In an abrupt move by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, a significant portion of Franklin State Forest is now off-limits to the public due to safety concerns. Announced yesterday, the closure applies to the eastern half of the forest spanning Franklin and Marion Counties. This decision comes on the heels of threats suggesting that saboteurs have deliberately placed harmful spikes within the areas where timber harvesting operations are underway.
According to the Department of Agriculture, these criminal actions directly threaten those visiting or working in the park. Spiking trees with metal rods is dangerous for loggers and sawmill workers due to the potential for equipment damage and life-threatening injuries. Still, it also risks the forest's health by allowing for disease and pest infestations.
"Tree spiking poses a serious risk of injury or death during both harvesting and processing. If those responsible for the threats have placed spikes, they are endangering lives, which is absolutely unacceptable," State Forester Heather Slayton asserted in the department's press release. Investigations are being spearheaded by the Tennessee Agricultural Crime Unit and the FBI to identify and prosecute those behind these hazardous activities.
This incident isn't the first disruption this year in Franklin State Forest. Over the summer, significant vandalism and theft resulted in $1 million worth of damage to equipment used for wildfire suppression. It led to a temporary shutdown until law enforcement could gather evidence. A trio of individuals attempting to dodge the authorities were subsequently charged when they breached the closed perimeter. The state's department is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for July's vandalism and theft incidents. Tips can be reported to the ACU at 844-AG-CRIME or [email protected].
