Previous Case Activity
Senate Panel Holds Hearing on Tennessee Wilderness Bill
added 8.26.11
On August 3, a U.S. Senate panel held a hearing on the Tennessee Wilderness Act, a bill SELC and our partners are championing that would protect nearly 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness. The hearing by the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests moves the legislation a step closer to becoming law. Introduced by Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, the bill would establish the Upper Bald River Wilderness Area, the first new wilderness area in the state in 25 years. The legislation also adds acreage to five existing wilderness areas. In addition to preserving unspoiled ecosystems, wilderness designation ensures that lands are available for hunting, fishing, hiking and camping for generations to come.
Tennessee Wilderness Bill Introduced
added 6.9.10
Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker today introduced The Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2010, a proposal to designate almost 20,000 acres of mountain land in the Cherokee National Forest in east Tennessee as wilderness--the highest form of environmental proection for federal public lands. The bill has broad support in Tennessee from businesses, individuals, and conservation groups and other non-profit organizations.
The first wilderness proposal in 25 years, the bill includes one new wilderness area, the Upper Bald River, and expands five existing wilderness areas: Joyce Kilmer/Slickrok, Sampson Mountain, Big Laurel Branch, Big Frog and Little Frog.
SELC is proud to be working with the Tennessee Wild coalition and the senators to secure passage of this bill in Congress this year for signature by President Obama into law.
Read the press release for more information.
Hear Senator Alexander's speech from the floor of the Senate.
Hear Tennessee Wild executive director Jeff Hunter talk about the bill on WUTC.