Cumberland News: February Edition
Cumberland News
February, 2010 Edition
The purpose of Cumberland News is to keep you up to date with our activities and also to help you do the same for your members. We include articles submitted by our members or others from Cumberland Plateau communities in the "Around the Region" section. Not all of the views expressed are those of the Alliance for the Cumberlands or its member organizations. You may feel free to use any part of Cumberland News in your own newsletters. Cumberland News will be e-mailed to you at the first of every month. If you have news that you would like to share with others, please feel free to e-mail news@allianceforthecumberlands.org and it will be included in the next issue.
What we’re up to….
The Annual Conference
“Save the Date” for our Annual Conference that will take place on February 22nd at Fall Creek Falls. This conference is about “Being Part of the Solution”. Everyone is feeling the strain from the economic downturn and we have assembled a list of presenters from different sectors to speak about how they are addressing the challenges of working in these times. If you would like to attend the conference then please remember to RSVP by Friday, February 5th, to rsvp@allianceforthecumberlands.org. Registration for the Conference will begin at 8:00am. Fees (per person): Members - $20.00, Nonmembers - $25.00, Press discount - $10.00. Go to http://allianceforthecumberlands.org/Assets/agenda/pdf to see the agenda or to http://allianceforthecumberlands.org/Assets/directions.pdf for directions to Fall Creek Falls.
Strategic Planning
A committee of diverse representatives from the entire region has been assembled to develop consensus on the path the Alliance will follow in the next few years. Being a newly independent organization during the economic downturn is a great challenge and it will require the continued support and participation from our vast network and membership organizations. Our planning sessions will begin this month and finish in the beginning of March.
The New Alliance Website
The Annual Conference will mark the release of the new Alliance Website. The website will be a tool with which we aim to strengthen and grow our network; an online community where our membership can share information and resources amongst themselves and the general public. The website is being created will the help of Michael Aikens of the Media Center at Tennessee Technological University who will also be giving a presentation and tutorial on the site at the Annual Conference.
Northern Cumberland Plateau Scenic Byway
The Northern Scenic Byway Committee met in Rugby on January the 14th to review proposals for the development of the Byway’s Corridor Management Plan. The development of a Corridor Management Plan is one of the crucial steps involved with securing a National Scenic Byways Designation and Historical Rugby in cooperation with the Alliance has secured a Federal grant in the amount of $150,000 that will produce this plan, 20% of which must be matched by the 8 counties the Byway crosses. For more information on this project or to contribute, please email Barbara Stagg at rugbytn@highland.net.
In the News...
Bredesen Announces Cumberland Trail Acquisition
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today the closing of a land acquisition that will add more than 3,200 acres and 10 linear miles of trail to the Cumberland Trail State Park in Hamilton and Rhea counties. The acquisition was funded through a variety of sources, including a grant from the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, federal grants and private funds raised by the Cumberland Trail Conference. It includes a significant conservation easement put in place by the Land Trust for Tennessee.
The property on Graysville Mountain is part of Tennessee’s Cumberland Trail State Park. It will allow the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail to expand between Dayton, in Rhea County, and Sale Creek in Hamilton County. The area provides opportunities for fishing, day hiking, whitewater paddling, swimming, rock climbing and trail running.
The project is funded with more than $3.5 million in federal grants and a $1 million grant from the state’s Heritage Conservation Trust Fund from Fiscal Year 2007-2008. The Cumberland Trail Conference will contribute up to $300,000 in private funds for administrative costs. The Land Trust for Tennessee assisted in negotiating the transaction with the seller, Richard Kinzalow, and will hold a permanent conservation easement on the 2,197 acres located in Rhea County. The project marks the Land Trust’s first in Rhea County and places a total of more than 5,000 acres under easement managed by the Land Trust in Southeast Tennessee.
The Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization that assists the state in a variety of efforts related to the continuing development of the Cumberland Trail, raised money to assist with this acquisition during its, Pathways for People, People for Nature capital campaign.
Read more about the work to aquire new tracts of land for the Cumberland Trail in this article written by Morgan Simmons of the Knowxville News Sentinel.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jan/10/land-purchase-add-19-miles-Cumberland-Trail/
White Lightning Festival Secures Headline Sponsorship
The Realty Group, Tri-State’s largest real estate company, has been named Headline Sponsor of the White Lightning Festival. The Festival, a family-friendly event, will take place on June 26, 2010 in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. It will be a celebration of the history and heritage of all nine counties along Tennessee’s newly designated White Lightning Trail, including Claiborne, Union, Knox, Anderson, Campbell, Grainger, Hamblen, Cocke, and Jefferson. Shown accepting the donation is Gena Bowen, Director of Tourism, with The Realty Group Co-Owners, Grace Davis and Carl Nichols. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are still available. For additional information, contact Gena Bowen (865)585-7386.
Grant Awarded to Bring Forest Water Climate Solutions to Six Rural Communities
A partnership initiative led by The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) has been awarded a major grant from the The Kresge Foundation to help six rural forested communities protect forest and water resources and address climate change issues through planning and community action. The Cumberland River Compact and The Climate Project are collaborating partners with MFPP to create this unique educational opportunity to benefit six rural communities across the U.S.
Around the Region ...
Downtown Crossville, Inc. Preserving History
Downtown Crossville, Inc. (DCI) is currently working on two projects of interest to both residents and visitors. Renovation of a caboose that will house a mini railroad museum is underway. The caboose has been permanently placed adjacent to the historic depot building which is located in the heart of downtown Crossville. Plans to refurbish the caboose inside and out to reflect its original use as living quarters and office space for the train crew are in the early stages. Exterior paint, new windows and doors have been approved and will be completed in the near future. The interior appointments are still in the planning stages.
The group’s second project is a small stone building located on the lawn of the Courthouse. This historic building was originally built to showcase the use of local stone. The building has been used for a variety of purposes through the years, including a stint as an office for the Tennessee State Police. DCI intends to clean and refurbish the building using it as a small gift shop and museum dedicated to the history of the local stone industry.
The group has a “wish list” of items that would be useful in these renovation projects. If you are willing to donate any of the items or known where they can be obtained, please contact DCI. The caboose “wish list” includes: a male mannequin, a conductor’s hat, overalls (size Large or X-Large), a white man’s button shirt (size Large or X-Large), tongue & groove wood for the caboose ceiling, glass display cases (with locks), and any historical train memorabilia. The stone building “wish list” consists of: bookcases, glass display cases (with locks), an office chair, a small cash register, and historical stone memorabilia (including tools, pictures, and samples of local rock in various colors). Anyone interested in helping with the renovations can contact DCI by calling (931) 787-1324, emailing the group at dci@volfirst.net or via the mail at P.O. Box 3784, Crossville, TN 38557.
Applications Invited for Community Participation: Climate Solutions University
The Cumberland River Compact is pleased to announce a new opportunity for six communities across the U.S. to participate in an in-depth training and climate action planning program created by the Model Forest Policy Program [MFPP] and conducted in partnership with the Cumberland River Compact and The Climate Project.
MFPP and partners have been awarded a major award from The Kresge Foundation to help six rural forested communities protect forest and water resources and address climate change issues through planning and community action. The "Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies" will provide in-depth training modules, community coaching, and $10,000 scholarships for six rural communities to develop sound approaches to sustainable options for land use management that protect forest and water resources.
The Compact is particularly pleased that southeast communities will benefit from this program. Communities and organizations within the Cumberland River Basin in Tennessee or Kentucky and those located in the Southern Appalachian region are particularly encouraged to apply.
Organizational information is available at www.mfpp.org.
The application package is available at http://www.mfpp.org/Climate_Solutions_University/2010.html
Advocates for the Oak Ridge Reservation News
A very important tract of land, on which Advocates for the Oak Ridge Reservation (AFORR) has been working for more than 9 years to preserve, is likely to be transferred to Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation (TPGF) in the next few months. The 52 acres include 1½ miles of an Oak Ridge Greenway, the North Boundary Trail, and provide critical habitat connection.
The property is flanked on three sides by the East Fork Poplar Creek Natural Area and on the west side by the Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement (BORCE). Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee (CROET) has begun the ownership transfer of the land (which was previously slated for industrial development) to insure its permanent protection.
New Watchable Wildlife Website
The TWRA has a newly completed project, the Tennessee's Watchable Wildlife. This website focuses on the non game species and has gorgeous pictures. http://www.tennessee.gov/twra/index.html
Tennessee “Forever Green Campaign”
The Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation needs your help for the “Forever Green Tennessee” campaign, which is a call to action for the Tennessee Legislature and the Governor to restore the Tennessee Real Estate Transfer Funds. Briefly, these funds were created to conserve and protect Tennessee’s natural and wild areas. They garner approximately $20 million per year from property transfer fees and are dedicated to the preservation of land for parks, wildlife areas, greenways, clean water and the beauty of Tennessee. But these funds were taken from their original purpose last year to balance the budget. These funds are in jeopardy of being taken again. This amount represents less than one tenth of 1 percent of the state’s $29 billion budget.
What can you do to help? CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND THE GOVERNOR. Tell them we need these funds restored to their original purpose. You can visit their website (www.tenngreen.org) for sample letters for the state senators and representatives and to the Governor. We also have a link to the state legislature where you can find YOUR Senator and Representative.
Upcoming Events of Interest ...
Watershed: Prime Elements
Paintings of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area by Janis Wilkey on Friday, February 5 @ 5:00 to 8:00 PM in Town Gallery 26 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga - Call: 423-267-9214.
The Watershed: Prime Elements series is based on time that the artist spent at South Cumberland State Recreation Area while hiking and participating in wildflower walks. The paintings include images of some of the elements of the area: water, boulders, rock formations, and plant life. “Places, people, animals, plants, generally anything found in nature, is of the most interest to me. I celebrate the integrity, truth, and beauty of the natural world. The artist will contribute a portion of the proceeds from this exhibit to the Friends of SCSRA. Her work will be featured at the In Town Gallery for the month of February. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
Festival Celebrating Heritage of East Tennessee Coming to Cumberland Gap
White Lightning is coming to Cumberland Gap June 26, 2010. Known for its historic significance and natural beauty, Cumberland Gap will be the site of this unique festival that celebrates the history and heritage of communities along the new Discover Tennessee White Lightning Trail.
From the Civil War to modern day America, The White Lightning Festival on June 26th will tell the story of those rugged, self-reliant people that made this area the topic of movies and gave birth to one of America’s fastest growing sports – stock car racing. The White Lightning Trail, which begins in Knoxville, TN travels through eight other counties including Anderson, Union, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen and Cocke. These communities share a rich heritage and that will be on display in the form of demonstrations, food, antique cars and a variety of music.
For additional information contact Tourism Director Gena Bowen at 865-585-7386 or 800-332-8164 or visit www.WhiteLightningFestival.com.
Members of the Alliance for the Cumberlands.....
ARCADIS
Alabama A&M University—Center for Forestry and Ecology
Advocates for the Oak Ridge Reservation
Borderlands Foundation
Campbell Cultural Coalition
Conservation Fisheries, Inc.
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Cozy Cabins and Cottages
Cumberland Business Journal
Cumberland County
Cumberland County Playhouse
Cumberland Homesteads Tower Association
Cumberland Trail Conference
Dale Hollow Marketing Group LLC
Downtown Crossville Inc.
Emory River Watershed Association
Franklin County
Friends of Big South Fork NRRA, Inc.
Friends of Cordell Hull
Friends of South Cumberland
Friends of the Cumberland Trail, Inc.
Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Park
Friends of Edgar Evins State Park
Grandview Heritage Foundation
Grundy County Rotary Club
Grundy County Historical Society
Historic Rugby
Homestead Timber Frames
Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
Land Trust for Tennessee
Monteagle Chamber of Commerce
Monteagle Inn
Mountain Outfitters
Museum of Appalachia
National Parks Conservation Association
New Heritage Research
North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy
Obed Watershed Community Association
Pickett County
Pickett State Park
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ron Castle Webs
Round to it Recordings
Save Our Cumberland Mountains
Sewanee Environmental Institute
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park
Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation
Southern Environmental Law Center
Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning
Tennessee Division of Forestry
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage
Tennessee Forestry Association
Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light
Tennessee Ornithological Society
Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation
Tennessee Preservation Trust
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Trails Association
Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
The Nature Conservancy—KY Chapter
The Nature Conservancy—TN Chapter
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, TN Field office
U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Upper Cumberland Arts Alliance
Upper Cumberland Development District
Upper Cumberland Tourism Association
UT Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
Van Buren County Chamber of Commerce
If you wish to be added to the list of Alliance members, please fill out a membership form at www.allianceforthecumberlands.org and return it to:
Alliance for the Cumberlands
Zebulon Turrentine
Executive Director
Alliance for the Cumberlands
C/O Extended Services, TTU
P.O. Box 5073
Cookeville, TN 38505
931.372.6125
If you do not wish to receive Cumberland News or other Alliance for the Cumberlands e-mails or you know of someone who would like to be added to the list, please contact Zebulon Turrentine at admin@allianceforthecumberlands.org.
- Login or register to post comments
- Send to friend
