The magnificent wild lands of Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest need champions to push for the protection of thousands of acres that are vulnerable to development.
Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker have been those champions. Five times, they have introduced the Tennessee Wilderness Act (TWA), which would designate unspoiled parts of the Cherokee as wilderness, to permanently prevent them from being developed.
Ron LittlefieldUnfortunately, the TWA never made it to a vote on the Senate floor, and Alexander and Corker seem to have taken a step back. This does not reconcile with the support on the ground here in Tennessee, where small business owners, veterans, sportsmen, faith leaders and other Tennesseans are urging them to protect their big backyard.
But this Congress looks to be a repeat of those in the past, and unless our senators begin work to attach it to a piece of must-pass legislation like the Farm Bill, the TWA may be headed for a familiar fate.
How well I remember years ago taking my young family camping in the national forests near Chattanooga when the expense of a more traditional vacation exceeded our budget. My two boys are middle-aged men now but their love of nature and memories of those special times have never diminished. How sad if all children of today regardless of financial means aren't afforded the same opportunities.
As hard as it may be to grasp, the important watershed and wildlife habitats of the Cherokee National Forest remain at risk today.
Successful leaders understand the power of commitment and conviction. Our two senators have exhibited both during their public careers.
When I was chairman of the Chattanooga City Council and Bob Corker was mayor, he inspired and challenged the entire community with his plans for the 21st Century Waterfront. Then, he rolled up his sleeves and turned vision into reality by personally making dozens of presentations to raise private support for that transformational project.
As a result, Chattanooga attracts visitors from around the world, and we regularly find ourselves on almost every "Top 10 List" of livable communities.
The world stage has not diluted his determination and resolve. Bob Corker is known nationally and internationally for his bold and forward-looking leadership in the Senate.
Sen. Alexander's resume of leadership is especially impressive. He restored honor to the office of governor when he was sworn in during troubled times. He also served as president of the University of Tennessee and as U.S. Education Secretary under President George W. Bush. And he was a candidate for the highest office in our country.
No one has been a stronger leader for conservation than him. Alexander has made protecting the natural beauty of the state a top priority. His conviction comes naturally - he grew up in Maryville, with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby.
It is difficult to understand why Corker and Alexander would fail to make one last key move to get the TWA passed this year. We know they recognize that the Cherokee National Forest is a treasure, and that there are 20,000 acres in need of conservation. They just need to get back at the business of getting it fully protected.
Passage of the TWA offers Sen. Corker a special opportunity. He is leaving office next year, and protecting these spectacular landscapes for future generations would only enhance his legacy as a leader. It would add to this already existing conservation legacy he has established in Chattanooga.
He and Sen. Alexander have led with commitment and conviction. They need to call on those qualities now, dig deep into their personal reservoirs of political will and finish the job of protecting the Cherokee National Forest.
Ron Littlefield is the former mayor of Chattanooga.