Memorial for the Mountains

Everybody's probably heard of the Google Earth program by now--someone you know has downloaded it to show you the satellite image of your house or office, with familiar cars in the parking lot--kind of eerie really. Wave hello to Big Brother.

But with the new version, not only can you also view the skies and explore the galaxy, but ILoveMountains.org has created a Memorial for the Mountains that allows you to locate and learn about the 470 mountains that have been destroyed so far by mountaintop removal.

After you've downloaded the latest version of Google Earth, select the Featured Content Layer, click on Global Awareness, and check the box for Appalachian Mountaintop Removal. There's a tutorial here to guide you there.

Once you've explored a little bit, be sure to add the additional features, such as the shockingly numerous file markings for all the Sludge Dams and Before-and-After Overlays.

I'm relatively new to Southwest Virginia, but the massive scale of the destruction surrounding my new home feels like it's in my backyard after having seen the Memorial. Please check it out, and then let's talk about what we can do to stop it from growing.