Proud To Be A Conservative Conservationist

  • Monday, August 29, 2016

I was born and raised in Chattanooga and was brought up to be a Tennessee conservative. That means that my family conserved our spending, our resources, and yes, even our environment.  I think we were inspired to do so because Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places in the entire United States. We have stunning mountains, wild rivers and quiet backcountry. And many of our families have been enjoying those unique landscapes for generations.  

Conservatism runs in our blood. From our mom and pop shops to our churches – Tennessee has a very unique way of life. I was taught that our lands and waters were here before us, and they will be here after us.  And it is our responsibility to pass on God’s creation to the next generation.  

One of the great parts about Tennessee is the Cherokee National Forest. It is one of the reasons I decided to go to UT-Chattanooga, and why I continue to live here today. We are so close to a big backyard that offers us endless outdoor recreation opportunities – whether that is hiking and paddling, hunting and fishing, or just taking in the solitude and quiet of nature.  

The Cherokee National Forest is truly a natural treasure. It provides critical wildlife habitat, offers outstanding land and water recreational opportunities, and supplies clean drinking water to nearby communities.    

That is why I am urging Congress to conserve a portion of the Cherokee by passing the Tennessee Wilderness Act. Every year, the President of the United States proclaims September as National Wilderness Month, a time to honor and commemorate our most pristine great outdoors. That makes September a perfect time for our federal representatives to act on this issue. 

The Tennessee Wilderness Act would protect 19,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness. It would create a new wilderness area encompassing more than 9,000 acres in Monroe County, as well as expand acreage in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock, Big Frog, Little Frog Mountain, Big Laurel Branch and Sampson Mountain wilderness areas. 

The Act would preserve backcountry that is home to black bear, boar, white tailed deer and several trout species including brook trout. These areas are and are becoming increasingly rare as we lose our great outdoors to unnecessary development. The legislation would also safeguard clean water that all of us – conservative and progressive – depend upon. Finally it would boost the local economy through more outdoor recreation and tourism jobs. And more people are choosing to live here because of our national forest, which ensures that our grocery and clothing stores, hospitals and libraries and other community-based businesses grow and continue to thrive.  

The Tennessee Wilderness Act was first introduced by Republican Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker eight years ago. Just this year, Congressman Phil Roe, also a Republican, introduced a House version of the bill. These elected officials understand what it means to be a true Tennessee Conservative Conservationist. I want to thank them for their leadership in preserving our outdoor traditions.  

Our great outdoors, especially wilderness, change and inspire me. It is a spiritual place, and helps me understand what’s important when I am searching for answers. It is the same reason why our wild areas play such an important role with our faith communities here in Tennessee.  

When the Wilderness Act passed 52 years ago, it had Republican support on the ground and in Congress.  In fact, it was introduced by a Republican. Today, we can see the conservative nature of the Wilderness Act embodied in Senators Alexander and Corker and Rep. Roe. 

It’s worth mentioning Congress passed a bill last year that protected more than a quarter million acres of wilderness in Idaho. The Republican-sponsored bill demonstrates that the modest portion of Tennessee’s wild lands are no less deserving of that protection. 

But time is running out for the Tennessee Wilderness Act. With less than 40 days left in the congressional session, we need to pass this important bill this year. It is time for Congress to act in the spirit of the 1964 Wilderness Act and protect our piece of the Cherokee National Forest.  

It is the conservative thing to do. 

Samantha Lynn

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