The story of Hartsaw Cove, and the Oakley Family’s gift of their Pioneer Century Farm to Tennessee Tech University, is a powerful legacy on its own. This vision and dedication for land conservation extends beyond one farm in one county; in fact, the late Mr. Millard Oakley partnered with FLC to permanently protect over 2600 additional acres across the Cumberland Plateau.

This is a region that holds deep importance for a variety of reasons. It is a place of exceptional biodiversity, a home to many rare and native animals and plants, and is one of the world’s largest continuous tracts of hardwood forest. These lands support vital ecosystems and create habitats for black bear, the lampshade spider, the Cumberland Dusky Salamander, and other species unique to this region. The Plateau is crucial for its geological features and provides a wealth of recreational opportunities – fishing, canoeing, hiking, caving, camping – with pristine waterways and stunning vistas and views.

The Oakley legacy properties include:

555 acres in Scott County, protected in 2011
Currently, this property is owned by The Nature Conservancy with plans in the works to transfer over to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. It is at the headwater of North Fork of Honey Creek which flows through the area.

800 acres in Catoosa / Cumberland County, protected in 2011
This land is now owned by the State of Tennessee and managed as part of the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

235 acres in Overton County in 2011, protected in 2011
This tract is part of the Tennessee Scenic River Program and includes 13,000 feet of frontage along Roaring River, in the Cordell Hull Lake Watershed (a U.S. Watershed Hot Spot in the Rivers of Life).

1068 acres in Putnam/Overton Counties, protected in 2018
Lake View Farms has proximity to multiple recreation locations, and is within The Nature Conservancy’s Alpine Mountain conservation area. It supports habitat for the bald eagle.

Bill Clabough, FLC’s Executive Director, reflected on Mr. Oakley’s legacy as a conservationist and philanthropist. “He was a faithful public servant during his lifetime, and cared deeply for this region in so many ways. The preservation of each property is a gift by itself, but when you consider the total, it’s absolutely remarkable. He was a true gentleman from humble beginnings, who really wanted to make the world better for the people around him.”