Floods of 2001
Highlands Conservancy goes into action!
After one heavy rain event last summer we knew we had a problem, but when the second and third floods hit, we knew we had to act.
Highlands Conservancy board members Julian Martin and Bob Marshall and Frank Young raised some money, rounded up some volunteers and hauled a truck load of supplies to be dispersed with the help of our friends at Coal River Mountain Watch in the Whitesville Area. After several inquiries from members, many from out of state, wanting to know how to help, we decided to establish a special fund and collect donations earmarked for flood relief.
It began with a single e-mail message. "Help" Flood Relief! The word got around. Soon we found ourselves with dozens of volunteers from several states and donations coming in faster than we have ever seen. The outpouring of caring, generosity and heartfelt concern for their fellow mountaineers shown by our members and friends is what keeps all of us going. I can't thank all of you enough for your response to this most appropriate and most rewarding endeavor.
Besides the countless volunteer hours by Highlands Conservancy members, we collected close to $10,000 in flood relief donations. This money was used to support volunteers, buy supplies, and for several "mini-grants" we dispersed to Highlands Conservancy member organizations who were doing flood relief work in affected areas, and to other organizations who were getting the needed help to people and places that were falling through the cracks of the traditional flood relief mechanisms.
We have now completely dispersed the flood relief funds. The final dollars going to the Fayette Recovery Team. Other organizations that helped with this effort include the Southern Appalachian Labor School, Plateau Action Network, Coal River Mountain Watch, the Organizing Project and the Big Creek People in Action. Thanks to everyone who helped make this effort a success. In addition to those mentioned above, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition were instrumental in our efforts.
Dear Highlands Conservancy,
The Plateau Action Network would like to thank the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy for the $1,000 donation for flood recovery efforts in Fayette County. This money was used to purchase towels, bedding materials for mattresses donated by P.A.N., clothes, food, and other supplies. A 100 ft. length of hose purchased with this money was used with a pump donated by P.A.N. to pump sewer laced water from basements, yards and homes. We have spent all the money now, with the last $60 given to a grandmother who lost everything, now living in a trailer taking care of her grandchildren. She used the $60 to buy winter coats for them for Christmas. Your response to the flood demonstrates once again that the Highlands Conservancy is the leading environmental citizens group in the state. Again, thank you for your support of our organization.
Sincerely, Randy Boyd, Plateau Action Network