Dawson Wheeler and Clint Powell interviewed Rick Wood, who worked for The Trust for Public Land (TPL) from 2000 to 2017. He built a vision, designed parks and trails, raised capital, and managed construction.
In 2008, TPL kicked off the conservation of a 100-acre ridge that was threatened by development in North Chattanooga: Stringer’s Ridge. TPL went on to design mountain bike and hiking trails on Stringer's Ridge, which has now become a beloved part of Chattanooga’s park system.
Mr. Wood was also able to negotiate and close over 35 land acquisition deals for greenway development, known as South Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
Additionally, Mr. Wood and TPL assembled over 5,000 acres along the Cumberland Trail near Cumberland Gap National Park.
Mr. Wood's leadership at TPL is one of the cornerstones that has made Chattanooga what it is today.
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