PARIS, TN (WSMV) -
Many homeowners near Kentucky Lake said there is a double standard in how they are allowed to care for their properties.
Jon Davidson said he loves the lake and knows what a treat it is to spend time on it.
"Kentucky Lake drives tourism. Folks work their entire lives to retire here," Davidson said.
But owning property around the lake is touchy stuff. If you think your homeowner association rules are strict, just note what U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials demand for those living within a Tennessee Wildlife Refuge.
"Not supposed to mow the grass. Not supposed to rake the leaves. If this tree right here were to fall, unless it falls on a house there's no way to remove that tree," Davidson said.
Also, they are not allowed to have flowerbeds, birdhouses or boat ramps. And they are not allowed to protect their shoreline even if it is eroding at an alarming rate.
But, Davidson said the Fish and Wildlife Department itself fails to follow those rules.
It recently built a brand new visitors center with a brand new road cutting right through the refuge.
If a citizen were to build a road in a Tennessee Wildlife Refuge, they would go to federal prison. But U.S. Fish and Wildlife works under its own rules. In fact, they are doing quite a few things that would be illegal for anyone else.
Fish and Wildlife crews can plant and remove trees, mow and put up rip-rapping to stop shoreline erosion.
"They can do it to their properties, but there is a fine if you do it to yours," Davidson said.
In a statement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge Manager Barron Crawford said:
"We are the landowner, and we can do what we think is best for the refuge. Our mission includes getting young people involved in wildlife conservation, and this visitor center is going to serve a lot of young people."
As far as all the rules, those came as part of a settlement with the Audubon Society which sued Fish and Wildlife to better protect refuges across the United States.
"What we don't like are the double standards," Davidson said.
Crawford said he is not opposed to residents putting erosion control on their property. He said if they can show a need, and are willing to wait 6 to 9 months for the permit process, some owners' requests will be approved.
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