Interview with Hugh Archer, May 31, 1989

Interview Summary

Hugh Archer gives an overview of his background in law, wildcat strip mining strike force, regulation enforcement, and his transition into concerns about hazardous waste disposal. He lists his volunteer commitments and the organizations he worked with in Kentucky, as well as additional committees and cabinets he worked with.

Archer discusses the disposal and dumping of hazardous waste in Kentucky with specific emphasis on the Valley of the Drums in the 1970s. He discusses the significance of Donald Dissler, nuclear waste disposal at Maxey Flats, Fleming County, and water impact. He also discusses projects with the Nature Conservancy, purchasing lands, financing efforts, and promoting conservation - including making a deal with Kentucky River Coal to purchase Lilley Cornett Woods. He talks about Cave Hollow, rare species of bats, and the impact of cavers on the species. He gives an overview of the Swan Pond (now Swan Lake) purchase and the contentious nature of the negotiations.

Archer discusses the work of the Natural Areas Registry Programs and efforts to protect threatened and endangered species of plants and animals through meeting with and educating landowners. He also speaks about the development of the Protection Planning Committee, formed to centralize public land concerns under one agency and collaborate within agencies.

Interview Keyword

Axe Lake Bad Branch Gorge Beaver Creek Cave Hollow Lilly Cornett Woods Maxey Flats Murphy's Pond Natural Areas Registry Program PIC Program Swan Pond Valley of the Drums Westvaco Wetlands Hazardous wastes Wildlife conservation.

Interview LC Subject

Archer, Hugh Archer, Hugh--Interviews Conservation of natural resources Environmental protection Nature Conservancy (U.S.) Environmentalism Natural areas Land use, Rural--Kentucky

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.