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To purchase a print of this drawing by author/artist
Lee Pantas, visit
Cherry Orchard Studio
Paradise is not without its problems, and even though it would seem at first
glance that there are really no environmental concerns in the beautiful
mountains of Western North Carolina, there are a couple of issues that have just
about everyone who lives here worried. Tops on the list is the air quality
problem that occurs primarily in the summer. On certain days even the most
remote mountains and valleys, especially in the
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, have smog that
rivals even Los Angeles and other urban centers. The primary culprits are the
coal-fired power plants in the Midwest, which spew nitrous oxides and sulfur
dioxides into the atmosphere, which are then carried by the prevailing west to
east air currents and deposited to our area. A secondary cause, of course, is
the fossil fuel driven vehicles that we all use. The battle to stop this
pollution from the Midwest plants is being fought on a national level, with
North Carolina legislators (and those of adjoining states that are similarly
affected) in the forefront of the war. This problem is directly related to the
much larger and more ominous issue facing our planet, global warming, which is
caused by release of greenhouse gases, some of the very ones that are creating
the local air quality problems in the mountains.
Other issues are also acid deposition from acid rain in the higher mountain
forests. This issue is clearly related to the air pollution problem stemming
from the outdated and inefficient coal-fired power plants. Western North
Carolina mountains are some of the most biologically diverse temperate forests
in the world. Clear cuttings, pollution and sprawling developments are wiping
out species and habitats at an alarming rate. While most developers are
sensitive to the environment in their developments, the gradual loss of habitat
from so many new such projects springing up all over the mountains is having a
negative effect on many plant and animal species.
Western North Carolina Environmental Organizations
This list includes organizations that are actively working to preserve the
environment in the Western North Carolina mountains and other parts of America.
For a complete list of all environmental organizations in the state
of North Carolina, go to the
Western North Carolina Environmental Organizations section of
Liza's Reef.
Canary
Coalition
A non-profit organization dedicated to restoring clean air in
Western North Carolina and the southern Appalachian Region. They are
a true grassroots clean air organization effectively working to
reduce air pollution in the mountains of Western North Carolina. PO
Box 653, Sylva NC 287790;828-631-3447
Carolina
Mountain Land Conservancy
The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy is a non-profit, voluntary
organization that works directly to protect the natural diversity
and beauty of Western North Carolina by preserving natural lands and
scenic areas. They help families meet their conservation and
financial goals while preserving their lands for future generations
and they provide communities and individuals with a range of
conservation tools and tax-saving techniques. The Conservancy also
fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of our natural
heritage. PO Box 2822, Hendersonville NC 28793; 828-697-5777.
Clean Air Community Trust
The Clean Air Community Trust is a non-profit organization chartered
by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Their mission is the
seek and secure cleaner air for the citizens of Buncombe County and
surrounding communities; protect and improve the health of the
people, forests and economy of Western North Carolina through the
reduction of locally generated air pollution; educate children and
adults on the causes of, the health and economic costs of, and
solutions for air pollution; promote activities and events that
inspire citizens to make choices that will lead to clean air in WNC;
and to provide resources to those engaged in air quality
improvement. PO Box 2824, Asheville NC 28802; 828-258-1856.
Clean Water For North Carolina
Since 1984 Clean Water for North
Carolina (CWFNC), formerly the Clean Water Fund of North Carolina)
has worked for clean, safe communities and workplaces with hundreds
of communities and thousands of North Carolinians. CWFNC is a
private non-profit membership organization serving residents across
the state of North Carolina. 29 1/2 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC
28801; 828-251-1219
Cradle of Forestry
The Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500 acre Historic Site
within the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to
commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United
States. The Forest Discovery Center commemorates conservation
history with an 18 minute movie on Vanderbilt, Pinchot, Schenck and
the beginning of forestry in America. Ongoing public education
programs in natural history, forestry and conservation. US Highway
276, Pisgah National Forest, 828-877-3130.
ECO
ECO is dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the
mountain region through education, recreation, service and civic action. Their
guiding statement is to take care of your own backyard. Seeking to think
globally and act locally, they work to preserve and protect our streams and
wetlands, wildlife and natural habitats, air, and trees.119 3rd Ave., Hendersonville,
828-692-0385.
Liza’s Reef
An art- and science-based resource portal website dedicated to the protection
and conservation of coral reefs, other oceanic environments and rain forests.
Liza’s Reef is also involved in supporting local WNC environmental organizations
in their efforts to protect the Western North Carolina mountains. This is also
the art and environmental project of Lee Pantas, author of this
guidebook. 828-779-1569.
Long Branch Environmental Education Center
The Long Branch Environmental Education Center, Inc. is a small
educational institute in Buncombe County's Newfound Mountains, about
18 miles northwest of Asheville, North Carolina. Set aside in 1974
as an ecological sanctuary and land trust, it has developed into an
educational center for sharing positive strategies of sustainability
and local self-reliance in the areas of environmental design,
organic food production, renewable energy, shelter design and
construction, appropriate technology, resource conservation,
recycling, wildlife protection, ecological restoration, and improved
environmental quality. P.O. Box 369 Leicester, NC 28748,
828-683-3662.
North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light: NC IPL works with faith
communities to address the causes and consequences of global climate
change, and promote practical solutions, through education,
outreach, and public policy advocacy. 919-828-6501
Quality
Forward Asheville
Quality Forward is a volunteer based organization working to enhance
the environment and quality of life for the citizens of Asheville
and Buncombe County through awareness building, community activities
and partnership. Quality Forward's projects include planting over
5,000 trees in Buncombe County; recycling education , training and
implementation; river, stream and roadside cleanup; public and
school education programs and "Don't Litter Our Mountains" campaign.
PO Box 22, 29 Page Avenue, Asheville NC 28801, 828-254-1766.
RiverLink
RiverLink is a regional nonprofit spearheading the economic and environmental
revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work,
live and play. RiverLink was born in 1987 of simultaneous efforts to address
water quality concerns throughout the French Broad River basin, expand public
opportunities for access and recreation, and spearhead the economic
revitalization of Asheville’s dilapidated riverfront district. As expressed in
their mission statement, they focus on related issues that directly impact the
environmental health of our region’s rivers and streams and the growth and
sustainability of our economy. 70 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 828-225-0760.
Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project
SABP is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to empowering citizens to
appreciate, defend, and restore the native biodiversity of the Southeast. SABP
seeks permanent protection for the region’s public lands and
sustainable management of private lands. The group pursues its goals
through public education, legal advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 828-258-2667.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
SACE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes responsible energy
choices that solve global warming problems and ensure clean, safe, and healthy
communities throughout the Southeast. SACE has programs throughout the
southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Asheville,
828-254-6776..
Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition
SAFC is a nonprofit organization formed in 1994 whose objective are to create a
unified and compelling regional conservation vision for the 21st
century; to achieve greater representation in Washington, DC; and to
strengthen grassroots groups with the tools and leadership needed to
protect the forests at the local level. It is now comprised of 22 of
the best conservation groups spanning the six states of Alabama,
Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. 46
Haywood St., Asheville, 828-252-9223.
Sustainable Asheville Area Network
The Sustainable Asheville Area Network is comprised of organizations
and individuals in the greater Asheville area concerned with
sustainability and the environment. Their website offers a community
calendar and listings of organizations, groups and volunteer
opportunities concerned with sustainability.
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Founded in 1974 as a nonprofit charitable organization, the SAHC’s mission is to
conserve unique plant and animal habitats, clean water, and scenic beauty of
the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and
future generations. The Conservancy works with individuals and local communities
to identify, preserve, and manage the region’s important lands. It has helped
ensure the protection of more than 21,000 acres throughout the mountain region.
34 Wall St., Suite 802, Asheville, 828-253-0095.
Western North Carolina Alliance
The Western North Carolina Alliance is a grassroots organization that aims to
promote a sense of stewardship and caring for the natural environment. Their
primary goal is to protect and to preserve our natural land, water and air
resources through education and public participation in policy decisions at all
levels of business and government. They have chapters throughout Western North
Carolina that mobilize Task Forces for rapid involvement around specific
environmental issues. 70 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 828-258-8737.
Western North Carolina Green Building Council
WNCGBC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally
sustainable and health-conscious building practices through community education.
Their main goal is to educate homeowners, builders and architects on the
benefits of green building practices. PO Box 17026, Asheville, 828-232-5080
Western North Carolina Nature Center
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is the premier nature center in Western
North Carolina. Their mission is to increase public awareness and understanding
of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through
hands-on and sensory experiences. An outstanding 42-acre center, the Nature
Center receives over 100,000 visitors a year and features indigenous wildlife
and plant life native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 75 Gashes Creek
Rd., Asheville, 828-298-5600.
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