The United States Forest Service (USFS) is currently considering proposals to add approximately 18,000 acres of designated wilderness to the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. These areas include additions to the existing Big Frog Wilderness and Little Frog Wilderness as well as the entire upper Bald River watershed near Tellico Plains. The protection of watersheds was one of the primary objectives in the establishment of the USFS.
The diverse forests of East Tennessee provide solitude and recreational opportunities, protect vital watersheds, and provide habitat for countless species. In addition to the unsurpassed beauty and biological richness of our forests, they also contain priceless cultural heritage sites such as remnants of native American trails and camps and early pioneer homesteads. Logging and road building permanently degrade or destroy these sites. Only USFS Wilderness designation will protect these sites in perpetuity.
There's a strong economic impact related to the protection of wilderness. I'm among millions of campers, hikers, birders, hunters, fishermen, biologists and others who value public lands and support local economies. It's been 23 years since any wilderness areas have been protected in Tennessee, while urban sprawl and development have remained relatively unchecked.
I urge citizens to write their senators, congressmen, and local representatives in support of Tennessee wilderness.
Robert Cox
Signal Mountain
