Public use of Bledsoe State Forest goes off trail
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Recently, a group of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators were reportedly told they could no longer ride the trails they have ridden for years inside the Bledsoe State Forest. That action prompted a group of local residents to join together and rally to regain use of the public land.
For many years, generations have ridden in the Bledsoe State Forest, enjoying the trails, camping, fishing, swimming, and gathering with other riders, reports Josh Stewart, who is a member of Mudslingers, a local ATV group. He said they do not abuse the land and feel like they have lost their ability to ride on the public use land of Bledsoe State Forest.
According to Stewart, he was with a group that was approached by armed Rangers who told them they could no longer be riding their ATVs in the state forest. If they violate the regulations for the state forest, charges could be filed.
While the group says they have been told they could no longer ride in the state forest, according to Kim Doddridge, Public Information Officer for the Tennessee Division of Agriculture, that is not the case.
“No, public access has not been cut off to Bledsoe State Forest,” said Doddridge. “All areas of the forest are open to the public in accordance with designated use rules.”
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are allowed on the 15 miles of Bledsoe State Forest roads designated for motorized traffic, said Doddridge.
“Designated use signage across much of the forest provides information to users about where OHVs are allowed and where they are not,” she said. “The signage is not new and has not changed.”
The use of OHVs in areas not designated for motorized traffic has caused ongoing and extensive damage to roads and trails, making them impassible for necessary forest management services, she explained.
Ongoing repairs have been carried out at Bledsoe State Forest but have not been effective, she said, due to improper use in violation of posted designated use signs.
“Since the last round of repairs four months ago, the trails have returned to their prior condition due to improper OHV use,” Doddridge noted.
She explained, the improper use of this forest causes and exacerbates erosion and soil loss issues already common to the Cumberland Plateau region. The light, thin layer of sandy soil is exceptionally vulnerable to erosion, she said.
Erosion and soil loss negatively impact ecosystems broadly, she added, including the soil microbiome, plant and tree root integrity, and natural water filtration process.
“At Bledsoe State Forest, OHV damage and use in areas designated not for motorized traffic has caused both erosion and soil loss and has exposed Bee Creek — a primary water source for Bledsoe County — to pollution and sediment. This impacts the greater ecosystem in the area, water quality for residents, wildlife health, and aquatic life,” explained Doddridge.
Bledsoe State Forest has been the site of numerous instances of misuse, vandalism, and unlawful behavior, including damage to and destruction of state property, said Doddridge.
In March, the designated use map (see map accompanying this article) was part of an update process, said Doddridge. The map updates road use designation signage already on the site, she said. It clarifies designated use rules to protect the roads and trails that have experienced repeated serious damages.
Tennessee law and Tennessee state codes and regulations provide the Division of Forestry and the State Forester with the authority to designate how state forest land may be used by the public, including restrictions “when necessary for the protection of the area or the safety and welfare of visitors or property.” The spring updates were in accordance with that same authority designated by the state legislator, noted Doddridge.
Stewart, and those he rides with, believe they have done nothing to misuse, damage, or vandalize Bledsoe State Forest. They not only use the land to ride on, but they bring their families, many with young children, to enjoy the outdoors and learn about protecting the forest.
“It’s so important to the community,” said Stewart. “Where else in Bledsoe County are you going to go take your kids to swim, ride horses, go bogging, ride 4-wheelers? If we ain’t got our kids out in the woods, they’re going to go back on their phones.”
The Mudslingers group is known for raising funds, over $40,000, to help others by sponsoring rides in the Bledsoe State Forest, said Stewart. They donated $1,500 last year to Bledsoe County Sheriff Jimmy Morris’ Christmas project to provide toys for kids in the community, they have helped families purchase headstones for graves, and helped with medical bills, to name a few.
Not only is having a place for families to enjoy, Stewart stressed the loss of business for five ATV repair shops in the area.
“It’s detrimental to the county’s economy. Many businesses —five businesses who work on 4-wheelers and side-by-sides. So what’s that going to do to their business,” asked Stewart.
He said, it’s not right for groups like Mudslingers to be prevented from using the state forest due to a few people who have misused it.
“We’re trying to take all the proper channels to do this (protect their right to ride in the state forest),” said Stewart referring to an upcoming meeting of the Bledsoe County Commission. Stewart’s group will be presenting their case and urging the commission to support them to regain use of the state forest they believe they have been denied. That meeting is Monday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom.
In the meantime, petitions have been placed at various businesses in the city and county seeking signatures to support the group’s cause. Those petitions will be presented at the commission meeting. As of Friday, July 10, the group had 530 signatures on paper petitions, and over 1,100 on an online site.
If you wish to sign a petition, they can be found at Pailo Market, Sells Building Supply, Daily Stop, Los Panchos, and nearly every business in town, said Stewart.
“I’m rallying their support,” said Stewart, “even if it takes 100 trips to Nashville to talk to anybody and everybody.”
Bledsoe State Forest is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Bledsoe, Cumberland, Van Buren, and White Counties. The land was originally purchased by the State Department of Institutions in 1907. In 1933, 6,656 acres were designated as State Forest.
Doddridge noted overnight camping is allowed in Bledsoe State Forest by permit only since there is no designated campgrounds. Hunting is allowed in accordance with hunting laws and posted signage. She added, day use is allowed from dawn to dusk.
Horse riders and pack animals are allowed only on those trails or routes designated for their use, unless the district forester has issued a permit authorizing cross-county travel. They are not allowed on paved or main-traveled roadways except when necessary to ingress and egress from trails or privately owned property, according to state regulations. Riders have to have in their possession, evidence of a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia.