Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) has announced the creation of Wolf River State Forest, a newly designated state forest in Fayette County. Spanning 5,477 acres, this forest, set to open in 2025, will become the 16th state forest in Tennessee, offering new opportunities for outdoor recreation and ecological conservation.
The property, located along the Wolf River and a part of the historic Ames Plantation, is situated approximately 60 miles east of Memphis. The land holds significant historical, cultural, and environmental value. The Ames Plantation, founded in the early 1900s by industrialist Hobart Ames, is known for its longstanding research programs and its focus on conservation. After Ames’s death, his wife established the Hobart Ames Foundation to support scientific research at the University of Tennessee and promote bird dog competitions.
TDF officials expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition, highlighting the importance of preserving the property’s ecological and historical resources. “We are thrilled to add Wolf River State Forest to our state forest system,” said State Forester Heather Slayton. “This property holds great historical, cultural, and archaeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots and exceptional hardwood forestland.”
The forest’s natural features include one of Tennessee’s finest bottomland hardwood forests, with valuable white oak stands aiding restoration efforts for the species. The property also includes more than 30 miles of streams and 1,560 acres of wetlands, which play a vital role in maintaining water quality for downstream areas, including Memphis’s drinking water and local fisheries.
Beyond its ecological significance, the forest is home to 45 state-registered historical sites, including remnants of enslaved communities. Rhodes College, in collaboration with the Hobart Ames Foundation, has worked to uncover and document the history of slavery at Ames Plantation, identifying over 800 enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property. Ongoing efforts will continue to involve descendants of these individuals in the preservation and education of their ancestors’ history.
The creation of the Wolf River State Forest was made possible through partnerships with The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to land conservation, and various state agencies. The purchase was funded through grants from the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, as well as matching funds from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wetlands Funds, the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, and The Conservation Fund.
Zachary Lesch-Huie, Tennessee State Director for The Conservation Fund, emphasized the long-term benefits of preserving the land. “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.”
The Wolf River State Forest will also serve as a valuable resource for passive outdoor recreation. Visitors will be able to engage in activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing when it opens to the public next year. The forest’s management will balance the preservation of its natural and cultural resources with opportunities for education, research, and sustainable outdoor recreation.
With the acquisition of the Wolf River State Forest, Tennessee has further expanded its commitment to protecting and preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts across the region.
