Partners of the Cherokee National Forest (Partners)

Serving 10 Tennessee counties, including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, McMinn, Monroe, Polk, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington.

2001

The Partners of the Cherokee National Forest (Partners) was founded.

2002

Approved as a 501c3, acquired over 7,000 acres of forest land by CNF. Funding: William B. Stokely, Jr. Foundation. ($2,000)

2003

Published informational literature including means to contribute, volunteer, and join. Funding: Tucker Foundation ($5,000), NFF ($15,000)

2004

Developed historic Unicom Turnpike Trail, promoted counties located within the CNF, establish support levels for CNF contributors, create partnersofthecherokee.com website, produce video titled “Partners-Who Are We”, developed 3-5 year Strategic plan, created branding strategy, published Partners Newsletter. Funding: Tucker Foundation ($5,000), NFF ($15,000)

 2005

Funded wood and wildlife projects, constructed educational displays for schools, worked to eradicate Hemlock parasites (Spent $10,000). Funding: NFF ($26,000).

2006

Continued to work on eradication of Hemlock parasites ($5,000). Funding: National Bank of Tennessee ($10,000), Tucker Foundation ($5,000).

2007

Co-recipient of “National Making Tracks With The Forest Service Award”, began raising funds for the Pinnacle Fire Lookout Tower Rehabilitation (Projected $150,000), participated in “Bat Blitz” ($3,000), conducted the first “Eco-Days” event.

2008

Hosted the “Hemlock Special” fundraiser, teamed up with Walmart on outdoor work projects, accepted new 5,000 acres, conducted Eco-Days event. Funding: Fundraising train ride ($10,000), Walmart donated ($7,000), Alcoa, Inc. ($69,000 for study), Tucker Foundation ($5,000), Fundraising for Pinnacle project ($51,000).

2009

Conducted “Eco-Days”, published newsletter, updated website, began operation of CNF outlet store sales. Funding: “Tower Raising” fundraiser ($5,000).

2010

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, began CNF “Adventure Map”, worked to re-establish brook trout, supported snorkeling program, Partners support grant proposals CNF for $20,000. Funding: Walmart stores ($10,000)

2011

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, completed Pinnacle Fire Lookout Tower, performed trail maintenance and cleanup, expanded merchandise offerings at retail outlets. Funding: Walmart ($3,000).

2012

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, published and sold the “Adventure Map”, expanded website.

2013

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, granted Wildlife and Fisheries scholarship ($1,000), evaluated installation of a “TRACK Trail” in one county, with intentions to eventually establish them in each of the 10 counties within the Cherokee NF, evaluated possible expansion of “Eco-Days”. Funding: Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga ($2,500).

2014

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, established an Interpretive Association, met with Lee Curtis, Director of Program Development/Legislative Liaison, TN Department of Tourist Development.

2015

Conducted “Eco-Days” event, commissioned a TRACK Trail at the Chilhowee Trail, (estimated $9,800), joined the Public Lands Alliance, managed the publication of a regional Outdoor Recreation Map in collaboration with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, North Carolina State Parks, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

2016

Conducted “Eco-Days” event,  updated informational brochure, co-hosted a stop-over display of the US Capitol Christmas Tree en route to Washington, DC, published “Outdoor Recreation Map” of Southern Appalachian Public Lands (estimated $12,000), created www.recreationlinks.org to supplement the map, completed the first TRACK Trail, redesigned Partners  website, established plans for expanding TRACK Trails to other counties in the Cherokee NF.