News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
TWRA released a statement Friday concerning the proposed habitat changes at White County’s Centennial Wilderness Area.
The statement said specific, scientific information needed to be provided on the proposed changes on 230 acres of the total 54,000. According to TWRA, the need for native grasslands in the natural area is more important than forest land.
The statement said, “Native grasslands and shrublands are far more important to the conservation of all species than mature forests. This type of habitat provides food and cover to these species whereas mature forests limit light to the forest floor which reduces food, cover and plant diversity. Among many other reasons increasing the quantity of native grasslands in this area will provide a large enough space to positively impact wildlife. In addition, a 2018 study, led by The Nature Conservancy, found that in the U.S., conserving grasslands could prevent almost three times as much carbon emission as conserving forests.”
TWRA also stated, “This project will convert approximately 230 acres of closed-canopy forest to “younger” habitat known as early successional habitat which will benefit a much greater variety of game and nongame species. This initial 230-acre project is included as part of approximately 1,000 acres that has been identified for forest conversion in the future.”
TWRA will participate in a public meeting Monday night at 6:00 pm at the Sparta Civic Center located 514 East Bockman Way.
