North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area Expands by 2,613 Acres

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and The Nature Conservancy are pleased to announce the transfer of a 2,613-acre conservation and public recreation easement to the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This acquisition expands the Otey Mills Refuge Unit in Claiborne County, enhancing conservation efforts and public access opportunities. Since 2021, TWRA and TNC, through its three-state Cumberland Forest Project, have worked together to permanently protect over 44,000 additional acres in the WMA.

The Cumberland Forest Project, an impact investment fund operated by TNC, manages 253,000 acres spanning Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Backed by a diverse group of investors, the project is managed with a dual focus on benefiting both people and nature. This innovative approach ensures that the land is preserved for future generations while also providing immediate ecological and economic benefits.

The newly acquired tract lies within the Appalachian Mountains, which is a crucial migratory corridor for wildlife, especially as plants and animals shift their ranges in response to a changing climate. The Appalachians represent some of the most intact temperate hardwood forests remaining in the world.

The North Cumberland WMA is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including Tennessee’s elk herd and numerous federally and state-listed species. The acquisition supports habitat for the endangered Indiana bat and the rare Cumberland Gap cave beetle, which is only known from this area and nowhere else in the world. The area is also important for bat habitat protection and restoration, with several bat species using the mature forests on the property.

The tract will be managed for passive recreational uses, including hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and hiking. Motorized access such as off-highway vehicles (OHV) will be prohibited to protect sensitive habitats. The North Cumberland WMA is extremely popular with outdoor enthusiasts and generates significant economic benefits, valued at over $22 million annually and supporting more than 500 private sector jobs. Public access to this area supports the economic benefits of outdoor recreation, driving job creation, tourism, and local business growth.

The tract’s northern boundary abuts Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and its preservation will protect the viewshed of the Cumberland Trail. The scenic value of the area is outstanding, contributing to its importance as a conservation site.

This acquisition aligns with multiple state and regional conservation plans, including TWRA’s Tennessee Wildlife Legacy Plan and the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan.

“We are thrilled to see the culmination of this multi-year, multi-partner project, where all partners shared a unified vision to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. This acquisition is a testament to our collective commitment to forested habitat conservation and climate change adaptation,” said Laurel Creech, TNC's state director in Tennessee.

“We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with The Nature Conservancy which has enabled us to collaborate on many critical conservation projects,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “North Cumberland WMA is the largest WMA in Tennessee, and this expansion will protect countless wildlife species, enhance their habitat, and benefit all Tennesseans who are passionate about the outdoors.” 

The public is encouraged to explore the newly expanded North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, whether you're interested in hiking, hunting and fishing, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the natural beauty.