Protect the Nolichucky River: Stop CSX’s Destructive Construction Activities In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods and landslides across Southern Appalachia, a Herculean effort is needed to restore vital infrastructure. However, we cannot let these recovery efforts come at the cost of our cherished public lands and waters. The Nolichucky River, a vital natural treasure flowing from Western North Carolina into Tennessee, has become the site of egregious environmental ...

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America is exceptional in many regards. One of the most notable of our ideals encompasses 640 million acres: our system of public lands and waters, equally owned by every citizen. “We the people own these mountains and forests, rivers, and plains. Nothing could be more American,” former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) North America Board Chair Ryan Busse said.[1] As with our freedoms and government, the concept of public lands was born of a desire to remove the shackles of a stifling ...

As a veteran who served in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), I understand that success often hinges on the small victories. During the GWOT, capturing high-value targets did not just weaken enemy forces; it disrupted their ability to plan, organize, and execute attacks. Each win chipped away at a larger, decentralized network, leaving the enemy with fewer resources and less ability to cause harm. This same principle—winning small victories one at a time—is exactly how we approach the fight ...

As Virginia faces increasing challenges related to wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to support proactive measures that are being taken to address these pressing issues. The proposed legislation, HB 2025/SB 1341, led by Delegate Gardner and Senator Marsden, aims to create a framework that benefits both wildlife and communities throughout the state. Here’s a closer look at the significance of this legislation and its ...