The Honorable John Duncan
800 Market Street, Suite 110
Knoxville, TN 37902

Dear Congressman Duncan,

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 includes expansions of the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, and the creation of the brand new Upper Bald River Wilderness; both of these areas are located in your district.

Wilderness areas are important for a variety of reasons. Wilderness ensures recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, horseback riding and paddling are protected for future generations. Wilderness protects important wildlife habitat as well as hunting and fishing opportunities, while safeguarding watersheds and drinking water sources for nearby communities. Wilderness also contributes greatly to our fast-growing tourism economy and the quality of life in Tennessee.  And all of this can be done without expense to the taxpayer.  These lands are currently in federal ownership, and the trails contained within these lands are being maintained by volunteers.

By permanently protecting the areas in your district, you will provide permanent protection for nearly twelve miles of the Benton MacKaye Trail.  You will also protect the headwaters of the Bald River, an area popular with trout fisherman and hunters.  

I hope you will work to protect these and all wilderness quality lands for now and generations to come. When this bill comes before you in committee or on the House floor, please vote YES for wilderness.

Sincerely,