The sponsor of the Appalachian Quilt Trail is Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC & D), whose mission is to promote conservation and development by demonstrating regional leadership, securing resources and delivering programs and services that build strong, vibrant communities. During the past year, I have had many questions and pleasing comments about the Historic Quilt squares painted on East Tennessee barns. I am happy that I can now at least provide some information and guide people to someone who can provide the rest of the answers.

I met Cherry Acuff, Chairman of the Board of Clinch-Powell RC & D, at the Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming promoting the Appalachian Quilt Trail. She indicated to me that the RC & D would like much more participation of Union County people in the Quilt Trail project. According to Mrs. Acuff, since 1989 the Clinch-Powell RC & D has successfully balanced rural community development with environmental protections for the people in Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and Union Counties. In 2007, the Council continued to expand while addressing key issues like low income housing, economic diversification and conservation with integrity and a commitment to excellence. Some accomplishments and highlights during one year are:

Education and Training:
Engaged 1,729 students in service-learning; Provided academic enrichment for 250 elementary students; Completed 90 student-led community service projects; Utilized 100 volunteers for 350 volunteer hours; conducted five non-profit management and other training for 375 participants; Created 15 FTE AmeriCorps positions; Held 11 educational luncheons to create community awareness about RC & D; Provided home buyer education and family counseling services for potential home buyers; Held educational envirothon for 75 students; held Conservation Camp for 1,000 sixth-grade students.

Conservation:

Entered into easement agreement for 25 acres with one landowner of sensitive lands in order to protect threatened waters and habitat on Clinch River; Partnered with Nature Conservancy to improve farm income and fish and wildlife habitat in biologically sensitive watersheds; Worked with 8 landowners on “best management practice” projects; installed 25,430 ft. of livestock exclusion fence; Constructed 22 water tanks for livestock, 20,790 ft. of pipe, 1,500 ft. of farm road, six water pumps, two heavy use areas and one stream crossing; Completed the Middle Clinch River Restoration Plan; completed new office for Clinch River Community Project.

Quality Communities:

Provided financial support for the Hancock County Recreation Program; Provided financial support for Hawkins County Boys and Girls Club; Supported funding for Second Harvest warehouse expansion and freezer addition, helping feed needy individuals in surrounding counties.

Basic Needs:

Assisted First Wheels program in servicing vehicle loans for needy families; Counseled 125 new housing clients; Managed eight apartment units that serve the mentally and physically disabled population in the region; Worked with 50 families in foreclosure prevention and assisted 20 clients with purchasing new homes; Made 3 low-interest renovation loans to four very-low income families in Hancock County; Facilitated administration of grant for Washburn (county) Fire Department through Home Land Security grant; Rehabilitated three low-income family homes; Constructed two low-income family homes; Assisted 32 existing local businesses and created two new businesses through sub-contracting opportunities; Enhanced community stability by constructing affordable, safe, quality homes.

Sustainable Development:

Made one small business loan; Counseled and supported 33 small businesses; Conducted feasibility study for Heritage Crafts Enterprise project to be called Heart of the Mountains; Created 246 new jobs in the community; Built four new rental cabins and renovated a cottage at River Place on the Clinch. River Place would be a good place to consider for Business or Church Retreats as well as family reunions.

Tourism:

In addition to work previously mentioned, the Appalachian Quilt Trail was launched with marketing resulting in more than $151,000 in free media; Co-op marketing for the Quilt Trail with the Tennessee Department of Tourism in AAA magazine and Blue Ridge Magazine. RC & D developed and disseminated 50,000 Quilt Trail brochures at Tennessee Welcome Centers; Held Appalachian Quilt Trail “Run for the Hills” motorcycle ride, as well as promotional activities at area festivals.

For more information, call toll free 1-888-775-4AQT; contact Cherry Acuff at 865-828-5927 or 865-497-3786 or log on to www.vacationaqt.com.

Picture caption:
Cherry Acuff and Susan Eribarne manning the Appalachian Quilt Trail Exhibit at Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming