Federal funding intended for outdoor recreation is being diverted to other uses, opening the door to development along the Obed Wild and Scenic River that could diminish the quality of the only "Wild and Scenic" river administered by the National Park Service in Tennessee.
That's a conclusion of "America's Heritage For Sale," a report released Tuesday by the National Parks Conservation Association on the potential effect of commercial and residential development of land for sale within America's national parks.
The report includes case studies on the Obed and nine other national parks.
The Obed Wild and Scenic River, established in 1976 along the Cumberland Plateau, includes 45 miles of streams and is known for some of the best white-water kayaking and canoeing in the nation. It attracts campers, hikers and rock climbers as well.
The Obed also has about 750 acres of private land within its 5,000-acre boundary, according to the association's report, and 2.5 miles of prime bluff-top property just outside that could be used for residential development.
Bart Melton, program analyst at the association's Knoxville office, said development along the Obed could hurt one of the last remaining wild rivers in the Eastern United States.
"It's important to note that the Obed is … a unique resource to Tennessee and the region," Melton said. "If land (in the park) is acquired by the wrong person, we could have a real problem on our hands."
The association's report scolds Congress and the administration for misdirecting money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, set up in 1964 to "conserve, develop and utilize outdoor resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people."
Proceeds are derived primarily from oil and gas leasing off the Outer Continental Shelf, but lawmakers have diverted funds to support other programs, the report states. Between 1965-2006, about $29 billion was credited to the fund but just more than $14 billion was used as envisioned.
Phil Campbell, the unit manager for the Obed Wild and Scenic River, said development has been slow to take hold in the park but that it's coming unless the government moves more quickly to acquire and protect the land.
"We're relatively remote and access is probably an issue (with developers)," Campbell said.
"(But) we have some major residential developments going in today. There's a big development on Whites Creek, which is a tributary near Clear Creek. There's also a development near Nemo, so it's happening. It will only increase with time."
Officials pointed to development elsewhere to illustrate potential problems.
--"If you look at Little River Canyon (Preserve, in Alabama), it's a good precursor to what could happen here," Melton said. "You pull up to the canyon rim and see two 5,000-square-foot vacation homes hanging off the cliff. It's a real eyesore and kind of spoils your rock-climbing experience."
--At Zion National Park in Utah, "a couple from California purchased 80 acres of in-holdings in the center of one of America's most majestic national parks," said Ron Tipton, senior vice president for programs at the National Parks Conservation Association. "They built a substantial structure for a conference center and retirement center in the middle of an undeveloped area and are now trying to sell or rent it back to the National Parks Service."
--Cinda Waldbuesser, the association's program manager in Pennsylvania, led a move last year to prevent a casino from being built within earshot of Gettysburg National Military Park. "We've got 119 acres up for sale (in the park) and all could be developed inappropriately," she said.
The Obed's 750 privately held acres carry a price tag of $3 million to the National Park Service, but "Congress finds other priorities for the money," Melton said.
