slimvictor
Bluelight Crew
Officials at all levels of government gathered to finally enjoy -- six years in the making -- the pristine ridges and scenic views to be preserved in a land transfer unmatched in Tennessee history.
Never before had land seized in a drug raid become parkland in the state. In fact, it is one of just four such transfers in the nation in 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will oversee hunting, hiking and wildlife protection on acres where drug dealers previously made millions of dollars growing marijuana.
More than a dozen government departments, law enforcement agencies, conservation groups and nonprofits joined in negotiations that led to the land agreement, which averted the standard outcome for seized property: an auction to recoup money for police.
In this case, conservationists resisted the sale -- and potential development -- because Short Mountain is home to the headwaters of three rivers that supply drinking water and habitat for rare species.
cont at
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-06-15/former-pot-land-parkland/55608646/1
Never before had land seized in a drug raid become parkland in the state. In fact, it is one of just four such transfers in the nation in 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will oversee hunting, hiking and wildlife protection on acres where drug dealers previously made millions of dollars growing marijuana.
More than a dozen government departments, law enforcement agencies, conservation groups and nonprofits joined in negotiations that led to the land agreement, which averted the standard outcome for seized property: an auction to recoup money for police.
In this case, conservationists resisted the sale -- and potential development -- because Short Mountain is home to the headwaters of three rivers that supply drinking water and habitat for rare species.
cont at
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-06-15/former-pot-land-parkland/55608646/1
