09/19/2026
A couple of years ago I planted a big field of zinnias and ran out of seed before I finished planting the area I wanted sown. By the time the other seeds were delivered, we had a lot of smoke blown in from wildfires up north. The seeds that were sown and germinated before the smoke came were just beautiful and did great. The newer seed that germinated when the smoke was here was just pitiful. The plants were so small and the flowers were miniature. I even second guessed myself wondering if I ordered the wrong variety only to find that I had ordered the right seed. Other farmers that I talked to were seeing the same issues. That’s when we realized that the wildfire smoke had affected our crops so negatively. I say all of this to ask you to consider writing to Cleveland TN City Council to ask that they do not approve the proposed project as I believe it will greatly affect our area and ALL the states adjacent to us. We can not afford to affect our farming areas. So much cattle, corn, apples, strawberries, tomatoes and countless other crops are grown here that will be affected by air pollution and soot particles in our air. Not to mention the affect on our beautiful Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers. Please share all the posts you see about Project River and Wright Brothers and Cleveland City Council. We have a lot to lose if they win. Visit Cleveland TN Farmers on First 423 Farmer’s Market | Chattanooga Chattanooga Times Free Press Nourish Knoxville’s Farmers Markets
