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The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee Press Releases
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Kriste Goad
Press Secretary Office of Governor Don Sundquist Office (615) 741-3763 Pager (615) 539-0316 Fax (615) 741-1416

Press Release

Date: 08/02/02

NASHVILLE - In the first conservation project of its kind in the United States, the state of Tennessee has joined forces with The Conservation Fund, Renewable Resources Inc. and International Paper to protect 75,000 acres of forestland on the Cumberland Plateau, the groups announced today.

"This purchase from International Paper showcases the power of public-private partnerships to conserve and protect Tennessee's landscape," Gov. Don Sundquist said. "This magnificent property will be enjoyed by Cumberland Trail hikers, wildlife watchers, sportsmen and other outdoor enthusiasts for years to come. It is truly a treasure for all Tennesseans to enjoy."

The property, located 40 miles northwest of Knoxville, Tenn., is divided into two large tracts and includes portions of Anderson, Scott and Campbell counties. Under a shared-use agreement, the land will remain a working forest available for outdoor recreation.

The Conservation Fund acquired the property's surface rights from International Paper with significant financial support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through its Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Initiative. The initiative seeks to conserve ecologically significant lands and improve forest management in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee and Alabama and the Little Tennessee River Basin in North Carolina.The timber harvesting rights were purchased by Renewable Resources Inc., a private timber investment company. The property will ultimately be transferred to the state of Tennessee.

"This acquisition protects strategically important habitat for high priority migratory songbirds such as the cerulean and golden-winged warblers and other unique non-game and game species," Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Executive Director Gary Myers said. "The property is also home to the state’s only free-ranging, wild population of elk."

"As a result of this project, we now have a bold new model for forestland conservation in America," Conservation Fund President Larry Selzer said. "I congratulate International Paper, the state of Tennessee and Renewable Resources Inc. for their leadership, vision and cooperation."

The Conservation Fund worked with Renewable Resources Inc. to develop a plan to ensure that working lands will be managed as a sustainable forest and to maintain the natural hardwood forest cover. Forestry operations will meet or exceed all requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program and all Tennessee Best Management Practices for forestlands to ensure protection of critical habitat including imperiled aquatic resources.

"Due to its proximity to Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area and the Cumberland Trail, this land is extremely important to Tennessee citizens," said George O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Forest Products for International Paper. "We worked hard to structure a sales agreement that assured that the area will continue to be managed using sustainable forestry practices, and that public recreational use will continue in the future."

Rex Boner, Vice President, Southeastern Region of The Conservation Fund further underscored the project’s importance. "Permanent sustainable management of this property will do much to maintain the region’s diverse habitats and will contribute to the economic future of the Southern Appalachians," said Boner.

"We are fortunate to have large tracts of working forestland remaining in the eastern United States," said Bob Saul, Renewable Resources Inc.'s partner for domestic acquisitions. "Under the agreement, this land will continue to provide sustainable, long-term benefits to timber investors and the local community."

"The Nature Conservancy felt this area was the most important conservation project in the state," Scott Davis, state director of the Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee chapter said. "Protecting this area for future generations of Tennesseans is a good example of what can be accomplished when partners come together with shared conservation goals."

The Nature Conservancy contributed acquisition funds.

The Tucker Foundation of Chattanooga is also assisting with the acquisition.