Advocates for the Oak Ridge Reservation (AFORR)

03/11/2026

Please thank TN Lieutenant Governor McNally and Representative Scarbrough for filing amendments to the budget legislation for potential appropriation of Clark Center Park by the State. Send emails to [email protected] and [email protected]. If you do not live in Anderson County, ask your representatives to support this acquisition. Contact information is at https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/Index.
Updated information about the Park is athttps://aforr.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Clark-Center-Park-Update-March-2026.pdf

02/13/2026

DOE has announced plans for controlled burns on the Oak Ridge Reservation.

The DOE will be initiating a series of controlled burns of woodland and grassland areas on the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation, including the Three Bend Area off Pump House and Bull Bluff Roads, and other managed grassland areas off Bethel Valley Road and off Highway 58. Beginning the week of February 9 and continuing through April 2026 as weather permits, controlled burns will take place at:

* Freels Bend fields – up to approximately 284 acres of grassland and scrub
* Gallaher Bend fields – up to approximately 125 acres of grassland and kudzu
* Dyllis Orchard Road – up to approximately 49 acres of grassland and kudzu
* Heritage Center – up to approximately 29 acres of grassland
* Scarboro Road fields – up to approximately 58 acres of grassland
* Chestnut Ridge kudzu infestations – up to approximately 16 acres of Kudzu and woodland near Bear Creek Road and Highway 95
* Hickory Bend kudzu control – approximately 20 acres of forest edge and kudzu
* NNSA OST Training Facility – approximately 52 acres of woodland fuel reductions
* NNSA CTF Training Facility – approximately 75 acres of woodland fuel reductions
* Bethel Fields – approximately 52 acres of grassland
* Hunley Road kudzu control – approximately 12 acres of kudzu and woody debris fuel reductions
* Wheat Church Vista – approximately 12 acres of kudzu-infested pine woodland and grassland
* Hawk’s Nest Road – approximately 21 acres of woodland fuel reduction

These planned burns are part of the DOE's effort to provide wildlife habitat, encourage growth of native plants, and reduce the risk of wildfires. They are conducted and overseen by the State of Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) personnel who maintain fire control equipment, certified burn managers and trained personnel at the burn area.
During burns, distant smoke may be observed in the vicinity.

02/04/2026

Stop plans to develop Three Bends!

The Three Bends Scenic and Wildlife Management Refuge Area is 3,000 acres owned by the US Department of Energy recognized for its superb wildlife, habitats, and unique history as well as providing opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. Even so, the City of Oak Ridge’s draft Comprehensive Plan
https://oakridgetn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3727/DRAFT-Oak-Ridge-Comprehensive-Plan?bidId=
includes plans to develop 33% of what it calls the "Three Bends Special Planning Area" (or about 1000 acres) that can be townhouses, commercial, and offices in buildings up to 10 stories high and up to 75% of a lot being covered. That is not acceptable!!

Please email your objections to the concept on page 55 of the Plan to [email protected] and to the Planning and Development Director ([email protected]) and ask that it be shared with members of the Planning Commission.

For more information about Three Bends see
https://aforr.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Description-of-Three-Bends-Scenic-and-Wildlife-Management-Refuge-Area.pdf

https://aforr.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Background-on-3-Bends-2004.pdf

11/02/2025

Oak Ridge Public Forum

11/22/2024

AFORR has been a proud proponent of the Pellissippi Blueway, and we appreciate the professional support we are receiving from the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.

ATLANTA – The National Park Service (NPS) announced today the selection of ten new communities and partners across the southeast to receive expert consultation from the NPS to help spur local recreation, conservation and economic development opportunities.   The recipients — located in Ala...

10/10/2024

Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks is working with University of Tennessee Civil Engineering students on a Senior Design project for proposed trail improvements on the ED-6 parcel, pending transfer from the Department of Energy. The students are using the working project name of “Westwood Trail Center” and want input from the public!

A public input meeting will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Senior Center. This is a design exercise for their senior design class and is not intended as a final plan for the park area.

If the transfer of ED-6 to the City takes place, this work could be used to inform park development. Additional opportunities for public input will be part of the process if the City develops and implements a complete plan for that area.

02/24/2023

The event in April is free, but people interested will need to pre-register because camping space is limited.