Nolichucky River and the CSX Rail Line

In this episode, we dive into a pressing environmental crisis unfolding right now on the Nolichucky River, as told by Dennis Ashford—a professor of Chemistry @ Tusculum University, kayaker, and tireless advocate for the protection of one of the most iconic rivers in the Southeast. Dennis and I have crossed paths over the years in Johnson City, with a shared passion for the Nolichucky and its surrounding region. But today, we’re talking about something far more urgent: an ongoing disaster that is threatening the river's future—and it’s happening as we speak.

Dennis has been on the front lines of recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene, helping with rescue missions in the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding that devastated western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. But now, he's focusing on a different kind of crisis—one that is largely being ignored, despite its devastating impact on the environment and local communities. The Nolichucky River, a vital natural resource and recreational gem, is being slowly destroyed by preventable practices, and the clock is ticking.

This isn’t just another environmental issue; this is a call to action. The river’s degradation is happening right before our eyes, and it’s not too late to make a difference. Tune in to hear how we can all take a stand before it's too late. Please share this important message and help us spread the word.

Please see the Google Drive Doc below for contact info of officials that can make a difference.    Please email me for any thoughts or comments.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oC8kr8WfLe02xjfrDsdxrXMT_OjG9AzfHLdcHW1vdS0/edit?usp=sharing

https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/article_id/OzuqNQSj9cK0ootdD4qCs/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568460330466

unnaturaldisasterpodcast@gmail.com