Green Roundup: Conservation groups prepare for lawsuit over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

Notice of Intent to Sue Sent to U.S. Forest Service

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing MountainTrue, the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Center for Biological Diversity, has sent a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue to the U.S. Forest Service regarding its Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan. The SELC claims that the proposed plan violates the Endangered Species Act and puts endangered forest bats at risk. Despite the Forest Service’s release of a 419-page document in response to objections, opponents argue that crucial information was deliberately withheld.

Concerns About Sustainable Practices

At its core, the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan outlines the prioritization and restriction of activities such as logging and road building. The plan, initially published in February, states that the use of sustainable practices to preserve environmental stability was of utmost importance during its development. However, conservation groups contend that the plan does the opposite.

Josh Kelly, public lands field biologist for MountainTrue, stated, “The Forest Service’s management plan for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests is deeply flawed. The Forest Service put commercial logging first, ignored the best science available, and is needlessly putting endangered species at risk of extinction. MountainTrue and our litigation partners are willing to go to court to win a plan that we can all be proud of.”

Allegations of Withheld Information

The Notice of Intent to Sue claims that the Forest Service possessed information indicating increased risks to endangered species but chose not to share it with the Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees endangered species protection. As of now, the U.S. Forest Service has not responded to the notice or requests for comment. The agency has 60 days from the issuance of the notice to take action before facing litigation.

Dynamite Coffee Receives Clean Air Excellence Award

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency has presented Dynamite Roasting Co. in Black Mountain with the Clean Air Excellence Award. This award recognizes businesses and organizations that go beyond air quality regulations by implementing voluntary and innovative programs leading to improved air quality and regional visibility.

Dynamite Roasting Co. recently installed solar panel systems at its production facility in Swannanoa and coffee shop in Black Mountain. In 2022, it became the first local business to invest in an electric delivery van, furthering its commitment to environmental stewardship. The renewable energy systems and electric delivery van have resulted in significant emissions reductions, including approximately 102,600 pounds of greenhouse gases, 50 pounds of nitrogen oxides, and 10 pounds of sulfur dioxide and fine particles per year.

Good to Know

• For the past several weeks, toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires has spread across North America, causing potentially unsafe air conditions in major cities, including Asheville. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals with air sensitivity issues wear an N95 mask to prevent smoke and ash inhalation. More information can be found at avl.mx/cwi.
• Asheville GreenWorks, with the help of over 60 volunteers, has completed its heat mapping campaign of the greater Asheville area. The data will be used by the city of Asheville to target tree planting and tree canopy restoration projects in neighborhoods most vulnerable to heat. The full analysis will be released to the public in February.
• The City of Asheville has implemented a new ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic bags for brush and leaf collection, aiming to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste. Residents have been provided with paper yard waste bags as an alternative. Reusable containers marked “yard waste” are also acceptable. More information can be found at avl.mx/cwj.
• Multiple road projects are underway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which may result in road closures throughout the season. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest closure information at avl.mx/7tw.
• The WNC Nature Center has welcomed two new coyote puppies named Cal and Walker. While their current habitat undergoes renovations, they will be on exhibit in the Predator Pavilion.
• The Environmental Protection Agency is continuing its cleanup work at the CTS of Asheville Superfund Site on Mills Gap Road. The site, contaminated with trichloroethylene and fuel oil, is being remediated, and groundwater monitoring will continue until regulatory goals are met.
• The Asheville Recyclery, a local nonprofit dedicated to recycling and repairing old bicycles, is seeking a new space for its operations. They require approximately 1,000 square feet in downtown or the River Arts District. Assistance can be provided by contacting ashevillerecylery@gmail.com.

Save the Date

• Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a fall family campout at Lake Julian Park in Arden on Saturday, Sept. 9. This family-friendly event is designed for first-time campers. Registration is open until Thursday, Aug. 31. More information can be found at avl.mx/cwk.
• Bullington Gardens, a local nonprofit horticultural learning center and botanical garden in Hendersonville, is hosting its Fall Plantapallooza Sale on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9. Friends of Bullington members have the opportunity to attend an early bird special invitation. More information can be found at avl.mx/cwl.
• MountainTrue is organizing its fourth annual virtual fishing tournament from Friday, Aug. 26, to Monday, Sept. 4. Participants can submit pictures of any fish caught during this period to enter the competition. The angler with the highest combined total length of the three biggest fish will be recognized as the “Broad’s Best Angler.” More information can be

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

  The issues highlighted in the article include the violation of the Endangered Species Act and the potential risk to endangered forest bats due to the proposed Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan. These issues are directly connected to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss. Additionally, the article mentions the installation of solar panel systems and an electric delivery van by Dynamite Roasting Co., which relates to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats
  • SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts
  • SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

  Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 15.5, which focuses on reducing degradation of natural habitats, and SDG 15.9, which emphasizes integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and development processes. Additionally, SDG 13.2 is relevant as it calls for the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

  • Information showing increased risks to endangered species
  • Emissions reductions associated with renewable energy systems and electric delivery van

  The article mentions that the Forest Service had information showing increased risks to endangered species but withheld that information from the Fish and Wildlife Service. This indicates that the availability and transparency of such information can be an indicator of progress towards reducing degradation of natural habitats (SDG 15.5) and integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning (SDG 15.9). Additionally, the article highlights the emissions reductions associated with the renewable energy systems and electric delivery van installed by Dynamite Roasting Co. These emissions reductions can serve as an indicator of progress towards integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning (SDG 13.2).

  4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 15: Life on Land	15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats	– Information showing increased risks to endangered species – Availability and transparency of information on risks to endangered species
  SDG 15: Life on Land	15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts	– Availability and transparency of information on risks to endangered species – Integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and development processes
  	SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning	– Emissions reductions associated with renewable energy systems and electric vehicles

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: mountainx.com

   

  

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