However, I think you need to fact check the claim that the red cockaded woodpecker is impacted by the Zeb Mountain mine.

those birds prefer Long-Leaf and other Pine dominated forests.

The forests that were on top of Zeb were hardwoods, and what remains on the flanks of the mountain are also dominated by hardwoods.

As far as I know the last RC Woodpecker to live in TN was down on the Ocoee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest in the southeast corner of the state. (and a coupla hundred miles from Zeb Mountain)

If y’all can find USFWS documentation of RC Woodpeckers anywhere near Zeb Mountain (or anywhere in the North Cumberlands) I will buy you beers.

I realize this is a minor point, but it is the kind of thing that the industry defenders will seize to claim that we don’t know what we are talking about.