Stallard Family with Park Naturalists Stuart Carroll at the Donation Event.

Stallards Honored for Van Dodson Land Donation to the Park
On September 26, Minnie Stallard, her husband Glen, and their daughter were honored for their donation of 61 acres to Fall Creek Falls State Park. The land is in a pristine part of the Park known as "Indian Camp Gulf". It is a handsome piece of property, with large trees, a beautiful bluff line, and other significant features. Its southern boundary is Indian Camp Branch, a mountain stream with numerous cascades and clear pools.
The donation was made in honor of Minnie's father, Van Dodson. Mr. Dodson was a White County farmer who grazed cattle on his farm in the area during the open range days of the Cumberland Plateau. The other heirs of Van Dodson still own much of his original farm adjoining the donation area. The Stallards were presented with a "Stewardship Award" for their gift. Presenting the award was Mark Williams, Director of Tennessee State Parks.
Mrs. Stallard stated that she knew the land would be well protected by the Park, and taken care of as she would have done. The land has been classified as part of the Park's Natural Area, and will be protected in its pristine condition for future generations. This type of protected land is an important part of the cultural and natural history of the Cumberland Plateau.

Jim Hall Named Park Manager at Fall Creek Falls
On September 4, 2002 State Parks Director Mark Williams came to Fall Creek to formally announce the appointment of Jim Hall to the position of Manager of Fall Creek Falls State Park. Jim had been acting as Park Manager for a year and a half after the retirement of A.J. Anderson.
The "Friends" would like to congratulate Jim Hall on his appointment to the Park Manager's and pledge our support toward his efforts in preserving and protecting the Park's natural and cultural resources. Jim began his work with Tennessee State Parks in 1971 when he was hired as a seasonal naturalist at Cove Lake State Park. He also worked seasons in 1972 and 1973 at Fall Creek as a seasonal naturalist. In 1973 Hall became the Ranger-Naturalist at the Park, and then in 1976 he moved into a Park Ranger position. He became the Park's Assistant Superintendent in 1978 (the position was renamed to Park Manager 1 in 1984).
After accepting the position from Director Williams, the newly named Park Manager Hall stated:
"The uniqueness of the park is a mixture of natural beauty and unsurpassed resort facilities. You could have a first class motel in any city in the state. You can also have a fabulous park somewhere else. The fact that both can be found right here is unbeatable...I hope to maintain what has been achieved in the park over the past years. I want to keep the park the source of pride it is now for Van Buren and Bledsoe Counties, with the people visiting and working here, while preserving and protecting the park's precious natural and cultural resources. My main goal is to uphold the park boundaries and resources, which are essential in keeping the park preserved for future generations to come. Another goal or challenge will be to maintain the level of service we now have, with the budget limitations."
Jim is married to Mary George, who he met at the Park in his early days there. Mary works at the Inn. Their son, Kris, is currently in his senior year at Bledsoe County High School. In his spare time, Jim enjoys working with his computers, and ham radios. At other times, you are liable to find he and his wife out on their Harleys exploring the back roads in the area.