The Honorable Phil Roe
P.O. Box 1728
Kingsport, TN 37662
Dear Congressman Roe,
I am writing today to urge you to work with other members of Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation to protect Tennessee’s wild lands and heritage.
The US Forest Service formally recommended expanding wilderness in the Cherokee National Forest in their Land and Resource Management Plan that was finalized in 2003. On May 27, Senator Alexander introduced the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011 (S.1090) which would permanently protect all of the areas recommended for wilderness in the management plan. This bill is cosponsored by Senator Corker. The bill includes expansions to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, and the Sampson Mountain Wilderness; both of these areas are located in your district.
Wilderness areas are important for a variety of reasons. Wilderness contributes greatly to our fast-growing tourism economy and the quality of life in Tennessee. All this can be done without expense or inconvenience to the American taxpayer. These lands are currently in federal ownership, and the trails contained within these lands are being maintained by volunteers. Wilderness ensures recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, horseback riding and paddling are protected for future generations. Wilderness also protects important wildlife habitat as well as hunting and fishing opportunities, while safeguarding watersheds and drinking water sources for nearby communities.
By permanently protecting the areas in your district, you will provide permanent protection for nearly five miles of the Appalachian Trail which is located in the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Study Area. You will also protect the outstanding viewshed and hunting lands in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness Study Area just outside of Erwin.
I hope you will work to protect these and all wilderness quality lands for now and generations to come. When the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2011 comes before you in the 112th Congress, please vote YES for wilderness.
Sincerely,
