Conservation Groups Join To Expand Largest Wildlife Management Area in Tennessee

Anderson County, Tenn. – The Conservation Fund, TennGreen Land Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy have joined in a collaborative partnership to protect 709 acres of critical land and wildlife habitat bordering the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in northeastern Tennessee.

The North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area is home to nearly 200,000 acres of continuous public land, making it the largest Wildlife Management Area active in the state. The addition of the new land borders the current wildlife management area on three sides and will be incorporated into the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s management plan for the larger area.

Protection of this land is of critical importance. The North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area reintroduced elk to the land in the early 2000s and now boasts one of the largest free-roaming elk populations East of the Mississippi River. A central elk viewing tower attracts over 15,000 visitors each year and offers access to birdwatching for at-risk species including the Cerulean warbler — whose global habitat is dwindling.

“There is no public land in Tennessee quite like the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. By expanding the land protected in this area, we are ensuring that locals and visitors alike can continue to cherish this landscape,” says Alice Hudson Pell, executive director, TennGreen Land Conservancy.

The expansion of the area also helps to safeguard water quality along the New River, while increasing access to backcountry camping, hunting and opportunities for the local outdoor recreational economy.

“Protecting this high conservation-value land brings with it the dual benefit of protecting the environment while creating increased potential for the local recreation economy,” says Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee state director at The Conservation Fund. “We are proud to join our partners and support this meaningful project that ensures locals and visitors alike can enjoy this valuable natural landscape for years to come.”

The three conservation groups secured the privately owned land when it came on the market. The property was transferred to the state of Tennessee in late September for future protection and management.

“Tennessee’s Northern Cumberland Plateau region is one of the Southeast’s most important landscapes. By collaborating with partners, we have created an opportunity to protect wildlife migration corridors, and vast blocks of connected, climate change-resilient native forests. This addition builds upon decades of land protection and habitat restoration, benefitting Tennessee and the planet,” says Laurel Creech, Tennessee state director at The Nature Conservancy.

Tim Churchill the Chief Federal Aid and Real Estate Division at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency celebrates this. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our conservation partners, we continue to expand the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. From camping, fishing and wildlife watching — to providing critical habitat for several endangered species — this expansion opens new doors for our work,” he says.

This project was funded in part by the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund.

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.  Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.  We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more livable. Working in over 70 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.  In Tennessee, The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect the state’s most beautiful places since 1978.  To learn more, visit www.nature.org.

About TennGreen Land Conservancy
TennGreen Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and the oldest accredited statewide land conservancy in Tennessee. TennGreen’s mission is to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Through sound science and partnerships, TennGreen identifies and conserves land across Tennessee for wildlife corridors, critical habitat, and public benefit. TennGreen protects, cares for, and connects people with Tennessee’s natural world by providing meaningful outdoor experiences, establishing conservation easements, supporting restoration efforts, and acquiring (or assisting in the acquisition of) privately held land.

Media Contact
Leigh Scheffey, The Conservation Fund, 720-254-5909, lscheffey@conservationfund.org