South Cumberland Friends Blog

Russell Cave National Monument Starting a Friends Group

2010-02-13T16:18:00.000-06:00

This message came in on the Friends website contact form. Save the (approximate) date!

Questions or Comments: I'm James Holzclaw and I work at Russell Cave National Monument. We are trying to set up a friends group for our park and we are going to have a meeting in May and discuss ideas on how to promote education and outdoor recreation. I would like to invite members from the South Cumberland Friends group to join us and discuss these type ideas with us. In this meeting we will have local educators and businessmen as well. If anyone is interest in attending, please have them to email me and I will send them some more details.

Thank you,
James

James Holtzclaw
3729 County Road 98
Bridgeport, Alabama 35740

Email Address: James_A_Holtzclaw@nps.gov

Phone: 256-495-2672

Watershed: Prime Elements" Exhibit

2010-02-06T15:46:00.003-06:00

Fun at the art show! Several of us attended the opening of Janis Wilkey's "Watershed: Prime Elements" show at Chattanoga's In Town Gallery, which features scenes at South Cumberland. The artist is shown with Mary & Latham Davis and Mary Priestley. Ruth Ann Savage Fults and her daughter came by on their way to the Tivoli Theatre. Other Friends of SCSRA present were: Sue and Joe Minton, Sally and Charles Hubbard, Waring McCrady, Mac Priestley, and Clay Binkley. Hope and Jack Baggenstoss dropped by earlier. The show will be up through the month of February.

Photos Make the Rounds

2010-01-31T09:01:00.002-06:00

Winning photos from our 2009 "Pictures in the Park" contest have been on the road since last summer, visiting schools, businesses, and libraries across the 4-county area. Currently, they are on display (in a digital frame, courtesy of Grundy County High School) at the Palmer Public Library. After finding a great spot for the display, assistant librarian Anita Crabtree took me on a tour of the adjacent Coal Miners Museum -- well worth seeing! Next stop: Grundy County High School. --Mary Priestley

Frozen Fiery Gizzard

2010-01-10T16:36:00.002-06:00

Friends member Peter Trenchi took these beautiful shots of the Blue Hole and Sycamore Falls and the Blue Hole during the current cold spell. The trail is icy -- he wore cleats -- and he advises not going alone.

Ode to Kanto Rapacov Drug Dog

2010-01-10T13:34:00.003-06:00

From Assistant Park Manager Bill Knapp today:

I wanted to pass along that Kanto Rapacov, South Cumberland's drug dog, died a few days ago. He had some intestinal tumors that grew rapidly until the intestines appeared to be fully blocked.

I wanted to thank everyone for first off purchasing Kanto for the park. I think he helped us big time when the park seemed to be getting over run by drugs.

Secondly, I wanted to thank everyone for letting me keep Kanto when health reasons (bad knees and hips) dictated he retire. He was almost 14 years old (in February), going blind, deaf, had bad knees and hips, and gas that would clear a room in about 2 seconds. He still loved to play ball at the end and I'll definitely miss him.

Park Manager John Christof adds:

I offer my thanks as well for the Friends gift of Kanto to the park to help us fight a serious drug problem in our park. Kanto did his job well and we are grateful for his dedication and service.

First South Cumberland Bear Photo

2009-12-22T09:28:00.001-06:00

Assistant Park Manager Bill Knapp forwarded this photo today of a bear caught by a game camera on private property near Collins Gulf. The photo was taken on June 6, 2009.

Park Ranger Jason Reynolds Gets Hitched!

2009-12-14T13:39:00.000-06:00

Photo credit to "hannahelaine photography"
http://www.hannahelaine.com/

Nov 7th 2009 park ranger Jason Reynolds and fiancé Cari Shepherd were united in the bonds of holy matrimony (or as Jason likes to say, "they got hitched"). The wedding took place overlooking Lost Cove with lots of family and friends in attendance. The stylish newlyweds honeymooned in the mountains of North Carolina.

No Longer Livin' a Lie

2009-11-22T11:14:00.002-06:00

When I met Murfreesboro native Steve Lund at the Parthenon reception for Susan McGrew's Fiery Gizzard show, we talked about the Friends' "I Hiked 'Em All" hiking club. He said he was sure he'd hiked all of the trails at South Cumberland. I ran into him Friday at the park Visitors' Center. "I've been living a lie," he exclaimed. "When I looked at the day hikes listed on the Friends webpage, I realized I had never done the Climber's Loop at Foster Falls; the Meadow Trail; or the trail at Grundy Lakes. It's such a pretty day, I decided to high-tail it down here and set the record straight. So here I am!" That night he emailed to report that he'd hiked all three trails and was working on his documentation for joining "I Hiked 'Em All." He went on to say, "I plan to take my two sons back to do the Climbers Loop when they are home for Christmas. ... The coke ovens were interesting: that little valley must have looked like something from Dante's Inferno when they were all fired up." What an image! And congrats, Steve, for completing the trails!

Free Dumb of the Press

2009-11-20T15:41:00.002-06:00

We love publicity for the Park and are as cooperative and helpful with journalists as anyone you know. But when a local paper, in this case The Herald Chronicle from Winchester, Franklin County, Tennessee, runs a story that uses our content without giving us any credit and also gets the story significantly wrong, it hurts our feelings. I had no idea they were writing this story, it just showed up in the paper today.

Starting out with this front page below the fold headline, no bears have actually been spotted in Savage Gulf. Bear signs and scat have been found. The photo caption says that Savage Gulf includes Franklin County. The closest point in the Savage Gulf Wilderness Area would be someplace along the park boundary near Greeter Falls and the town of Altamont, which is about 21 miles from the Franklin County line. No part of Savage is in Franklin County. The photo was not taken in the park.

There has been one bear actually seen by a day hiker in Grundy Forest, and a motion actuated game camera caught a picture of a bear on private property not too far from Collins Gulf which is part of the greater Savage Gulf area. That was in early August.

The rest of the story is OK but no one fact checked the story or called to interview park management or to get the latest information.

Not included in the story is the fact that the normal behavior of wild bears is that they will flee from human presence. As of the last report I have, there have been no encounters between campers and bears in the park. This is good for both the campers and the bears.

Bears in the park are, to me, a good indicator that the wilderness conservation efforts up and down the Cumberland Plateau since the late 1970s are having the positive impact of creating enough connected and undisturbed habitat to support large animals like bears. Since the Friends of South Cumberland was incorporated in 1993 our group has been actively involved in working to complete the state’s master plan for South Cumberland. The park now encompasses 21,649 acres. It was about 16,000 acres in 1993.

Moral to the story, we would love for you to write a story or publish photos or videos about the park, but let the Friends and the park help you so that you don't end up with bears in the wrong county in a property that doesn't exist there.

Friends of Tennessee State Parks Conference

2009-11-09T19:47:00.005-06:00

Ron Castle and I represented the Friends of SCSRA at the 6th annual conference of Friends of TN State Parks groups, held at Fall Creek Falls this weekend. Good meeting -- great programs and plenty of opportunities for interaction with members of other Friends groups. My band, Bazzania, played Saturday night, which was loads of fun. Here's Ron with TDEC Commissioner Jim Fyke and me with another conference participant.

Two Night Backpacking Trips (Taking it Easy)

2009-11-09T09:42:00.002-06:00

Frank D. sent an email message over the weekend saying: I wanted to get your thoughts on a two night loop traill. I am taking my wife who is not a very avid hiker and I thought I should get the input of someone who has hiked the area before. I am thinking of the following route.

Day 1 Enter the park at Stone Door ranger station and hike to Alum Gap camp via the Laurel Trail

Day 2 Take the Big Creek Rim Trail to the Connector Trail to Sawmill Campsite.

Day 3 Connector Trail to Stone Door Trail back to parking

Will this be too much?? Too difficult for a rookie hiker? If there is any other route you might suggest? Thank you for your help and for creating such a helpful website.

Hi Frank,

Thanks for your message. You did not tell me your age. Regardless, when I see wife and not very avid hiker in the same sentence, I have two different ideas for you that are likely to be more appealing to your bride. The Connector Trail is the toughest trail in the park, my opinion.

First idea: Savage Gulf Ranger Station to Savage Falls Campsite and then go do some day hiking to Rattlesnake Point or Dinky Line. Day 2 to Stage Road Campsite, a short move, and then go do some day hiking on the Stage Road Trail. Day 3 back to Savage Gulf Ranger Station.

Second idea: Enter the park at Collins Gulf, either camp at Collins East Campsite (very close) or hike to Stage Road Campsite. If you go to Stage Road, Day 2 hike back to Collins East and do some day hiking down into Collins Gulf. Day 3 is a short hike back to parking. You could also stay at Collins West Campsite, but it is too close to the parking area to make me happy (but I have camped there).

Have fun, give her the lightweight pack.

Ron Castle

MORE Reception Pics

2009-11-02T08:44:00.003-06:00

More Reception Pics

2009-11-02T08:42:00.003-06:00

Reception at the Parthenon

2009-11-02T08:30:00.004-06:00

Several Friends members attended a reception for the Fiery Gizzard Series, paintings by Susan Goshgarian McGrew, on Sunday, Nov. 1, at The Parthenon in Nashville. The exhibit will be up through February 20, 2010. The reception was lovely; the paintings remarkable. Here's a taste.

John Muir Visits University of the South

2009-10-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

Lee Stetson, left, visiting with Dr. Harry Yeatman and Jean Yeatman.

Conversation with a Tramp: An Evening with John Muir

Yesterday evening actor Lee Stetson presented at the University of the South this stirring production which has been presented every summer in Yosemite National Park - and throughout the country and around the world as well - since 1983. Stetson depicts Muir's last dramatic battle to preserve the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Valley, part of our National Park, but threatened by San Francisco's desire to construct a dam there, drowning it hundreds of feet deep. Audience members are his guests as they await final word of the Hetch Hetchy's fate from Washington decision makers.

The presentation was a delight celebrated by a standing ovation and two curtain calls. If you have another chance to see Lee Stetson as John Muir, don't miss it.

Fiery Gizzard Art Coming to Nashville

2009-10-12T08:45:00.001-05:00

The Conservancy of Centennial Park presents The Fiery Gizzard Series, paintings by Susan Goshgarian McGrew, which will be exhibited at The Parthenon, West Gallery from October 31, 2009 to February 20, 2010.

The opening reception will be Friday, November 6, 2009 from 6 to 8 in the evening.

The Parthenon is located at 2600 West End Avenue in Nashville.

Boy Scouts Hiking the Park

2009-10-06T22:33:00.003-05:00

A proud mom sent me this photo of Boy Scout Troop 12 from Monteagle/Tracy City, TN, as they prepared to hike to Hobbs Cabin for an overnight last weekend. The boys are working on a hiking badge and are investigating going for one of the Friends' new hiking clubs -- I Hiked 'Em All or the 100-Miler Club. Stay tuned -- I'll bet they make it!

South Cumberland on Public Television

2009-10-06T12:42:00.001-05:00

South Cumberland will be one of ten Tennessee State Parks to be featured in a new Nashville Public Television documentary being produced by Ed Jones from WNPT-TV. Friends board members Mary Priestley and Ron Castle were asked to be interviewed and the interviews took place this morning in the clouds at Sewanee Natural Bridge. Ed says that the schedule for the television premier for the show will be the end of November. Sign up for Friends email news and we will notify you of the exact schedule as soon as it is available.

Snakes and Fall Weather

2009-09-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

Jim Southard forwarded this photo of a fat timber rattlesnake.

He says: Just passing on the fact that many poisonous snakes are out right now in the Park. This one in the photo was at Raven's Point where people sit, etc.

I came within several feet of stepping on him.

Thanks,

Jim

Friends Sponsor New Hiking Clubs

2009-09-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

Have you hiked all the maintained trails in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area (SCSRA)? Or have you hiked your favorite trails at SCSRA so many times that you have done more than 100 miles of hiking there?

If so, you qualify for the “100-Miler” or the “I Hiked ’Em All ” Hiking Clubs, sponsored by the Friends of SCSRA. Qualifying hikers will receive a certificate of membership in the club, two trail map bandannas, and one year’s membership in the Friends of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area.

The South Cumberland trails explore rims, gorges, and forests from near Beersheba Springs in the north to Lost Cove in the south. The Savage Gulf & Stone Door Trails map details the extensive system of trails and landmarks including Greeter Falls, Great Stone Door, Savage Falls, Suter Falls, and Horsepound Falls, which are supervised by the Stone Door and the Savage Ranger Stations. The Fiery Gizzard & Buggytop Trails map includes the Visitor Center on Highway 41 near Tracy City, the Grundy Forest area, Raven Point, Little Gizzard Creek and Foster Falls on one side; and the Buggytop Trail and Lost Cove Cave in Carter State Natural Area between Sewanee and Sherwood on Highway 56 on the reverse side.

Learn more about these new clubs and join up!

Water Sources Fiery Gizzard Update

2009-08-21T17:22:00.002-05:00

From Assistant Park Manager Bill Knapp:

Water sources around the Gizzard are pretty well gone. Small Wilds, you can occasionally find a puddle to filter from but for the most part its gone. I wouldn't depend on it.

At Ravens Point the creek is dry. Nothing there to work with.

At the CCC campsite you can still get water at the bathrooms or down at the creek.

Father Adamz you can still get water at the bathrooms or there is some water going over the falls to filter from but not a lot. If it continues to stay hot it won't be there for long.

We are having periodic and scattered rain but it is still the dry season and what falls is quickly absorbed into the ground or evaporates.

Bear Photo from Rugby, Tennessee

2009-08-19T08:56:00.002-05:00

Friends member Vi Biehl took this black bear photo through the window at her home in Rugby, Tennessee.

Black bear populations increase the further north you go up the Cumberland Plateau.

Black Bear Scat Photo

2009-08-19T08:42:00.002-05:00

Does a bear poop in the woods? In this case it was on the North Rim Trail at Savage Gulf.

Bill McGee says: "I found bear scat in only 2 locations, but several droppings in each. Both on the N Rim Trail and only on that trail. Both 2 locations were within about 15-20 feet of a large, open, rocky overlook.

Locations are:

1) 35.45376 N -85.58371 W
2) 35.45528 N -85.58872 W

It's possible there was more bear scat along the trail and I didn't see it.

I'm neither a hunter nor a tracker so, if there were other bear signs (tracks, claw marks on trees), I didn't see them."

Black Bears Bring New Requirements

2009-08-18T15:12:00.002-05:00

Black Bears at Savage Gulf Bring New Requirements for Backpackers

MONTEAGLE, TN August 18, 2009 The recent presence of black bears in Savage Gulf in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area is bringing some new backpacking and hiking rules for Park visitors. South Cumberland is in the process of creating new bear guidelines which are being adapted from Pickett State Park where bears have been present for several years.

A new Park flyer posted at Park entrances and kiosks reads "All park visitors be advised to use caution when in contact with BEARS, respect the bears need for space. Never approach a bear, not even for a photo."

"Campers must use ‘bear bag’ * technique and hang ALL food and scented items away from campsite. Never have food stored in tent. Carry all trash out, do not burn and leave garbage in fire ring, this will attract bears to campgrounds."

"(*hang food in bag at least 100ft away from campsite & other campers. Hang on sturdy limb, that will be able to hold weight of bag, at least 10 feett away from trunk of tree and hoist bag at least 15 feet above the ground.)"

Bearbagging is the practice of storing anything that smells like food (as well as the food itself) into a bag, and hanging it over a tree limb that a bear can't reach by climbing or stretching.

Keep this in mind about bears:

They learn quickly
They have a powerful sense of smell
Bears have a much more generous definition of "food" than you do.

Anything that once contained food, or physically contacted food, or even had an edible liquid like soup or juice spilled on it is capable of attracting a bear.

Bears also go for things like these:

toothpaste, gum wrappers, bars of soap (most contain fats),scented sunscreens, deodorants

If you're unsure about the item, play it safe and place it out of reach in your bear bag. Bears can scent food through plastic bags, foil wrapping, even lidded plastic containers.

Read the Park bear notice here.

Two good columns

2009-08-17T16:42:00.002-05:00

Here are the urls of two wonderful columns about the virtues of hiking and backpacking written by Nicholas Kristof (no relation to our venerable Christof, I assume!). Although they're not exactly suited to our park (he suggests camping outside designated campgrounds, for one thing), I think they're very good.

How to Lick a Slug
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/opinion/02kristof.html?_r=1

How to Recharge Your Soul
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/opinion/09kristof.html?scp=1&sq=how%20to%20recharge%20your%20soul&st=cse