News Release

Iconic Land Gifted to Obed Wild & Scenic River by The Nature Conservancy

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News Release Date: June 18, 2018

Contact: Matt Hudson, [phone]

Contact: Christopher Derman

Obed Wild & Scenic River recently added a 63-acre tract that was donated to the park by The Nature Conservancy. This key parcel dominates the view from Lilly Bluff Overlook, the park’s most iconic and heavily visited viewing point. A short walk out to the extensive boardwalk at Lilly Bluff gives visitors the chance to experience the soaring cliffs and rugged beauty of the park first-hand. This gift ensures the preservation of the viewshed from this remarkably scenic location.

“The Nature Conservancy is thrilled to have the National Park Service accept this property, which can be viewed from the Obed Wild & Scenic River’s Lilly Bluff Overlook,” said Terry Cook, Tennessee State Director of The Nature Conservancy. “We acquired the land four years ago with funds provided by an anonymous donor who loves the Obed River. The Obed River corridor is one of Tennessee’s most gorgeous and biologically rich landscapes, and one that TNC, the National Park Service, and many partners have worked tirelessly to protect for over 50 years.”

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to “conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.” TNC has supported conservation efforts in 72 nations around the world and in all 50 states. In Tennessee alone, TNC has worked to successfully protect more than 300,000 acres.

“The Nature Conservancy is an important partner in protecting the Obed Wild & Scenic River,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas, “and we couldn’t be more appreciative of their support. It is in no small part because of efforts such as this that this dramatic landscape will be preserved for generations to come.”