In the beginning…
Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC), incorporated in 1985, actually began through an organization called Alternatives for Blount County (ABC). ABC started out of a concern among individuals concerned with the prospect of a 1,200 acre amusement park in Tuckaleechee Cove. Though that development never materialized, the group recognized that development and land conservation issues were increasing rapidly. ABC disbanded in 1985 and the Conservancy was incorporated and granted tax exempt status as a 501(c) (3) corporation in June of that year.
Early Accomplishments
1985
In June of 1985, Foothills Land Conservancy received a charter of incorporation from the State of Tennessee and was also granted tax exempt status as a 501(c) (3) corporation. In the early years, FLC was headed by Gail Harris and focused on raising awareness of the Foothills mission and land trust movement. In 1987 Senator and former Governor Lamar Alexander joined and publicly endorsed the organization.
FLC's logo during the early years!
FLC's logo during the early years!
Drawing for 'green' development plan which included 5 homesites that surrounded a pond and designated natural area.
1990
In 1990, FLC received a donation of 25 acres of land within the city limits of Maryville from local businessman Sonny Lambert. The board put together a limited, or “green” development plan and sold the property to a local developer in 1992. FLC received $200,300 for the property, which was seed money for the purchase of larger, more ecologically interesting tracts with deeds requiring that they remain in their natural state.
Drawing for 'green' development plan which included 5 homesites that surrounded a pond and designated natural area.
1993
In 1993 FLC completed its first conservation easement on Grannybelle Woods, an eleven lot subdivision in Blount County. The easement was placed on 120 acres of common area and is located around a mile from the Foothills Parkway.
Aerial photo of Grannybelle Woods, one of FLC's first conservation easement agreements.
Aerial photo of Grannybelle Woods, one of FLC's first conservation easement agreements.
Randy Brown, served as FLC's Executive Director from 1993-2005. Under Randy’s leadership FLC’s emphasis shifted from land acquisitions to conservation easements with private landowners.
1993
After a national search, Randy Brown was hired as FLC's Executive Director in 1993. During his tenure, Randy cultivated community relationships, developed necessary financing and fundraising avenues, and through his Board of Directors expanded the mission of the organization. He is credited with several large successful land conservation campaigns.
Randy Brown, served as FLC's Executive Director from 1993-2005. Under Randy’s leadership FLC’s emphasis shifted from land acquisitions to conservation easements with private landowners.
1994-1997
From the years 1994-1997, FLC worked with the community to gain the support and funding necessary to preserve two large tracts of land in Blount County, TN.
In January of 1994 FLC bought an option to purchase 4,700 acres that reached from Abrams Creek to the western foothills of Chilhowee Mountain. The Abrams Creek Campaign, chaired by Senator Alexander and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, raised 1.2 million dollars.
As a result of that successful campaign, in June of 1995 FLC donated 400 acres to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and 4,300 acres to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). TWRA named the donation, the Foothills Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
At the same time FLC undertook a second campaign to purchase 1,500 acres adjoining the Foothills WMA. The Cochran Creek Campaign was completed in 1997 and the land was donated to TWRA as an addition to Foothills WMA.
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This map highlights the Chilhowee Mountain range and the locations of both the Abrams Creek Project and the Cochran Creek Project. These preserved lands, now managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and called the Foothills Wildlife Management Area, total over 10,000 acres.
Acres of sunflowers are planted every other year at Forks of the River WMA for a variety of wildlife species including deer, bees, and many species of birds.
1997
Forks of the River WMA – 500 Acres in Knox County
This former farm is located at the confluence of the French Broad and Holston Rivers, just 2 miles upstream from downtown Knoxville. Through negotiations of FLC leadership, TWRA officials and a key state legislator, this property was transferred permanently to TWRA. It’s now linked with a greenway trail to Ijams and contains several mountain biking trails. There are also mixed hardwood forests and crop fields. Deer and turkey may be seen year round and sparrows are common in the hedgerows and old fields.
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Kyker Bottoms Wildlife Refuge - 524 acres in Blount County, TN
This 500+ wetland refuge along Ninemile Creek in Blount County was purchased through efforts by FLC, TWRA, and Ducks Unlimited.
1.9 million dollars used to purchase the property was provided through the state of Tennessee’s Wetlands Acquisition Fund. This fund was financed through a percentage of the state’s land transfer fee. Ducks Unlimited provided a $60,000 donation and the Lyndhurst Foundation donated thousands the of hardwood trees necessary to restore key bottomland habitat. This wetland refuge is open to the public and managed by the TWRA.
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Swamp at Yuchi WMA at Smith Bend. Photo courtesy of TWRA.
2001
Yuchi Wildlife Management Area at Smith Bend on Chickamauga Lake - 2,500 acres preserved!
The refuge was acquired through the cooperative efforts of FLC, The Conservation Fund, TWRA, and many other organizations. Yuchi is owned and managed by TWRA.
This unique 2,500-acre tract on the Tennessee River has with three miles of riverfront, 1,000 acres of wetland, and 1,500 acres of upland forest. Extensive grasslands provide ample habitat for shrubland and grassland birds.
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