Weyerhaeuser to end operations on conservation lands

NASHVILLE (AP) — Weyerhaueser Company is leaving the land it gave to the state as two easements two years ago in the Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural Area, officials said on Friday.

The 230 acres in Decatur and Lewis counties are now owned by the state, Tennessee conservation department spokeswoman Amanda Sluss said.

Weyerhaeuser donated the two conservation easements in December 2002 to be protected as state natural areas but maintained limited operations on the land.

“By donating the remainder of their interest in the Carroll Cabin Barrens site to the state before selling their Tennessee forest lands to another party, they have insured that the state will be able to manage and protect the area in perpetuity,” said Jim Fyke, deputy commissioner of the state environment department.

Carroll Cabin Barrens Natural Area has been cooperatively managed by the state and Weyerhaeuser to protect declining grassland and numerous rare plant species like the Slender Blazing-Star and Blue Sage.

Tennessee has 68 designated natural areas covering more than 104,000 acres of ecologically significant land.

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On the Net:

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, http://www.state.tn.us/environment

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