Fishing controversy heats up

The battle is heating up over a controversial plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restrict access to tailrace areas below locks and dams on the Cumberland River.

The plan, which was announced late last year, garnered widespread criticism, particularly from fishermen and boaters.

If the Corps moves forward with the plan, the lives of many anglers who frequent popular Middle Tennessee fisheries like Percy Priest, Center Hill and Old Hickory would be dramatically changed -- and some people fear it would only be a matter of time before similar moves are made to affect anglers all over Tennessee. So conservation officials from all corners of the state are voicing their concerns.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander has entered the fray, scheduling a press conference for Thursday to address the issue

Three ways to read the whole story:

1. Pick up a copy of Tuesday’s edition of The Democrat. To get a subscription, call 615-444-3952.

2. For access to The Democrat’s e-Edition, go to lebanondemocrat.com/e-edition-landing-page. Each publication day, a new e-edition is added by noon.

3. Check back here tomorrow afternoon for this story in its entirety.