The Youghiogheny River is being threatened by a proposed 480-acre strip mine. Amerikohl Mining Co. has proposed the Curry Mine right next to Ohiopyle State Park and the Great Allegheny Bike trail. This proposed mine could harm the Yough and two of its high quality tributaries, Morgan Run and Johnson Run. The Mountain Watershed Association (MWA), home of the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper , has led and organized the local effort to defend our river from this mine. To date, MWA has invested over $8,000. Now it is time we users and enjoyers of the Yough step up and donate the cash needed to win this fight. The newly created Yough Defense Fund will use 100% of donated funds for this fight.
The fight is now in the courts. A bit of history: The Fayette County Zoning Hearing Board denied Amerikohl Mining’s request for a zoning variance to operate the mine, and Amerikohl has sued to get the variance. The company has also submitted a revised application for a mining permit to the state Department of Environmental Protection. To date, MWA’s legal expenses defending the Yough from this threat total more than $8,000, and they continue to increase.
This is a winnable fight. We know this because the Zoning Board saw the importance of protecting the crown jewel of Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands from potential pollution, and, in a rare move, denied the zoning variance. The coal company has deep pockets, but it can’t match a concerned group of passionate and motivated supporters of the Yough. MWA is the only organization legally pursuing the river’s protection. Supporting this group is the most effective way to support the Yough in this legal battle. You can also voice support by attending any public hearings and letting public officials know you oppose this mine.
On Thursday November 19, the Youghiogheny Defense Party hosts a party at Wilderness Voyageurs – 100 percent of your $20 donation at the door goes to the Yough Defense Fund; and you get food, live music, two free draft beers or sodas, a chance to win door prizes and fun stuff, plus silent auction deals/steals. Plus, 100 percent of extra draft beers and 50 percent of mixed drinks’ cost goes to the Fund.
Thursday, Nov. 19, at Falls City Pub next to Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, Pa.
– 5 p.m. doors open (drinks available)
– 6 p.m. food starts (heavy d’oeuvres)
– 7 p.m. music (by Clark Slater, Jess Hartman and the Ferncliff Collective friends)
– 10 p.m. more music and partying
For more information visit: http://mtwatershed.com/resources/curry/pub_event_flyer.pdf