Cumberland Trail Supporters:
I want to take this opportunity to update Cumberland Trail supporters about the rock mining legislation. First, I want to thank everyone that has helped with this issue. I do believe our voices have been heard. Regrettably, Senate Bill 4198 has been “pulled” from the Administration’s legislative package. What does this mean? Unfortunately, all rock-mining bills have been withdrawn (killed) for this legislative session. A compromise on the bill could not be reached. Supposedly, a summer workshop is to take place to reconcile the bill and the new bill will be possibly introduced the next legislative session. For now, there will be no laws to protect surface owners from having their property stripped of its surface and the devastated landscape left in its place.
I have been in Deep Creek Gorge several times, before and after the rock mining. Before the rock mining, I remember volunteering to build the trail in this area. I recall how green the gorge was with its mountain laurel and trees and the sound of Deep Creek flowing in the background, a genuine place for escape from the hustle and stress of modern life. After the mining, a barren landscape of rocks and destruction, void of its green splendor, roads ripped through the middle of it, truly sad. There is one impression that continually plays in my mind when I think of the destruction of Deep Creek Gorge. There is a mature hemlock tree that I would guess has about a 4-foot diameter. This tree has lived for many decades possibly for over a century, there near the stream. I am humbled by the effort this tree put forth to survive and grow for so many years in this rocky gorge. Now, large sections of its bark have been torn off because heavy equipment and rocks have banged into it, roots ripped from around its trunk, a tree that has survived coal mining and clear-cutting left standing only to die within a few months. I cannot help but think what a high price to pay for a pile of rocks.
Tony Hook
General Manager
Cumberland Trail Conference
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Rock Mining- Senate Committee Hearing
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 22, 2008
From Tony Hook- GM of the CT......
Cumberland Trail supporters:Please check out the links and if you can, please attend the Senate Committee hearing. We need our lawmakers to know that we support bill 4198. I will be there and hope to see you there. If you cannot attend, please call the lawmakers and let them know your thoughts about this issue.
Senate Committee will be meeting in Room 12 on SB 4198 @ 1:00pm*HB4198/SB4198
Here is a link Tony sent for a blog created by the rock miners it's interesting to read what their point of view is on this.....Rock miners link: http://tdec.silvarastone.com
From Tony Hook- GM of the CT......
Cumberland Trail supporters:Please check out the links and if you can, please attend the Senate Committee hearing. We need our lawmakers to know that we support bill 4198. I will be there and hope to see you there. If you cannot attend, please call the lawmakers and let them know your thoughts about this issue.
Senate Committee will be meeting in Room 12 on SB 4198 @ 1:00pm*HB4198/SB4198
Here is a link Tony sent for a blog created by the rock miners it's interesting to read what their point of view is on this.....Rock miners link: http://tdec.silvarastone.com
Cumberland Trail in trouble....
ORIGINALLY posted at ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 20, 2008
From Tony Hook, Murfreesboro TTA member and CT General Manager...
The surface rock mining issue has come to a cross roads. Lahiere-Hill, mineral rights owner, has hired a Hamilton County lobbyist to fight the legislation and others are seeking to stop the law suit. In both issues, the main question being settled is, can the mineral rights owner completely destroy the surface to extract the desired product (rocks) and leave the surface damaged? At present, the answer is YES! Regardless, of the surface owners objections. Does this seem right?
Some people are saying, ”buyer beware”, who cares if a public park is being destroyed? Does this attitude benefit the public and the environment or just a select group of mineral rights owners. You hear much about massive global problems, and the difficult choices that have to be made and on the surface is be very daunting, but the rock mining is an issue here, with very achievable solutions. However, we all have to act together.
I ask each of you to check out the links below. Contact the law makers listed in the article and then contact your lawmaker and ask them to support the bill. Now is the time to be heard about this issue, we will not have another opportunity. The other option is to do nothing and allow the trail and its surrounding unique environment to be destroyed a dump truck load at a time.
Tony
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20080415/NEWS0201/804150365/1009/NEWS01
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/15/groups-back-state-lawsuit-rock-mining/?local
From Tony Hook, Murfreesboro TTA member and CT General Manager...
The surface rock mining issue has come to a cross roads. Lahiere-Hill, mineral rights owner, has hired a Hamilton County lobbyist to fight the legislation and others are seeking to stop the law suit. In both issues, the main question being settled is, can the mineral rights owner completely destroy the surface to extract the desired product (rocks) and leave the surface damaged? At present, the answer is YES! Regardless, of the surface owners objections. Does this seem right?
Some people are saying, ”buyer beware”, who cares if a public park is being destroyed? Does this attitude benefit the public and the environment or just a select group of mineral rights owners. You hear much about massive global problems, and the difficult choices that have to be made and on the surface is be very daunting, but the rock mining is an issue here, with very achievable solutions. However, we all have to act together.
I ask each of you to check out the links below. Contact the law makers listed in the article and then contact your lawmaker and ask them to support the bill. Now is the time to be heard about this issue, we will not have another opportunity. The other option is to do nothing and allow the trail and its surrounding unique environment to be destroyed a dump truck load at a time.
Tony
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20080415/NEWS0201/804150365/1009/NEWS01
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/15/groups-back-state-lawsuit-rock-mining/?local
Rock Mining bill stalls...
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 20, 2008.
Sent from Jim Schroeder:
A Bredesen administration bill that would put new restrictions on rock mining stalled Wednesday in the House Government Operations Committee amid industry concerns and Republican opposition.
In April 17th Chattanooga Times: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/17/compromise-mining-bill-crumbles/
Sent from Jim Schroeder:
A Bredesen administration bill that would put new restrictions on rock mining stalled Wednesday in the House Government Operations Committee amid industry concerns and Republican opposition.
In April 17th Chattanooga Times: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/17/compromise-mining-bill-crumbles/
Rock Mining bill in trouble?
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 15, 2008
From Jim Schroeder.....
I wanted to quickly pass along to you a prompt response that I received to the e-mail that I sent earlier this evening about the proposed rock mining legislation being on the agenda of meetings of Tennessee House and Senate committees scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The person who responded has been a close observer of the progress of the rock mining legislation and stated that "it looks like this bill is in real trouble.
They expect over 300 rock miners to show up for the committee meeting. The legislators have heard lots from the rock miners. They have not heard from landowners. TTA has generated letters, but I am afraid not enough. The rock miners are presenting themselves as small businesses that are being picked on."Sounds like it's especially important for people to contact their legislators ASAP and urge them to support the proposed legislation. - Jim
Ok guys...now is the time to send those emails! Look back in the blog archives (left sidebar) and find the previous rock mining posts for all the legislator's names and emails. You'll also find sample letters there. Do you want our trails destroyed? Take 10 minutes, cut & paste the samples, and send everyone an email. - Millette
From Jim Schroeder.....
I wanted to quickly pass along to you a prompt response that I received to the e-mail that I sent earlier this evening about the proposed rock mining legislation being on the agenda of meetings of Tennessee House and Senate committees scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The person who responded has been a close observer of the progress of the rock mining legislation and stated that "it looks like this bill is in real trouble.
They expect over 300 rock miners to show up for the committee meeting. The legislators have heard lots from the rock miners. They have not heard from landowners. TTA has generated letters, but I am afraid not enough. The rock miners are presenting themselves as small businesses that are being picked on."Sounds like it's especially important for people to contact their legislators ASAP and urge them to support the proposed legislation. - Jim
Ok guys...now is the time to send those emails! Look back in the blog archives (left sidebar) and find the previous rock mining posts for all the legislator's names and emails. You'll also find sample letters there. Do you want our trails destroyed? Take 10 minutes, cut & paste the samples, and send everyone an email. - Millette
And the battle heats up!
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com on April 13, 2008
Jim Schroeder reports an interesting article appeared in the Chattanooga Times Free Press that has implications in our rock mining fight.
From the Chattanooga Times....
"Hamilton County Election Commission member Bart Quinn, an attorney, said Thursday he has resigned his seat on the election panel to avoid any perceived conflicts after he registered this month to begin lobbying the General Assembly.......He also is severing political campaign ties with state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, whose previous campaigns he directed......Mr. Quinn, an attorney with the law firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, registered as a lobbyist on April 1 with the State Ethics Commission. He is working on behalf of Lahiere-Hill LLC, a Florida-based firm, records show. The firm is his only lobby client.................The company owns the mineral rights to thousands of acres of woodlands on the Cumberland Plateau. Lahiere-Hill hired contractors to mine limestone and other dimension stone on the plateau in the Cumberland Trail State Park near Soddy-Daisy..............The company has been involved in a legal battle with the state, a fight which moved into the legislature this year when Sen. Watson and Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga, introduced legislation seeking to restrict “harvesting” of rock....."
Read the full article here....http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/11/quinn-resigns-election-commission/
Jim Schroeder reports an interesting article appeared in the Chattanooga Times Free Press that has implications in our rock mining fight.
From the Chattanooga Times....
"Hamilton County Election Commission member Bart Quinn, an attorney, said Thursday he has resigned his seat on the election panel to avoid any perceived conflicts after he registered this month to begin lobbying the General Assembly.......He also is severing political campaign ties with state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, whose previous campaigns he directed......Mr. Quinn, an attorney with the law firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, registered as a lobbyist on April 1 with the State Ethics Commission. He is working on behalf of Lahiere-Hill LLC, a Florida-based firm, records show. The firm is his only lobby client.................The company owns the mineral rights to thousands of acres of woodlands on the Cumberland Plateau. Lahiere-Hill hired contractors to mine limestone and other dimension stone on the plateau in the Cumberland Trail State Park near Soddy-Daisy..............The company has been involved in a legal battle with the state, a fight which moved into the legislature this year when Sen. Watson and Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga, introduced legislation seeking to restrict “harvesting” of rock....."
Read the full article here....http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/11/quinn-resigns-election-commission/
Rock Mining Update
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 13, 2008
From Jim Schroeder......
The following information is a combination of information gleaned from the Tennessee Legislature web page, conversation with Senator Ketron's office, and a conversation with Representative Floyd's office. As of the close of sessions on Wednesday, April 9: In the house, HB4198 cleared the full Environment and Conservation Committee, and was referred to the House Government Operations Committee, where it has been placed on the agenda for their April 16th session.
From there it will be referred to the House Calendar and Rules Committee for placement on the total House calendar for a vote. In the Senate, the full Environment, Conservation,, and Tourism Committee deferred action on SB4198 until their Arpil 16 Committee session. The writer was not privey to why this delay in action was taken. Evidently, once it clears the Senate full committee, it will then have to follow a path similar to that of the house, that is through the Senate Government Operations Committee, and then through the Senate Calendar Committee before coming to a vote on the floor of the Senate.
The Senate Operations Committee's repsonibilites are described on the web page as: "This committee is responsible for legislation concerning the creation of new departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government; the reauthorization of existing departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government; licensing and/orcertification of occupational and/or professional groups; and review of regulations promulgated by Tennessee departments, commissions, boards or agencies" , and I imagine the house committee is similar.
The long and short of it appears to be a checks and balance consideration to make sure there are agencies in place which can support administration of the provisions ofthe bill, in this case TDEC. It was suggested that we might want to contact the members of the house Government Operations Committee just prior to their scheduled April 16 meeting, encouraging them to move HB4198 along.
This committee consists of the following members:Government Operations, 38 Legislative Plaza, Phone (615) 741-4866
Mike Kernell, Chair
Barbara Cooper, Vice-Chair
Mike Bell, Stacey Campfield, Glen Casada, Jim Cobb, Lois DeBerry, G. AHardaway, Susan Lynn, Jason Mumpower, Gary Odom, Jeanne Richardson, Randy Rink and Eric Swafford. Contact information can be found on the Legislature web page.
It might also be helpful to again contact the members of the Senate Committeee of Environment Conservation and Tourism just prior to their scheduled April 16th session, asking for their support in moving SB4198 to the next step.So it appears that the bills are still moving along and still providing protection against new rock mining endeavors on State Park land, apparently in the form whereby the rock miners must obtain permission to mine from the surface rights holders. Although from this outsider looking in, the process seems to be slow and cumbersome, I feel confident that the procedure is one of checks and balances to insure bills are passed that are beneificial to the general public and that systems are in place which will allow proper administration.
Regards to all,
Jim Schroeder
From Jim Schroeder......
The following information is a combination of information gleaned from the Tennessee Legislature web page, conversation with Senator Ketron's office, and a conversation with Representative Floyd's office. As of the close of sessions on Wednesday, April 9: In the house, HB4198 cleared the full Environment and Conservation Committee, and was referred to the House Government Operations Committee, where it has been placed on the agenda for their April 16th session.
From there it will be referred to the House Calendar and Rules Committee for placement on the total House calendar for a vote. In the Senate, the full Environment, Conservation,, and Tourism Committee deferred action on SB4198 until their Arpil 16 Committee session. The writer was not privey to why this delay in action was taken. Evidently, once it clears the Senate full committee, it will then have to follow a path similar to that of the house, that is through the Senate Government Operations Committee, and then through the Senate Calendar Committee before coming to a vote on the floor of the Senate.
The Senate Operations Committee's repsonibilites are described on the web page as: "This committee is responsible for legislation concerning the creation of new departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government; the reauthorization of existing departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government; licensing and/orcertification of occupational and/or professional groups; and review of regulations promulgated by Tennessee departments, commissions, boards or agencies" , and I imagine the house committee is similar.
The long and short of it appears to be a checks and balance consideration to make sure there are agencies in place which can support administration of the provisions ofthe bill, in this case TDEC. It was suggested that we might want to contact the members of the house Government Operations Committee just prior to their scheduled April 16 meeting, encouraging them to move HB4198 along.
This committee consists of the following members:Government Operations, 38 Legislative Plaza, Phone (615) 741-4866
Mike Kernell, Chair
Barbara Cooper, Vice-Chair
Mike Bell, Stacey Campfield, Glen Casada, Jim Cobb, Lois DeBerry, G. AHardaway, Susan Lynn, Jason Mumpower, Gary Odom, Jeanne Richardson, Randy Rink and Eric Swafford. Contact information can be found on the Legislature web page.
It might also be helpful to again contact the members of the Senate Committeee of Environment Conservation and Tourism just prior to their scheduled April 16th session, asking for their support in moving SB4198 to the next step.So it appears that the bills are still moving along and still providing protection against new rock mining endeavors on State Park land, apparently in the form whereby the rock miners must obtain permission to mine from the surface rights holders. Although from this outsider looking in, the process seems to be slow and cumbersome, I feel confident that the procedure is one of checks and balances to insure bills are passed that are beneificial to the general public and that systems are in place which will allow proper administration.
Regards to all,
Jim Schroeder
Rock Mining legislation goes to full hearing
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 6, 2008
HB4198 regarding rock mining cleared the House sub-committee on Environment and is now on the docket of the House Conservation and Environment Committee for a full hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:am
It should also be noted that Senate companion bill SB4198 is also scheduled in the Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee for a full hearing on the same date.
It might be helpful if we all write the respective committee members asking for their support in sending these bills for a vote to the floor of the House and Senate respectively.
See previous blog posts for these email addresses.
HB4198 regarding rock mining cleared the House sub-committee on Environment and is now on the docket of the House Conservation and Environment Committee for a full hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:am
It should also be noted that Senate companion bill SB4198 is also scheduled in the Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee for a full hearing on the same date.
It might be helpful if we all write the respective committee members asking for their support in sending these bills for a vote to the floor of the House and Senate respectively.
See previous blog posts for these email addresses.
Rock Mining Bill clears sub-committee
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com April 4, 2008.
From Jim Schroeder....
I am pleased to inform you the HB4198 regarding rock mining today cleared the House sub-committee on Environment and is now on the docket of the House Conservation and Environment Committee for a full hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:am (as I understand it, this is the final committee meeting of the session). It should also be noted that Senate companion bill SB4198 is also scheduled in the Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee for a full hearing on the same date. It might be helpful if we all write the respective committee members asking for their support in sending these bills for a vote to the floor of the House and Senate respectively.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Jim Schroeder
House Conservation and Environment CommitteeFrank Buck, Chair rep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.usJohn Tidwell, Vice-Chair rep.john.tidwell@legislature.state.tn.usBrenda Gilmore, Secretary rep.brenda.gilmore@legislature.state.tn.usWilliam Baird, rep.william.baird@legislature.state.tn.usWillie Borchert, rep.willie.borchert@legislature.state.tn.usRichard Floyd, rep.richard.floyd@legislature.state.tn.usGeorge Fraley, rep.george.fraley@legislature.state.tn.usDavid Hawk, rep.david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.usMike Kernell, rep.mike.kernell@legislature.state.tn.usJoe McCord, rep.joe.mccord@legislature.state.tn.usFrank Niceley,
rep.frank.niceley@legislature.state.tn.us
Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee
Tommy Kilby , Chair sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us
Dewayne Bunch, Vice-Chair sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us
Doug Jackson, Secretary sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us
Raymond Finney, sen.raymond.finney@legislature.state.tn.us
Roy Herron, sen.roy.herron@legislature.state.tn.us
Bill Ketron, sen.bill.ketron@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Roller, sen.steve.roller@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Southerland, sen.steve.southerland@legislature.state.tn.us
Mike Williams, sen.micheal.williams@legislature.state.tn.us
Check the post below for a sample letter you can cut and paste to send to each of these House and Senate members.
From Jim Schroeder....
I am pleased to inform you the HB4198 regarding rock mining today cleared the House sub-committee on Environment and is now on the docket of the House Conservation and Environment Committee for a full hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:am (as I understand it, this is the final committee meeting of the session). It should also be noted that Senate companion bill SB4198 is also scheduled in the Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee for a full hearing on the same date. It might be helpful if we all write the respective committee members asking for their support in sending these bills for a vote to the floor of the House and Senate respectively.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Jim Schroeder
House Conservation and Environment CommitteeFrank Buck, Chair rep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.usJohn Tidwell, Vice-Chair rep.john.tidwell@legislature.state.tn.usBrenda Gilmore, Secretary rep.brenda.gilmore@legislature.state.tn.usWilliam Baird, rep.william.baird@legislature.state.tn.usWillie Borchert, rep.willie.borchert@legislature.state.tn.usRichard Floyd, rep.richard.floyd@legislature.state.tn.usGeorge Fraley, rep.george.fraley@legislature.state.tn.usDavid Hawk, rep.david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.usMike Kernell, rep.mike.kernell@legislature.state.tn.usJoe McCord, rep.joe.mccord@legislature.state.tn.usFrank Niceley,
rep.frank.niceley@legislature.state.tn.us
Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee
Tommy Kilby , Chair sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us
Dewayne Bunch, Vice-Chair sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us
Doug Jackson, Secretary sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us
Raymond Finney, sen.raymond.finney@legislature.state.tn.us
Roy Herron, sen.roy.herron@legislature.state.tn.us
Bill Ketron, sen.bill.ketron@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Roller, sen.steve.roller@legislature.state.tn.us
Steve Southerland, sen.steve.southerland@legislature.state.tn.us
Mike Williams, sen.micheal.williams@legislature.state.tn.us
Check the post below for a sample letter you can cut and paste to send to each of these House and Senate members.
Rock Mining Legislation- Not too late to help!
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com March 31, 2008
The Rock Mining Legislation that went up on the 26th has been deferred and put on the sub-committee's calendar for April 2, Wednesday. If you haven't yet emailed any of the legislators now is your chance. Here is a list of those who are not yet behind the legislation along with a suggested letter you can send.
Representative Bill Harmon, Dunlap rep.bill.harmon@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative Frank Buck, Dowelltown rep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative John Windle, Livingston rep.john.windle@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative Leslie Winningham, Huntsville rep.leslie.winningham@legislature.state.tn.us
Dear Representative (fill in name):
I am writing this as a member of the Tennessee Trails Association requesting that you give strong consideration to supporting HB4198 under review in the House Environment Committee. This bill is designed to bring the ever-growing industry of rock mining under some measure of regulation and control. Many present on-going mining operations are wreaking devastation upon the landscapes of both private and public lands, destroying natural habitats of flora and fauna. Of special concern is the damage done in a number of sections of the Cumberland Trail State Park, the site of the Cumberland Hiking Trail extending from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap. This trail is being built with 1000’s of hours of labor from volunteers across the eastern half of the United States. And because of damage to and dangerous operations near, a section of this trail had to be temporarily closed. Although this bill effects numerous people with a variety of complex issues, the need for passage is paramount to protect the landscapes of Tennessee, and your support of this bill will be much appreciated.
Please take a moment to view a slideshow of photos taken by a member of the Murfreesboro Chapter along the trail in September of 2007, they will show you what is at stake. http://picasaweb.google.com/tta.boro/CumberlandTrailStatePark/photo#s5161438035879960402
Respectfully,
(Name and address)
The Rock Mining Legislation that went up on the 26th has been deferred and put on the sub-committee's calendar for April 2, Wednesday. If you haven't yet emailed any of the legislators now is your chance. Here is a list of those who are not yet behind the legislation along with a suggested letter you can send.
Representative Bill Harmon, Dunlap rep.bill.harmon@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative Frank Buck, Dowelltown rep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative John Windle, Livingston rep.john.windle@legislature.state.tn.us
Representative Leslie Winningham, Huntsville rep.leslie.winningham@legislature.state.tn.us
Dear Representative (fill in name):
I am writing this as a member of the Tennessee Trails Association requesting that you give strong consideration to supporting HB4198 under review in the House Environment Committee. This bill is designed to bring the ever-growing industry of rock mining under some measure of regulation and control. Many present on-going mining operations are wreaking devastation upon the landscapes of both private and public lands, destroying natural habitats of flora and fauna. Of special concern is the damage done in a number of sections of the Cumberland Trail State Park, the site of the Cumberland Hiking Trail extending from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap. This trail is being built with 1000’s of hours of labor from volunteers across the eastern half of the United States. And because of damage to and dangerous operations near, a section of this trail had to be temporarily closed. Although this bill effects numerous people with a variety of complex issues, the need for passage is paramount to protect the landscapes of Tennessee, and your support of this bill will be much appreciated.
Please take a moment to view a slideshow of photos taken by a member of the Murfreesboro Chapter along the trail in September of 2007, they will show you what is at stake. http://picasaweb.google.com/tta.boro/CumberlandTrailStatePark/photo#s5161438035879960402
Respectfully,
(Name and address)
Urgent Need- Support the Rock Mining Bill
ORIGINALLY posted on ttamurfreesboro.blogspot.com on March 17, 2008
From Jim Schroeder:
It has come to our attention that a number house members of the State General Assembly have voiced some concerns for and hesitancy of support regarding the rock mining bill now under consideration in the House Environment Committee. Therefore we are seeking your help by requesting all TTA members write each of these gentlemen and ask for their support of this bill.Below is a list of four House Members who are hesitant to support this bill along with a suggested letter. However, please feel free to add your own comments and thoughts when writing to each of them. The next committee meeting is MARCH 26.
**For Murfreesboro Chapter members I've added a short paragraph at the bottom of Jim's suggested letter...
It took me 5 minutes to send all of these folks an email....take a moment and do this, it will make a difference!
Here is the link if you would like to read all the details. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/. -----Millette Jones
Representative Bill Harmon, Dunlaprep.bill.harmon@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Frank Buck, Dowelltownrep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative John Windle, Livingstonrep.john.windle@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Leslie Winningham, Huntsvillerep.leslie.winningham@legislature.state.tn.us
Dear Representative (fill in name):
I am writing this as a member of the Tennessee Trails Association requesting that you give strong consideration to supporting HB4198 under review in the House Environment Committee. This bill is designed to bring the ever-growing industry of rock mining under some measure of regulation and control. Many present on-going mining operations are wreaking devastation upon the landscapes of both private and public lands, destroying natural habitats of flora and fauna. Of special concern is the damage done in a number of sections of the Cumberland Trail State Park, the site of the Cumberland Hiking Trail extending from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap. This trail is being built with 1000’s of hours of labor from volunteers across the eastern half of the United States. And because of damage to and dangerous operations near, a section of this trail had to be temporarily closed. Although this bill effects numerous people with a variety of complex issues, the need for passage is paramount to protect the landscapes of Tennessee, and your support of this bill will be much appreciated.
Please take a moment to view a slideshow of photos taken by a member of the TTA-Murfreesboro Chapter along the trail in September of 2007, they will show you what is at stake. http://picasaweb.google.com/tta.boro/CumberlandTrailStatePark/photo#s5161438035879960402
Respectfully,
(Name and address)
From Jim Schroeder:
It has come to our attention that a number house members of the State General Assembly have voiced some concerns for and hesitancy of support regarding the rock mining bill now under consideration in the House Environment Committee. Therefore we are seeking your help by requesting all TTA members write each of these gentlemen and ask for their support of this bill.Below is a list of four House Members who are hesitant to support this bill along with a suggested letter. However, please feel free to add your own comments and thoughts when writing to each of them. The next committee meeting is MARCH 26.
**For Murfreesboro Chapter members I've added a short paragraph at the bottom of Jim's suggested letter...
It took me 5 minutes to send all of these folks an email....take a moment and do this, it will make a difference!
Here is the link if you would like to read all the details. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/. -----Millette Jones
Representative Bill Harmon, Dunlaprep.bill.harmon@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Frank Buck, Dowelltownrep.frank.buck@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative John Windle, Livingstonrep.john.windle@legislature.state.tn.usRepresentative Leslie Winningham, Huntsvillerep.leslie.winningham@legislature.state.tn.us
Dear Representative (fill in name):
I am writing this as a member of the Tennessee Trails Association requesting that you give strong consideration to supporting HB4198 under review in the House Environment Committee. This bill is designed to bring the ever-growing industry of rock mining under some measure of regulation and control. Many present on-going mining operations are wreaking devastation upon the landscapes of both private and public lands, destroying natural habitats of flora and fauna. Of special concern is the damage done in a number of sections of the Cumberland Trail State Park, the site of the Cumberland Hiking Trail extending from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap. This trail is being built with 1000’s of hours of labor from volunteers across the eastern half of the United States. And because of damage to and dangerous operations near, a section of this trail had to be temporarily closed. Although this bill effects numerous people with a variety of complex issues, the need for passage is paramount to protect the landscapes of Tennessee, and your support of this bill will be much appreciated.
Please take a moment to view a slideshow of photos taken by a member of the TTA-Murfreesboro Chapter along the trail in September of 2007, they will show you what is at stake. http://picasaweb.google.com/tta.boro/CumberlandTrailStatePark/photo#s5161438035879960402
Respectfully,
(Name and address)
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