TWRA: Landmark acquisition of Hatchie Bottom property announced

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee (TNC) and The Conservation Fund (TCF), is proud to announce the acquisition of the Hatchie Bottom property, a 7,457-acre expanse of ecologically rich bottomland hardwood forest along the Hatchie River.

The acquisition represents a major milestone in Tennessee’s Conservation Legacy initiative and fulfills a longstanding priority in the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan to protect and preserve critical wildlife habitat. The property will be managed as a new Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and will also provide new opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation.

“The Hatchie Bottom acquisition is a powerful example of what we can achieve when conservation partners come together with a shared vision for Tennessee’s natural heritage,” said Governor Bill Lee. “This acquisition reflects our commitment to safeguarding the state’s most treasured landscapes while expanding opportunities for Tennesseans to connect with the outdoors. It’s an investment in our environment, our communities, and the generations to come in the Volunteer State.”

The Hatchie River, a designated Tennessee State Scenic River, is the last unchannelized river in West Tennessee and the longest free-flowing tributary of the lower Mississippi River. The Hatchie Bottom property encompasses one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests under single ownership in the state. Its protection ensures the preservation of a priority habitat that includes swamps, sloughs, canebrakes, and oxbow lakes. These diverse ecosystems support over 100 species of fish, 35 species of mussels, and more than 250 species of birds, including the Swainson’s and cerulean warblers.

“This is a once-in-a-generation conservation opportunity,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “The Hatchie Bottom acquisition not only protects critical wildlife habitat but also expands public access to outdoor recreation in West Tennessee. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that helped make it happen.”

“Protecting Hatchie Bottom is a defining moment for conservation in Tennessee,” said Laurel Creech, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee. “This remarkable place, with its old-growth cypress-tupelo bottomland hardwood forest and rare species, has long been a priority. We are grateful to Governor Lee and his administration for safeguarding it for future generations. This achievement shows what’s possible through strong public-private partnerships.”

“This landmark conservation win for western Tennessee safeguards more than 10 miles of the Hatchie River and provides new recreational access to the water and thousands of acres of surrounding forest,” said Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee State Director for The Conservation Fund. “It’s the kind of visionary project that leaves a lasting, positive impact for people and the environment. I applaud Tennessee’s conservation leadership and am proud to play a role in preserving this special place.”

“We here at Hatchie River Hardwoods, LLC are very proud to be involved in the process of making over 7,400 acres of undeveloped hardwood timber land accessible to the public,” said Ray Hurt. “We would like to thank those at the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and those who represent the State of Tennessee for their efforts to make this become a reality. It has been a pleasure to work with all parties involved.”

Once finalized, the Hatchie Bottom property will join over 30,000 acres of protected lands along the Hatchie River corridor, including Big Hill Pond State Park, Chickasaw State Forest and WMA, Davis Ridge State Historic Area, Grays Creek Wetland, Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, and John Tully State Forest and WMA. TWRA will begin work to make it accessible to the public and another announcement will be made once it is officially open.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions. Since 1978, TNC has helped conserve over 450,000 acres across Tennessee.

The Conservation Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of America’s Lands and waters. Founded in 1985, the organization focuses on creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action for climate protection, sustainable economies, and vibrant communities.

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