My fellow Tennesseans,

The State of Tennessee is wanting to close the Meeman-Shelby Forest Boat Ramp located in the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park just 30 mins north of Memphis.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) owns Meeman-Shelby State Park. They have neglected to properly maintain the State Park for many years. We have lost several popular parts of the park in recent years including the Swimming Pool and North Group Camp, which lay abandoned and in decay. Currently TDEC claims the ramp is in disrepair and a hazard. They are working to place a gate on the public road leading to the ramp. TDEC has contacted nearby farmers in regards to placement of a gate, at least 3-4 miles before reaching the boat ramp area. This will block and restrict public access to thousands acres of State Park / Wildlife Management Area. TDEC and TWRA states the ramp is in disrepair and a hazard but many boaters continue to use the ramp and find the conditions are no worst than any other ramp on the Mississippi River in West Tennessee.

By closing this ramp, it will affect the numerous commercial fishermen who are unable to launch at ramps closer to Memphis. It will also affect recreational boaters, duck hunters, fishermen from all over the region will be forced to use other ramps further away. Community members will no longer be allowed to enjoy their drive to the boat ramp as its been an area custom for many years.

The State claims the road leading to the ramp is in need of repair but have failed to properly maintain this road properly over the years. The asphalt road leading to the ramp has deteriorated over the years from the Mississippi River Flooding. The State failed to repair the road after the 2011 Flood when federal funds were easily available. However they never acted on this.

Tell the State to keep the road and ramp open by signing this petition!

Here is a link to a story Channel 24-Memphis recently did on the situation.

http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/a-lege...

NOTE: For the sake of eliminating double signatures, do not sign this petition if you have signed the paper copy at the Shelby Forest General Store. This petition was created as a more feasible way for those out of the area to be heard.

Please leave your City and State in the comment field when adding your signature.