BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST, Ala. – In efforts to clean up illegal dumping in Indian Tomb Hollow in the Bankhead National Forest, Wild South staff and volunteers conducted a cleanup in October In addition to being a historical site, American Indians consider Indian Tomb Hollow to be a sacred place.   Ceremonies have been conducted in the hollow for many years.

The illegal dumping along a road in the hollow has been a sore spot over the years with visitors who see everything from dead animals to oil and beer cans have been scattered in areas considered to be sacred.  To protect the area's cultural heritage and scenic values, the Forest Service has installed gates at two entrances of the hollow to prevent dumping and illegal use by off-road vehicles which have damaged steep slopes and woodlands.

"Iron Eyes Cody would be proud," said Billy Grayfox Shaw, lifting a bulging trash bag into his truck. "You could say I'm one of many Cherokee people who have concerns about the forest." Shaw and twelve other Wild South volunteers removed five truckloads of trash last Saturday, including a child's swing set, wooden fencing, household trash, waste construction materials and large quantities of beer cans. The Forest Service brought in a bulldozer to smooth areas rutted by off-road vehicles.

Indian Tomb Hollow contains a unique Indian trail marker tree, bluff shelters, and an early settler's cemetery. According to local legend, the hollow was the site of a battle between the Chickasaws and the Creeks in the late 1700s. The area is also noted for spectacular wildflower displays in the spring and is managed as a cultural heritage area by the U.S. Forest Service.

The illegal dumping also negatively impacted rare native plants that are indigenous to a limestone glade at the entrance to Indian Tomb Hollow.

Lamar Marshall, founder of Wild South, said that it was a good example of collaboration of the public with the Forest Service to work together to better our public lands.   Wild South receives support for several volunteer projects from the National Forest Foundation and The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation.