CORA members hold regular monthly meeting on Tuesday

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- A presentation on the proposed “Tennessee Highlander Trail” was heard at Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA).  This project may one day be a linear, 42-mile-long walking and biking trail, on the R.J. Corman railroad bed from Oneida to Devonia. 

The CORA meeting came to order at 7:00pm.  Vice-President Ronald Lambert led the invocation.  Secretary Mark Tidwell called roll with 11 present and 3 absent.  February’s minutes were read and accepted. 

Lambert spoke about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grant which will bring $40,000.00 per year for three years to the Tackett Creek (Ed Carter) Unit.  He is also applying for a U-S Fish and Wildlife Service grant which could potentially bring $600,000.00 to Tackett, mostly for bridge and culvert installation on trails.

Tommy Overton reported that Hunters for the Hungry donations were down 1,000 pounds or 4,000 meals from last year. 

The Treasurer’s report given by Coy Crutchfield had no activity noted and a balance of $10,795.90.  Motions for disbursement of $23.19 to President Terry Lewis for domain renewal, the Chamber of Commerce for $223.19 for membership, and Sheyanne Taylor for website and technical services in the amount of $250.00 were carried.

Glennis Monday spoke about scheduling some upcoming litter clean-ups on Norris Lake and at Tackett Creek.  More signs, designating off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage on roadways, have been printed, but have not yet been posted.

There was an update on a new strategy from Fred Walker concerning what he previously called a flintlock season for deer.  He has changed that to “Antique Firearms Season” after his extensive research into the Antique Firearms Act, and he will continue his advocacy.

A short discussion on the upcoming March 7 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Banquet at Lenoir City, and an NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) event at the Ball Event Center on March 10 was entered.   Next up was the 22^nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hunt fast approaching in April.  Fred Walker made the motion for CORA to support the event with a donation of $300.00.  The motion carried unanimously.

Oneida Mayor Lori Phillips Jones and Community Development Coordinator Virginia Bruce gave a presentation on the proposed “Tennessee Highlander Trail”.  This project may one day be a linear, 42-mile-long walking and biking trail, on the R.J. Corman railroad bed from Oneida to Devonia. 

There are many technicalities surrounding this proposal, the legalities of the rail abandonment process and the possibility of land reverting back to adjoining land owners, chief among them. Proponents believe the project could bring tourism dollars and associated small businesses.  Opponents cite the possibility of privacy issues, unauthorized ATV/OHV traffic, crime and trespassing issues.

Along this trail are 67 access points, 21 trestles, two old water towers, train cars that were wrecked and abandoned, and lots of beautiful terrain and vistas.  The Oak Ridge based non-profit is seeking support from Campbell County for the rails-to-trails initiative.

The meeting dismissed at 8:12pm Tuesday. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/05/2026-6AM)