Executive Staff:
Mark Freeman, Director
Jane Horton, Program Dev. Associate
Center for Improving Mountain Living
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC  28723
 

"Western North Carolina Tomorrow strongly supports the development of land use planning and controls at the local level with the involvement of citizen representatives of all segments of the population.  Western North Carolina Tomorrow believes that land use planning and controls can be successful only if the people affected have a voice in developing the plans and the controls; if the people understand the alternatives and impact of planning or lack of planning;  and if the people support the implementation of plans and the enforcement of controls.

Western North Carolina Tomorrow believes that the impacts of land use policies or the lack of land use policies upon community life and the mountain culture are of great importance. Haphazard land development can seriously undermine rural communities as well as small towns and urban areas. Land use policies must be developed to strengthen community life by providing  for balanced, orderly growth which is not highly disruptive to the social structure of the region and which seeks to preserve those elements of the traditional culture which are of value.

The need for wholesome environment and the need for improved employment opportunities must be carefully balanced. Conservation efforts cannot afford to ignore economic needs, nor can industrial development efforts ignore the need for careful preservation of natural resources and environmental quality. Alternative methods of increasing economic opportunities while protecting the environment should be explored. Industries and developers that disregard the environmental constraints of the region should be discouraged.  Responsible industries willing to make an investment in clean water and air and in responsible land management should be sought.

Western North Carolina Tomorrow views the presence of large tracts of public lands within the region as one of our most valuable resources - one that greatly enhances the quality of life for the people and also provides economic gain through recreation and tourism  Western North Carolina Tomorrow supports policies for the careful management of our national forests, some sections to be preserved as wilderness areas, others to be set aside for multiple use.  Through careful conservation and management practices, these natural resources can provide benefits for both the people today and for future generations.