Efforts to advance conservation in the South Cumberland region of Tennessee reached a new plateau recently when The Conservation Fund and The Land Trust for Tennessee announced the protection of nearly 5,500 acres at Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard, both part of South Cumberland State Park and Natural Area, which is visited by nearly one million people from around the world every year. "Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard are true Tennessee gems, and the recent acquisition of these tracts is important to protecting the land and the viewshed at South Cumberland and ensuring a quality experience for future visitors," said Gov. Phil Bredesen. "South Cumberland State Park and Natural Area, managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, remains a popular public use area, and we’re thankful to the diverse partners who have come together to advance conservation in Tennessee."

The acreage is considerable, but the personal story of the South Cumberlands is every bit as compelling. It’s a story of conservation organizations, government agencies and local private landowners, with support from political leaders, collaborating to enhance two of the most utilized wilderness areas in the region. Savage Gulf - Cliffs, canyons and gorges create dramatic vistas that make the Savage Gulf State Natural Area one of Tennessee’s most scenic state recreation areas. The view at the Stone Door Overlook is nothing short of exceptional. Adding to Savage Gulf’s scenic beauty is the rich biodiversity with many species of plants and animals, including the endangered gray bat, inhabit the area. Because of its value to the public and the environment, Gov. Phil Bredesen identified Savage Gulf as a conservation priority.

In December 2008, The Conservation Fund purchased 3,075 acres at Savage Gulf from Timberland Investment Resources, LLC. The Fund will hold the land until the state takes ownership this spring. The preservation of this property caps nearly 30 years of effort from stakeholders trying to protect the viewshed around Stone Door. The purchase included $3.5 million in grant funding approved by the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund in 2007, a $2.5 million commitment from the State Lands Acquisition Fund that same year and a significant donation from a private individual.

"The forestlands involved at Savage Gulf have very important scenic and recreational values, and from the time they were acquired by our firm we were anxious to see them permanently protected for the public’s benefit," said Tom Johnson, managing director for Timberland Investment Resources, LLC. "It is very gratifying to see that happen and we appreciate the role The Conservation Fund played in facilitating the project. We look forward to working with the Fund on similar conservation efforts in the future as opportunities arise."

Fiery Gizzard - Although frequently listed as one of the premier backpacking destinations in the country, the Fiery Gizzard Trail is surprisingly vulnerable. Most of the 20-mile loop trail and its associated viewshed wind through unprotected private lands. In 2008, The Conservation Fund and The Land Trust for Tennessee, with considerable assistance from the Friends of the South Cumberland State Park and Natural Area, preserved nearly a third of the Fiery Gizzard trail and 2,400 acres of the viewshed from fragmentation and development. The Friends of South Cumberland generated $2 million in federal funds as part of their "Savings Great Spaces" campaign.

"The purchase of the Fiery Gizzard tract at South Cumberland preserves both the trail and the viewshed into the future," said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. "Under the late Marvin Runyon’s leadership, the Friends group was able to obtain federal funding that was critical to preserving and protecting this land for future generations."

"There has been a lot of good work going on to protect the beautiful waterfalls and scenic views in the South Cumberland region, like those at Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf, and I’m glad to see that these two sites are on the path to getting the protection they deserve," Alexander said. "We need to do everything we can at the federal and state level with public and private support to ensure that these natural treasures are enjoyed for generations to come."

Private landowners play an increasingly vital role in conservation in the South Cumberland region. Much of the land around the trail system was protected through a donated conservation easement, which allows the land to remain in private hands and on the tax rolls. Traditional land uses such as hunting and sustainable forest management can also continue while the landowner receives significant tax incentives for the donation.

Finding Solutions - At a time when federal, state and local governments confront budget deficits amid economic recession, conservationists’ work is unquestionably affected. But the risk to open space, wildlife habitat and scenic recreation areas remains, and in the South Cumberlands, conservation organizations, government agencies, local private landowners and political leaders are forging unique partnerships and finding creative solutions that advance conservation in the region.

"The public-private partnership for Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf reflects the highest ideals of The Land Trust," said Jean C. Nelson, executive director of The Land Trust for Tennessee. "We are now able to protect these valuable acres from incompatible land uses and provide both economic and ecological benefits to the area. Moreover, we were able to do so by working with many others in Tennessee."

"These recent acquisitions at Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard are just the latest part of this evolving conservation success story and illustrate the kind of teamwork that makes land conservation possible, in the South Cumberlands and across the nation," said Rex Boner, vice president and southeast representative for The Conservation Fund. "Support from the private sector is vital now more than ever, and we thank our partners for their cooperation."

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres nationwide and nearly 150,000 acres in Tennessee, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We’re a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient. conservationfund.org.

The Land Trust for Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in 1999. Its mission is to preserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes and sites for future generations. The Land Trust has protected more than 38,000 acres, ranging from 1 acre to 4,500 acres, in 37 counties across Tennessee. landtrusttn.org.