Blackburn Fork Wildlife Management Area Expanded By 80+ Acres
Nashville, Tenn. (February 10, 2024) – TennGreen Land Conservancy and The Conservation Fund proudly announce the acquisition of 82 acres of forested land that will be added to the Blackburn Fork Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County, Tennessee. This strategic purchase protects approximately 1.25 miles of land along Blackburn Fork State Scenic River (SSR) and its tributaries, furthering efforts to protect and enhance the region’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
The Blackburn Fork SSR, designated as a State Scenic River in 1968, is a vital waterway that also serves as the lifeblood of Cummins Falls State Park, another successful conservation project spearheaded by TennGreen. The newly acquired property is located within the Roaring River Conservation Opportunity Area (COA), a priority region that contains three of Tennessee’s 21 State Scenic Rivers. This acquisition not only safeguards critical riparian habitats, but bolsters conservation efforts in one of Tennessee’s most ecologically valuable areas.
The property will soon be transferred to the State of Tennessee to expand the Blackburn Fork Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a unique conservation site originally created through the collaboration of TennGreen and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The Blackburn Fork WMA, currently encompassing approximately 600 acres, will grow significantly with this latest addition, enhancing its role as a haven for wildlife and outdoor recreation.
Blackburn Fork: A Legacy of Conservation by the Branton Family
The acquisition builds on the legacy of the Branton family, which has played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the Blackburn Fork WMA. In December 2007, Gretel and Allen Branton donated a conservation easement on 423 acres of land to TennGreen ensuring its permanent protection. Subsequent land donations by the Brantons in 2011 and 2014 contributed 162 acres and 262 acres, respectively, which were later transferred to TWRA. These generous contributions laid the foundation for the creation and expansion of the Blackburn Fork WMA.
“This acquisition represents a vital step in safeguarding Tennessee’s natural heritage,” said Christie Henderson, TennGreen’s Deputy Director. “The Blackburn Fork State Scenic River and the surrounding lands are treasures that deserve permanent protection, and we are thrilled to continue our legacy of collaboration with The Conservation Fund and the State of Tennessee to achieve this goal.”
Strategically Protecting Places Most At-Risk
As Middle Tennessee’s population continues to expand, conservation of land and water resources becomes increasingly urgent and necessary. To determine places where these efforts will have the most successful long-term impacts, TennGreen utilizes its data-driven Strategic Land Conservation Plan to identify and prioritize vulnerable landscapes that provide significant ecosystem services.
The continued expansion of Blackburn Fork Wildlife Management Area not only protects the forests and lands along this State Scenic River, but conserves a corridor of protected lands. Protected land corridors are vital because they give wildlife space to roam and thrive while safeguarding the clean air and water.
“Blackburn Fork is exactly the kind of place that needs to be protected – not only to safeguard its exceptional natural landscapes and rich wildlife, but also to enhance the quality of life and recreation opportunities for the people living in this growing region,” said Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee State Director for The Conservation Fund. “The Conservation Fund was pleased to partner with TennGreen to add more land to this special place on behalf of the state and people of Tennessee.”
A Continued Commitment to Conservation
The conservation of the Blackburn Fork SSR and its surrounding lands underscores TennGreen’s ongoing dedication to protecting Tennessee’s critical landscapes. By working closely with partners like The Conservation Fund and TWRA, TennGreen ensures that these cherished natural resources are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
For more information about TennGreen Land Conservancy and its work to protect Tennessee’s natural lands and waters, visit www.tenngreen.org.
Media Contact: Jon D. B.
Director of Communications
TennGreen Land Conservancy
jon@tenngreen.org
Media Contact: Adam Findeisen
Managing Editor
The Conservation Fund
afindeisen@conservationfund.org
About TennGreen Land Conservancy TennGreen Land Conservancy is Tennessee’s oldest accredited statewide land conservancy, dedicated to the protection of the state’s natural treasures. Since 1998, TennGreen has worked to conserve lands critical to clean water, abundant wildlife, and recreation opportunities for all.
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.
