Conservancy’s Donors Helps Make Tennessee’s 67th State Park Possible
Clinch River Valley State Park at Horton Ford/Matt Morrison
This August marked the culmination of a dream for the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. We joined state and local leaders to dedicate Clinch River Valley State Park in Kyles Ford, TN.
Through the support of donors like you, the Conservancy was able to help secure two key properties along the Clinch River in Hancock County. These properties are helping make Tennessee’s newest state park a reality.
Securing Key Properties Along the Clinch River
One of those properties includes the park’s visitor center, formerly River Place on the Clinch. It was once home to the Kyles Ford General Store, which dates to the 1940s.
The new visitor center location totals 16 acres. The Conservancy also helped acquire a second property totaling 21 acres. This property will provide an additional access point to the river.
How Land Acquisition Supports Tennessee State Parks
Land acquisition is one of the important ways the Conservancy supports Tennessee State Parks.
When an opportunity arises to protect an important property, the Conservancy can serve as a partner to help move an acquisition forward.
In the case of Clinch River Valley State Park, that partnership helped the state secure key properties. These properties will become part of the new park.
“The Clinch River Valley is an incredibly special place for people and nature, and we are honored that the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy could play a role in protecting it for generations to come,” said Alex Wyss, executive director of the Conservancy. “This is exactly what can happen when public and private partners work together to protect the places that make Tennessee special.”
“With the support of Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, the investments we’re making in this park will benefit the economy in Northeast Tennessee and provide endless opportunities to experience Tennessee’s great outdoors,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.*
Celebrating Tennessee’s 67th State Park
Clinch River Valley State Park is one of 15 new parks being established under Gov. Bill Lee.
For the Conservancy, the dedication of a new park is also a reminder. Some of the most important work we do happens behind the scenes.
By working alongside Tennessee State Parks, the Conservancy can respond when opportunities arise. This partnership helps protect special places and turn them into lasting public assets.
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