Savage Gulf State Park Expanded by 670 Ecologically Significant Acres

In the fall of 2024, TennGreen Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee and The Conservation Fund successfully acquired 670 acres of ecologically significant, forested land adjacent to Savage Gulf State Park in Grundy County. This collaborative conservation achievement has now taken its final step: the land has been officially transferred to the State of Tennessee, where it will be permanently managed as part of Savage Gulf State Park.

We are deeply grateful to the following partners and supporters whose visionary funding made this project possible: the Open Space Institute, the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, the Lyndhurst Foundation, Mary Lynn Dobson, Carolyn & Jack Long and the Friends of South Cumberland State Parks.

“This project is a powerful example of what we can achieve through conservation partnerships. It builds on the legacy of our very first land protection effort in Tennessee, within what is now Savage Gulf State Park, and continues our commitment to safeguarding ecologically rich landscapes and expanding one of the Southeast’s most scenic public lands,” said Laurel Creech, Tennessee state director for The Nature Conservancy.

The newly protected 670 acres rest within the Middle Cumberland Plateau Conservation Opportunity Area, a region identified in the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan as having exceptional habitat value.

The property also contains more than one mile of streams, which flow directly into the Collins State Scenic River. The portion of the river within Savage Gulf State Park is designated a Class II Pastoral River Area, a legal status given to free-flowing, unpolluted waterways where agricultural and recreational uses harmoniously coexist with public enjoyment and ecological protection.

“We are pleased to work with TennGreen Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund on a successful project which is focused on important sensitive lands and waters in Tennessee. The protection of these lands adjacent to the Savage Gulf State Park will benefit Tennesseans for decades while promoting biodiversity, recreation and watershed protection,” lauded Wayne Anthony, Timberland Investment Resources’ senior investment forester.

“Savage Gulf is yet another feather in the cap of Tennessee’s world-class state park system,” Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee state director for The Conservation Fund, added. “This new park safeguards wildlife habitat and an unparalleled river ecosystem for the benefit of folks across the Volunteer state, and I’m proud of the role The Conservation Fund played in bringing it to life.”

Numerous rare species have been documented on or near the property, including the wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) and the eastern slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus).

Additionally, the endangered white fringeless orchid (Platanthera integrilabia) and yellow crested orchid (Platanthera cristata) have been documented on the tract. Notably, Savage Gulf State Park is home to one of the largest remaining populations of white fringeless orchid. By securing this property, we are ensuring that these species—and many others—can continue to thrive in the wild, uninterrupted by development or fragmentation.

Friends of South Cumberland State Parks is also proud to have been a collaborator in this “Tangible expression of our mission, ‘To protect, improve and expand the state parks of the South Cumberland Plateau,’ and to educate and inspire others to join in this work,” added Ned Murray, executive director of Friends of South Cumberland State Parks. “We are grateful to TennGreen Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee and The Conservation Fund for their leadership.”

Located in Grundy and Sequatchie counties, Savage Gulf became a Tennessee State Park in September 2022 after separating from South Cumberland State Park to allow for more concise management. This world-class park features some of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness areas, including the nearly 19,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area alongside the Great Stone Door area.

“The Open Space Institute is proud to help expand Savage Gulf State Park by 670 acres, ensuring that this ecologically rich landscape remains protected for generations to come,” said Joel Houser, OSI’s director of capital grants. “This project reflects OSI’s commitment to climate resilience and connectivity—two critical factors for safeguarding wildlife and water resources in the face of a changing climate.”

By incorporating this property into Tennessee’s world-class park system, “We are investing in long-term ecological health and creating opportunities for people to experience and enjoy these remarkable lands,” Houser continued.

This expansion of Savage Gulf State Park reaffirms the power of partnership in conserving Tennessee’s natural legacy. With this addition, more habitat is protected, more watersheds are secured and more opportunities for outdoor recreation are made possible. Together, we continue to build a resilient, connected landscape—one that will enrich the lives of Tennesseans today and far into the future.

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.

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.

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Funder credit:

The Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund (ALPF) is made possible with a lead grant from the Doris Duke Foundation and with significant support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Riverview Foundation, Tucker Foundation, Lookout Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Anonymous Foundation (2), as well as other foundations and individuals.