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Published on December 23, 2024
Fayette County's New 5,477-Acre Wolf River State Forest Enriches Tennessee's Conservation EffortsSource: Google Street View

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry recently announced the addition of 5,477 acres in Fayette County to the state's forests, naming it Wolf River State Forest. The area is set to open for public access in 2025.

According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, "This property holds great historical, cultural, and archeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland. Under our management, we will keep this forest as a forest, conserve and steward its extensive natural and cultural resources, facilitate the continuation of research and conservation education at the site, and support the local wood products industry," said State Forester Heather Slayton. Wolf River State Forest is part of the Ames Plantation and includes bottomland hardwood forests, white oak stands, and over 30 miles of streams, which will help preserve water quality downstream to Memphis. The land also has 1,560 acres of wetlands and 45 state-registered historical sites.

Rhodes College, the University of Tennessee, and the Hobart Ames Foundation are working together to expand the historical understanding of the plantation's past, particularly regarding the lives of over 800 enslaved people. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture reported that the institutions will collaborate to identify enslaved ancestors.

The protection of Wolf River State Forest was made possible through various partners, including federal grants and nonprofit organizations. Tennessee State Director Zachary Lesch-Huie praised the ecological, economic, and cultural value of the land. The new state forest will offer recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking while preserving the area's resources.