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Support a Mountain Hero, Win a Vespa Scooter
Monday, April 12th, 2010
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Would you like to support one of the heroes of the movement to end mountaintop removal — and get the chance to win a new Vespa scooter at the same time?
For nearly 25 years, Larry Gibson has been a hero of the movement to end mountaintop removal coal mining.
Larry has been able to protect a 50 acre parcel of land that sits atop the remnants of what was once Kayford Mountain in West Virginia.
Larry’s family has lived on Kayford Mountain for more than 200 years. More than 300 of his relatives are buried in the family cemetery on this property.
But in 1986, mountaintop removal mining started at Kayford Mountain. The slow motion destruction of Kayford Mountain has been continuous – 24 hours a day, seven days a week — and has flattened the mountains surrounding Larry’s house into a 12,000 acre wasteland. The mine comes within 200 feet of the family cemetery, and the blasts make the ground shake.
But what has never been shaken is Larry’s resolve to defend his home. Through his Keeper of the Mountains Foundation, Larry Gibson has promoted the importance of preserving Appalachian culture and heritage by traveling the country to spread the word about the devastation caused by mountaintop removal coal mining. Thousands of people have visited Kayford Mountain to experience the life-changing moment of seeing mountaintop removal firsthand.
Because of his courageous efforts, Gibson and Kayford Mountain have become the target of escalating levels of violence.
Donate today towards a security system for Kayford Mountain and earn a chance to win a new Vespa scooter.
Thank you for everything you do to help heroes like Larry Gibson.
Matt Wasson
iLoveMountains.org
April 12th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
i just wanted to say that i do understand where u are coming from but there is two way to look at the problem yes are mountains are wonderful but with out coal we would not have energy and with out energy we have no light i have to say that me my self is all about coal it takes a very brave man to put his life in danger for his family and friends with out the coal mines there is nothing here how is people soppost to make ends meet if there is not enuff jobs that pay good i am here to say coal all the way!!!! and if you would do what ever it takes to provied for your family then you would understand and besides it anit like anyone is complaining about loggers they cut down our trees and dont use over half no matter what there will always be people who dont like what gose on in this world but get over it wv is coal and coal is good dont like it stay out of wv got that !!!peace out small town girl boone county