Our History

Introducing TCWP – Past, Present, and Future

by Liane B. Russell

One of two stimuli that led to the formation of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, TCWP, was a TVA proposal for a dam that would inundate the wild and uniquely beautiful gorges of the Obed River system in the Cumberland Mountains. Another stimulus was a government proposal to fragment the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with yet another transmountain road. Citizens already poised to form a Save-the-Obed organization joined with those concerned about the Smokies to form TCWP in the summer of 1966.

TCWP Timeline – 1966-2024
Overview

From its founding in 1966 through today, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) led impactful conservation initiatives across Tennessee. Through grassroots mobilization, legislative lobbying, field stewardship, and public education, TCWP has persistently fought to protect rivers, forests, wildlife, and public lands.

1960s: Laying the Foundation (1966–1969)
  • Blocked the proposed Smokies Transmountain Road by organizing a high-profile Washington delegation, meeting directly with federal officials to advocate for preservation.
  • Formed the Big South Fork Committee, submitted scientific and historical documentation, and persuaded federal agencies to consider permanent protection for the river system.
  • Spearheaded and secured the passage of the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Act, laying the groundwork for state-level waterway protection and preventing destructive dam proposals.
  • Constructed public-use trails in Oak Ridge and helped found the Tennessee Trails Association, fostering early partnerships between recreation and preservation.
  • Mobilized grassroots campaigns to oppose commercial developments in state parks, including a successful effort to block construction of golf courses and motels in natural areas.
1970s: Legislative Victories and Trail Expansion (1970–1979)
  • Led advocacy that culminated in the establishment of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, protecting over 100,000 acres from industrial development.
  • Worked closely with legislators and agencies to have the Obed River designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, reinforcing national protection.
  • Conducted grassroots and legal campaigns against strip mining, promoting stronger state and federal regulatory standards and pushing for citizen enforcement rights.
  • Expanded recreational access by creating and improving trail systems, initiating public hikes, and promoting the Cumberland Trail vision.
  • Sponsored political forums, environmental education events, and built statewide advocacy networks to connect citizens with legislators.
  • Played a leading role in drafting and advocating for the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act, helping lay the foundation for future federal wilderness protections in the East.
1980s: Wilderness Designation and Mining Reform (1980–1989)
  • Led efforts to pass the 1984 Wilderness Act in Tennessee, securing wilderness status for Citico Creek, Bald River, and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock.
  • Filed formal Section 522 petitions to restrict mining near Frozen Head and defended these victories through legal appeals and scientific review.
  • Fought TVA energy policies that prioritized development over environmental health, and advocated for long-term energy conservation planning.
  • Halted a proposed military base near Savage Gulf by organizing scientific review panels, grassroots mobilization, and sustained Congressional lobbying.
  • Prevented weakening of Tennessee’s strip-mine law by testifying at hearings and organizing opposition to legislative rollbacks.
1990s: Land Acquisition and Forest Advocacy (1990–1999)
  • Championed major land acquisitions, resulting in the expansion of Frozen Head State Park, Pogue Creek Canyon, and protection of the Walls of Jericho.
  • Actively fought mountaintop removal mining and pressured regulators for enforcement of reclamation standards and public oversight.
  • Played a critical role in adding acreage to federally designated wilderness in the Southern Appalachians and strengthening roadless area protections.
  • Equipped citizens with advocacy tools including action guides, political directories, and briefings to increase informed civic participation.
  • Successfully lobbied for the designation of the Conasauga River as a Tennessee State Scenic River, increasing protection for a biologically rich waterway.
2000s: Watershed Defense and Energy Accountability (2000–2009)
  • Stopped landfill development within the Obed watershed and secured key parcels for permanent protection through negotiation and land transfer.
  • Exerted pressure on financiers and Congress to oppose destructive coal mining practices, especially mountaintop removal and valley fills.
  • Collaborated to help acquire the 10,000-acre Rocky Fork tract, which was later added to the Cherokee National Forest and proposed for wilderness designation.
  • Organized hikes, invasive species removals, youth education programs, and public outreach to build a conservation-minded constituency.
  • Opposed weakening of federal stream buffer rules, submitting formal comments and mobilizing citizen response.
2010s: Resisting Rollbacks and Building Trails (2010–2019)
  • Maintained and enhanced the North Ridge Trail system with monthly workdays, signage improvements, and a trail adoption program.
  • Defended against threats like off-road vehicle misuse, infrastructure development, and privatization of public lands in the Cumberland region.
  • Mobilized opposition to regulatory rollbacks that weakened NEPA, Clean Water Act protections, and public input opportunities.
  • Supported the successful designation of the Upper Bald River Wilderness and continued to push for expanded forest protection in the Cherokee.
  • Launched initiatives to support hemlock conservation through public education and invasive pest control.
2020s: Climate, Energy, and Justice (2020–2024)
  • Organized public opposition to TVA’s methane gas expansion, advocating for renewable alternatives and submitting critical comments on Environmental Assessments.
  • Purchased land adjacent to Obed and led river cleanups, invasive species removals, and interpretive events to reduce pollution and expand protected corridors.
  • Advocated for coal ash removal and challenged TVA’s landfill and wastewater plans through hearings, public comment, and collaboration with legal groups.
  • Engaged in legal and policy processes related to wetland rollbacks, nuclear development, and environmental justice in Oak Ridge and surrounding counties.
  • Opposed legislation to weaken state wetland protections and helped delay harmful bills in committee.
Enduring Strategies
  • Policy Advocacy: Influenced conservation laws and administrative rulings through testimony, lobbying, and strategic partnerships.
  • Citizen Engagement: Activated a statewide base through alerts, events, volunteer opportunities, and legislative campaigns.
  • Coalition Building: Partnered with local, state, and national organizations to amplify conservation efforts.
  • On-the-Ground Work: Built and maintained trails, led restoration projects, and stewarded public lands.
Conclusion

For nearly 60 years, TCWP has championed Tennessee’s wild lands through consistent, hands-on advocacy. Its legacy of action—across trails, rivers, forests, and legislation—continues to shape the region’s conservation future.