Tag Archives: Bridgestone Firestone Wilderness Area

A forest and grasslands scientist says TWRA’s quail habitat project in White County is not backed by scientific reasoning. University of the South Biology Professor Dr. Jon Evans studies ecology on the Cumberland Plateau. He said there is ample land in state ownership that better suits the project. “We have vastly more quail habitat available to us now to manage ... Read More »

Sparta White County Chamber of Commerce President Marvin Bullock said he still has concerns when it comes TWRA’s cutting project in White County. TWRA said at this time the habitat project will not occur on the north side of the Bridgestone Firestone Wilderness Area. However, the agency indicates the southern project will move forward. Bullock said cutting at the southern ... Read More »

TWRA’s Deputy Director Chris Richardson said in a letter to legislators that the proposed habitat project will continue on the south side of the Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness area. Richardson said the decision to stop the clear-cutting project on the north side of the wilderness area is based on community feedback not science. Wednesday’s letter from Richardson to State Senator ... Read More »

White County Resident Mike O’Neal calls TWRA’s decision to stop the cutting of the Bridgestone Firestone Wilderness Area as a win for citizens. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson announced Tuesday night the habitat project would not move forward. O’Neal said he thinks several factors played a role in the ruling. “I think there was a lot of opposition to this ... Read More »

The White County Commission approved moving forward with legal action against TWRA’s quail habitat project Tuesday night. The decision came just hours after the county received TWRA would not move forward with the controversial clear cutting project. But, the county does not have the statement in writing. Commissioner Dillard Quick said a verbal intention is not enough. “Until they come ... Read More »

Local hunter Mike O’Neal said his concerns remain the same about a proposed TWRA clearcutting proposal. The Tennessee Wildlife Federation ruled that a TWRA plan in White County met the guidelines of the land gift. O’Neal said the Federation has a connection with TWRA, and both groups stand to make a profit from the timber. “Tennessee Wildlife Commission’s mission statement ... Read More »