Dear Cumberland Trail supporter,

It is a privilege to fill the role of General Manager of the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). This has enabled me to work with so many tremendous supporters of the Cumberland Trail project. This support comes in various forms, from financial support, office support, and camp logistical support, to support from volunteers who get dirty to help construct and maintain the trail. It has truly been an honor to be part of such a volunteer effort without which the Cumberland Trail Conference would not exist and the trail development would still lie fallow as it did for so many years.

Since 1997, the CTC and its supporters have witnessed many accomplishments:

• 14 miles of trail constructed and several bridges built in the Catoosa WMA

• 15 miles of trail constructed in Cumberland County on Black and Brady Mountains

• Completion of a successful major capital campaign for the purchase of trail corridor in Hamilton County for the Rock, Possum, and Soddy Gorge segments of the Cumberland Trail. The trail corridor was secured and 4 years of construction produced 35 miles of continuous trail - ultimately to include several bridges and other infrastructure

• The construction of 26 miles of trail and several bridges in the Royal Blue and Sundquist WMA

• Construction of 6 miles of trail in the Frozen Head segment

To date, all of these sections are open for hiking and are being maintained by CTC staff and volunteers. When these sections of trail are added to the recently acquired Bowater Pocket Wilderness trails and other older public land trails, 170 miles of the Cumberland Trail will be open for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. While the State of Tennessee played a key role in these tremendous successes, the major support came from many different foundations, groups, and individuals who have the shared vision for the Cumberland Trail.

Since the Cumberland Trail is also Tennessee’s first linear State Park, the Cumberland Trail Conference has been working in partnership with the Division of State Parks. This partnership generated financial support from the State in the form of a grant agreement. Monies from this agreement have payed the cost of CTC’s daily operations. This has allowed the CTC to concentrate fundraising efforts for trail development. Unfortunately, this grant agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2009 and will not be renewed.

For so many years, our supporters have made this project a reality. With every passing year the trail is closer to being completed. Over 183,000 volunteer hours have been dedicated to this project so far and this is no time to cut back on the effort. For this goal to be accomplished, I ask for your financial support. Please give generously to support this very worthwhile project. The Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail belongs to all of us, to be shared and enjoyed by others. It will be a lasting legacy to all who have participated in the effort .

Anthony Hook
General Manager
Cumberland Trail Conference