County Commission Approves $50K For Community Forest Due Diligence Costs
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
The Oct. 3 meeting of the Dade County Board of Commissioners focused on the 648 acres that may become the Dade County Community Forest as well as news related to Lookout Creek. Although Ted Rumley (county executive) and Lamar Lowery (District 1 commissioner) were absent, the board had a quorum.
The commission approved surplusing two trucks from Dade County Fire Station Four (a 1989 2,000-gallon tanker truck and a 2009 300-gallon truck). Robert Goff (District 3 commissioner) noted that the fire department wants to use proceeds from the surplus sale for new equipment, but Robin Rogers (county attorney) noted that surplusing must be handled first and the department must come back later to discuss use of funds.
Following up from last month’s meeting, Paula Duvall (Chief Appraiser of the Board of Assessors) noted that the adjusted COD (coefficient of dispersion) is now 14.91, which is in line with state requirements.
Stephen Bontekoe gave updates from his work with both Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Under his USDA role, Bontekoe noted that because the county was in a drought prior to rain from Hurricane Helene, farmers qualify for the Livestock Forage Program. He said, “A lot of folks just call it hay money” because it helps offset the cost of purchasing grass and hay to feed cattle. Contact the USDA Farm Service Agency to apply.
Bontekoe advised, “They’re your tax dollars. They took them from you; go get some back.”
He also noted that the cut-off date for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) has not yet been announced, but each year, he informs the public about this program. It can help with things like fencing, pasture replanting, and irrigation.
Under Bontekoe’s Limestone Valley role, he explained that the Tennessee Valley Authority wants to partially remove the Sitton’s Mill dam and is offering two canoe/kayak launches into Lookout Creek as part of the deal.
Limestone Valley met with the Dade County Historic Preservation Commission about maintaining a portion of the dam and mill for historical value while allowing TVA’s project to make the creek free flowing.
Bontekoe said paddling options would increase, and fishing would still be available. “Any partnership with TVA is going to be top quality.”
The Sentinel followed up with Bontekoe who explained that fish populations on each side of the dam would be able to breed together again and the creek levels and flow would not change except for the mill pool above the dam. The many natural pools along the creek would remain the same.
He explained that low head dams create hydraulic currents that are dangerous to swimmers and paddlers, so it’s become standard practice to remove or partially remove such dams that are no longer in use.
Limestone Valley needed permission from the commission to enter a cooperative partnership with TVA, which the commission approved, but the county is not committing to any expenditure yet.
Melissa Bradford (District 4 commissioner) asked where the launches would go. Bontekoe said one could possibly be by the dam and the current parking area while a second could be on property owned by the Industrial Development Authority (at the southeast edge of the industrial park).
Later in the evening during the regular meeting, Bontekoe spoke again, this time about the Lookout Creek Watershed Management Plan Implementation Grant. He’ll be repeating this information at this month’s city commission meeting, so stay tuned for further details. In summary, the grant covers septic repairs inside the watershed and other improvements (such as storm water flow). Contact the Dade County Health Department if interested in the septic repair program.
Discussion then turned to the proposed Dade County Community Forest. (See the Sept. 11 and 25 issues of the Sentinel.) About an hour was spent on this topic, and in the end, the commission approved the “letter of intent and grant application for Dade County Community Forest.” This means the $50,000 to cover due diligence work is committed, and if selected for the grant funding (and if the county doesn’t pull out of the grant application process), the county will contribute $500,000 toward the total cost to purchase the land.
Noel Durant (Tennessee State Director of Trust for Public Land) explained that community forests are locally owned and managed with input from the community. There is potential for monetary benefit from sustainable timber harvest. He reported that TPL has been working with potential partners and collaborators who may help the community forest come to fruition.
After the meeting, the Sentinel heard further from Durant that TPL will not just help the county acquire the land but will also help with identifying partners, community planning, and early development of the land. He anticipates that TPL would fully hand responsibility over to the county upon a ribbon cutting for the trail network.
Durant explained that as the grant process moves forward, community input will be gathered. If all goes according to plan, he hopes a functioning trail system will be in place in early 2027.
Phillip Hartline (District 2 commissioner) again explained that he hoped to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and hotel/motel (Accommodations Excise) tax to cover the $50,000 due diligence cost, but Rebecca Jones (deputy county clerk) noted that most of ARPA has been earmarked for other uses, so it cannot cover the $50,000.
Goff expressed that he feels uncertain about the project and doesn’t like that even if the grants don’t come through, the county is out $50,000. Durant, however, feels very confident in the funding pathways available. He said, “We have a track record of being successful with state and federal grants.” He said private philanthropy could also be an option if necessary.
Bradford asked, “Who’s fighting for us to make sure we get the right price?” Durant explained that TPL does not pay over the fair market value and hopes to even get a price reduction.
He explained that TPL is funded by a private group, and Bradford asked if that group could cover more of the due diligence cost, to which Hartline responded, “They want to see us put our money where our mouths are…We talked about it in executive session three months ago, we talked about it last month…We get roasted for not doing our due diligence. That is what we’re doing here on the $50,000.”
Several citizens offered input and asked questions. John Huffman asked if public input has been gathered. The commission and Durant explained that it is not yet time to gather public input for how the particulars of the forest, but Huffman wanted to know if public input about spending the money in the first place has been or could be gathered.
Huffman said, “We have 61 acres for the reservoir property. It’s not a reservoir; it’s a pumpkin patch…I don’t understand why any commissioner would want to buy forest land when we can’t even develop our water land…I think public input is a very important thing to do, especially considering the history of Dade County with these land purchases, and the land just sits there.”Durant responded, “The thing I really struggle with too is when a property is not being improved for public benefit, and it sits there. That is not how TPL operates. We are an action-based organization.”
Huffman asked if there’s a way to get public input before Oct. 31 to meet the grant application deadline. Durant explained that the community forest planning “happens before the property closes, but right now, there’s so much that needs to happen to get it ready.”
Hartline said, “Before I became a commissioner, we were talking about the reservoir property, and they said, ‘Once we purchase the property, we’re going to start on the reservoir,’ and that did not happen. This [TPL list] lays out the timeline…and the steps to get to where we need to be…The best we can do is have planning in place, do our due diligence, and move forward, and then take public input when we start getting the grants.”
Patrick Hickey also mentioned the reservoir property, asking if studies were done prior to that purchase. Goff said they were. Hickey noted his concerns that Hartline had wanted to use ARPA funds but now those are not available. Hartline answered, “That’s my fault for not voting last month and letting somebody get the ARPA money.”
Bob Woods (District 3 commissioner elect) reported that he’s researched the topic, met with Durant, talked with commissioners, and heard from citizens. Citizens are split: some for, some against, and some indifferent. Woods’ opinion is that the commission should pursue the opportunity. He noted that many citizens were against the Dade County Sports Complex, but now it’s seen as a very important part of the community.
Woods believes the community forest must be supported by non-taxpayer revenues i.e. grants and donations, and he believes more information is needed about maintenance/operation costs.
Addressing Huffman in particular, he said, “I’m glad to see that our steps for project completion are here. That will prevent us from having another situation like you’ve previously discussed.”
