Arguably one of the most well-known tracts of old growth forest in Western North Carolina, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, in Graham County, draws some 40,000 visitors each year. The forest, dedicated to Joyce Kilmer in 1936, celebrates the 75th anniversary of its dedication this year. But pests like the woolly adelgid are changing the forest. So is dynamite.
Posted inEnvironment
Dynamite and definitions: On its 75th anniversary, Joyce Kilmer faces public relations challenges
Thousands visit Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness each year to view the old-growth forest. But the landscape has changed dramatically, as the Forest Service adopts and enacts a policy of dynamiting some of the dead trees. What’s left raises questions, as the Memorial Forest celebrates its 75th anniversary of its dedication.
Posted inEnvironment, Special Reports
Joyce Kilmer’s famous forest turns 75, even as the quick death of area hemlocks surprises scientists, others
Majestic groves of huge, old trees evoke reverence, affection and poetry. The memorial forest dedicated to Joyce Kilmer, one of the most famous stands of old growth in North Carolina, turns 75 this year. But scientists and others say the decline of hemlocks is quicker than first thought — and their death comes at a cost.
Posted inEconomy, Environment
Press release: REI grant supports employees working with WNCA to build campsites on French Broad River Paddle Trail
Paddling for more than one day along the French Broad River currently is difficult because the river is dominated by private land and public camping is rare. When it’s completed, the French River Paddle Trail will be a combination of public and private land, strategically located between the few existing public campsites.
Posted inCrime & Justice
Asheville police: SBI evidence-room investigation ongoing
Asheville photographer zen Sutherland shot this photo of a flier he found that questions the Asheville Police Department about missing oxycodone, referencing news from April that the SBI had launched an investigation into, among other things, missing painkillers at the department. APD responds to CPP, saying the investigation is ongoing.