Nashville – In its largest preserve acquisition ever, The Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee chapter has purchased nearly 5,000 acres comprising forests, cliffs and gorges on the Southern Cumberland Plateau as part of the group’s efforts to protect and restore large-scale natural systems.

The private, non-profit conservation group is exercising an option to buy the forested tract near Winchester in Franklin County from private landowner David Carter. The site includes what chapter officials consider one of the best remaining examples of hardwood forests left in the Cumberland Mountains.

"We have taken a huge step forward in the protection of a wilderness tract that is vital to the future

of Tennessee’s natural beauty. Mr. Carter has worked very hard with The Nature Conservancy to help us preserve this property," said Scott Davis, the chapter’s state director.

Carter noted it was easy to work with The Nature Conservancy. "This contract has been the easiest and most satisfying business decision I have had the opportunity to make. I want to thank The Nature Conservancy for the opportunity to preserve this tract for myself, my kids and future generations," said Carter.

The parcel includes 10 miles of escarpment overlooking Winchester Valley. The property is strategically located as a buffer, protecting the large forested tracts located on the southern plateau. "We need to protect and preserve forest resources in the state and we hope this deal will catalyze other efforts across the state," Davis said.

This transaction is the largest, private nature preserve The Nature Conservancy has protected in Tennessee. "We will be aggressively fundraising to pay for the property. Large tracts of forest are rapidly disappearing in the Cumberland Mountains. This acquisition is just the first step in trying to preserve a precious landscape for generations to come," Davis said.

The chapter plans to continue to allow traditional activities on the property, including hunting, and will work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency to help manage the property. "We are excited to work with the hunters and TWRA. This is the first time we have had the opportunity to forge such partnerships on this scale. The Nature Conservancy will develop land management for the property that will also help us meet our conservation goals," said Davis.

Despite the chapter’s tax-exempt status, the conservation group will continue to pay property taxes.

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preserving plants, animals and natural habitats that represent the diversity of life. The Tennessee Chapter has worked to preserve the state’s diverse ecosystems from unique cave systems to the Hatchie River in west Tennessee to the Duck River in middle Tennessee to wetland restoration work in Shady Valley in east Tennessee. The group has also helped the state with land acquisitions for Radner Lake, Savage Gulf and Reelfoot Lake.