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.

For more information about TCWP click here

TCWP sponsors outdoor activities and informational programs.

     Oak Ridge Proposes a Powerline That Will Degrade Natural Area—Sign Petition Today! An above ground 69 KV power line (approximately 2 miles long) is being proposed to run alongside the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement (BORCE), the East Fork Natural Area (EFNA) and the North Boundary Greenway. The above ground power line right of way (50 feet wide) will require over a mile of forested land on the East Fork Natural Area and along the North Boundary Greenway and BORCE to be cleared. Another mile of power line will run along the North Boundary Greenway and BORCE.

     Oak Ridgers, please sign the petition to Tom Beehan, Mayor, D. Jane Miller, Mayor Pro Tem, Trina Baughn, Councilwoman, Anne Garcia Garland, Councilwoman, David Mosby, Councilman, Charlie Hensley, Councilman, Chuck Hope, Councilman, Jack Suggs, and Industrial Development Board, Admin. Assistant, which says:

     "The proposed above-ground powerline along the greenway/road behind the Horizon Center would permanently destroy the recreational and esthetic value of the greenway and seriously reduce the value of the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement and the Horizon Center "natural areas" for conservation. Please find alternatives that supply electricity to the Horizon Center without destroying this valuable community asset.”

     Click here to add your name

     On June 1 TCWP will celebrate National Trails Day at the Whites Creek Small Wild Area on Watts Bar Reservoir in Rhea County. We will work on cutting back some of the brush along the trail and restoring the trail blazes. TCWP has partnered with TVA since the 1980s to protect the small wild area and build the trail that wanders through it.

     Workday participants should wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring work gloves and brushing tools that can be used to cut and remove vegetation from the side of the trail. Portable weed whackers would also be helpful. Bring water, snacks, and/or a lunch., and be prepared for exposure to a lot of poison ivy in some places.

     Participants can meet for carpooling in Oak Ridge at the Rush/Books-A-Million parking lot (meet at the end close to S. Illinois Avenue, near the Waffle House). We will leave Oak Ridge at 9 a.m., or volunteers can join the crew at the trailhead at 10 a.m.

     All North Ridge Trail hikers are invited to attend an NRT Tailgate Breakfast at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 15. Attendees will be able to learn about the trail’s rich history, ongoing maintenance efforts, and tour a section of the trail. The breakfast will be at the Oak Ridge KARM Thrift Store parking lot (south end toward the turnpike)at 346 N. Illinois. Those who want to tour the section of trail just east of Illinois are encouraged to bring loppers or shears so we can trim the trail as we go.

For more information, call TCWP Executive Director Sandra at 865-583-3967, or send email to sandra@sandrakgoss.com.

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