Property manager protects land for future generations

Preserving land for future generations keeps Tricia King well-grounded. As property manager for the Land Trust for Tennessee's Southeast region, she oversees land conservation projects in a nine-county region spanning from the Sequatchie Valley to the Hiwassee River. Her job entails working with landowners interested in protecting their natural resources for generations to come.

"It's a way they can all benefit but still use the land in a viable way," she said.

The ways in which the land can be used depends on the easement established between the property owner and the land trust, but there are certain limitations. For example, if the property is a working farm, farming can continue as long as it does not involve high-density, factory farming, Ms. King said.

"It allows for the usual uses, though -- housing, agriculture timber, etc., but protects and does not impair land for future use, creating open spaces, scenic enjoyment, habitats for plants and wildlife and maintains water quality," she said.

Q: How many acres of easements are there in Tennessee?

A: Including an easement we completed in 2005 in Knox County, the land trust has protected 2,238 acres in our region and 43,203 acres statewide. The majority of these acres are protected through donated conservation easements while remaining in private ownership.

Q: Are there certain easements that the trust desires, or can any property be considered?

A: We consider each property on a case-by-case basis, but we also work to identify corridors in which to focus our outreach efforts, such as the Sequatchie Valley, the Hiwassee River and the Trail of Tears. Each has an incredible amount of conservation value and (all) are at risk of becoming fragmented and losing their unique character.

Q: Is there a minimum amount of land that can be considered

A: No, even small parcels sometimes have great significance. Our easements range from a half-acre park near Vanderbilt University to the 4,100-acre Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. We evaluate the conservation values of each property, regardless of size, to determine if there is a fit with our mission.

Q: How important is the conservation of land in perpetuity to the quality of life in Chattanooga?

A: One of the main reasons people choose to live here and major industries have recently chosen to locate here is because of the rich scenic, historic and natural resources of Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Permanent conservation ensures that future generations will have the same quality of life and the same economic and community benefits from these resources as we do today.

Q: What important properties are now pending?

A: We keep most details confidential until the easement is completed, but we are excited about a 3,000-acre property we are working toward conserving in conjunction with the Cumberland Trail State Park, as well as some beautiful farms in the region. We are seeing plenty of interest in every county as more people, families and communities are thinking about the future.

Q: What ones would the trust still like to have ?

A: The Land Trust for Tennessee does not generally acquire land -- we mostly work with landowners who want to retain ownership but want to ensure that before they sell or pass down the land to the next generation that there are some protections in place. We would certainly like to do more conservation in the Sequatchie Valley and other high-priority corridors.