The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is not moving forward with habitat restoration plans in the north unit on Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA) at this time.
The Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Area is located in White County on the Cumberland county line 6 miles south of Hwy 70 South. TWRA’s previous plan to cut hundreds of acres of trees in the north unit generated a large public outcry, threat of lawsuit, and objections from dozens of Tennessee lawmakers.
Now, TWRA says it will further discuss possible modifications of plans with partners and others to decide what is best for wildlife and the community.
While the north unit project is suspended, TWRA says plans that TWRA has for converting closed canopy forest into savanna/grasslands/shrublands are going to continue in Tennessee as well as on the southern portion of Bridgestone Firestone WMA. The Agency maintains this will meet the most critical needs for species of greatest conservation concern and game species.