Growing up in Scott County, Tennessee, I have always been surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This land, spanning over 700,000 acres across 21 counties, is not just a natural treasure but a crucial part of my heritage. I have deep ties to this area, the same lands once roamed by the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone himself. Today, I am compelled to call for its redesignation as a National Park to preserve not only its natural beauty and ecological importance but also Daniel Boone's enduring legacy.

Daniel Boone National Forest is currently managed under policies that still allow certain logging and mineral extraction activities. Though regulated, these practices pose a real threat to the unique ecosystems that lie within. National Parks receive the highest level of protection from such activities, ensuring that lands remain untouched by industrial processes. By redesignating this forest into a National Park, we can provide the same significant protections for Kentucky’s mountains and forests as those afforded to the Big South Fork.

This is an urgent call to action. Our forest is home to diverse plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the region. These species live amongst awe-inspiring mountain gorges, clear streams, and ancient rock formations that are at risk without comprehensive protection. We can start by securing this forest for future generations, promoting sustainable tourism while safeguarding it from harm.

Documented evidence indicates that areas designated as National Parks benefit from increased federal funding, greater visitor security, and enhanced infrastructure. Such a redesignation would boost the local economy by attracting nature lovers, historians, and outdoor enthusiasts, all drawn to a forest rich in biodiversity and historical significance.

Let’s honor Daniel Boone’s legacy, protect our rich natural heritage, and ensure that the forest remains a haven for wildlife and a natural wonder for all. Please, sign this petition to urge the United States Department of the Interior to take immediate action and redesignate the Daniel Boone National Forest as a National Park. Together, we can make a lasting impact.