As budget questions concerning Land Between the Lakes continue to linger, Stewart County, Tennessee Mayor Robin Brandon wonders if the recreation area’s management shouldn’t be passed on to another federal agency.
Leaders of the counties that comprise the 170,000-acre recreation area recently received budget information for the next fiscal year that appeared to indicate a reduction of the recreation and heritage line item on the budget from $1.8 million last year to $77,000 for the upcoming year.
The lack of funding would affect operating LBL venues and some campgrounds as well as trail maintenance.
An official with Land Between the Lakes said budget information for the upcoming fiscal year won’t be available until the Interior and Related Appropriations Bill is passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.
Brandon said that still leaves local leaders in the dark concerning funding.
click to download audioThe Homeplace 1850s, Piney Campground, and Brandon Springs Group Camp are the three largest LBL attractions in Stewart County. Brandon doesn’t think the budget will return to its former level once the bill is passed and the budget approved.
click to download audioTim Pohlman is the acting area supervisor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. He said the Forest Service implemented a new agency budget structure in 2021 aimed at increasing transparency, as directed by Congress. He added that Land Between the Lakes officials “met with local partners and elected officials to share information about current year budget and overall trends.”
Pohlman said in a written statement provided to the News Edge that LBL regrets any confusion that may have been caused.
Brandon said he has been in contact with elected officials in Washington about the issue and believes the ball is in their court.
click to download audioManagement of Land Between the Lakes was transferred from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the U.S. Forest Service in 1999. The LBL Protection Act of 1998 called for the Forest Service to develop an Area Plan for LBL that complies with the basic laws that apply to all National Forest units. Recreation and Environmental Education was one of the three main issues listed in the plan.
Brandon said if the Forestry Service can’t manage LBL without substantial budget cuts, then maybe someone else should.
click to download audioOver 800 families were forced to relocate from properties in Lyon, Trigg, and Stewart counties with the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. A series of dams for flood control and the generation of electricity were constructed and Land Between the Lakes was created in 1963.
Brandon said if Congress decides to eliminate all funding for LBL, there will be plenty of people wanting to file a lawsuit against the federal government to get their ancestry land returned to them.
click to download audioPohlman said he would be willing to meet with the elected officials again. However, since he is the acting area supervisor, his tenure will end before a new budget arrives.
STATEMENT FROM U.S. SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL’s OFFICE PROVIDED TO THE NEWS EDGE
Senator McConnell continues to be a strong supporter of the Land Between the Lakes and has worked over the years to secure more than $110 million for this Kentucky treasure. Senator McConnell’s office remains in contact with local officials as well as the Forest Service to ensure the Land Between the Lakes community receives the necessary federal funding to support outdoor recreation. Once President Biden sends his budget request to Congress, Senator McConnell will work with his Appropriations Committee colleagues to deliver for Kentucky and this natural landmark.
STATEMENT FROM U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES COMER’S OFFICE PROVIDED TO THE NEWS EDGE
“I am closely monitoring the budget reconfiguration at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and while I am glad to have confirmed with the U.S. Forest Service that funding for Land Between the Lakes has not been cut, I have been disappointed by the miscommunication from the agency on this matter. I encourage the Forest Service to provide more transparency than we have seen in recent days when defining their new budget process. Land Between the Lakes has my full support as Congress considers appropriations bills in the coming months.”
STATEMENT FROM TIM POHLMAN, ACTING AREA SUPERVISOR FOR THE USDA FOREST SERVICE, PROVIDED TO THE NEWS EDGE
