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A resolution recognizing the portion of the Western Highland Rim Forest located within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as “Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest.”
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WHEREAS, the Western Highland Rim is a USDA Level IV ecoregion of and in Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the Western Highland Rim passes through the western portion of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metro”); and
WHEREAS, there is a contiguous and connected forest on the Western Highland Rim; and
WHEREAS, a significant portion of Metro’s population lives downstream in the adjacent and lower-elevation Nashville Basin ecoregion; and
WHEREAS, this forested area provides critical stormwater services for the majority of Metro’s residents who live below the forest, filtering of our air and water, and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect; and
WHEREAS, the 127,000 acres of forest and connected wildlife habitat in this Western Highland Rim area is recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Tennessee, and in numerous Metro long range plans as an important ecological feature; and
WHEREAS, by virtue of being a metropolitan city with over 100,000 acres of forest inside Metro limits gives Nashville bragging rights to the title “World’s Largest Urban Forest;” and
WHEREAS, the conservation of this area is recognized and protected in Nashville Next’s community policies as “Conservation Overlay;” and
WHEREAS, giving names to places create a deeper sense of presence and appreciation; and
WHEREAS, promoted natural amenities are proven to support local economies by drawing tourism, businesses, and families seeking healthy places to thrive; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the Western Highland Rim as “Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1: That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record recognizing the forested area, known as the Highland Rim Forest, in the western portion of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as “Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest.”
Section 2: This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.