The Honorable Chuck Fleischmann
900 Georgia Avenue – Suite 126
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Dear Congressman Fleischmann,
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 was cosponsored by Senator Corker. This includes expansions of the Big Frog Wilderness, and the Little Frog 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 continue to follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan. Both the Little Frog Wilderness and Big Frog Wilderness were created during the Reagan Administration.
I hope you will work to protect these and all wilderness quality lands for now and generations to come. If this vote comes before you in committee or on the House floor, please vote YES for wilderness.
Sincerely,
