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Lee Roberson, a Townsend native and landowner, became so concerned with what he sees as problems in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that he wrote a book detailing his opinions about the management style in the Park.
The book, entitled “Sins of the National Park Service in the Great Smokies,” concentrates “pretty much on Cades Cove only, but this goes to the entire National Park system,” Roberson said. His wife, Beverly, was instrumental in helping Roberson compile the book.
“I grew up here. I watch what’s happening. I’m concerned over some things happening in the Park that nobody has control over,” Roberson said.
“Everything that is stated or alleged in this book can be completely substantiated,” Roberson maintains. “For the most part, I have taken the information from various publications in the area, letters and Park documents.
“The reason for the book is to try to bring some reason to management of the Park. Things like mass transit in Cades Cove. That’s very close to my heart. The extreme environmentalists believe a rock or wood tick has as much right to be here as I do. Their influence has really changed the way the Park Service manages,” Roberson said. “Environmentalists say vehicular emissions must be reduced in the Park.
“What has made Cades Cove the most popular destination in the most popular Park in the country is the fact that people are able to tour in a car, with picnic supplies, where they can stop and rest when they want.
“We did a survey, and 95 percent of the people say if they have to ride a bus, they will not come back to the area,” Roberson said. “That would strongly impact all the merchants that cater to the tourists in Townsend.
“Cades Cove traffic is actually decreasing. It’s been decreasing for two or three years. Those people there are not there to win a race. They want to do it leisurely. They will endure traffic to keep their cars,” he said.
“Cades Cove roads are operating very well and with some more rest pullover spots and a Park Service employee managing the traffic, it could do better,” Roberson said.
“They’re not going to do anything on the roads until a decision is made on mass transit. They just need to justify mass transit. Thus, they let the roads get in worse shape,” he said.
“Some say Cades Cove is being loved to death. Cades Cove is being under maintained to death. Maintenance is left sorely in need for the buildings, roads and trails.” he said.
Roberson contends that the Park Service eases off pushing for mass transit for a while but will eventually go ahead and do the project.
“They ram mass transit through, then it’s done. People scream for a while and then it just goes on. I’m trying to change that,” he said.
“We are not the enemy of the Park or the Park Service,” Roberson stresses. “We love the Park and have many friends in the Park Service and several who are volunteers in different areas of the Park.”
Roberson, a noted area painter, said that he was selected to create the official 50th anniversary print to help celebrate and promote the Smokies event.
He said that Park Service employees, many of whom work in the Smokies for short periods, look out for their careers, in terms of advancement.
“Sometimes that doesn’t serve us well in the Park.” Roberson said.
He takes issue with the Park policy of relocating animals that become too friendly with the visitors. Another policy he attacks is using rubber bullets to drive animals off from areas where visitors enjoy viewing them. Bears are relocated to a bear preserve next to a hunting area, he said. Many of them likely die.
“The book was never meant to make money. I will be pleasantly surprised if it does,” he said.
“The book will not change the world, but it will let a lot of people know what’s going on. I hope the book will change some things. I’m hopeful we can get some national coverage. Many of the problems in the Smokies are mirrored at Parks across the country. I would like for the book to sell in outside areas,” Roberson said.
“Among the many things which threaten our world, it can be easy to overlook major threats which tend to hide in the crowd. The dangers which are posed by the alarming lack of accountability on part National Park System are both grave and largely unrecognized. This book addresses these serious issues at a regional level, but the lessons to be learned affect us as a nation and a society,” Roberson said.
The books are available at Dogwood Mall, where he will have a book signing from 2-4 p.m. June 17, and at the Carriage House and Dock’s Motel, all in Townsend. The cost is $9.95 each.
Roberson founded and leads The Coalition to Save Cades Cove. Now he hope to continue the campaign with this book.
He hopes the book will be made available for sale at all the gift shops in Park visitor centers.
“Though we do differ in our viewpoints regarding National Park Service management, we feel our position deserves to be presented to the general public, along with that of the National Park Service,” Roberson said.
He paid for the initial printing of the book with his own money.
He said he welcomes the opportunity to speak to any groups about the book and his views.