Place: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and
Tennessee)
Threat: Budget Shortfall, Maintenance Backlog, Air Pollution
 Great Smoky Mountains National
Park was established in 1934 to protect
some of the last remaining old growth
forests in the eastern U.S. from
irresponsible logging practices of the
past, and to ensure the survival of the
thousands of species that take refuge in
these forested mountains.
It is
America's most heavily visited
National Park with more than 9 million visitors each year.
"Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most visited park and home to
the most splendid old growth forests east of the Rockies. This special place deserves to be
protected from logging, unnecessary road building and air pollution from neighboring
power plants," says Christa Wagner with the Sierra Club in North Carolina.
"Unfortunately, the Bush administration does not share these concerns."
There are three major threats to the popularity and attractiveness of the Smokies:
- The park has an annual operating budget shortfall of $11.5 million and needs 108
full-time equivalent employees to supplement the current staff of fewer than 300.
Clearly, a staff of 300 is not sufficient to run one of America's most popular
parks. Along with the budget shortfall, the maintenance backlog is approaching
$170 million.
- A park that prides itself on scenic vistas is being clouded by air pollution. The
pollution comes from coal-fired power plants, motor vehicles, and other sources,
which degrades air quality in the park. Ozone levels often reach levels harmful to
humans, animals, vegetation, and acid rain deposition affects both the land and
water.
- The largest unroaded mountain area east of the Rockies is threatened by a
proposed 25 mile to 30 mile long road construction project in the North Carolina
area of the park.
There is a better way. In order for future generations to enjoy the majestic beauty,
geological and biological diversity and recreational activities of the Great Smokies, we
must take important steps. First, we must fully fund the park. The Bush administration
should support distributing the funds necessary to alleviate the budget shortfall. These
funds will ensure that the Park Service can maintain existing air quality monitoring
programs, initiate new research, and hire additional resource protection staff. These funds
could also be used to support improvements to visitor centers and new interpretive and
backcountry staff positions. We must also investigate alternative transportation systems
within the park. This will help curb the pollution problem while engaging gateway
communities to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce traffic congestion in the park
and satisfy the future transportation needs of the region.
"We cannot continue neglecting our national treasures like the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park," says Wagner. "We must clean up and protect the Great Smokies so that
future generations can enjoy the spectacular old growth forests, undisturbed vistas and
the opportunity for reflection and respite that America’s National Parks afford us."
Sierra Club Contact:
Christa Wagner, North Carolina: (704) 374-1125
Additional Info:
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