In the June 2nd, 2022 issue of ABRA Update we reported the difficult news that Lew Freeman was stepping down after serving as Executive Director of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance since 2014.
Allen Johnson, Chair of the ABRA Board of Directors,
An Adieu from Lew Freeman
I announced two months ago that I would be stepping down as Executive Director of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance in June. Today is my last day.
I’ve had the privilege of helping co-found ABRA in 2014 and serving as its first Chair until assuming the role as staff head.
A message from Allen Johnson, Chair, ABRA Board of Directors
As Chair of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, we commend and thank Lew Freeman for his extraordinary and competent leadership. Lew developed, coordinated, and empowered diverse peoples and organizations into the collective ABRA force that was significantly instrumental in defeating the colossal Atlantic Coast Pipeline project.
Applications for ABRA director position still being accepted
Job posting for new ABRA director position now available
A job description for a new director to manage the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance is now available on the ABRA website. Lewis Freeman, the current Executive Director for ABRA and a co-founder of the organization, announced on March 31 his plans to retire from the position in June.
ABRA to publish a chronicle of the 6-year fight against the ACP
ABRA will publish this month a paper that chronicles the effort to stop the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) from being constructed.
The Fight Against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline: A Chronicle describes in detail significant developments associated with the opposition effort against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline,
New members join ABRA’s Board of Directors
Three new members have been elected to ABRA’s Board of Directors: Ben Luckett, Appalachian Mountain Advocates; David Sligh, Wild Virginia; and Judy Rodd, Friends of Blackwater.
Continuing on the ABRA Board are Kate Boyle of Appalachian Advocates (Vice Chair),
2021 has been a consequential year of transition for ABRA
The past year has been an important year of transition for the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance. Among our accomplishments have been:
- Transitioning from an organization dedicated to defeating the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to an alliance with the long-term goal of promoting and protecting the ecological integrity of the Central Appalachian Highlands region of Virginia and West Virginia.
Off-road vehicles on public lands: a growing issue in WV
Recent efforts in the West Virginia General Assembly to promote off-highway vehicles (ORVs) on public lands is a growing concern among conservation groups in West Virginia. In the 2021 session of the West Virginia General Assembly there were 8 bills and 2 resolutions introduced to promote the use of off-road vehicles on West Virginnia’s public lands.
Conservation Hub takes flight
In August of last year, shortly after the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, ABRA announced the launch of a new program…the Conservation Hub. Building on the experience and success of the Compliance Surveillance Initiative, or CSI,