Cumberland Plateau now endangered area
The greenway is a wonderful place where one can go and enjoy the quiet places, perhaps a spring or a bridge crossing a lovely stream. It is where one might see a frog, a salamander or a grass snake. And the trees! The tall trees that arch above one’s head in an embracing manner.
But when trees like this call out for help, do we hear? Are we aware clear-cutting is ravaging the Cumberland Plateau and destroying entire ecosystems? Our plateau (which includes Harrison Ferry Mountain) has been listed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental group, as one of the 12 most endangered wilderness areas of the Americas.
On Earth magazine featured this destruction in a recent issue, calling it “The Tennessee Chainsaw Massacre.” Is this what we want for our mountain and green places?
Get more information and ways to help by going to www.nrdcwildplaces.org or www.socm.org.
Andree Maddox
5972 Francis Ferry
McMinnville