Let’s Talk Resilience

MountainKeepers host community forum

By Scott Nicholson

The local organization MountainKeepers and about 85 people put their heads together Saturday to share ideas on “How to create a resilient community?”

About 85 people gathered at Watauga High School Saturday to discuss environmental and community-building ideas. Photo by Scott Nicholson

The participants tackled a number of subjects at their Watauga High School gathering, covering such topics as coalition building, composting, recycling, historic preservation, alternative transportation, water conservation, locally produced food and energy, and a host of other sustainability, environmental and economic issues.

The participants, including county and Boone municipal leaders, gathered for three rounds of small-group communication and then brought their ideas back to the main group and recorded them into databases. The master list will be compiled by MountainKeepers and used to continue conversations on the various topics.

MountainKeepers president Nancy Reigel said, “There were so many conversations, and they were incredibly intense. It’s going to be exciting to go back through it all.”

Reigel said MountainKeepers will use the information to create partnerships and links between those who share similar interests or goals, such as a local-food system of growing and distribution.

“There was such depth, content and energy from all the participants,” Reigel said.

“When the MountainKeepers were putting it together and thinking what it could be, we’re thrilled at the fresh input. We’ve created a community of a whole new set of people.”

Jack Callahan, a retired professor of geology from Appalachian State University, said he’s been interested in local issues for 38 years, especially on pedestrian trails, water and growth.

“I’m a fan of controlled, sustainable development,” he said of his reason for participating. “I wanted to come and learn. There are some exciting new topics being discussed.”

Angie Pate, who represents New River Organic Growers, said she was interested in local foods and cooperative efforts to reach new markets. “I came to see the food aspect,” Pate said. “It’s what makes a community resilient. There are not enough farmers, and farm land is expensive. We need more markets and CSAs (community-supported agriculture) and to get more food into restaurants. We need help on a state or county level to make that happen. This is a good forum for suggesting action steps.”

Reigel said MountainKeepers will use the information to develop an organizational action plan, but it will also encourage others who participated to make connections and continue to meet.

“The onus is on the MountainKeepers to honor that and do something of real value,” she said.

Reigel was also delighted with the optimism expressed at the forum.

“Everyone worked hard at listening and understanding, too,” she said. “There was not, in any conversation, anyone saying how it couldn’t be done.”

MountainKeepers describes itself as “an alliance of individuals, groups and organizations who are committed to the safekeeping of the special character of our communities and region, the preservation of our natural resources, unique heritage and culture, and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.”

The results of the forum and the lists that emerged from small-group discussions will soon be posted online on www.mountainkeepers.org.