In 1997, a group of concerned citizens held a meeting to address the effects of proposed power lines, which would have impacted an undeveloped portion of the Meadow River.…
We are a citizen’s coalition working within the community to promote responsible economic development and sustainable environmental management. As a watershed organization, with over 18 years of experience, we have seen the landscapes of our region change, the fabric of our community evolve, and with it, the passing of stewardship towards our local resources.
Moving forward, PAN will continue to assess the composition of our local water resources, work collaboratively with local stakeholders and strategically execute projects critical to the health of the Lower New River . The Plateau Action Network will continue to remain durable, as long as people are concerned about the preservation of their water resources – “We are advocates for healthy watersheds.”
To learn more about who we are and what we do please visit our history page .
This project was last covered in our June ‘07 Vol 9 No. 1 and tree planting was in October ‘07 Vol 9 No. 2
Here’s some history-: Many years ago extensive deep mining occurred in the Sewell coal seam beneath the Laurel Creek watershed. As the underground mine was inundated with water after the mine was closed, pressure began to build resulting in artesian flows. In the late 1970’s, the water blew out near the community of Dempsey, resulting in flooding to several homes and roadways. Read More
Lights ON! West Virginia: A Strategy to Improving Quality of Life in Rural Appalachia (Article 1 of 3)Read More
What is Lights ON! West Virginia. Let’s look at a satellite image of West Virginia taken at night.
You can make out lights in Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, the eastern pan handle and Beckley, but for the most part, the New River Gorge Region is quite dark. We like it that way, right? Quiet, safe and starry nights.
Now zoom in and imagine a small light illuminating Oak Hill, WV, a small, town in southern WV, north of Beckley. Now see more little light bulbs (CFL’s of course) illuminating revitalized downtowns across the dark backdrop of the rolling, rural West Virginia landscape. The little lights are once forgotten and now rehabilitated buildings located along downtown Main St., Anysmalltown, WV. Restaurants are open late and the gallery is having a show. Read More
The Plateau Action Network