Smoky Mountain News

A Pest in the Park - Posted 7-10-09
The Smokies have a pest.  This pest roots around on the ground destroying the mast crop, breeds year round and is a non-native species.  This pest if the European Wild Hog.  Now, though this animal is a pest it is also true that you have probably not seen one in the park.  You may have seen evidence of their passing, you may have seen evidence of their feeding but the likelihood of seeing one is slim to none.  The European Wild Hog is one of the few animals that is trapped and killed in the park; they are not relocated like other pest animals due to concerns over disease.  The Park Service has been trying to reclaim the Park from these animals since the late 50s and though they have removed 500 this year so far they are still fighting this pest. ... more

Happy 75th Anniversary GSMNP - posted 7-6-09
75 years ago 521,000 acres of land became the area that is known as the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  The Smokies have since that time become the most visited National Park in the country.  Nine million plus people visit the Smokies each year.  The number of visitors have completely changed the economy of the area and the environmental impact of the park is felt in the thriving wildlife and ecosystem of the Park.  For 75 years this Park has grown and changed, evolving into a place to be visited, protected and enjoyed by everyone.  To that end, throughout 2009, the Smokies are throwing a party of sorts.  The surrounding area, that owes so much to the park, will be having special events and the park is dolling itself up for a big year.  Both the Tennessee and the North Carolina side of the mountains are involved and people are flocking to the area. ... more

Actor David Keith to take on Presidential Role - posted 6-18-09
Most people know actor David Keith from his roles in such movies as An Officer and a Gentleman, Firestarter & Behind Enemy Lines or from his work on television shows such as NCIS or Law and Order. Keith has appeared in more than a hundred films and countless television programs as well.  At the Gatlinburg, July 4th Parade he will take on a more historic role when he steps into the shoes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  He will stand in for one of our most beloved presidents to reenact the motorcade that went through Gatlinburg when the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was dedicated on September 2nd, 1940. ... more

Art from the Ashes to help families affected by ash spill - posted 6-18-09
The Knoxville Museum of Art is presenting an exhibition called Art from the Ashes.  This exhibition, which will end with a silent auction, is going to raise money for the families that had damage to their homes during the coal ash spill in December of 2008.  Artists from around the region have donated art to be auctioned off.  This exhibit will run through June 28, 2009 when the auction takes place. ... more