Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) has revealed that 5,477 acres in Fayette County will become the state’s 16th state forest. This new addition, named Wolf River State Forest, is set to open to the public in 2025, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.
State Forester Heather Slayton expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the forest’s ecological and cultural value. “We are thrilled to add Wolf River State Forest to our state forest system and are grateful for the support and partnerships that made this acquisition possible,” Slayton said. “This property holds great historical, cultural, and archaeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland.”
Located along the Wolf River, the new state forest is a portion of the historic Ames Plantation, a landmark property that dates back to the early 1900s. Established by wealthy industrialist Hobart Ames, the plantation has long been associated with scientific research and cultural preservation. Following Ames’ death, his wife established the Hobart Ames Foundation, which has supported the University of Tennessee’s research programs and the National Championship for Bird Dogs.
The land to be designated as Wolf River State Forest features one of the finest examples of bottomland hardwood forests in the state, including significant stands of white oak, which play a key role in the restoration and sustainability of white oak species. The Tennessee Department of Forestry plans to conserve more than 30 miles of streams and riparian habitats, as well as 1,560 acres of wetlands. These conservation efforts will help safeguard water quality for Memphis’ drinking supply and support local fisheries.
Beyond its ecological assets, the forest is home to 45 state-registered historical sites, including those related to the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the Ames Plantation. Through collaborative efforts with Rhodes College, the University of Tennessee, and the Hobart Ames Foundation, more than 800 enslaved people have been identified, along with the remains of their dwellings and cemeteries. These organizations will continue to engage with descendants of these individuals to further explore and preserve their history.
The creation of Wolf River State Forest will also provide new public access for a variety of outdoor activities. The forest will offer opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing, expanding recreational options in the region.
This project is the result of a partnership between TDF and The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands and cultural sites. Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee State Director for The Conservation Fund, emphasized the importance of the acquisition. “The property has tremendous environmental, economic, scientific, and cultural value. Protecting it as a state forest will ensure it keeps delivering that value for the people of West Tennessee,” Lesch-Huie said.
Funding for the acquisition was made possible through a combination of grants, including support from the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP), Tennessee’s federal Congressional delegation, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wetlands Funds. The FLP aims to prevent the conversion of forest lands to non-forest uses through land purchases and conservation easements. With this acquisition, the total area conserved under the Tennessee FLP nears 60,000 acres.
TDF is currently conducting surveys of the property and installing signage in preparation for the forest’s official opening. The department plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early 2025 to celebrate the opening of Wolf River State Forest to the public.
