Internationally recognized Smokies a gift to us all

Imagine a gift of immeasurable value, one so precious, so unique, that it can never be replaced, so large that no amount of gift paper can wrap it.

We are all the recipients and should consider ourselves custodians of this gift known as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

More than 5 million acres of public land preserved in perpetuity as our heritage, shielded forever from development and logging. Layer upon layer of ancient mountains believed to be the oldest on Earth. Indescribable beauty in the shapes of towering peaks, waterfalls, rivers and creeks, trees, plants, wildlife. An ecosystem so diverse that there may be none other like it elsewhere on this planet. A rich cultural history. The most visited national park in the nation. Ours to enjoy, study and protect.

GSMNP includes five forest types with more than 130 species of trees and 4,000 other plant species, some of which live only in the Smokies, according to figures published by the National Park Service. Mammals living there number 65 species, including bear, deer, elk, red wolves and bobcats. More than 230 species of birds can be found.