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CORA provides comments on proposed access fee structure
TOP PHOTO: Concerned citizens and business stakeholders voiced concerns to the county commission on Tuesday evening regarding the TWRA’s proposed fee increases.
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- This is a reminder about tonight’s CORA meeting. It starts at seven o’clock and will be held at the courthouse at Jacksboro. WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood has been following CORA’s story in particular where TWRA proposed fee increases are concerned. This story details what is at play.
The Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA) is providing comments to the Tennessee Wildlife Commission on the proposed access fee structure for the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA). A related story is found HERE.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: See the full listing of proposed fees and the increases HERE from WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood.
Here are those comments on the proposed fee structure for ATV/OHV usage fees on the NCWMA.
To: Tennessee Wildlife Commission
Fr: Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association
Re: Comments on the proposed fee structure for ATV/OHV usage fees on the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area
Date: November 5, 2024
The Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments on the proposed access fee structure for the NCWMA. We have followed this issue closely for the past several years, as ridership has increased,resulting in the need for greater trail maintenance, rider education, enforcement, and engagement. We support the establishment of a separate fee structure that will provide accurate information and data regarding ridership, and allocation of funds to help address these issues.
The NCWMA is unique in Tennessee because of its multi-use history, the number of visitors, and its large size. From our perspective, these factors make this WMA a crown jewel for the Agency to feature wildlife management and meeting the needs of many diverse users. Further, OHV trail riding is a significant economic driver for this county and surrounding area, beyond what any of us imagined in the past, adding to the unique situation requiring special usage fees. The proposed fee structure will affect both resident riders and visitors, as well as local businesses and the state, that have grown to meet the needs of visitors that are attracted to NCWMA. Accordingly, our specific comments address our views on the proposed fee structure as well as additional suggestions we believe the commission should consider that would benefit the Agency and the NCWMA:
Proposed Fee Structure
- We applaud the proposed fee structure because it is straightforward and easy to understand. TWRAhas invested considerable thought in its development and incorporated comments and input from stakeholders. Further, we appreciate the agency commissioning a survey that developed an estimate of the number and types of users on NCWMA as a basis for the development of the proposed fee structure. While we may question some of the details of the survey results, it does provide a common basis for discussion that is helpful.
- We suggest adding a category for a 7-day permit for both residents and non-residents. There is an increase of week-long visitors that want to enjoy the WMA. This is an opportunity to increase revenue for permit usage.
- We also suggest adding a Juvenile (13 and under) category into the fee structure. This will encourage youth riding on smaller machines, support family access, and benefit TWRA in encouraging and educating the next generation of riders, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
- We suggest that current LifetimeSportsman License holders be “grandfathered” into not needing a permit. And that future Sportsman’s license requirements specify the need for obtaining a permit separately. This benefits TWRA in maintaining clarity and their prior commitment to Lifetime License holders.
- We recommend reducing the proposed daily and annual fees for residents and non-residents as the proposed fee structure is enacted for the following reasons:
- The rates currently proposed are a significant increase from the current rates and would causesignificant resistance from both residents and non-residents.
- The fee rates proposed will drive riders away from using the WMA trails, and reduce the amount of revenue raised, which will limit the funds available for trail maintenance and improvement.
- Our suggested rates by category are:
| CATEGORY | DAILY | 7 DAY | ANNUAL | GUIDE LICENSE |
| Resident | $20.00 | $75.00 | $100.00 | $700.00 |
| Non-Resident | $50.00 | $125.00 | $250.00 | $1000.00 |
| Juvenile (13 and under) | Free | Free | Free | NA |
| Sportsman OHV Supplement | $40.00 | |||
- We suggest these rates be in place for two years to ensure that TWRA can develop reliable information regarding the number and types of permits purchased and then develop a realistic operating budget for maintenance and management of the trails. We realize that TWRA will need at least one full cycle to have realistic revenue data that can guide the program, and at least another full cycle to demonstrate progress in trail improvement.
- We also suggest that TWRA and the Commission consider enacting incremental reviews and adjustments to the fee schedule after this two year “pilot” period that can use this information as a baseline for budgeting, and adjustment to meet the needs of the WMA.
Additional Comments and Suggestions
- We believe that TWRA should continue to receive and use the TDEC trail maintenance grant funding for trails on the WMA. This $400K annual grant provides funds for needed trail maintenance and fosters collaboration and transparency with TDEC on trail maintenance and water quality. This encourages cooperation of both agencies in critical issues that affect the operation of the WMA.
- We strongly suggest that the NCWMA produce and publish an annual plan and report that details the planned improvements and activities to be performed with the funds raised by these fees. It should also detail what activities were accomplished. This will benefit TWRA in enhancing its reputation for stewardship and management of North Cumberland both locally and nationally. Simply “tell us what you’re going to do and what you did”.
- We also suggest that TWRA consider allocating a small percentage of the funds raised to be focused on rider education. This WMA is insanely popular and, in some ways, suffers from that popularity. An effort to consistently educate ethical riding, respect for the land, and the responsibility of the riders for this resource and each other is needed.
In closing, CORA is invested in NCWMA going back to our partnering with the Agency in acquiring this land and working toward the common goal of acquiring and preserving this resource. That partnership is valuable to each of our Board Members. Again, we appreciate the Commissions consideration of our comments, and we will make ourselves available for discussion at any time should you believe it important.
For additional information please contact:
Terry Lewis, CORA President – 865-414-0057 (Terry@t-lewis.com)
Or
Bill Stanley, CORA Chairman – 865-414-5550 (cwstanley@gmail.com)
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/14/2024-6AM)
I would like to comment on the TWRAs proposal for fee increases for the North Cumberland WMA. Being a lifelong resident and hunter since before there was a WMA. I was an original member of CORA, and can without a doubt say the area has deteriorated to the point of almost being unsuitable for local hunters or family rides. In my opinion the root cause is the TWRA is an absentee landlord, they put the bare minimum of effort into the area. The roads are a disgrace they rate from dangerous to suicidal. I would safely say 1/3 or more is so dangerous a person with a human sized vehicle can’t access it. It’s at times like a third world country back there, with drugs openly used, alcohol is the official fuel. If someone says not true how many arrests have been made since they were gonna step up enforcement. I can also state that I’m on the WMA nearly 100 times a year hunting and scouting I haven’t had my hunting license checked in 22 years! So coming for more money for more of the same seems like the last thing the TWRA should be doing. Maybe our elected officials county and statewide instead of bargaining for a better deal should remember last weeks election. And ask the TWRA what have you done with the money you’ve collected so far. How many hours a day are you working back there and on what.
The wildlife commission is unelected but the people who could either rein them is is responsible to the electorate. I hope everyone watches and remembers who our officials side with the property owners us, the special interests, an unelected agency who’s failed in its mission.