McDonald Farm is a one-of-a-kind asset owned by Hamilton County that should be used to benefit all residents of the county. There are ways to do this without having to choose between large-scale commercial development and leaving the farm as it is.
We can generate revenue and jobs while still preserving the farm. The below recommendations do not require a large infrastructure investment like commercial development. Revenue generation has already started and can be increased in the short term.
This is how to make it happen:
1) Promote agritourism:
Tourism is one of the largest industries in Hamilton County. Visitors spent $1.7 billion here in 2023. This spending supported 12,770 local jobs and generated nearly $180 million in state and local tax revenue. Let’s lean into our strength and add agritourism to the mix. In addition to paying fees for activities, visitors stay at hotels, shop at retail stores and visit restaurants in Hamilton County.
What is agritourism? Basically, it links a working farm with tourism. It is designed to educate and entertain visitors. It also preserves our vanishing farmland. Importantly, both students and adults interested in careers in agriculture can learn the best practices of farming and animal care from experts.
There are many successful agritourism sites in our region. Examples can be found through the Tennessee Agritourism Association (tennesseeagritourism.org) and the Georgia Agritourism Association (georgia-agritourism.org).
2) Provide varied recreational activities:
McDonald Farm is large, with diverse areas that are suited for different types of recreational activities. Mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country running, walking, disc golf, fishing, bird watching, soccer, lacrosse, etc. are all possible. Participation for those with disabilities can be provided. The list is almost endless.
3) Celebrate our cultural heritage:
Native Americans lived in what is now known as McDonald Farm and in surrounding areas for thousands of years. There is a rich pioneer history beginning in the 1800s, including an important link with the Civil War. A cultural museum at McDonald Farm would be of high interest to both county residents and visitors.
4) Host performances and special events:
A great example of a special event at the Farm was the very successful 2023 Hamilton County Fair, which included live performances on stage. A larger Fair is planned for 2024. Sporting competitions, music festivals, outdoor plays, educational events and more are all possible.
5) Leverage the farm’s connection to the Cumberland Trail:
Reaching more than 300 miles across the eastern side of Tennessee, the Cumberland Trail is a destination for hikers from across the country. With the recent land swap between the Chattanooga Audubon Society and Tennessee State Parks, a missing link can now be finished in Hamilton County. That piece can be accessed by McDonald Farm through a set of interconnecting trails. Whether on a day hike or a multi-day hike on the trail, these visitors may stop in the area, much like the “Trail Towns” on the Appalachian Trail.
The future of the farm will be driven by our elected officials, the Hamilton County commissioners and mayor. They need to hear from you as soon as possible, as decisions are being made now. Please take a few minutes to give feedback to the commissioner for your district as well as the mayor. Contact information is on the Hamilton County website.
Jim Stewart is executive director of the Chattanooga Audubon Society, which maintains 500 acres in Hamilton County as nature sanctuaries, and a member of the McDonald Farm Citizens Advisory Group.