Saving Eastern Kentucky.....Part 1

There was quite a response to the recent New York Times article "What's the Matter With Eastern Kentucky". http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/magazine/whats-the-matter-with-eastern-kentucky.html?_r=0


The article focuses on many problems with Eastern Kentucky and why industrialization wont work. Its all pretty much true. But as the great John Wooden said, "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do". We know what wont work. Lets focus on what will.
When examining Eastern Kentucky the most important questions are: what does the region have? And what can it do?


First, what does Eastern Kentucky have? Eastern Kentucky has difficult, mountainous terrain. There isn't enough flat land available for industrialization or modernization, as noted by the New York Times. However the Times sees only half the picture.

Difficult, mountainous terrain makes Eastern Kentucky impossible to industrialize/modernize. Yet the same is also the region's greatest assets: incredible environmental scenery and wildlife. At every turn there are scenic mountains, lakes, trails and streams. Incredible hunting/wildlife consisting of elk, deer, turkey, etc. Terrific climate for certain kinds of agriculture that could provide small scale/locally sourced vegetables for local/regional restaurants. A perfect climate for growing industrial hemp.


Second, what can Eastern Kentuckians do? Sadly the days of backbreaking, yet well paying, labor in the coal mines are gone; likely never to return. Trust me, it hurts to say. As an attorney coal put a lot of money in my clients pockets; allowing them to pay my fees. Its loss financially hurts me as much as anyone. But we, as a region, need to plan as if coal is finished. Then if coal returns - it will be a HUGE bonus; not a life source the region NEEDS just to survive. Therefore "tunnel vision for coal" MUST stop if the area is to survive.


What are Appalachian people good at? Most people fail to realize Eastern Kentuckians possess several artisanal skills that currently in incredibly high demand both regionally, nationally, and globally. In fact, many of the artisans themselves are yet to realize their skills are in high demand. Also many in the region are exceptional artists and/or musicians.


There's small scale/locally sourced farming. Right now, the fastest growing movement in the restaurant industry is the "farm to table" concept. Eastern Kentuckians have been eating from farm to table for DECADES! Raising gardens and small/medium livestock are skills basically woven into the DNA of many Appalachian people.


Lets not forget moonshine/corn whiskey distillers, which is on the verge of experiencing the type of explosion enjoyed by Bourbon the last few years.

Eastern Kentucky is doomed in terms of industrialization? So what? The region is ripe for sustained, continual success in tourism and cultural export. Not the goofy go-cart, airbrush T-shirt driven tourism of Pigeon Forge (which admittedly, I love too). Instead upscale, rustic, nature driving tourism could quickly and easily begin to bring tourists into the area to spend their money with local merchants/artisans. What's more, the same merchants/artisans could easily export the "Appalachian culture" regionally, nationally, and globally.


In the coming weeks, I'll be writing in more specifics exactly how the region can create a sustainable economy based on tourism and culture. I invite you to follow my posts, and lets all try to reboot Eastern Kentucky together.