Interview with Hugh Archer, June 20, 1989

Partial Transcript: This is an unrehearsed interview with Hugh Archer for the Kentucky Conservationists Oral History Commission Project.

Segment Synopsis: Archer explains land transfer tax, how the tax is used in Kentucky, and proposed legislation to modify how transfer tax revenue is used.

Keywords: Acquisition; County clerks; Deed tax; Development; Farm bureau; Public lands; Tax checkoffs; Transfer tax; User fees; Vision

Subjects: Taxation--Law and legislation--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: In addition to the transfer tax, what other, um, steps do you think need to be taken for better development in Kentucky?

Segment Synopsis: Archer discusses the need for recycling, waste management, pest management, and water conservation. He talks about the potential for regional planning that operates outside of Kentucky's 120 counties.

Keywords: Education; Geographic Information Services (GIS); Information management; Land use plan; Landfills; Pest management; Plastics; Recycling; Regional planning; Runoff; Vermont; Waste management; Water Watch; Water conservation

Subjects: Conservation of natural resources; Environmental protection--Kentucky; Environmentalism; Refuse and refuse disposal.

Partial Transcript: One argument though is that the better plans are economically, um, more beneficial.

Segment Synopsis: Archer points out the incentives for environmental changes and plans that act in opposition to long term environmental planning.

Keywords: Dams; Forests; Industrial; Industry; Jobs; Kentucky River; Land use; Tourism; Water shortages

Subjects: Conservation of natural resources; Environmental protection--Kentucky; Environmentalism; Lexington (Ky.).; Natural areas

Partial Transcript: Well picking up from that image of trying to stop pebbles in a landslide--

Segment Synopsis: Archer describes his childhood and background that contributed to his commitment to environmental activism.

Keywords: Glen Adkins; Hank Grady; Land development; Marble Hill; Natural Resources Cabinet; Nuclear; Red River Gorge; Tom Fitzgerald

Subjects: Childhood; Environmental protection--Kentucky; Environmentalism; Frankfort (Ky.)

Partial Transcript: So tell me more about Louisville Road was like when you were growing up.

Segment Synopsis: Archer describes his childhood home in Frankfort, Kentucky and the development that surrounds it.

Keywords: Airports; Caves; Country stores; Creeks; Development; Elkhorn Creek; Fast food; Fort Hill; National Guard Armory; US 60

Subjects: Childhood; Frankfort (Ky.)

Partial Transcript: Um, but did a lot of neighbors around you see that growth as progress?

Segment Synopsis: Archer reflects on his commitment to environmentalism and how his family, friends, and college experiences contributed to his commitment to natural resources.

Keywords: Backpacking; Boy Scouts; Camping; College; Development; Earth Day; Environmentalists; Farms; Memory; Red River Gorge

Subjects: Conservation of natural resources; Environmental protection--Kentucky; Environmentalism; Frankfort (Ky.)

Partial Transcript: Do you think you could give us your ideas on how you could prevent burn out?

Segment Synopsis: Archer reflects on burnout and being discouraged. He offers advice on how to work for environmental activism, particularly through education.

Keywords: Balance; Burnout; Economic development; Ideals; Persistence; President Jimmy Carter; President Ronald Reagan; Reform; Resources

Subjects: Education; Environmental protection; Environmentalism