The work, carried out in 2014, was meant to keep out all-terrain vehicles and prevent erosion, but agency officials now admit it was done in violation of federal laws.
"The trail is part of our history, of why we are here in Oklahoma," said Sheila Bird, who is the special projects officer for the Cherokee Nation's Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
The Forest Service has apologized to the tribes for the damage, both physical and emotional, and is consulting with them over how to repair it. The trail stretches for thousands of miles through nine states.
Marvin Harper, who lives near the trail and is president of the Coker Creek Heritage Group, was saddened by the damage.
“This is an embarrassment and a great loss to all of us who take pride in this part of East Tennessee,” he said.
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