My fellow Tennesseeans, The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is wanting to close the Meeman-Shelby Forest Boat Ramp rather than investing funds in the repairs and upkeep of the ramp. This ramp is vital to the area as it provides access to the Mississippi River between Downtown Memphis and Tipton County. This ramp is used by commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, fishermen, hunters and canoeist from all over the Mid-South. Its also enjoyed by many members of the community who make customary drives through Shelby Forest State Park to take in the peace and tranquility the area has to offer.

The ramp was built by the Corps of Engineers in a partnership between Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in the early 1990s to replace an older boat ramp to the north. This large boat ramp offers a large parking lot that allows many users to park their vehicles while they are on the river or enjoying the view of the river.

Today, the State of Tennessee is wanting to block access by placing a locked gate on the paved road several miles from the boat ramp. The State claims the ramp is in disrepair and a hazard. The condition of the asphalt road leading to the ramp has been neglected and damaged from flooding and years of use. However, the State of Tennessee has neglected in its duties to properly maintain the ramp and asphalt road leading to the ramp.

Placing a gate on the road leading to the ramp will block access to thousands of acres of publicly owned State Park and Wildlife Management Area lands from public use, only allowing restricted use possibly resulting in the ramp to never be used again. Local farmers have and giving a key to local farmers. Keep in mind, this gate will be placed miles down the road before the boat ramp.

Although there is a local petition being signed at the Shelby Forest General Store, this petition was created to reach the many Tennesseans across this state that use and have an interest in this matter. To eliminate double signatures please do not sign this petition if you have already signed the petition at the Shelby Forest General Store.

Here is a link to a recent news story Channel 24 - Memphis did on the ramp.

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

Please be sure to include your City and State in the comment section when you sign.

Thank You for your support!