Cherokee tribe urges land swap

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2002

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina and the National Park Service began the first of three scoping meetings on Tuesday to discuss a land swap.

Tribal members want to swap 218 acres of land for 168 acres within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The tribe wants to use the park land for three schools.

Some environmentalists are opposing the swap and don't want the park boundaries changed.

After the meetings are complete, the NPS will develop a draft environmental impact statement.

Get the Story:
Park service holds first land swap hearing in Cherokee (The Asheville Citizen-Times 2/13)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com