On Monday evening, a large crowd attended the Bledsoe County commission meeting to support restoring public access to Bledsoe State Forest. Commissioner Ruth Sapp Burton noted over 100 attendees advocating for reversing restrictions. Josh Stewart shared that a petition with 1,000+ signatures calls on the Tennessee Division of Forestry to:
- Reopen ATV trails.
- Expand creek access for recreation.
- Create designated campsites.
- Improve horseback riding facilities.
- Allow volunteer maintenance of trails and campsites.
- Pursue grants and partnerships for conservation and recreation
According to Megan Carpenter, spokesperson for the Tennessee Division of Forestry, enforcement of an existing rule now prohibits motorized vehicles on the trail near Bee Creek Road on the south side of the forest. This action is due in part to recent damage observed in the area.
