From the TCWP newsletter:

Emory River property at Camp Austin donated by Reisters A few months ago TCWP members David and Willa Reister donated 50 acres on the Emory River to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA). A dedication ceremony was held November 5.

The land is situated on the west side of the river (river-right), off the Camp Austin - Deermont Road. TWRA has named it the Reister Access Area and has repaired the road, which had become deeply rutted from ATV or 4WD use. There are several places along the river bank suitable for launching a variety of watercraft. According to TWRA staffer Mark Thurman, the area supports a unique riparian plant community; and the river provides ideal habitat for numerous species of interest, including the threatened Spotfin Chub.

With this new river access, a boat trip from Nemo to Camp Austin (about 5 river miles), or from Camp Austin to Oakdale or Webb Park in Harriman, offers a river experience that can be enjoyed by most paddlers. Thurman is looking to recruit partner groups to help with seasonal clean-ups at the Reister Access.

Lost Medicaid Funding

To date, the failure to expand Medicaid / TennCare has cost the State of Tennessee ? in lost federal funding.