Vandalism damage has put Franklin State Forest and surrounding woodlands at heightened risk after the loss of five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck reduced the state’s wildfire response capability.
State officials suspect logging opponents did the damage. The forest remains closed for investigation by Tennessee forestry officials, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Authorities have described heavy damage done to the bulldozers and transport truck and vandalism and theft of other equipment.
(READ MORE: Tennessee wildlife officials scale down deforestation plans in White County)
“We cannot speculate to the motivation for this destruction, but we are aware of public opposition to harvesting operations at Franklin State Forest,” Heather Slayton, a state forester, said in a news release on the damage. “Just like other agricultural crops, cutting timber is part of the continuous cycle of regeneration, growth, maturation and harvest. Harvesting timber is essential for forest health, and when done properly, ensures the forest will continue to thrive for generations to come. It is disappointing that someone has possibly taken their opposition to forest management to an extreme level.”
Tennessee Division of Forestry / Five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck were damaged by vandals at Franklin State Forest on the Marion-Franklin county line sometime between July 12-14. The forest is closed while state and federal authorities investigate.Sometime between July 12 and 14, someone bypassed a secured gate in Franklin State Forest to reach the equipment and vehicles damaged.