Vandalism damage has put Franklin State Forest and surrounding woodlands at heightened risk after the loss of five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck reduced the state’s wildfire response capability.
State officials suspect logging opponents did the damage. The forest remains closed for investigation by Tennessee forestry officials, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Authorities have described heavy damage done to the bulldozers and transport truck and vandalism and theft of other equipment.
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“We cannot speculate to the motivation for this destruction, but we are aware of public opposition to harvesting operations at Franklin State Forest,” Heather Slayton, a state forester, said in a news release on the damage. “Just like other agricultural crops, cutting timber is part of the continuous cycle of regeneration, growth, maturation and harvest. Harvesting timber is essential for forest health, and when done properly, ensures the forest will continue to thrive for generations to come. It is disappointing that someone has possibly taken their opposition to forest management to an extreme level.”
Tennessee Division of Forestry / Five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck were damaged by vandals at Franklin State Forest on the Marion-Franklin county line sometime between July 12-14. The forest is closed while state and federal authorities investigate.Sometime between July 12 and 14, someone bypassed a secured gate in Franklin State Forest to reach the equipment and vehicles damaged.
The reported damage included spray-painting threatening messages on vehicles, stealing equipment, shattering windows, slashing tires, wires and hoses under vehicle hoods and tampering with fuel tanks, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture said in a statement.
The incident left the state with costly, extensive damage, but there are no estimates yet. The spray-painted messages were not described by officials. A forestry photo showed the words “NO MORE” painted on the side of one truck.
“The extent of damage to this state property is shocking, and the cost to taxpayers is expected to be equally staggering,” Charlie Hatcher, state agriculture commissioner, said in the news release. “We are thankful no employees were hurt and urge visitors to always be aware of their surroundings and report anything unusual they see while visiting state forests.”
State bulldozers are essential for fighting wildfires and are now out of service, officials said. The agency is prepared to deploy resources from other parts of the state to handle any wildfire emergencies that may arise in the Cumberland region.
In March 2023, state officials closed the forest over damage from off-road vehicles. The forest was closed to off-roading for 120 days while officials repaired damage in areas where off-road vehicles are banned. Travelers on foot were still permitted inside the state forest during daytime hours over the four-month period.
The U.S. Drought Monitor issued Thursday shows Franklin State Forest, on the Marion-Franklin county line, lies in a growing area of severe drought conditions spreading across Southeast and South Middle Tennessee.
Anyone with information related to the thefts and vandalism should to contact investigators at 844-AG-CRIME, 844-242-7463, or email agriculture.crime@tn.gov.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.