Never doubt the power of a persistent few. A phone call from a concerned citizen helped to quash plans for a rock quarry near Appalachian National Scenic Trail in North Carolina that would have ruined a chunk of mountainside, been visible along a two-mile stretch of the trail, and brought a cacophony of machinery.
The resident, who lived near the trail and noticed signs of the mining operation, called state officials to inquire and formed a citizens group to protect the trail. The state found that the proposed quarry's proximity to the trail violated the Mining Act of 1971 and rescinded its permit. The mining company appealed but the state's appeals court in May upheld the revocation.
"This common-sense decision stayed true to the purpose of the Mining Act and protects one of the most beautiful places in the Southern mountains," says Don Barger, NPCA's senior Southeast regional director. "The state took the proper action and should be commended."
"This is a huge victory," he says, "and it's a case of citizens protecting their own park. It's about the effectiveness of vigilance and perseverance when a beloved resource is at stake."
When state officials awarded the permit to Clark Stone Company five years ago, they did not know that the quarry would be visible from the trail, hurting the experiences of hikers and other visitors. Since then, NPCA, the Appalachian Trail Conference, and local groups have worked to stop the quarry and preserve the trail through a series of administrative and legal actions, which have included pressing the state to revoke the permit and participating in a mediation session on the permit revocation.
"Thanks to the actions of the state, local conservation groups, and the concerned citizens, this national park site-one of the most magnificent places I know-will remain an incredible landscape," says Barger.
"The trail will remain an inspiration to visitors now and in the future."
