PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2012
CONTACT: Andrew Lester, Roanoke River Basin Association, (434) 250-1185
Tiffany Haworth, Dan River Basin Association, (336) 627-6270
RIVER GROUPS WELCOME MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC LANDSCAPE DESIGNATION OF COLES HILL, VIRGINIA
Chatham, VA – The Roanoke River Basin Association (RRBA) and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) applaud the designation of Coles Hill, VA and the surrounding area as Preservation Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Rural Landscape.
The designation was prompted by a threat posed by the proposal to lift Virginia’s 30-year ban on uranium mining with the first uranium mine and mill planned at the Coles Hill site. The designation also comes after Virginia’s governor took the issue out of the legislature’s hands and established a uranium working group charged with drafting regulations in secrecy with limited public involvement.
“This designation is a welcome news for the basin. Heritage tourism is a significant tax revenue generator for numerous counties and localities throughout the Commonwealth. It would complement RRBA’s Upper Reach program established to encourage water related tourism in the region, including paddling, camping and boating and fishing,” said Gene Addesso, RRBA’s vice-president.
“The southern Virginia community has established an international reputation for the preservation of and access to priceless historical assets, including the Sutherlin Mansion, Berry Hill Plantation and the Callands Courthouse. This new designation joins a long line of wise choices by Virginians. This is going to be a plus for our local businesses if we wisely promote it,” said Andrew Lester, RRBA’s executive director.
DRBA Executive Director, Tiffany Haworth, added, “We hope this designation will inspire the region’s citizens to take action to protect Coles Hill and its surroundings. Working together, we can ensure that this unique asset will be preserved for future generations.”
Additional Information:
The Roanoke River Basin Association (RRBA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to be the voice for the development, use, preservation, and enhancement of the Roanoke River Basin’s resources. The RRBA represents the two-state region that would be the first uranium mining and milling site on the East Coast if Virginia’s 30-year ban on uranium mining is lifted. Hence, RRBA has taken a lead role in the investigation of the proposed uranium mining and milling in the basin. Contact: Andrew Lester, RRBA Executive Director, 434-250-1185, www.rrba.org, www.UpperReach.org, www.readthereports.org
The mission of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) is to preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River Basin through stewardship, education and recreation. DRBA is a proud member of the Keep the Ban Coalition that continues to educate communities about the negative impact of uranium mining. Visit www.danriver.org to get involved and become a member.
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