This Spring, TennGreen Land Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) worked together to purchase more than 500 acres of land with significant archaeological importance. This vital acquisition will protect the site’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Now that the State of Tennessee owns the property, TDEC plans to conduct historical, archaeological, and biological research to identify and catalogue the land’s many features. Based upon the findings from these surveys, TDEC will evaluate the possibility of developing public recreational opportunities on the property. Tennessee State Parks will use existing resources to regularly patrol the site for illegal activities. TDEC’s Divisions of Archaeology and Natural Areas will use existing resources to manage the property until natural and cultural inventories are complete and a management plan is developed.
“This acquisition perfectly aligns with Tennessee State Parks’ mission ‘To preserve and protect, in perpetuity, unique examples of natural, cultural, and scenic areas…’ said Jim Bryson, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Parks and Conservation. “This irreplaceable property, its long history, and its ancient artifacts will be preserved for generations to come. Without TennGreen Land Conservancy’s partnership, saving this valuable site may not have been possible.”
This acquisition represents the first joint acquisition partnership between TennGreen, The Conservation Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.
Due to the highly sensitive aspects of the archaeological assets, TennGreen and partners are not currently allowed to disclose this new acquisition’s location or additional details.
To learn more about TennGreen acquisitions, click here.