Slide 17 shows Burke's Garden, do you know if this used to be a volcano. I tried researching it a little but nothing mentions it being a volcano. It makes me wonder what caused such a large depression.
I'm not sure. This is the only place I have listed that I have not visited. It's on my to do list. Everything I have found online is just listing it as a "rare piece of geology". James Burke discovered it in the 1740's. That's the only information I found related to its past.
Slide 19 depicts the coal mining in the area. Are they all currently active? Is coal mining the only major mining or natural resource extraction activity?
No, they are not all currently active. Though not all of them are active they still pose a environmental / health risk: "These sites have the potential to contaminate water, pollute soil, kill wildlife and sicken humans, to say nothing of the risks of falling down a hidden mine shaft" - Rachael Bale, The Reveal.
There are abandoned mines within the watershed that are attempting to get funding under the RECLAIM Act to re-purpose the mines and dispense of hazardous materials. Check this link out for more information: http://appvoices.org/new-economy/healing-our-land/
Also, to my knowledge coal mining is the largest extraction activity. Not only is it tied to the land, but socially coal mining is very prevalent in this area. Majority of the people in this watershed can attest to having a friend, relative, or friend of a friend working / retired from the mines. There is very little talk about other sources of energy.
There is no restrictions for visitors. This does prove to be a problem at the Devil's Bathtub. The road / parking area leading up to the walk for the Bathtub is a narrow dirt road with private property on both sides. The parking area can fit maybe 15 vehicles. Law enforcement have been called multiple times for vehicles on private property. Many people have been stuck due to mud or irresponsible parking. There have been emergency vehicles needing to get back to the parking lot, and, due to the tight squeeze, have pushed cars off the road to access the area.
Pollution: Every once in awhile, my husband and I hike the trail with gloves and a trash bag to clean the trail - we never leave without our bag overflowing with cans, bottles, shoes/clothing items... it's a mess. However, this is not me discouraging people from enjoying nature, just be mindful, come early and clean up you own mess.. or bring a bag to help clean up other's mess.
Love your pictures! I especially like that you've included must-see attractions along your watershed. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm in your neck of the woods.
Slide 17 shows Burke's Garden, do you know if this used to be a volcano. I tried researching it a little but nothing mentions it being a volcano. It makes me wonder what caused such a large depression.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure. This is the only place I have listed that I have not visited. It's on my to do list. Everything I have found online is just listing it as a "rare piece of geology". James Burke discovered it in the 1740's. That's the only information I found related to its past.
DeleteSlide 19 depicts the coal mining in the area. Are they all currently active? Is coal mining the only major mining or natural resource extraction activity?
ReplyDeleteNo, they are not all currently active. Though not all of them are active they still pose a environmental / health risk: "These sites have the potential to contaminate water, pollute soil, kill wildlife and sicken humans, to say nothing of the risks of falling down a hidden mine shaft" - Rachael Bale, The Reveal.
DeleteThere are abandoned mines within the watershed that are attempting to get funding under the RECLAIM Act to re-purpose the mines and dispense of hazardous materials. Check this link out for more information: http://appvoices.org/new-economy/healing-our-land/
Also, to my knowledge coal mining is the largest extraction activity. Not only is it tied to the land, but socially coal mining is very prevalent in this area. Majority of the people in this watershed can attest to having a friend, relative, or friend of a friend working / retired from the mines. There is very little talk about other sources of energy.
DeleteDo you know if there are any restrictions on the number of visitors to the Devil's Bathtub? Are there issues of pollution?
ReplyDeleteThere is no restrictions for visitors. This does prove to be a problem at the Devil's Bathtub. The road / parking area leading up to the walk for the Bathtub is a narrow dirt road with private property on both sides. The parking area can fit maybe 15 vehicles. Law enforcement have been called multiple times for vehicles on private property. Many people have been stuck due to mud or irresponsible parking. There have been emergency vehicles needing to get back to the parking lot, and, due to the tight squeeze, have pushed cars off the road to access the area.
DeletePollution: Every once in awhile, my husband and I hike the trail with gloves and a trash bag to clean the trail - we never leave without our bag overflowing with cans, bottles, shoes/clothing items... it's a mess. However, this is not me discouraging people from enjoying nature, just be mindful, come early and clean up you own mess.. or bring a bag to help clean up other's mess.
Hey Kasey,
ReplyDeleteLove your pictures! I especially like that you've included must-see attractions along your watershed. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm in your neck of the woods.
Good work!
-Caitlin (From 4-H)