Tennessee State Parks to hold meeting on Rocky Fork plans

Tennessee State Parks will hold public meetings across the state in the coming weeks to discuss site management plans specific to 14 parks, including Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park in Flag Pond.The plan for each park is part of a 10-year Comprehensive Strategic Plan that guides the operations of all 62 state parks in Tennessee. Each park plan is required to be reviewed and updated within that period.The meetings are an opportunity to hear more about the plans from each park's staff with an opportunity for public response. The parks have developed specific strategic management proposals and are inviting input about those objectives. The in-person meetings will be held at or near the individual parks.Key components of the plans for each park focus on the four cornerstones of park management: resource stewardship; visitor experience; facilities and amenities; and operational excellence."Public input is vital to the continued success of our state parks," said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner of Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. "These meetings are a fun opportunity for Tennesseans to help shape the future of our state parks and fulfill our mission to preserve, protect, and share Tennessee's natural and cultural resources while providing safe and quality outdoor experiences."The meetings will be held from Nov. 10 through Jan. 8.The meeting on Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park will kick off the series of meetings at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Erwin Town Hall, 211 N. Main Ave., Erwin.Other parks scheduled for meetings include Cove Lake State Park, Booker T. Washington State Park, Big Ridge State Park, Bledsoe Creek State Park, Cumberland Mountain State Park, David Crockett State Park, Big Hill Pond State Park, Harpeth River State Park, Montgomery Bell State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, Chickasaw State Park and North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park.A theme throughout the plans is the commitment to a high-quality parks system that delivers world-class parks, trails, and facilities, is known regionally and nationally for its standard of excellence and supports unique outdoor recreation opportunities for all. This comes while contributing to local economies and the quality of life in Tennessee.Comments will be accepted through Jan. 31 in an online survey or via mail.Anyone interested in the Comprehensive Strategic Plan, the individual park plan updates, and the meeting schedule can visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/parks-conservation/ppp.html.To access the online survey and provide comments.visit https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/stateparks_mgmtplans_2025 Comments by mail should be addressed to:Attn: Liz CampbellDavy Crockett Tower500 James Robertson Parkway, 8th floorNashville, TN 37243