MISSION

TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning) is dedicated to achieving and perpetuating protection of natural lands and waters by means of public ownership, legislation, or cooperation of the private sector. While our first focus is on the Cumberland and Appalachian regions of East Tennessee, our efforts may extend to the rest of the state and the nation. TCWP's strength lies in researching information pertinent to an issue, informing and educating our membership and the public, interacting with groups having similar objectives, and working through the legislative, administrative, and judicial branches of government on the federal, state, and local levels.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Public Meetings on Corridor K slated for February 16 and 17, 2010

The public is invited to attend public meetings on Corridor K which includes the area along US 64 from West of the Ocoee River to Hwy 68 near Ducktown. The meeting provides opportunities to:
· Review and comment on corridor options
· Learn next steps in the planning process
· Hear updates on the rock slide cleanup
The meetings will be held Tuesday, February 16 in Benton at Polk County High School, and Wednesday, February 17 in Copperhill at Copperhill Basin High School. Each meeting, which will provide same materials and information, runs from 5:00—8:00 p.m.

TAKING IT TO THE HILL
Conservation Day on the Hill February 23, 2010

Do you value pure drinking water? Want to breathe clean air?
These things don’t just happen. They are a result of careful oversight by our state government. Tennessee’s water, air, and soil are under constant threats from a variety of users.
Tell our State Legislators about the importance of our environment at Conservation Day on the Hill. For anyone who wants to attend there will be training prior to the event (by e-mail and/or webinar), fact sheets on a variety of issues, and an identifying lapel marker.
Be part of a powerful message to all Tennessee State Legislators as we work to have 500 people with the green tags at Legislative Plaza. One may visit with one’s legislators on any issue, and there will be ample information on the hot issues of the day.
There will likely by committee meetings of interest that day, where a large green audience will further highlight how many of us want adequate protection of our state’s incomparable natural resources.
At day’s end, there will be a happy hour at a Nashville facility.
For folks who live near I-40 from Knoxville to Cookeville, there will be a deluxe motor coach available at a cost of $20/person. This all-day trip will provide:
. Chance to meet new like-minded individuals
. A great feeling of camaraderie
. Wi-Fi and laptop plugs on the motor coach.
For more information, or to register, call or e-mail Sandra@sandrakgoss.com or 865.522-3809. Reservations must be received by February 11, and trip is subject to cancellation if we fail to get enough participation.
Give up a day of work to educate legislators about how valuable our natural resources are. If that’s impossible, we are accepting contributions toward “scholarships” for students and others who want to go but can’t afford it. Scholarship info is available at contact information above.

Program on Invasive Pest Plants – Thursday, February 25

Most introduced plant species are harmless, but some—such as mimosa, autumn olive, bush honeysuckles, and others—may naturalize and become invasive, causing damage to native plant communities. There are many things home gardeners can do to guard against the spread of invasive exotics. At 7 p.m. on February 25, Harry Quarles of ORNL’s Environmental Sciences Division will present an informational program on “Invasive Pest Plants in the Home Setting.” Check the January newsletter for the location of this presentation.

Alley Ford Cumberland Trail workday – Saturday, February 27

A day of trail work and hiking will take place on the 2.5-mile section of the Cumberland Trail between Nemo Picnic Area and Alley Ford at the Obed Wild and Scenic River that TCWP adopted in 1998. Watch for details in the January newsletter.

For more information, call TCWP Executive Director Sandra at 865-522-3809, or send email to sandra@sandrakgoss.com.

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