MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— A significant conservation effort in East Tennessee has been completed, permanently protecting more than 600 acres of land along the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Foothills Land Conservancy announced it has acquired the Oliver Tract, a large, privately held property located near Townsend and Cades Cove. The purchase marks one of the most important conservation projects in the region in nearly 20 years.
Conservation leaders say the property contains valuable natural resources, including continuous forestland, wildlife habitat, migration corridors, watershed areas, and scenic ridgelines that connect directly to protected park lands.
Foothills Land Conservancy plans to transfer the land to the National Park Service following a federal review process, potentially incorporating the tract into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“This is exactly the kind of project Foothills Land Conservancy was created to accomplish,” said Executive Director Mark Stevans. “Opportunities to protect land of this scale, in a location this important, simply do not come along very often.”
Large tracts of privately owned land adjacent to the Smokies have become increasingly rare, making the Oliver Tract a unique opportunity for conservation and future public access.
The land is also historically significant. The tract is named after John Oliver, one of the earliest settlers in Cades Cove, and preserving it helps maintain a connection to the cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains region.
“This project demonstrates what is possible when conservation-minded landowners, donors, and partners come together,” said Board Chair Mike Parrish. “The impact will be felt for generations.”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Charles Sellars praised the effort, highlighting the importance of protecting both the area’s biodiversity and its historical significance.
The acquisition continues Foothills Land Conservancy’s long-standing mission. Since its founding, the organization has helped protect more than 200,000 acres across Tennessee and the Southern Appalachian region.
At nearly the size of the main Cades Cove historic area, officials say the Oliver Tract represents one of the most notable potential additions to the national park in recent memory.
