Foothills Land Conservancy Secures 600 Acres for Smokies Expansion

The site, situated near Townsend and Cades Cove, serves as a vital buffer for the park’s ecosystem. It provides essential wildlife habitat, intact forestland, and critical watershed resources that bolster the long-term health of the region. Beyond its ecological utility, the property carries deep cultural resonance, named for John Oliver, one of the earliest permanent settlers of Cades Cove.

Mark Stevans, executive director of the Foothills Land Conservancy, emphasized the rarity of securing such a substantial border property. The organization plans to hand over the stewardship of the tract to federal authorities once the standard review and acceptance processes conclude. Superintendent Charles Sellars noted that the acquisition preserves both the biological diversity and the historical legacy of the area. Since its inception, the Conservancy has completed over 540 projects, safeguarding more than 200,000 acres across the Southern Appalachians.