Duluth News Post

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.

Nashville, TN — Auto theft has emerged as one of the fastest-rising crimes in Nashville and Davidson County in recent months, but new data from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) suggests that the surge may be slowing. After a sharp increase earlier in the year, the number of auto thefts has dropped by 5.7% compared to 2023, though authorities continue to monitor the issue closely.

As of December 2024, there have been 4,835 reported auto thefts across Davidson County. While this represents a slight decline from last year’s numbers, it marks a significant reduction from the nearly 120% increase observed at the start of the year. The MNPD attributes the drop in part to targeted policing strategies and increased law enforcement efforts in areas most affected by thefts.

Authorities report that auto thefts are occurring in a variety of locations, with shopping centers, apartment complexes, and hotels being particularly vulnerable. Among the city’s various precincts, the East Precinct has seen the highest increase, with a 17.2% rise in thefts. In contrast, the Hermitage precinct experienced a decrease of 132 thefts, a sign that focused policing efforts in certain areas may be having an impact.

Amanda Kozen, a spokesperson for the MNPD, explained that the department has been able to allocate resources effectively, allowing officers to engage in “precision policing,” which targets high-crime areas. “The team is able to dedicate their time to precision policing,” Kozen said, emphasizing the importance of these strategies in reducing crime.

In neighboring Hendersonville, however, the picture is different. Police Chief James Jones reported that auto thefts have remained relatively stable in the area. He attributed the city’s low theft rates to the effective use of crime prevention technologies, particularly the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system, which is widely used throughout Middle Tennessee. “If you steal a car, don’t drive it to Sumner County because we make heavy use of our LPR system,” Jones warned. “Once that car enters the city, our officers are going to know and they’re going to take steps to arrest whoever’s in that car and recover the stolen vehicle.”

LPR technology has become a central focus of debate in the region. While counties surrounding Davidson have already implemented the system, a proposal to expand its use in Nashville was recently voted down by the Metro Council. The proposal would have allowed for greater surveillance coverage, but concerns over privacy rights led to its rejection. Jones, however, defended the technology, explaining that the LPR system is designed to record only basic vehicle information, and only becomes relevant when a stolen or suspicious vehicle is detected. “What we explain to people is: you don’t have to be concerned about your privacy,” he said. “The LPR cameras are nearly there to help record the vehicles going through, and it doesn’t even create an issue unless you’re driving a vehicle that is stolen or has been utilized in a crime.”

As Nashville continues to combat the rising issue of auto theft, the city’s approach to law enforcement and technology remains a point of contention. While some argue for expanded surveillance to deter crime, others express concerns over potential privacy violations. Regardless, both local authorities and residents agree that addressing auto theft remains a top priority, especially as the number of stolen vehicles continues to affect neighborhoods and businesses across the city.