In 2024, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mildred Edwards Trust contributed $300,000 to help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency acquire 1,322 acres of land and add it to the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in Campbell County near the Kentucky border.
The following year, RMEF and TWRA teamed up again. This time supplying funding to enhance wildlife habitat there.
Though colorful and vibrant, the forest is mostly closed canopy, meaning it lacks meadow openings with suitable forage quality and availability for local species like elk, whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse, black bears and other wildlife, including nongame animals.
A bulldozer removed undesirable vegetation to clear the way for three food-rich wildlife openings followed by the planting of a perennial mixture of wheat, clovers, orchardgrass and alfalfa.
With the canopy opened, sunlight is now able to reach the forest floor and regenerate new growth and produce desirable forage.
The before and after comparisons of this landscape are striking.
Not only a boon for wildlife, it also bodes well for hunters and wildlife viewers.
This stretch of land lies next to the 46,000-acre Ed Carter Unit, which currently provides elk hunting opportunities for Tennessee elk hunters, so it opens the door to the possibility of future hunting here.
Going forward, TWRA will monitor the openings during spring and fall growing seasons and may install motion cameras to document habitat usage.
ONE SQUARE MILE A DAY.
OVER 10 MILLION ACRES BY 2030.
At RMEF, we’re not just conserving what’s here today, we’re creating what’s possible for tomorrow. That means more access, healthier habitats and a stronger future for all big game.