GOVERNOR BREDESEN PROCLAIMS SEPT. 29 PUBLIC LANDS DAY IN TENNESSEE

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed Sept. 29,
2007, as Public Lands Day in Tennessee. The proclamation coincides with
National Public Lands Day celebrations being held across the country.
 
"In Tennessee, we are fortunate to be surrounded by diverse and
beautiful natural areas, and the importance of protecting and preserving
our shared lands cannot be overstated," Bredesen said. "The people who
volunteer at natural areas across the state on Public Lands Day are
providing a tremendous public service. They are working to safeguard
these lands not only for themselves, but also for the benefit and
enjoyment of future generations."
 
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest one-day, volunteer
stewardship event.  Organizers seek to honor the legacy of the Civilian
Conservation Corps in protecting America's public lands.  Last year,
100,000 people volunteered at 1,100 natural sites across the country.
These men and women built trails, planted trees and removed litter to
improve America's shared lands for all who visit them.  
 
National Public Lands Day is an annual program of the National
Environmental Educational Education Foundation, chartered by Congress in
1990 as a private nonprofit organization to develop and to support
environmental learning programs to meet social goals and build
partnerships among government, the private sector and non-governmental
organizations. Those interested in organizing a National Public Lands
Day project or volunteering can call 800-VOL-TEER (800-865-8337), or go
to www.publiclandsday.org ( http://www.publiclandsday.org/ ). 
 
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will sponsor
two volunteer stewardship projects in recognition of Public Lands Day. 
Public Lands Day Activities planned in Tennessee on Sept. 29 include:
  
In East Tennessee:
 
House Mountain State Natural Area, Knox County
Volunteers will repair and widen trail tread, repair switchbacks and
install boundary markers and trail blazes along the Mountain Trail, one
of Knox County's most popular recreation areas. Volunteers should meet
at 9 a.m. All tools will be provided, but volunteers should bring
gloves, water and snacks. Layered clothing, rain gear and boots or other
appropriate footwear are recommended. Work will continue until
approximately 2 p.m.  To volunteer, please call (865) 594-5601 or e-mail
lisa.huff@state.tn.us. 
 
Directions:  From Knoxville, take I-40 East. Exit on U.S. Highway 11W
(Rutledge Pike). Travel north and east on Rutledge Pike. Continue on
Rutledge Pike for approximately 10 miles. Turn left on Idumea Road after
passing the "House Mountain State Park" sign on the right side of the
highway.  Then, turn left on Hogski
n Road. Continue on Hogskin Road for
less than a mile to reach the parking area.
 
For more information about the Tennessee's state natural areas, please
visit http:// www.tdec.net/na/.