A viewing of the Oliver Tract; image submitted

Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC) has announced a landmark conservation achievement with the acquisition of the “Oliver Tract,” a sprawling 600-acre property that borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend and Cades Cove. This significant purchase marks one of the largest land additions to the region in nearly two decades, echoing the scale of the 627-acre acquisition made by the National Park Service from The Nature Conservancy in 2009.

Strategically positioned along the boundary of the nation’s most-visited national park, the Oliver Tract boasts pristine forests, rugged ridgelines, and vital wildlife habitats that ensure crucial landscape connectivity adjacent to the historic Cades Cove area—one of Southern Appalachia’s most treasured landmarks. Mark Stevans, Executive Director of FLC, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing, “The Smokies are part of the identity of East Tennessee. Protecting land of this scale, in a location this important, is rare. Opportunities like this do not come around often.”

The importance of this conservation initiative extends beyond ecological value. The land carries a deep cultural legacy, named after John Oliver, one of the earliest European settlers in Cades Cove, whose family played a foundational role in shaping the region’s heritage. Protecting the Oliver Tract preserves not only the natural ecosystem but also the historical roots that define the Smokies’ identity.

Charles Sellars, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, applauded the effort: “We appreciate Foothills Land Conservancy’s work to protect this landscape for future generations, preserving its rich cultural history as well as the extraordinary biological diversity that makes this area so unique.” FLC is slated to close on the property imminently, with June 8 earmarked as the closing date. The National Park Service has already issued a letter of intent supporting the eventual incorporation of the Oliver Tract into the national park system.

Beyond its breathtaking scenic vistas, the land serves critical environmental functions—supporting contiguous forest ecosystems that facilitate wildlife movement, safeguard watersheds, and enhance long-term ecological resilience adjacent to existing federal lands. For context, the 600-acre size closely matches that of the primary historic zone surrounding the renowned Cades Cove Loop.

The announcement coincided with FLC’s annual Summer Celebration fundraiser in Knoxville, where the organization launched a dedicated campaign to secure funding for the acquisition and enduring protection of the property. This initiative underscores FLC’s commitment to conserving Southern Appalachia’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.

Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a defining symbol of East Tennessee and Southern Appalachia, drawing more visitors annually than any other national park in the United States. As Stevans aptly summarized, “This is legacy work. One day, people will hike these ridges, experience these forests, and never realize how close this land came to becoming something else. That’s the goal. That’s conservation at its best.”

### About Foothills Land Conservancy
Foothills Land Conservancy is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the lands and environment of the Southern Appalachian region. Through collaborative partnerships with landowners, FLC has successfully completed over 540 conservation projects, safeguarding more than 200,000 acres across Tennessee and beyond. Their mission focuses on conserving working lands, natural habitats, and scenic spaces to ensure these invaluable resources endure for future generations. Learn more at foothillsland.org.