forests occur on highest peaks
  • Cove hardwood forests featuring tulip poplars, basswoods, and rich herbaceous layers grow in sheltered valleys
  • Rare community types include montane pine barrens, shale barrens, and boulderfields

Rivers and watersheds

  • Appalachian Mountains are the headwaters for major rivers of eastern U.S. (Tennessee, Ohio, Susquehanna)
  • Network of mountain streams provides habitat for diverse aquatic life and recreational opportunities
  • Wetlands like bogs and fens host rare plant communities and serve as critical habitat for amphibians
  • Healthy rivers and streams are essential for clean drinking water supplies for many cities and towns

Unique habitats and species

  • Appalachian region is home to many rare, threatened, and endangered species found only here
  • High-elevation spruce-fir forests provide critical habitat for northern flying squirrels and saw-whet owls
  • Caves and karst systems harbor endemic invertebrates, salamanders, and bat populations
  • Grassy balds and heath balds are unique mountaintop communities supporting rare plants and butterflies

Threats to Appalachian environment

Deforestation and logging

  • Clearcutting and unsustainable logging practices lead to loss of forest habitat and diversity
  • Poorly managed logging increases erosion, stream sedimentation, and landslide risks
  • Conversion of forests to other land uses like mining or development causes permanent losses
  • Fragmentation of forests by roads and power lines disrupts wildlife migration and breeding

Coal mining impacts

  • blasts away peaks, buries streams, and destroys entire ecosystems
  • Acid mine drainage pollutes rivers and groundwater with heavy metals and low pH
  • Mining activities cause air pollution, noise pollution, and human health problems in nearby communities
  • Abandoned mine lands pose safety hazards and ongoing environmental contamination issues

Invasive species introduction

  • Non-native invasive plants like kudzu, oriental bittersweet, and tree-of-heaven outcompete native vegetation
  • Hemlock woolly adelgid and emerald ash borer are invasive insects decimating key Appalachian tree species
  • Invasive animals such as feral hogs and Asian carp disrupt food webs and degrade habitat quality
  • Climate change is enabling more invasive species to expand their ranges into Appalachian ecosystems

Key conservation organizations

The Nature Conservancy

  • Global nonprofit that has protected over 250,000 acres of critical lands and waters in the Appalachians
  • Focuses on large-scale land deals and partnerships to create nature preserves and working forests
  • Major projects include Cumberland Forest in KY/TN/VA and Nantahala Headwaters in NC
  • Conducts scientific research and develops innovative tools to guide Appalachian conservation efforts

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

  • Nonprofit dedicated to protecting and managing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.)
  • Works with volunteers and trail clubs to maintain the 2,190-mile footpath and its facilities
  • Advocates for policies and funding to conserve the A.T. landscape and viewsheds
  • Provides education and outreach to enhance public appreciation for the trail and its environment

Local conservation groups

  • Hundreds of local land trusts, watershed associations, and environmental organizations across the region
  • Protect special natural areas and resources within their communities through acquisition and easements
  • Engage in grassroots advocacy, stewardship projects, and environmental education
  • Build support for conservation among diverse constituencies (landowners, businesses, governments)

Strategies for Appalachian conservation

Land protection and preservation

  • Establishing new public lands like national/state parks, forests, and wildlife refuges to safeguard ecosystems
  • Purchasing private lands or conservation easements to prevent development and ensure long-term protection
  • Designating wilderness areas and wild & scenic rivers to maintain the most pristine habitats
  • Conserving working lands (timberlands, farmlands) that provide ecological and economic benefits

Sustainable resource management

  • Developing and implementing best management practices for logging, mining, and other extractive industries
  • Managing forests to enhance structural and species diversity, resilience, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat
  • Restoring streams and wetlands degraded by past human activities to improve water quality and flow
  • Using prescribed fire and other tools to maintain disturbance-dependent ecosystems like pine-oak forests

Restoration of degraded areas

  • Reforesting abandoned minelands and other disturbed sites with native trees and shrubs
  • Treating acid mine drainage through constructed wetlands, limestone channels, and other techniques
  • Removing invasive species and reintroducing native plants to restore degraded habitats
  • Decommissioning and revegetating unnecessary roads to reconnect fragmented landscapes

Challenges in Appalachian conservation

Economic pressures vs environmental protection

  • Industries like coal mining, natural gas drilling, and timber production are major employers in many rural areas
  • Proposals for new mines, wells, and pipelines often pit short-term economic gains against long-term sustainability
  • Policymakers face difficult tradeoffs between resource extraction and preserving natural capital
  • Transitioning Appalachian economies to more sustainable and diversified models is an ongoing challenge

Private land ownership issues

  • The vast majority (over 80%) of land in Appalachia is privately owned, complicating conservation efforts
  • Many landowners are reluctant to permanently protect their properties due to private property rights ethic
  • Heir property and absentee landowners create obstacles for conservation transactions and stewardship
  • Engaging private landowners is essential for protecting biodiversity and connecting conserved areas

Funding for conservation efforts

  • Public funding for land acquisition and conservation programs is often limited and unpredictable
  • Philanthropic donations can be critical but are insufficient to meet the scale of need across the region
  • Innovative funding mechanisms like carbon markets, mitigation banking show promise but are still developing
  • Chronic underfunding of public land management agencies hampers stewardship and restoration work

Successes in Appalachian conservation

Growth of protected areas

  • Significant expansion of national forests and parks over the past century (Great Smoky Mountains, Monongahela)
  • Ambitious collaborative efforts like the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy protecting large landscapes
  • Proliferation of state parks, forests, and natural areas safeguarding special places across the region
  • Conservation easements now protect over 2 million acres of private lands in Appalachia from development

Recovery of threatened species

  • Reintroduction and recovery efforts have helped stabilize and increase populations of key species
  • Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys have rebounded thanks to banning of DDT and habitat protection
  • Endangered Indiana bats and Virginia big-eared bats are benefiting from gating of key cave hibernacula
  • Rare plants like running buffalo clover and Virginia spiraea are expanding with habitat management

Increased public awareness and support

  • Greater recognition of the value of Appalachian natural heritage among policymakers and the public
  • Popularity of outdoor recreation, especially hiking and camping, builds constituencies for conservation
  • Appalachian-based environmental education programs cultivate the next generation of conservationists
  • Creative arts and media featuring Appalachian landscapes and biodiversity reach new audiences

Future of Appalachian conservation

Adapting to climate change impacts

  • More intense storms, droughts, and fires will stress Appalachian ecosystems in coming decades
  • Shifting temperature and precipitation patterns will alter suitable habitat ranges for many species
  • Conserving diverse landscapes and connecting habitats will be critical for species adaptation and migration
  • Managing for resilience and facilitating ecosystem transitions are key climate adaptation strategies

Balancing development and conservation

  • Region is experiencing pressure from suburban sprawl, energy development, and other land use changes
  • Smart growth strategies can help concentrate development and minimize impacts on sensitive areas
  • Investing in green infrastructure and ecosystem services can support both economic and environmental goals
  • Collaborative planning efforts involving diverse stakeholders are needed to find win-win solutions

Engaging Appalachian communities in stewardship

  • Long-term success of conservation depends on support and active involvement of local people
  • Integrating traditional ecological knowledge and values into conservation strategies shows promise
  • Creating economic opportunities linked to sustainable natural resource management can build local support
  • Empowering Appalachian youth and underserved communities to become conservation leaders is essential

Key Terms to Review (18)

Appalachian Trail Conservancy: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and management of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. The ATC plays a vital role in conserving the trail's natural beauty and ensuring its accessibility for future generations, while also advocating for responsible land management practices and supporting sustainable tourism in the surrounding areas.
Bill McKibben: Bill McKibben is an American environmentalist, author, and journalist known for his advocacy on climate change and sustainable living. He gained prominence with his book 'The End of Nature,' which was one of the first to bring global warming to a general audience, emphasizing the need for urgent action to combat environmental degradation and promote conservation efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions like Appalachia.
Community Resilience: Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adverse events, such as natural disasters, economic challenges, or social upheaval. It encompasses the social, economic, and environmental capacities that enable communities to respond effectively to disturbances while maintaining or improving their quality of life. This concept is essential in understanding how regions can leverage local strengths and resources to foster sustainable growth and development.
Conservation easement: A conservation easement is a legal agreement that restricts development on a piece of land to protect its conservation values. This tool allows landowners to retain ownership of their property while ensuring that specific environmental features, such as wildlife habitats or scenic views, are preserved for future generations. By placing these restrictions, conservation easements help balance land use with the need for ecological protection, playing a vital role in conservation efforts.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Cultural heritage preservation refers to the efforts made to protect, conserve, and promote the cultural assets of a community or society, including traditions, artifacts, languages, and historic sites. This concept is essential for maintaining the identity and continuity of cultures, particularly in the face of modernization, globalization, and environmental challenges. The practice involves various stakeholders including local communities, governments, and organizations working together to ensure that cultural legacies are recognized and safeguarded for future generations.
Economic diversification: Economic diversification refers to the process of broadening a region's economy by developing a variety of sectors and industries beyond its traditional or primary sources of income. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on a single economic sector, thereby increasing resilience against market fluctuations and fostering sustainable growth. In the context of specific regions, this concept is often linked to efforts in resource-dependent economies to create a more balanced and robust economic framework.
Ecosystem management: Ecosystem management is a holistic approach to managing natural resources that aims to sustain ecosystems while meeting the needs of society. It involves integrating ecological, economic, and social perspectives to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services, ensuring the health and resilience of environments over the long term. This strategy focuses on collaboration among stakeholders, adaptive management practices, and the recognition of interconnectedness within ecosystems.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in environmental decision-making. It emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, aiming to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. This concept is closely tied to activism, pollution issues, and conservation efforts, highlighting how environmental policies can lead to social inequalities and the need for inclusive solutions.
Grassroots mobilization: Grassroots mobilization refers to the process of engaging ordinary people at the local level to advocate for change or support a cause. This approach emphasizes community involvement and collective action, often relying on volunteers and local leaders to organize efforts. It's a powerful method for raising awareness and influencing decision-makers, especially in social movements and conservation efforts.
Invasive Species: Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to a new environment where they do not naturally occur, and they can cause harm to native species, ecosystems, and human activities. These species often thrive in their new habitats due to a lack of natural predators or competitors, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts. Understanding invasive species is essential for addressing biodiversity loss and implementing effective conservation strategies.
Land trust: A land trust is a nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land by acquiring and managing properties to protect their ecological, recreational, or historical values. These organizations play a crucial role in preserving open space, forests, wetlands, and agricultural land, often working in partnership with local communities and governments to ensure sustainable land use and conservation efforts.
Mountaintop removal mining: Mountaintop removal mining is a form of surface mining that involves the blasting away of the tops of mountains to access coal seams buried deep beneath. This method has significant environmental and social impacts, particularly in the Appalachian region where it is commonly practiced. The process not only alters the landscape but also affects water quality, ecosystems, and local communities, raising concerns over sustainability and conservation efforts.
National Environmental Policy Act: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a landmark environmental law enacted in the United States in 1969 that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. NEPA aims to promote informed decision-making and public participation in the planning process, particularly concerning projects that could significantly affect the environment. This act has important implications for issues like acid mine drainage and conservation efforts in regions such as Appalachia, as it mandates the evaluation of potential environmental impacts and encourages sustainable practices.
Place-based conservation: Place-based conservation refers to conservation efforts that prioritize specific geographic locations, focusing on the unique ecological, cultural, and historical characteristics of those areas. This approach emphasizes local communities' involvement and aims to create sustainable practices that respect the land's traditions and biodiversity. By connecting conservation efforts to the identity and heritage of a place, it fosters a sense of stewardship among local residents.
Reforestation: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where forest cover has been removed or severely diminished. This practice aims to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change by increasing carbon sequestration. Effective reforestation initiatives can significantly contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable resource management.
Save our streams: Save Our Streams is a grassroots movement focused on protecting and restoring water quality in the streams and rivers of the Appalachian region. This initiative emphasizes the importance of clean waterways for both ecological health and the communities that rely on them, advocating for policies and practices that prevent pollution and promote sustainable land use.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth that balances economic, social, and environmental needs to ensure that future generations can thrive. This concept emphasizes responsible resource management, equitable economic opportunities, and the preservation of ecosystems, aiming for long-term viability instead of short-term gains. The interplay between community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic strategies is crucial to achieving sustainable development.
Wendell Berry: Wendell Berry is an American writer, farmer, and environmental activist known for his deep commitment to agrarianism and sustainable farming practices. His works often explore the connection between people and the land, emphasizing the importance of local economies and communities in the face of industrialization and environmental degradation. Berry's philosophy resonates deeply with the themes of activism, conservation, and the impact of deforestation and logging on Appalachian landscapes.
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