Asheville has become the first city in NC to declare a “climate emergency”
After months of back-and-forth between Asheville city officials and climate activists, Asheville has become the first in the state to declare a “climate emergency” and set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In the resolution, the city commits to ending greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Council also committed to switching all municipal operations to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and the entire community by 2042, the Citizen Times reports. “The city of Asheville recognizes the need for a new strategy to address climate change,” Amber Weaver, head of the city’s Office of Sustainability, told the Citizen Times.
Read the story here: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/01/29/asheville-climate-emergency-north-carolina-greenhouse-gases/4603451002/
Registration now open for “Classic Hikes of the Smokies”
Friends of the Smokies has announced that registration is now open for the 2020 Classic Hikes of the Smokies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hikes feature interpretation of the trail, history, and park projects supported by Friends of the Smokies. According to the Friends of the Smokies website, the hikes support restoration and rehabilitation of some of the Smokies most impacted trails through the Trails Forever program.
To join one of the classic hikes, pre-registration is required. To see a full list of the upcoming hikes, and to register, visit the Friends of the Smokies website: https://friendsofthesmokies.org/product/hike-the-smokies/.
Foothills Conservancy purchases 330 acres in Oak Hill for future park
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has acquired 330 acres of the Oak Hill Community Park and Forest project, the first of a two-part acquisition process that is expected to total 651 acres, the organization said on their website. They continue to raise funds to purchase the second 321-acre parcel of property, which they hope to acquire by May 2020.
Foothills Conservancy says that the purchase of the tract ensures permanent protection of a segment of Canoe Creek and its tributaries, forested uplands, agricultural land and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and South Mountains.
Read the story here: https://foothillsconservancy.org/2020/01/foothills-conservancy-acquires-330-acres-in-oak-hill-for-future-park-part-one-of-two-part-project/
