Chestnut Mountain IFM, Tennessee, USA

Developed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), this improved forest management project spans 5,686 acres of biologically rich mountain forest at the newly established Bridgestone Nature Reserve at Chestnut Mountain. TNC State Director Terry Cook says: “The property is just spectacular…thousands of acres of Cumberland Plateau forests, a 100-acre lake, caves and streams, all capped by Chestnut Mountain itself.” 

The Cumberland Plateau is the world’s longest hardwood forested plateau, harbouring many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. 

In addition to delivering emissions reductions to tackle climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers a number of other benefits including:

• Clean Water and Sanitation: The property protects the watershed of the Billy Branch Lake, the sole water supply for the local community.
• Life on Land: Aside from the broad benefits of protecting a key connector for many unique species, the project specifically augments recovery of shortleaf pine forests, which have seen a decline of more than 50 percent over the past 30 years. Restoring these trees allows ground-nesting birds to re-establish lost habitat.
• Quality Education: TNC welcomes visitors and volunteers. Its location in one of Tennessee’s most economically depressed areas offers low-income populations the opportunities to connect with and learn about nature.