xt7kd50fz294_36 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7kd50fz294/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7kd50fz294/data/2019ms063.dao.xml Garden Club of Lexington (Lexington, Ky.) 5.85 Cubic Feet 15 boxes, two scrapbooks, 1 map folder archival material 2019ms063 English University of Kentucky The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Garden Club of Lexington records The Bloomin' News text The Bloomin' News 2023 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7kd50fz294/data/2019ms063/Box_2019ms063_02/Folder_24/Multipage4265.pdf 1972-1988 1988 1972-1988 section false xt7kd50fz294_36 xt7kd50fz294 THE BLOOMIN' NEWS "The Bloomin' News is an attempt by your Garden Club of Lexington Con- servation Committee to reach each member of this branch of the Garden Club of America with an emphasis on facts relating to the field of Con— servation only. The editorial staff hopes to capture and reflect the knowledge and attitudes of individuals or organizations concerned with CONSERVATION.” CONSERVATION COMMITTEE GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA ”The purpose of the Conservation Committee is to translate the princi- ples of conservation into personal action and thus encourage others to recognize our responsibility for the preservation of our natural resources and the protection of the environ— ment.” Chairman: Mrs. W. L. Lyons Brown lst Vice—Chairman: Mrs. Robert L. Cummings, Jr. /97.) VOL. I NO. 1 Edited By: Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Lexington Mrs. John P. Barrow, Jr. Mrs. Richard Schubert Feature Writer Miss Daisy Hume Guest Writer Joseph C. Graves, Jr. Vice Chairmen: Conservation Education Mrs. R. Duncan Elder Environmental Quality—Air, Water, Soil Pollution Mrs. Thomas H. Gsanell Historic Preservation and Civic Planting Mrs. Richard Freeman Land Use, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wilderness Areas, Open Space Mrs. James R. Miller Legislation Mrs. A. Douglas Hall Redwoods Mrs. Douglas Carver Roadsides—Billboards, Planning and Zoning Mrs. Marion Fuller Brown Zone VII Representative Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina Mrs. Ernest Hamill French Broad River Garden Club ROOM FOR MAN (Noticing that walls curve around trees in Mexico) A place Where they break the walls To let the trees in Is a place Where there is room for man William H. Cohen The large trees which line the streets and parkways along some entrances to Lexington are grace notes in a city where natural beauty is being steadily ravished in the name of ”progress”. Recently the Kentucky State Highway Department announced two street improvement projects for Lexington. The proposal to four lane Tates Creek Road from Lakewood Drive northeast to Euclid Avenue would destroy a minimum of 60 trees. The proposal to widen North Broadway from Loudon to a point near the railroad bridge south of the New Circle Road would Spell the doom of the handsome pin oak trees which grace that entrance. At a public meeting of the City Commission on August 10 - representatives of the Sierra Club, the Metro Environmental Commission, and other organizations joined many citizens who were present to express firm opposition to both proposals. Both state senators from Fayette County - Gibson Downing and Mike Moloney expressed opposition as did 1. Suggestions which were made concerning the alleviation of traffic congestion on Tates Creek included — creation of an alternating traffic lane running toward town in the morning and out of town in the evening, extension of University Drive from C00per Drive through the University Farm to Tates Creek, left turn lights at specified intersections, and a greatly improved bus system to reduce peak hour traffic congestion. Those present at the meeting were assured by the Mayor of the commission's interest in preserving the trees; however a public statement has not been made indicating that the commission has agreed with the Highway Department to cancel the Tates Creek street widening project and pursue less des- tructive alternatives. On September 7, the State Highway Department conducted a public hearing in the K.U. Auditorium on their several proposals to widen North Broadway. Many organizations and individuals were present to state opposition to the proposal alternates that would destroy varying numbers of trees. Mayor Foster Pettit speaking for the commission announced that the city would only support the proposal to improve the North Broadway - Loudon Avenue intersection and the entrance to Northland Shopping Center — this alternative destroys no trees. Undoubtedly the Highway Department will concur, although reluctantly, with the city's wishes for usually the department gives some weight to the preference expressed by local government. What can the Garden Clubs do - what can you do as an individual to help insure that improvements planned for our city add to rather than detract from its beauty and attractiveness? A few suggestions. Increase your support for local officials who have demonstrated their concern for aesthetics. Thaflcthe mayor and commissioners for their stands opposing the proposals to widen North Broadway and Tates Creek. Encourage local elected officials to develOp a screening process which will allow local citizens in each of the five Fayette County legislative districts — working with local elected officials ~ to review all plans for public improvements (street widenings, etc.) proposed in their district to be certain that the proposed improvement is the least destructive way of accomplishing the intended purpose. Those who profit from the mindless growth of this community contribute time and money in every local election. Those who stand for a rational attractive approach to development and redevelopment must become more active in local elections. Select the candidates whose track record most nearly agrees with your dreams for this community. Support these candidates with your time, talents, and money. Attractive, functional, handsome cities don't just happen. They are created and cherished and maintained by their citizens who support and select civic and political leaders capable of converting dreams into reality. Joe Graves State Representative 79th Legislative District BOCA BOCA = Bluegrass Organic WHERE to send support - $2.00 Consumers Association dues to: Mrs. Elva Lee WHAT can we do on the Environ— 349 Bob—O—Link Drive mental, Organic and Lexington, Kentucky Consumer front? HOW to get started a Natural WHAT PRICE ECOLOGY? Food Co—Op? This newsletter is printed on WHY to urge the citizens of ”Ecology Bond”. Lexington to compost? ”Ecology Bond” — $2.10/100 See BOCA Leaf Compost Regular Bond - $1.60/1OO Bulletin. The same bond of equal weight, grade and quality is called WHO is a membership of over 300 Regular Bond here for comparison. Fall 1972 Dear Friendly Gardener, September 1972 will long be remem— bered for the result of years of work of preservationists. A visit from Secretary of the Interior, Rogers C. B. Morton made history in giving awards that reflect Kentucky Historic Land— marks: at Pleasant Hill, Shakertown; Liberty Hall, Frankfort; the Old State— house in Frankfort; the Old Bank of Louisville Building; and the Louisville Water Company Pumping Station. The Garden Club of Lexington should add to their group of conservationists— Martha Worth. Congratulations to Martha and Bill Worth for buying and restoring the McGarvey House, 362 South Mill St. After four months of restoration the house officially opened the last of September. The removal of the front porch changed the whole atmosphere and the color scheme is a delight to see. Most of all it seemed like a home to be lived in and enjoyed. To me the name McGarvey brings many memories. When I knew President McGar— vey (Brother McGarvey) he lived in Fayette Park where he had later built a house. I knew ”Miss Sara" (Mrs. Hig— genbottom) and Sallie H. Cook while I was at Hamilton and Transylvania. I have recollections of a son and was pleased to be introduced to a grandson the other day. All in all a grand addition to the Urban Renewal plan without any cost to us taxpayers. Many, many thanks to Martha and Bill for many hours of hard labor. Love, Daisy GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA ZONE VII You have a new Zone VII Conservation Representative. Mrs. Bruce C. Gunnell, Garden Club of Alexandria is filling out the unexpired term (till June) of Mrs. Ernest Hamill, French Broad River Club, Ashville, North Carolina, who has had to resign because of illness. She has wishes of our best and our gratitude for being such a splendid representative. THE BILLBOARD BATTLE from ZONE VII GCA REPRESENTATIVE (Thanks and apologies to ”Washington Evening Star and News”) There's been a rude awakening lately for those who thought the long billboard battle was almost over! The survival of these blights is directly related to the potency of the Billboard Lobby here in Washington and that group has been able to influence Congress in a way that is incredible! Consider the procrastination and vacillation Congress has shown on this issue: 1. In 1965 it passed the Highway Beautification Act requiring the elimi— 100% RECYCLED PAPER Edited By: Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Lexington Mrs. John P. Barrow, Jr. Mrs. Richard Schubert nation of 800,000 signs along Federal- aid highways. Federal funds were to be appropriated to pay for 75% of the compensation costs. (Most garden clubs thought the battle was over!) BUT 2. Congress waited 5 years - till 1970 - to appropriate the funds and then came through with too little! During these 5 years the states had little zest to take down billboards without Federal aid. HOWEVER 3. All 50 states have now passed laws complying with the 1965 Highway Act and are now elgible for compensation. BUT 4. So far only 50,000 of the 800,000 billboards have come down. AND 5. Most threatening of all, the Bill- board Lobby is making a mighty struggle to get a device attached on to a new 1973 Highway Bill that almost worked in the last Congress, namely: giving away to the Billboard Industry a 2 year moratorium on the removal of ”Directional Signs”, which of course, would include any sign that told how far it is to such and such motel, filling station, cider stand, etc., etc., and hence would comprise almost all the billboards left standing! THEREFORE 6. Congress should promptly reject the ”Directional Sign” mischief and approp- riate enough money to get the billboard cleanup really moving! ARE YOUR CONGRESSMEN LISTENING TO YOU OR TO THE BILLBOARD LOBBY? You can be sure the Billboard Lobby is not being silent on this subject! Every member of every club can write a simple message to her Congressman in 5 minutes: ”Get down the billboards, NOW!" Handwritten letters are best — worded in your own way. You represent a VOTE to him! Address envelope: The Honorable John B. Breckinridge House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20013 LETTER FROM GCA -——- Thank you for your support on this campaign. You will be helping to January 22, 1973 Save on energy, Save on solid Dear Club President and waste build-up and Save on trees. Conservation Chairman; Sincerely, The Conservation Committee of The Garden Club of America has /Mrs. Thomas Gosnell unanimously voted to mount a sub- Vice Chairman stantial drive to encourage the use Air—Water—Soil Pollution of recycled paper. It is the direct result of our member's concern and involvement with the energy crisis, FACT SHEET the solid waste build—up and the IF YOU USE RECYCLED PAPER, WHAT DO depletion of our forests. YOU ACCOMPLISH? Our campaign project S.S.S. can and will be successful if each of A. Less trees cut down our 40,000 members across the B. Less energy used nation feels her responsibility C. Less solid waste accumulated and actively participates. l. The base of our campaign TREES will be letters which explain why 1, Many experts forsee that by we feel using recycled paper is 1983—85, we will be using more necessary. We urge you to read the trees than we can grow. enclosed fact sheet and to have 2, Trees take from 15 to 40 years copies made for each 0f your mem- to reach the size where they may be bers. Then, compose your own used in paper production as a letters (to your 0011886, your source of wood pulp. Seventeen children's schools, the agencies such trees, roughly the yearly pro- through which you do volunteer work, duct of a 3 2/3—acre forest, must the companies in which you hold be cut down to make one ton of stock) asking them to join in the virgin paper. effort to use recycled paper. 3. At present, the United States We hope each member will set for is importing primarily from Canada herself a goal 0f at least five SUCh over 10% of its timber requirements letters, and we further hOpe that for paper because our domestic the Club Presidents will ask at the forests in the year 1972 were un- next two or three meetings whether able to supply the demand, your goal has been accomplished. 4. If we project to the year 1985 Just imagine the impact if from all the amount of wood fiber needed by over the United States such letters the United States, one sees that arrived at, say, the Eastman Kodak the demand by that year will exceed Company. the supply available from North 2. A letter to your newspaper America. Therefore, the National or to a local news program telling Academy of Engineering estimates 0f the drive Will give a further that the rate of recycling must be opportunity to Spread the infor- raised from 20% to 35% by 1985 in mation. order to keep the nation's wood This mailing to you will cost resources in balance. approximately $80. It will be money well spent if from New York ENERGY to Hawaii recycling 0f paper and l. The problem of exhaustion of use Of recycled paper becomes energy sources is a national con- apparent. cern. 2. The manufacture of recycled paper requires less energy and can result in less water and less air polution than does the conversion of wood pulp into virgin paper. 3. To make the stock for one ton of paper requires 1—1/2 tons of coal, thousands of gallons of water and 17 trees. 4. To make completely white re— cycled paper requires one—half the energy required for virgin paper. 5. Recycled paper can be made indistinguishable from virgin paper, or it can have a recycled ”look”. 6. Those willing to use non de— inked recycled paper can do far more for the environment, since de—inking does produce some water pollution. WASTE 1. Paper constitutes 50% of all municipal waste. Figures for sub— urban waste go as high as 80% paper. 2. Americans use approximately 55 million tons of paper and paper products a year. 3. At present, 20% of the above is made from recycled paper. This amount represents about 200 million trees saved each year. 4. If both sides of the paper are used, it is an obvious fact that by that quick device alone we save 50% of the paper used. 5. The increased demand for re- cycled paper will also increase interest in the recycling process itself. As this occurs, the solid waste generated will be decreased. MARKET DEMAND I. The lack of market is one big problem confronting those who wish to recycle. We must help to create that market. Purchase of recycled paper products will increase the market demand and also lower prices. 2. One-half the paper manufactured in the United States is paperboard (cereal boxes, cartons, etc.). A far greater variety of scrap paper can be recycled for paperboard than for office paper. 3. Present and happy users of re- cycled paper include the City of New York, the Bank of America and the National Geographic Society. SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ”Purchasing Recycled Paper,” a prospectus by the Council of New York Law Associates, Room 510, 36 West 44th Street, New York, New York 10036. P.O.Box 1996 Lexington, Ky. February 1, 1973 Dear Friends, The Environmental Projects Committee of TKO, Inc. is planning to Open a collection center for recyclable materials in March. Located in the area bound by Spring, West High, Patterson, and Old Vine Streets, this center will be equipped to collect and tranSport to recycling plants the following items: Cans (both aluminum and bi- metal) clean, with paper labels removed and flattened; Glass (clear, green and brown) clean, with paper and metal removed; Corrugated paper,f1attened; and Magazines. There will also be facilities to collect newspapers on behalf of the current neWSpaper collection pro- ject of the Volunteers of America. At the inception of its operation, the center expects to be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We feel that you and other mem- bers of your church, club or organization, either collectively or individually, would like to participate in making the collect- ion center an Operating seccess. To this end we would like to suggest the following: 1. Watch for announcements of the opening day of the center in the news media and discuss it with your friends. 2. Save as many recyclable items as you can and bring them to the center. 3. Assist in staffing the center on Saturdays. Those who are interested should call me at 253—1157. We shall look forward to hearing from you and working with you. Sincerely, /Alda M. Prosser Chairman Environmental Projects Comm. TKO TKO Collection Center Opens March 31 Open Every Saturday Thereafter from 8 to 5 (on Old Vine between Broadway and Patterson Streets) Auntie Pollution Says: ”Remember, your grandmother was the original earth woman. She practiced ecology by making use of things we throw away today - only to her it was known as economy. Make her economy your ecology!" THE GARDEN CLUB OF LEXINGTON Box 4144 Kentucky 40504 Lexington, "You cannot teach a man any— thing. You can only help him discover it within himself." Galileo HOW DO YOU FEEL? The Senate Commerce Committee will hold hearings on a bill for a nationwide ban on selling pro— ducts in non—returnable bottles and cans. The bill will be heard sometime in October or November, and is known as S. 2062. It is Sponsored by Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon. Do YOU have a right to protest without a solution? THE BLOOMIN' NEWS is printed on 100% RECYCLED PAPER Vol. I No. 3 Edited By: Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Lexington Mrs. John P. Barrow, Jr. AUDUBON SOCIETY'S STAND ON THE RED RIVER DAM (Reprinted from the Buckley Hills Audubon Society Newsletter of September-October, 1973) Following is the statement made by Mr. Ralph Madison, president of the Kentucky Audubon Council, at the hearing in Stant- on, Ky., on July 14, on the proposed Red River Dam and Lake. A follow—up letter to Governor wendell H. Ford is also pre- sented. When the Red River project was first discussed, the objective was flood con— trol and it was authorized under the Flood Control Act (Public Law 87—874, 87th Congress). Now general recreation seems to be the main objective. In fact, 42.5% of the claimed benefits are from recreation while only 41% are attributed to flood control. This situation there— fore casts doubt on the true objective of the project. If the basic purpose is for recreation, then the project is in viola— tion of the real Water Resources objec— tive of the Corps. If the basic purpose is for flood control, it is inconceivable that such a huge structural impouhdment is required. A true flood control dam would be one designed to contain the ”so—called floods of record” but Would be operated at a minimal or no-pool stage. Thus when a flood occurred, the dam would contain the Continued on Page 2 water. In this Red River project, the pool would be so high that little or no protection would be obtained during a severe flood. But there would be plenty of recreation! Furthermore, severe damage would occur to recreational facilities with such a high pool, thus lessening the benefits by a very significant amount. A lesson should be learned from the dif— ficulties at Lake Barkley last Spring when government operators were forced to further raise the pool level on account of heavy rainfall. With each proposed project being justified by includ— ing huge recreational benefits, the per—unit ben— efit becomes increasingly less valuable. In addition, the environmental damage result— ing from the construction of this huge impound— ment will be tremendous and no amount of environ— mental analysis will overcome the ”irretrievable losses”which will be imposed on the Gorge area. In conclusion, we believe that the purpose of the Red River Flood Control and Water Supply Pro— ject would be satisfied with a much smaller dam operating in a realistic flood containment man— ner. Better still would be no dam at C’ll! Dear Governor Ford: Re: Red River Lake This letter will supplement my Statement made for the Kentucky Audubon Council at the Public Hearing on Red River Lake at Stanton, on July 14, 1973. An analysis of the data found in the Draft En— vironmental Impact Statement reveals how mislead- ing the entire proposal is. For instance, the volume containment for flood control is 138,000 acre feet while the maximum flood of record (50 years) is 55,480 acre feet. In other words, the provision for flood control is 2-1/2 times great- er than required. When the unwanted water sup- ply is deducted (including the volume provided for silt) the dam is actually 3 times larger then required for flood control! THE BOWER... (By permission of Buckley Hills Audubon Society Newsletter Editor) Pipelines. It seems that my summer has had its fill of them. The Alaska oil line. The Ashland oil line. Congress has passed the Alaska digging without any further re— course, and the example it has set on a problem such as this, is that you get enough power and you do what you want to regardless of other ways. The Ashland oil line. Nobody could touch it. Ashland said it had decided to put it through here and that was that. It would take a law to undo the right of eminent domain before anybody could get any leverage. And now, I suppose even if you got a law, the legislature could override it if it wanted to following the example of the Congress. There's got to be a way. A conscience, maybe? Which brings us to the topic of solar energy. I'm all for it. And so are a lot of other people, including the government. However, the government isn't backing the research as heavily as it is the nuclear plants. The University of Arizona has a The Corps of Engineers is aware of this, of course. They also know that if they recommended a dam suitable only for flood control, the pool or lake would be so small as to be unsuitable for ”recreation”. They consequently artificially build up the ”water—supply" and the flood control volume so that the lake would be large enough to enable them to ”crank in" more recreational bene— fits. This would presumable make a muchmmore pa— latable package for the public to swallow. We believe this action is deceptive to the highest degree. In addition, their attempt to show a benefit in Social Well—being is biased and without any human feeling. We do not believe that Social Well-being is achieved through disruption of the homes and lives of the citizens living above the dam, so that the owners of the land below the dam benefit from the unfortunate circumstances of the former. This is especially so when it is translated into development profit and marina fees. (Incidentally, we disagree vehemently with your Premise that Progress means that Somebody Has To Get Hurt). The attached Statement has already spoken to the idea of constructing a true flood control dam. Such a structure would cost a great deal less mon— ey and be non—disruptive to human life. Another alternative is a flood wall which, contrary to certain beliefs, has not been fully investigated and therefore has not been proved to be economi— cally infeasible. In View of the foregoing and without even com— menting on the environmental which would definite- ly occur, we respecfully urge you to take the necessary steps to prevent the construction of this dam. Sincerely yours, (8) Ralph Madison, Pres. Kentucky Addubon Council sun machine atop one of its buildings financed by four power companies. Honeywell Corporation and the U. of Minnesota are working on heat collection under a National Science Foundation contract. Some feel that a several hundred— megawatt plant could be in opera- tion by the 1980's. The sun deposits every 15 minutes, on the illuminated side of the Earth energy equivalent to all energy consumed by people on Earth in an entire year. Or say it this way: average solar energy that falls on Lake Erie alone every day is more than all the energy consumed in the U.S. in a 24 hour period. Sounds great doesn't it? But there are a lot of bugs in the process that have to be knocked out to make the sun power avail- able to your electric outlets. Mrs. Alex Bower ”For our life, though it is full of things, is empty of the kind of purpose and effort that gives life its flavor and its meaning.” James Reston Courier-Journal May 6, 1973 WHAT IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION? by David N. Poinsett (Preservation News-July1973) Historic preservation has existed. in its traditional sense. for three purposes. The first is education. His- toric preservation supplements the written word. In a properly interpreted historic house museum. a person gains insight into the life and times of previous indi- viduals and groups. It is. in effect. a three-dimensional learning experience. Secondly. historic preservation exists for the purpose of recreation. It is fun to visit historic sites. to see the unusual. quaint and often difficult ways in which peo- ple lived in an earlier age. Thirdly. historic preservation exists for inspiration. Patriotism. in its truest sense. is instilled and strength- ened by gaining a better insight into who we are as a people and nation. whence we came. and where we are headed. Historic preservation can help instill and snengthentheseconcepts There is today a fourth reason for historic preserva- non.'Thisisthe putnng of hbtoncaHy and archnec- turally valuable sites and buildings to economically viable uses. Such uses are often different from. and yet compatible with. the original function of the structure. This is perhaps the greatest challenge and most im- portant work of the historic preservationist. It requires careful planning. creativeness, extra effort and. most important of all. a state of mind that will seek alterna- tives to the obvious one of demolition. Historic preservation means building new Structures that reflect our time yet blend with the old. In districts of architecturally important buildings, the new should complement the old. not copy it. As Ada Louise Hux- mNewmmindwamhmaumcdumnoffiwbhwlbd Timer last October, "The best of the past deserves the best ofthe present. not make-believe muck." WHAT IS A CONSERVATION— ORIENTED AGENCY? International Book Project, Inc., 17 Mentelle Park, Lexington, Kentucky, 40502 IS! For less than $1.00 you can send 4 pounds of used magazines or 8 pounds of used books overseas. If you would like to share your used books and magazines with someone abroad, write to IBP. Include your name and address, and they will send you the name of someone in need of the material. The 1973 lBP Christmas card is postcard size with a postcard back. These cards are available 25 for a tax deductible gift of $5.00. For orders notify the IBP Office. THINK CONSERVATION! THE GARDEN CLUB OF LEXINGTON Box 4144 Kentucky 40504 Lexington, OBITUARY THE KENTUCKY BOTTLE BILL How do you prefer the news? The Lex- ington Herald-Leader headlined the demise of the Bottle Bill with Litter Problem Study Gets senate Group OK. The Kentucky Kernel stated flatly Senate Kills All Hope of Bottle Bill Passage. The Bottle Bill was introduced in the House by Representative Vic Hellard of Versailles. It was a copy of the work- ing Oregon State Bill. Senator John Berry, Jr. introduced the bill, 8865, in the senate, calling it one of the more important pieces of legislation of the session. Opposition was swift and sure, even saying it would take more energy to wash bottles than make them. The resolution to "study" the litter problem was also opposed but it passed. So now Kentucky get to spend $15,000 to study litter rather than preventing litter until the next sessionoof the Lesislature. Reprinted from "Buckley Hills Audubon Society Newsletter" March - April On Energy Charles Callison, Direc- tor of the National Audubon Society, said: "Americans are not ready to scuttle environmental protection for unlimited access to gasoline, for the continued questionable privilege of living in overheated houses, stores and offices, in order to live in a plastic world with a plethora of non- essential gadgets to be purchased and thrown away--adding nothing to the real value to the human condition... We must not let the crisis be used for maximizing profits at the expense of public health and welfare." (Mr. Callison was on of an Advisory Committee whose advice was sought by William E. Simon of the Federal Ener- gy Administration. It is encouraging that the unbiased opinions of men not involved in politics or the selling of energy are being heard.) Reprinted from the National Affairs and Legislation Committee Report G.C.A. February 1974. I977 VOL. I NO. 4 Edited By: Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Lexington Mrs. John P. Barrow, Jr. Guest Writer Robert Van Meter STRIP MINING TOUR NOTES Robert Van Meter Last Saturday, I joined a group at Hazard for a tour of the Lott's Creek section of Knott County. This expedition was organized by Senator Tom Ward for members of the General Assembly. It was an effort to discover the truth in certain seri- ous charges made in the Legislature about strip mine reclamation. It was led by Senator Ward and by Senator Joe Graves. Our first stop was the Lott's Creek Community School. The school director, Miss Alice Slone, pointed out the dam- age done by silt and overburden from mining operations further up the hollow, which wiped out the small spot of bot- tom land that had been their source of food. The school was her life's work. Later we went to a large bench near the top of the.mountain, where a thick seam of coal had been removed by strip, augur and deep mining. This area was supposed to have been reclaimed several years ago, but there was little sign of vegetation. The overburden, pushed over the mountain side below the bench was a menace to the homesteads down the valley. It was silt and rock from this massive pile that caused the damage to the Community School, and deposited so much debris in and around neighboring homes that they were abondoned. In its natural state this section once supported hardwood forests, clean streams and abundant wildlife. The native population was poor in worldly goods but enjoyed freedom and inde- pendence. Now much is changed. In the name of progress many of the people have been pushed aside along with the overburden from the mines. Also the forests, waterways and wold- life are casualties. Eastern Kentucky is an area of tre- mendous natural wealth and no one can dispute the economic value of the coal industry to this state. Profits in the past and those expected in the future are proof. My conclusion is that human and environmental values should not be overlooked bytthe people who exploit Kentucky's coal. They have an obli- gation to the people of this state to be reSponsible for the damage they do. (Reprinted from "Buckley Hills Audubon Society Newsletter" March - April 1974 by permission of Robert Van Meter) CONSERVATION COMMITTEE 19734976 CHAIRMAN MRS. MART w. REEVES 6307 DIAMOND HEAD DALLAS. TEXAS 75225 FIRST VICEvCHAIRMAN MRS LEONARD KIRBY CHAIRMEN BILLBOARDS AND ROADSIDE PROTECTION MRS. BRUCE C. GUNNELL EDUCATION # THE EDUCATIONAL PACKET. THE STUDENT CONSERVATION PROGRAM AND SCHOLARSHIPS MRS. FRANK B. MCKOWN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL AIR SOIL - NOISE POLLUTION MRS. GEORGE KONDOLF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ANO CIVIC PLANTING MRS. CHARLES F. HOVEY LAND USE '- NATIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MRS. JOSEPH VERNER REED REDWOOD GROVE MRS. DOUGLAS CARVER WATER RESOURCES: MRS. JAMES H CHILDS. JR ZONE I MRS ZONE 2 , MRS. ZONE 3 MRS. ZONE 4 MRS. ZONE 5 MRS. ZONE 6 . MRS. ZONE 7 MRS. ZONE 8 MRS ZONE