![]() Hellbender Press previously reported on the Smokies project. Eric is descended from Daniel Mingus, a formerly enslaved carpenter, and Clarinda Mingus, the daughter of Daniel’s enslaver. A Santa Fe-based musician, Eric has recently re-connected with his family’s story that is rooted in the park through the African American Experiences in the Smokies project. Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and poet Eric Mingus performed a new piece of music that speaks to and of Mingus Mill, its location, and the people who lived there, including his ancestors. “The new signs and the African American Experiences in the Smokies project are so important to tell the untold stories of Black people in the region,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. GATLINBURG - Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials unveiled two new waysides at Mingus Mill on May 23 as part of the larger African American Experiences in the Smokies project. Take a moment at a wayside to think of African Americans in the Great Smokies.The resolution was sponsored by 14 of the 21 commissioners (it takes 11 votes to pass a resolution). Despite not knowing the study’s findings - which may include recommendations of full or partial removal of individual dams, or no action at all - the Blount County Commission unanimously passed a resolution in April calling for the preservation of all three dams. The results of the Army Corps’ study are not expected until June or July. The announcement sparked a public furor in Blount County over potential impact that dam removal might have on the Little River and adjoining communities. These dams include the Townsend Dam, Peery’s Mill, and Rockford. TOWNSEND - In February the Army Corps of Engineers announced a study to evaluate potential effects of proposed removal or modification of three dams on the Little River. Andrew Gunnoe/Hellbender Press Army Corps of Engineers studies Little River for potential dam removal Peery’s Mill Dam on the Little River could be dismantled following a federal survey of dams along the river. Here is more information from the National Park Service. We appreciate the public’s input throughout this process.” Parking tag sales, at a modest fee, would provide critically needed support to protect and enhance the visitor experience not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come. “We’re proud to be the most visited National Park, but it does present challenges due to wear and tear on aging facilities and a strain on park resources and employees. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at a crossroads,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. He described Tuesday’s vote as “a resounding (message) from the commissioners who want their voice heard.” He said he acknowledges the park’s economic importance to Blount County, and suggested the resolution moved out of committee could see amendments based on Mitchell’s outreach efforts, but was wary of implementing new fees. “No one has really given us a good idea as to how they will police it,” said Blount County Commissioner and Townsend representative Jeff Jopling following the committee vote. Most Blount County commissioners, while acknowledging the chronic funding shortfall, want to see the Interior Department carry the load by redirecting more tax dollars to the park, though Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said during an agenda committee meeting that he preferred a softer approach than an outright rejection of the proposal, which will come before the full commission April 21. “All revenue generated through these user fees would remain in the Smokies to directly support operational costs for managing and improving services for visitors including trail maintenance, custodial services, trash removal, and supporting more law enforcement staffing across the park,” according to a news release from the park. Vehicles left at trailheads would also require a $5 daily fee or a reduced daily price for longer parking. As proposed, the daily fee for backcountry campsites would double from $4 to $8. and, unlike most other national parks, has never charged a fee for entry, though costs for camping permits have increased over the past two decades. The national park is the most visited in the U.S. National park officials also want to increase fees for backcountry and frontcountry campsites and pavilion rentals. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |