Forest and Wildlife Conservation at Natchez Trace

Natchez Trace Conservation Story

Natchez Trace State Forest originated from lands purchased by the Resettlement Administration and was designated a State Forest in 1949. The Forest, now totaling 36,642 acres, was placed under the direction of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, with the understanding that the forest would be developed for multiple uses, including timber products, forest management demonstration areas, and passive recreation. While the Division of Forestry is primarily responsible for protecting, conserving, and enhancing the Forest and its resources, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency co-manages the land to improve wildlife habitat. This collaborative relationship has existed since the 1970s. Tennessee State Parks also manages about 12,000 acres solely for recreational purposes on a few interior sections of the state land. In total, the state land area consists of over 45,000 acres. As with many Tennessee state forests, this land was placed under state management to improve it from previous abuses and poorly managed conditions and to enhance it by managing for soil, water, mineral, forest, and wildlife conservation. The Division is proud of its success at this site, restoring the land from barren gullies and ravines to a healthy and resilient forest that provides sustainable timber resources, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.

This area is a popular destination for hunters, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. These uses, together with active forest management, make this a fully functional, multiple-use state land for Tennessee residents and visitors to enjoy.

Following decades of restoration, conservation, and careful management, the Forest now contains an abundant supply of high-quality timber. Timber harvesting is conducted on sustainable rotations of 80 to 100 years for hardwood, 60 years for mixed hardwood-pine, and 40 years for pine. This facilitates the use of valuable forest resources, supports the local forest products industry, and promotes the growth of young trees. Seedlings rely on abundant sunlight to grow into the next generation of mature trees. Harvests open up the tree canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and creating the right conditions for new growth. This creates forest diversity, helps build a healthy and resilient ecosystem, and fosters important wildlife habitats. Timber harvesting usually only occurs on the Forest and not on Park land, with the exception of salvage harvests following serious damage to forested areas of the Park.

The Division is tasked with keeping forests as forests, so harvested land becomes the site of new generations of trees and is never developed or sold. After harvesting operations conclude, pine seedlings are planted in areas where pine trees were harvested. Hardwood trees (oaks, hickories, maples, ash, walnuts, etc.) typically repopulate well on their own since the mature trees deposited many seeds in the ground prior to harvest.

Forest management operations, including timber harvesting, are conducted to demonstrate sustainable forest management. All management activities incorporate the use of best management practices (BMPs), which keep the creeks and streams clean, and science-based silvicultural and forest management methods, which ensure a healthy and renewable forest.

Revenue from timber sales is reinvested into state forest system management. This valuable state-owned land is managed using revenue from timber harvests. This supports activities that improve the health and resiliency of the forest, enables long-term forest sustainability, funds forest road maintenance, and facilitates recreational opportunities. Timber sales are conducted under a sealed bid process and are publicly advertised, opened, and recorded. More details on timber harvests can be found on our website: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/state-forest-timber-sales.html.

It is the responsibility of the State of Tennessee to ensure the sustainable future of natural resources on state land while responsibly tapping into the benefits they provide, including wood products, clean air, clear water, wildlife habitat, and recreation.