County supporting efforts to regain use of State Forest
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A resolution was approved by the Bledsoe County Commission to support the efforts by a group to regain use of the Bledsoe State Forest for all-terrain-vehicles (ATV). Around 100 people filled the courtroom Monday evening, July 20, presenting petitions with nearly 2,500 signatures for support.
The group, led by spokesperson Josh Stewart, said they plan to take the petitions and the resolution to the Tennessee Division of Agriculture’s Forestry Commission meeting on August 19. Stewart invited outgoing Mayor Gregg Ridley, incoming mayor Kris Frady, and commissioners to join them in Nashville at that meeting.
Stewart presented a list of what the group is seeking which includes:
•reopening of designated ATV trails for responsible public use;
•greater public access to creeks so families can once again enjoy fishing, swimming, and spending time together;
•designated campsites where families can responsibly camp and enjoy the forest;
•improvements for horseback riders, including horse trails, hitching posts, watering stations, and other facilities;
•volunteer partnerships that allow local citizens to help maintain and improve trails, campsites, and recreational areas; and
•working with the Tennessee Division of Forestry to pursue grants, cooperative agreements, and partnerships that benefit both conservation and recreation.
Stewart noted, these would not only benefit ATV riders but would also benefit horseback riders, campers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, families, children, and future generations.
“We’re not asking for something new,” said Stewart, “we’re asking for the chance to preserve something that has always been part of Bledsoe County.”
In other business, the commission approved $60,000 for Brayton Fire Department to help build an auxiliary fire department for the Hendon area on two acres that were donated. These funds were appropriated in the 2026-27 budget, explained Mayor Ridley. He said, this will provide fire protection to the Hendon community by volunteers in the area. Mayor Ridley noted, Brayton currently provides first responders for medical emergencies in the area, and some will be available in the Hendon area too.
The sale of a fire truck from the Mt. Crest Volunteer Fire Department to the Brockdell Volunteer Fire Department was made official during the meeting.
This was Mayor Ridley’s last county commission meeting of his 20-year tenure. While it was a bit emotional for the outgoing public servant, he looks forward to retirement and possibly doing something different.
