The Nickajack Naturalist

Aetna Mountain Four-Wheeler Conflict

  According to a Chattanoogan.com article, TWRA has announced plans to stop four-wheeler traffic on 1,200 acres the agency owns on Aetna Mountain.  A group has started a petition drive seeking to keep access.    Read more.

Ed. note:    I believe this article supports my concern that the greatest potential threat to off-road recreation is actually residential development. 

 For an article and video from News Channel 9, click here.

Dade County Land Conservation Update

 An earlier post reported on the acquisition of 266 acres in Johnson's Crook by a land trust.  Unfortunately, since then the deal has fallen through.  Read more.   

TWRA Counting Bald Eagle Nests

  TWRA is looking for help in conducting an inventory of bald eagle nests across Tennessee in 2012.

Read more. 

Exploring Local Waterfalls

  The magazine Get Out Chattanooga recently featured an article about waterfalls in the Chattanooga area.  The article included descriptions of three falls in the South Cumberlands: Laurel Falls near Dayton, Greeter Falls in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, and DeSoto Falls on Lookout Mountain, as well as tips on photographing waterfalls.  To read the article, click here.  

Nature Trail at Russell Cave

  You may have taken the guided tour to see the cave at Russell Cave National Monument near Bridgeport, Alabama.  But have you explored the 1.2 mile paved nature trail?  The trail departs from the boardwalk to the cave, located behind the visitor center, climbs rather steeply up the slopes of Montague Mountain, and forms a loop.  There is an unpaved section connecting both sides of the loop and providing a shorter .6 mile option. 

  Due to the trail's relatively low visitation it makes a great location for a brief but strenuous workout, or to experience at a more leisurely pace, observing the area's geology, wildlife, and plant life.  Sightings of white-tailed deer are not uncommon.  Signs identify a number of trees along the trail.  

  Benches for taking a break are located at intervals along the trail.

  The 310 acre park is an official stop on the North Alabama Birding Trail.

For more information about Russell Cave National Monument, visit the NPS website.  

The trailhead at the boardwalk to the cave.

Sinkhole along the trail.

Overlook at the sinkhole.

  

 

 

 

 

                                                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land Conservation Deal in Dade County

  The Georgia Land Trust has acquired 266 acres from a residential development in Johnson's Crook on the side of Lookout Mountain, near Rising Fawn, Georgia.    Read more.    

Update on Moccasin Bend Gateway Project

  Plans are moving forward with the Moccasin Bend Gateway Project that will connect Stringer's Ridge and Moccasin Bend through a series of landscaped multi-use roadways, bike, and pedestrian paths. 

Read more.