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People working together for social, economic and environmental justice in Tennessee
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Newsroom Archives
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For release September 25, 2002
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Contacts:
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Brian Paddock
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Kym Farmer
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SOCM Staff
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931-268-2938
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931-243-4333
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865-426-9455
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On Its 30th Anniversary, SOCM Takes to the Air in Forestry Battle.
Exposing the extent of deforestation in Tennessee, SOCM demands legislation to regulate the state's woodchip industry and protect public health and watersheds
MURFREESBORO, Sept. 27 - "Widespread and virtually uncontrolled industrial timber cutting in Tennessee's forested counties threatens quality of life and public health for rural people."
That is the message articulated by the citizens group Save Our Cumberland Mountains (SOCM) at a news conference today in Murfreesboro.
Aerial overflights of the heavily logged South Cumberland Plateau area dramatically illustrated the extent of loss of Tennessee's native hardwood forests over the last quarter-century.
"The deforestation crisis is worsening at an alarming rate in this state, and the legislature has been dragging its heels in addressing it," stated Kym Farmer of Celina, Chair of the SOCM Forestry Committee.
"The problem is clear: An unregulated system that allows large corporations to abuse the people of Tennessee, its lands and waterways."
At the news conference, several rural residents spoke of their experiences as neighbors and witnesses of industrial logging projects in Middle Tennessee.
Complaints were lodged against timber and woodchip companies indifferent to the effects of their cutting practices and aerial spraying of chemicals on local communities.
SOCM-sponsored state legislation will be introduced in January 2003 to regulate forest practices and protect Tennessee's valuable hardwood forest industry, wildlife and water quality.
The economic viability of many small businesses such as sawmill operators and the outdoor recreation and tourism industry is at risk, Farmer said.
Celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year, SOCM is the leading voice for protection of Tennessee's forests and rural communities.
The organization, comprised of nearly 1,800 families statewide, first rose to prominence in the 1970s, battling Tennessee's coal industry over fair taxation and regulation of stripmining.
Recently the group has expanded from its Appalachian roots to begin organizing in predominantly African-American communities in middle Tennessee.
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