Viking Mountain
SAHC purchased 55 acres adjoining Cherokee National Forest on Viking Mountain in Greene County, TN.
The property was a top priority for partners at the US Forest Service, as it shares a nearly 1-mile border with the Cherokee National Forest. A beautiful, forested tract with road access, it could have easily been developed. Now, this portion of the landscape – and views of it from surrounding outdoor recreation areas – has been protected.
The east side of the property sits prominently in views from the Appalachian Trail. A tributary and portion of the main branch of Rough Creek flows through the land, and less than 1,000 feet away, the Cutshall Bog Ecological Site in Cherokee National Forest hosts two rare species (Swamp Lousewort and Marsh Bellflower). The rest of the property is dominated by rhododendron, tulip poplar, red oak, American beech, red maple and striped maple, representing an intact forest typical in this region.
Members of the Broyles family who had inherited the property wanted to sell it. They reached out to the US Forest Service, who recommended contacting SAHC as a step to ensure the property will ultimately be transferred to the US Forest Service. The family was happy to sell the land for conservation rather than development, pleased that it would be preserved and later added to the national forest.
“When SAHC buys land in order to hold it temporarily and then transfer it to the Forest Service or another public agency, we’re helping make new places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation – now and for future generations,” says Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “SAHC playing this role is of great benefit to people.”
SAHC bought the property with generous support from a private donor and a bridge loan to cover the remainder of the purchase cost; we will carry the loan balance until the property can be transferred to the US Forest Service.
