Foothills Land Conservancy announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Oliver Tract, a more than 600-acre property bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend and Cades Cove in Tennessee.
The conservation organization said the acquisition permanently protects one of the most significant remaining privately held tracts adjacent to the nation’s most-visited national park.
The acquisition marks one of the largest conservation transactions connected to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in decades.
Foothills Land Conservancy intends to transfer the property to the National Park Service following completion of the federal review and acceptance process.
Located along the park boundary, the Oliver Tract includes intact forestland, wildlife habitat, watershed resources, and critical landscape connectivity.
The organization said the property supports the long-term health of the Smokies ecosystem.
The property is named for John Oliver, one of the earliest permanent settlers of Cades Cove.
Foothills Land Conservancy said the tract has significance for both its ecological value and its connection to the cultural history of the Smokies.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and welcomes more annual visitors than any other national park in the United States.
Foothills Land Conservancy has completed more than 540 conservation projects and protected over 200,000 acres throughout the Southern Appalachian region.
KEY QUOTES:
“Projects like this define what land conservation is all about. The opportunity to protect more than 600 acres bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park is extraordinarily rare. Thanks to the support of our partners, donors and community, this land will remain protected for future generations rather than being lost to development.”
Mark Stevans, Executive Director of Foothills Land Conservancy
“This acquisition reflects years of partnership and a shared commitment to protecting the landscapes that define the Great Smoky Mountains. We are proud to help ensure that this remarkable property remains intact and available for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
Mike Parrish, Chair of the Foothills Land Conservancy Board of Directors
“We appreciate Foothills Land Conservancy’s work to protect this landscape for future generations, preserving its rich cultural history as well as the extraordinary biological diversity that makes this area so unique.”
Charles Sellars, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
