July 14th, 2006
Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural
Area Opens to Public
State and local partners
celebrate Decatur County's State Natural Area
Bathsprings, Tenn. - Carroll Cabin Barrens
State Natural Area officially opened to the public for the first time
today as representatives from the Department of Environment and
Conservation joined Decatur County officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony
celebrating expanded public access and recent improvements at this unique
State Natural Area.
In April 2006, a Cooperative Management Agreement was signed between
Decatur County and the Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation's Division of Natural Areas regarding Carroll Cabin Barrens.
This agreement enabled public accessibility to Carroll Cabin Barrens for
the first time and also created the opportunity to secure additional
support from private organizations.
"We are pleased this partnership between Decatur County and the state has
produced greater accessibility to this special place," said Environment
and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. "Area residents and visitors alike
will benefit from the opportunity to experience the cedar glade and
barrens that give reason for this natural area's protection."
County Mayor Kenneth Broadway summed it up best when he remarked about
"Partnerships" "Working together with the leadership of Dan Brigance
commissioner in the first district and Jeff Kobiske our Parks and
Recreation Director, we were able to create a true partnership with the
state that allows for joint management of a great natural area right here
in our on county. This partnership has been long in the making and many
tireless hours were spent to make this a reality. We now have a area
consisting of almost 200 acres that our citizens, our children, and
generations to come can enjoy."
The unique partnership between Decatur County and the State of Tennessee
led to the construction of a parking area with a split rail fence,
information kiosk, signage and new two-mile hiking trail at Carroll Cabin
Barrens. A $1,300 grant from the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation
also assisted the development of these improvements.
Parks and Recreation Director, Jeff Kobiske took time during the
festivities to thank the many volunteers that helped make this a success.
" I would would like to thank Michael Walker for all the hard work hes put
in, Steve Glass for his time and expertise's in helping identify the trees
and plant life, Chad Hardin with the state natural areas for the countless
hours spent helping me and working to get the trail and other improvements
completed, Mayor Kenneth Broadway for the motivation and leadership hes
shown along with the guidance hes given me in working with the state, and
lastly, My Hero - Mr. Dan Brigance, Whom with out his help and support,
guidance, encouragement, and countless hours helping me with paper work
and so much more this would have never have happen. Dan I want to say a
extra special thanks to you."
Carroll Cabin Barrens was originally acquired and designated as a state
natural area in 2002 when Weyerhaeuser Company granted a conservation
easement to the state for a 200-acre parcel of land in Decatur County.
Weyerhaeuser donated remaining interests in the land to the state in 2003,
but the natural area has not been officially open to the public until
today.
For more information on Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural Area contact
West Tennessee Natural Areas Ecologist Chad Harden at 731-512-1369, or the
Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department at 731-847-6225, or visit
the Division of Natural Areas' Web page at
www.tdec.net/nh/natareas/carrollcabin
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