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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 HELP TCWP SAVE OBED LAND FROM SALE TO DEVELOPERS!
Many of us have had the good fortune to visit the Obed Wild and Scenic River (OWSR) to canoe, kayak, hike, swim, fish, picnic, or just enjoy the spectacular scenery. You may have assumed that those magnificent bluffs that make up the river gorges were protected from development by the National Park Service. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Roughly 20% of the land within the authorized Park boundary is still in private hands, with the pristine viewshed unprotected. In the past few years, several land sales have threatened to spoil this viewshed. The Park Service doesn’t typically have ready access to funds when opportunities arise to purchase authorized land from willing sellers. Because timing for such acquisitions is often critical, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) has established funds so that we may act quickly to purchase land within the Park boundary when it comes up for sale. When the Park Service was unable to respond in time, TCWP recently purchased 18+ Obed acres that contain a 70-foot waterfall on a tributary to Clear Creek. We will hold and protect this land until the Park Service can acquire the funds and complete all the administrative steps needed to reimburse TCWP and take title of the land. Meanwhile, TCWP is asking for your help to replenish our funds so that we will be ready for the next opportunity to protect another parcel of this incredible resource! Please join us in our efforts to preserve this unique wild treasure. Protecting the Obed was the main objective behind TCWP’s formation, and it has remained a major goal for us for more than 40 years. Even if you have not been privileged to enjoy the pristine viewshed of this unique wild and scenic river -- whether from the bluffs, trails, or on the river – we hope you have come to realize that this is an unparalleled treasure that must be preserved. Your contribution to the TCWP OWSR land fund is a gift to all its visitors now and for generations to come. TCWP plans to use your dollars over and over as we acquire land then transfer it to the Park Service. Our immediate goal is to raise $40,000 by December of this year. Please send your contribution today, since another Obed tract may go on the market at any time! Please direct your check payable to TCWP -- with notation “Obed Fund”-- to our treasurer: Charlie Klabunde, TCWP Treasurer, 219 E. Vanderbilt Dr., Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Naturally, it will be entirely IRS tax deductible, and greatly appreciated CALL TODAY TO HELP THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND The Land and Water Conservation Fund has a chance for full funding for FIVE YEARS!! Our planet needs this money; it’s imperative that every person who breathes air or drinks water in the districts of Representatives Davis, Cooper, and Gordon, send an e-mail or make a call to urge them to: On the Senate side, Senator Alexander is persuadable on this issue. Please take a moment and urge your friends to do the same.
We need ALL possible outreach to Senator Alexander with the following messages: Cong. Davis’s environmental staffer is Caroline Hennigan, 202.225-6831, caroline.hennigan@mail.house.gov HELP WANTED Need creative, visionary person with an interest in social and economic equity and a healthy environment to work as member of the Community Shares Board of Directors. Required to attend 4 Saturday meetings/year in Nashville, lunch provided. For more information, call TCWP Executive Director Sandra at 865-522-3809, or send email to sandra@sandrakgoss.com.
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