Frequently ASked Questions
Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about our organization and how we help support the Cherokee National Forest. If you don’t find your question answered below, please contact us.
Friends of the Cherokee National Forest FAQs
Once I’m on your email list, how many emails can I expect to receive?
Effective communication with our members is paramount. We genuinely appreciate your engagement and strive to keep you informed without overwhelming you. Expect periodic e-newsletters titled “News From the Forest” to stay updated. Additionally, we will send occasional emails concerning special fundraisers, events, and opportunities. Rest assured, we aim to strike the right balance in our correspondence.
How do I unsubscribe from your email list?
You will find an “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of all Friends of the Cherokee National Forest emails.
Why is there a need for a Cherokee National Forest friends’ group?
A friends’ group is crucial in enhancing the capacity of the Cherokee National Forest to fulfill its mission. A well-functioning friends’ group not only assists the Forest Service in accomplishing more impactful work but also offers a platform for public involvement in National Forest stewardship initiatives. The Friends of the Cherokee National Forest plays a crucial role by offering additional funding for priority projects that go beyond the agency’s annual appropriations. Moreover, we will contribute to the workforce by mobilizing volunteers and hiring seasonal interns, further supporting the forest’s conservation efforts.
Why should I support the Friends of the Cherokee National Forest?
The Friends of the Cherokee National Forest offers a unique opportunity to actively participate in the stewardship of this awe-inspiring resource, making a meaningful difference and contributing to its ongoing improvement. Your investment today will establish an enduring legacy for future generations. Through your valuable contribution to the conservation, maintenance, and protection of this extraordinary National Forest, you will not only safeguard this priceless heritage but also forge a legacy of environmental stewardship.
How can I contact Friends of the Cherokee National Forest?
You can reach us by phone at 865-385-5754. Our mailing address is: 822 Westborough Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.
Donation & Membership FAQs
I am having trouble making a donation online.
Please call 865-385-5754 and we will be happy to assist you or take payment over the phone. You can also mail a check to 822 Westborough Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.
What does my money go to?
Your donations can go to support any one of our strategic priorities: Wildlife & Fisheries Habitat Conservation, Recreational Visitor Experience, and Conservation Education. Alternatively, you can choose to support our most pressing needs by selecting or noting ‘Highest Priority Need’ when making your donation.
How does Friends of the Cherokee National Forest determine which projects to fund?
Annually, Friends of the Cherokee National Forest meets with Cherokee National Forest Service leadership to assess ongoing projects and identify new initiatives. Our decisions on continued funding for existing projects or initiating new ones are guided by various factors, such as the availability of forest personnel, accessible grants and funding, and project priority. This collaborative evaluation ensures effective resource allocation and maximizes the positive impact we can make in the forest.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Membership dues, monetary contributions, and in-kind donations are eligible for full tax deductions. To ensure accuracy, we recommend that you always consult with your tax advisor.
Forest Information FAQs
What is the difference between the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- The Cherokee National Forest stretches all along the mountainous eastern edge of Tennessee, from the Virginia state line to the Georgia state line. The Cherokee National Forest is split into two halves (north and south), by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- The Cherokee National Forest is located entirely within Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee, North Carolina state line with significant portions in both states.
- The National Forest system is administered by the US Department of Agriculture while the National Park system is administered by the US Department of Interior.
- National Forests and parks share similarities as public lands, but they have distinct characteristics regarding management, purpose, and usage. Parks primarily focus on providing recreational opportunities and visitor experiences. National Parks are often designated to safeguard exceptional natural or cultural features of significant national importance. In contrast, National Forests tend to be larger in size and are managed for multiple uses. National Forest management aims to balance economic interest, sustainable resource utilization and conservation. Their management for multiple uses includes activities such as livestock grazing, timber harvesting, water quality and wildlife habitat conservation, along with many of the recreational opportunities we are familiar with in parks.
How can I contact the Cherokee National Forest?
- Cherokee National Forest headquarters (Forest Supervisor’s Office) can be contacted by calling 423-476-9700, or visiting at 2800 Ocoee Street North, Cleveland, TN 37312.
- Additionally, there are four field offices (Ranger Districts) distributed across the forest, that can help you will your site-specific questions. Listed here from north to south.
- Watauga Ranger District, 423-735-1500, 4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN 37692
- Unaka Ranger District, 423-638-4109, 4900 Asheville Hwy, SR70, Greeneville, TN 37743
- Tellico Ranger District, 423-397-8455, 250 Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385
- Ocoee Ranger District, 423-338-3300, 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307
Does the Cherokee National Forest’s have a FAQs website?
Yes, the Cherokee National Forest has an extensive FAQs page that can be found by clicking this link, Cherokee National Forest – Contact Us (usda.gov).