News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Sparta Alderman Jeff Lowery wants to draft a letter to the state, opposing a cutting project in the Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness.
Lowery said he thinks the Board of Aldermen needs to be aggressive and say the city does not want the hardwoods cut.
“As a city of Sparta, I would like for us to even consider sending a letter to Governor Lee to intervene and stop this at this time,” Lowery said. “We’ve got so many tourist that go up there.”
The latest plan shared by TWRA has some 230 acres of closed-canopy forest being cut to create more quail habitat. Vice-Mayor Jim Floyd said he agreed with Lowery.
“That’s a beautiful area up there,” Floyd said. “I’ve hiked it several times. Been all over that part of the country hiking from Big Bottom all the way to the top. It’s absolutely bogus.”
Mayor Jeff Young said he recommends each Alderman to do their own research on the matter to form an opinion. Young said if the board chooses to draft a letter, he would, “Be happy to sign it.”
