Below is an outline of the inherent dangers of the March on Blair Mountain and the steps taken by the Appalachia Rising: March on Blair Mountain organizing team to make our march as safe and secure as possible.
Inherent Dangers
Appalachia Rising: March on Blair Mountain is an inherently dangerous event. Though we are taking comprehensive steps to minimize these risks, it is important to recognize, without romanticizing, the risk this event and action entail. We do not guarantee your safety.
Roads & Passing Vehicles
The March from Marmet to Blair is entirely on two lane rural highways. These roads are windy in spots, have narrow shoulders, and go over two mountains. Speed limits range from 25 in town to 55 mph between towns. These roads have light traffic, with spikes during shift change in the coal mines. Trucks, including coal trucks, travel these roads.
Counter Protestors
Counter protestors are commonly at large pre-announced public demonstrations in West Virginia. We do not control the actions of passing drivers, counter protestors, or people we may encounter on the march route or at camp. There have been instances of intimidation, low level violence, and vandalism towards local organizers.
PRECAUTIONS
Training and Orientation Days
Sunday June 5 will be an Orientation Day for all marchers. Friday June 10th will be a Training Day for all Ralliers. We ask that all participants attend at least one of these days to receive pertinent event information as well as basic non-violence and deescalation trainings.
Police and Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation, state, county, and municipal police have all been informed of the march and we are working with them to make the event as safe as possible. Police escorts have been secured for some legs of the march and we are attempting to secure them for the entire march.
Permitting
Court houses, state, county, and municipal police have all stated that permits are not necessary for the march. We are continuing to investigate.
De-escalators
All marchers will be trained in conflict deescalation. We will have a team of de-escalators experienced in deescalating conflict in anti-MTR protests.
Legal Observers
Trained legal observers will be in the march and action to document police/ activist interactions.
Camp Security
The security team will prioritize campsite security, and work with peace keepers and police to deescalate any situations which may arise.
Local Outreach
Organizers are knocking on doors along the march route to inform the communities that the march is coming through and why we are marching. Reception has been largely positive to neutral.
Collecting Emergency Contacts
We are collecting emergency contacts for all marchers.
Medics
We have an experienced action medic team to provide medical support as necessary. Our medic team includes EMTs and Wilderness First Responders.