Baseline Documentation Sycamore Fork, Llc Conservation Easement

BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT SYCAMORE FORK, LLC CLAY COUNTY, TENNESSEE 12-28-15

Prepared by Meredith Clebsch, Land Director and Tom Howe, Consulting Biologist Foothills Land Conservancy Maryville, Tennessee

BASELINE DOCUMENTATION

SYCAMORE FORK, LLC

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background Information Owner Acknowledgement of Conditions Ownership Information Property Description Parcel Maps and Property Data Purpose and Summary of Easement Provisions Significance of the Property The Foothills Land Conservancy Corporate Mission Tennessee Agricultural, Forestry and Open Space Resource Preservation Act Tennessee Conservation Easement Act of 1981 Foothills Land Conservancy Board of Director’s Resolution Accepting Conservation Easement with signatures of President and Secretary Minutes of Board Meeting Recitals Legal Condition Conservation Easement with Property Description (Deed) Natural Resource Features Conservation Values General Features Geology Soils Land Use Information Man-made Features Flora and Fauna Report TN Natural Heritage Database Report on Listed Species Casual Species Lists TN Division of Archaeology Letter on Archaeology Database Photographs of Current Site Conditions Photo Point Map Key to Photographs

Photographs Maps  Aerial Photograph with Boundaries  State View  County View  USGS Quadrangle Map  Watershed Map  Wetlands  Flood map  Soils Map with Descriptions  Sub-surface Geology and Legend  Prime Agricultural Soils  Land Use Map  Survey Maps  Survey- Building Sites  Conservation Management Areas Map  GPS Track of Site Visit Directions to Property, with map References Preparers’ Qualifications Exhibits (BDR) A. Conservation Easement B. Management Recommendations

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION (See Exhibit A Below)

Parcel Maps and Property Data

Note: Tax Map nor Data Report as yet reflect the boundaries of the proposed easement.

November 5, 2015

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County Number: 014 County Name: CLAY Tax Year: 2015

Property Owner and Mailing Address

Jan 1 Owner: WHITE JAMES JR HEAD LARRY P O BOX 333 CELINA, TN 38551

Property Location

Address: UNION HILL RD Map: 052 Grp: Ctrl Map: 052 Parcel: 044.00 PI: S/I: 000

Value Information

Reappraisal Year: 2012

Land Mkt Value: $1,140,100 Land Use Value: $412,600 Improvement Value: $0 Improvement Value: $0

Total Market Appraisal: $1,140,100 Total Use Appraisal: $412,600

Assessment %: 25

Assessment: $103,150

General Information

Class: 11 - AGRICULTURAL City #: 000 City: SSD1: 000 SSD2: 000 District: 02 Mkt Area: R01 # Bldgs: 0 # Mobile Homes: 0 Utilities - Water / 11 - INDIVIDUAL / Utilities - Electricity: 01 - PUBLIC Sewer: INDIVIDUAL

Utilities - Gas / Gas 00 - NONE Zoning: Type:

Subdivision Data

Subdivision: Plat Bk: Plat Pg: Block: Lot:

Additional Description

Building Information

Extra Features

Sale Information

Type Sale Date Price Book Page Vac/Imp Qualification Instrument 08/06/2013 $0 100 403 03/11/2010 $0 94 395

10/17/2007 $937,500 90 97 VACANT WD P 10/17/2007 $937,500 90 97 VACANT WD P 10/05/1962 $0 34 139

Land Information

Deed Acres: 0.00 Calc Acres: 0.00 Total Land Units: 1,171.49 Land Type: 54 - PASTURE Soil Class: A Units: 20.00 Land Type: 62 - WOODLAND 2 Soil Class: P Units: 382.00 Land Type: 62 - WOODLAND 2 Soil Class: P Units: 769.49

View GIS Map for this Parcel

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF EASEMENT PROVISIONS

It is the purpose of this Easement to assure that the Property will be retained forever in its current natural, scenic, forested, and/or open land condition and to prevent any use of the Property that will

8 impair or interfere with the Conservation Values of the Property, subject only to the terms and provisions set forth herein. Grantor intends that this Easement will allow the use of the Property for such activities that are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Easement, including, without limitation, those involving agricultural and forest management, fire management and control, wildlife habitat improvement, hiking, and other private recreational uses that are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Easement.

The major provisions of the Conservation Easement (CE) are briefly noted below. See the attached CE, Exhibit A, for full details of these provisions. All references to “Exhibits” in this section refer to the CE.

3. Prohibited Uses. Any activity on or use of the Property inconsistent with the purpose of this Easement is prohibited. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following activities and uses are expressly prohibited subject to those reserved rights set forth below in Paragraph 4:

(a) The legal or de facto subdivision of the Property for any purpose .

(b) Any commercial or industrial use of or activity on the Property;

(c) The placement or construction of any buildings, structures, or other improvements of any kind, other than the buildings and structures expressly permitted in Paragraph 4 below;

(d) The cutting or other destruction or removal of any trees, shrubs or herbs, live or standing or fallen, except as follows:

(i) the cutting down or removal of trees or other vegetation necessary to construct permitted roads, driveways and utility facilities as set forth in Paragraph 4 below, or to control or prevent hazard along established trails, paths and roadways on the Property;

(ii) the cutting down or removal of trees or other vegetation for the purpose of forestry management (i.e., the cutting down or removal of dead, diseased or threatened trees or vegetation) and timber thinning or salvaging exclusively for the abatement of disease, insect infestation or fire hazard or to improve habitat conditions for exceptionally rare species in existing forest, and such trees may be sold and removed from the Property, only if the following conditions are first satisfied:

(1) Grantor submits for Grantee's approval, and receives Grantee's approval, in its reasonable discretion, of a timber harvest or management plan or similar written

recommendation, prepared by qualified natural resource personnel such as, but not limited to, the U.S. Forest Service and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Service at Grantor's expense;

(2) Grantor contacts Grantee prior to preparation of the timber harvest or management plan or similar written recommendation to obtain the required information to be included in any such plan. At a minimum, the timber harvest or management plan or similar written recommendation must address and provide detailed information regarding harvesting plans and protocols, road locations and design standards and erosion control measures; and

(3) Such activities may be conducted on either a for-profit or on a not-for-profit basis; and

(4) Such forest management activities will not adversely effect rare, threatened or exemplary natural communities as determined by Grantee in its reasonable discretion or otherwise adversely effect the Conservation Purposes;

(iii) with prior notification and approval of Grantee, the cutting down, removal, or use of chemical agents in the control of non-indigenous and/or invasive plant species, provided such actions shall be in compliance with all applicable state and federal law;

(iv) with prior notification and approval of Grantor, the cutting down of dead standing trees and naturally fallen trees for firewood for use in connection with the Paragraph 4 Reserved Rights below; and

(v) with prior notification and approval of Grantee as to the method and scope of the work, Grantor shall undertake all reasonable efforts to restore degraded forest stands and to reduce sedimentation in streams located on the Property;

(e) The storage or dumping or other disposal of trash, garbage, wastes, refuse, debris, or other unsightly or offensive material, hazardous substances or toxic waste, or any placement of underground storage tanks in, on or under the Property other than water tanks used for the purpose of establishing a water reserve for fire fighting purposes with respect to the Property;

(f) The above-ground installation of any new communication or utility towers or antenna, and related facilities;

(g) The placement of any signs or billboards on the Property, except that those signs (not billboards) whose placement, number, and design do not significantly diminish the scenic character of the Property may be displayed to state the name and address of the Property, to advertise or direct an on-site activity permitted pursuant to Section 4, to post the Property to control unauthorized entry or use;

(h) The exploration for, or development and extraction of, minerals and hydrocarbons by any surface or subsurface mining method, by drilling, or by any other method that would significantly impair or interfere with the Conservation Values of the Property in the reasonable discretion of Grantee;

(i) Grantor shall protect the rock outcrops, remaining mature forest patches and riparian buffers located on the Property from further disturbance, except as permitted under Paragraph 3(d) above;

(j) The removal, collection, impoundment, storage, transportation, diversion or other use of any ground or surface water from the Property for any purpose or use outside the boundaries of the Property or for any purposes or use within the boundaries of the Property that is prohibited by this Easement except as permitted under Paragraph 4(d) below;

(k) The filling, excavating, dredging, or any removal of topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, peat, minerals or other materials, upon or from the Property except where needed in connection with the erection of improvements permitted in Paragraphs 3 and 4 hereof;

(l) Any change in the topography of the Property through the disposal of soil, spoil, or other substance or material such as landfill or dredging spoil, nor shall activities be conducted on the Property or on any adjacent property owned by Grantor, that could cause erosion or siltation on the Property;

(m) Any dredging, channelizing or other manipulation of natural water courses or any other water courses existing within the Property as of the date of this Easement, except in accordance with Paragraphs 4(d) and 4(e) below, and any discharge of chemicals, waste water or other pollutants into any permanent or intermittent water course;

(n) The introduction of any plant species within the Property except those that are currently located on the Property, or that are native to the area in which the Property is located, or that are recognized as non-invasive horticultural specimens;

(o) The use of the Property as open space for purposes of obtaining or qualifying for governmental approval of any subdivision or development on lands outside of boundaries of the Property or in the calculation of the amount or density of housing units or other construction for development on lands outside the boundaries of the Property or for sale by Grantor; and

(p) The use of pesticides or biocides, including but not limited to insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and herbicides, except in the use of the Property for agricultural purposes in a manner approved by Grantee to control mold, vegetation disease and insects, and in a manner approved by Grantee to control insects and invasive species detrimental to the Conservation Values of the Property (such as pesticides and/or biocides approved by Grantee to protect, alleviate or lessen the insect infestation of hemlock trees to the extent now or hereafter located on portions of the Property).

In connection with prohibited activity set forth in subparagraph 3(f) above, Grantor and Grantee view that the Conservation Values and Conservation Purposes of the Property are to be viewed “as a whole” and that any condemnation or taking by any public utility or other governmental entity for communication towers, utility towers or similar structures, and related easements, must view the value of the Property as a whole and at the value of the Property that existed prior to the recordation of this Easement in the setting of any condemnation award, and it be further recited that any such condemnation or taking shall, to the fullest extent provided by law, be a taking of the smallest amounts of the Property as possible and in areas along the exterior boundary lines of the Property.

All activity on the Property shall be conducted so as to avoid the occurrence of soil erosion and sedimentation of streams or other water courses. Without limitation of the foregoing, Grantor and Grantee shall, in identifying practices that will prevent soil erosion and sedimentation, refer to the soil conservation practices as then established or recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture or any successor governmental office or organization performing the same function within the United States government, as approved by Grantee.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Easement, there shall be no timber cutting or harvesting, and no other activity potentially harmful to the Conservation Values of the Property in any area identified by Grantee, either at the time of the conveyance of this Easement as described on Exhibit “C” attached hereto, or at any time in the future, as a “Sensitive Natural Area.” Such areas include, but are not limited to, areas with significant Conservation Values with respect to relatively natural habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants or similar ecosystems, as well as areas of open space preserved for the scenic enjoyment of the general public and include, with or without designation by Grantee, any area within two hundred (200) feet of any wetlands, ephemeral wetlands, creeks, ephemeral creeks, streams, and/or blue-line streams.

4. Reserved Rights. Grantor reserves to itself and to its successors and assigns, all rights accruing from their ownership of the Property, including the right to engage in, or permit or invite others to engage in, all uses of the Property that are not expressly prohibited herein and are not inconsistent with the purpose of this Easement. Nothing herein shall be construed as a grant to the general public of any right to enter upon any part of the Property. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject to the terms of Paragraph 3, the following rights are expressly reserved (sometimes referred to herein as the "Reserved Rights"):

(a) Grantor may engage in and permit others to engage in all outdoor recreational uses of the Property that, by their nature, do not require structures, including, without limitation, as an example, hiking; provided, however, that no outdoor recreational activities shall occur within the Property except for recreational activities that, by their nature, are likely to have no material adverse effect on the Conservation Values of the Property. Examples of such activities which are permitted and which are included here for illustration and not for limitation of the foregoing, include walking, wildlife observation, and photography. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all outdoor educational and recreational activities within the Property must be conducted at all times in a manner that in Grantee's reasonable

12 judgment, (a) shall have no material adverse effect upon the Conservation Purposes or the Conservation Values, and (b) are otherwise in conformance with this Easement.

(b) Grantor may construct and maintain trails, walkways and paths for outdoor recreation purposes if the following requirements and conditions are satisfied: (i) the surface of the trail shall remain pervious (such as dirt, wood chips or gravel); (ii) the trail shall be located, to the extent possible, in the path of a trail or forestry road existing on the date of this Easement; (iii) the width of the area cleared and improved for the trail shall not exceed that which is necessary for pedestrian use; (iv) grade earth to maintain a passable condition and to control and impede erosions; and (v) the trail shall be otherwise installed in a manner to avoid unnecessary tree removal, grading and other land disturbance. Similarly, Grantor may construct and maintain fences, gates, trail markers, decorative landscape structures, and bridges for trail use. Grantor shall also have the right to do the following for the maintenance of trails and walkways: (i) prune dead or hazardous vegetation affecting any such trail or walkway; (ii) install or apply materials necessary to correct or impede erosion; and (iii) install or replace culverts, water control structures and bridges. Such trails and walkways shall be subject to and the use thereof may be conditioned upon compliance with rules and regulations established from time to time by Grantee in order to preserve and protect the Conservation Values and the Conservation Purposes.

(c) Grantor may construct, renovate, remodel, raze, rebuild, and maintain, in compliance with the requirements of this Easement, a barn, a shed or sheds for storage of maintenance equipment and materials solely related to maintenance, permitted timbering and permitted farming of the Property and either aboveground or underground utilities to serve the aforesaid facilities, so long as the requirements set forth in Paragraph 4(n) relating to the new Structures are followed with respect to such improvements.

(d) Grantor may construct new ponds on the Property for agricultural, farming and wildlife attraction purposes and for other activities permitted hereunder; provided that the location(s) of such ponds will be subject to the approval of Grantee in its reasonable judgment, such approval to determine whether it is consistent with the Conservation Purposes, and to avoid any Sensitive Natural Area and any other sensitive environmental areas (e.g. old growth forest, habitat for rare or threatened species or wetlands); and provided, also, that all such facilities must be constructed so as to minimize erosion and sedimentation within the Property and adjoining real estate.

(e) Grantor may perform work, including the removal of vegetation or disturbance of land, within the vicinity of existing water courses or regulated wetlands if the following requirements and conditions are satisfied: (i) such work is intended and designed to restore natural stream channel morphology and natural wetland hydrology or to improve habitat conditions for various wildlife species which support the Conservation Values or inhabit the water courses, and (ii) the written approval of Grantee is obtained. Grantor may also, with the prior written approval of Grantee, modify the morphology of the existing streams on the Property to stabilize the stream banks or to promote water wildlife habitat. Grantor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary government permits and approvals for such work, if any, and Grantee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to require that such permits and approvals be produced for inspection by Grantor before Grantee’s approval is granted.

(f) Grantor may also install and maintain service vehicle trails for limited vehicular access to the areas of the Property otherwise inaccessible by vehicle for use in maintenance, emergency access, and other permitted uses of the Property.

(g) Grantor shall have the right to utilize any ingress and egress easements which connects the Property to adjoining public roadways.

(h) Grantor shall have the right conduct and allow grazing of livestock, to conduct and allow farming operations, to conduct and allow fruit trees and shrubs and other orchard activities, and to conduct and allow other agricultural activities on the Property so long as such operations, in Grantee's reasonable judgment, do not result in any material adverse effect on any of the Conservation Purposes or Conservation Values. All agricultural activities conducted on the Property shall be in material compliance with the standards and specifications of the Clay County Soil Conservation and the federal Nature Resource Conservation Service’s Technical Guide for Best Management.

(i) Grantor shall have the right to place, construct, replace, repair, and maintain facilities for development and utilization of alternative energy resources (other than wind energy and solar energy which are prohibited) for the generation of renewable electrical power principally for use on the Property; provided that the location(s) of such facilities will be subject to the approval of Grantee in its reasonable judgment, such approval to determine whether it is consistent with the Conservation Purposes, and to avoid any sensitive environmental areas (e.g. old growth forest, habitat for rare or threatened species or wetlands); and provided, also, that all such facilities must be constructed so as to minimize erosion and sedimentation within the Property and adjoining real estate.

(j) Grantor shall have the right to maintain, repair, and replace existing fences. New fences may be built or installed on the Property for purposes of customary management of livestock and wildlife, unless such fences shall have a material adverse effect on the Conservation Purposes.

(k) Grantor shall have the right to maintain, remodel, replace, and repair existing water tanks, water wells, fences, dams, culverts.

(l) Grantor shall have the right to use motorized vehicles for recreational and agricultural purposes on the Property and to access the permitted Structures (defined below) over roadways and driveways provided for in Paragraphs 4(m) and 4(n) below; provided, however, that (i) other than by Grantor, Grantor’s invitees and guests, or parties having the right to travel to and from the Structures, such use is prohibited, and (ii) use of all-terrain motorized vehicles for all recreational and agricultural purposes shall be in a manner consistent with a use agreement to be hereafter entered into between Grantor and Grantee.

(m) Grantor retains the right to maintain, repair, and replace existing land management roads, existing access roads, and associated bridges and culverts, together with the right to construct new land management roads and new access roads and driveways to access the permitted Structure (defined below) and associated utility improvements, provided that said roads and associated improvements fulfill the following requirements: (i) additional roads, driveways or road improvements are necessary to provide reasonable land management access to the Property and/or to provide access to and from a permitted Structure; (ii) such construction, use and maintenance is in compliance with then currently available Tennessee Forest Best Management Practices Guidelines in existence as of the date of this Easement and do not compromise existing Conservation Values of the Property; (iii) the location and dimensions of a new road and/or driveway to serve each of the permitted Structures shall be reviewed and approved by Grantee, and location and dimension of each road must not, in Grantee's reasonable judgment, result in any material adverse effect on any of the Conservation Purposes or Conservation Values; (iv) the location of each new road, driveway and any new utility facilities shall be identified and surveyed by Grantor and such survey information shall be provided to Grantee in the form Grantee requires, at the sole expense of Grantor, before Grantee's approval is granted; (v) Grantor, and not Grantee, shall bear all responsibility for obtaining permits or other approval of any state, county or municipal government for the location of any road, driveway, utility facility or other related improvement, the location of which is to be reviewed by Grantee under this Paragraph 4(m); (vi) the width of the cartway of a road or driveway and of any necessary utility facility easement and any area of land disturbance, grading or tree removal for such road or easement shall be no greater than the minimum necessary to meet any legal requirements or, to the extent no legal requirements apply or are lawfully waived, the minimum practicable consistent with sound engineering techniques and methods; and (vii) the description of any new road, driveway and utility facility areas as reviewed and approved by Grantee shall be set forth in a written amendment to this Easement signed by duly authorized officers of Grantee and by Grantor, and the amendment shall be recorded in the same place of public record in which this Easement was recorded.

(n) Grantor may, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth below, have the right to construct up to four (4) new Structures (hereinafter defined) to be located within four (4) new areas located within the Property at those locations generally identified on Exhibit “E” attached hereto (each hereinafter called a “Building Area" and collectively referred as the “Building Areas”), together with the other accessory improvements described in Paragraphs 3(c) and Section 4, according to the procedures in this Paragraph 4(n). Grantor may also construct roads and driveways as necessary to gain access to the Building Areas and may maintain, replace, construct and install underground utilities (including sanitary septic fields and wells for water) needed to service the Structures, also in accordance with the procedure and requirements of Paragraph 4(m) and of this Paragraph 4(n). Subject to the prior written consent of Grantee as to the exact trees to be trimmed or removed, Grantor shall have the right to trim trees and branches

15 to preserve the view from a Structure on a Building Area. There shall be no renovation, remodeling (as to the exterior), construction or use of any Structure (although normal maintenance and repair efforts may be conducted) nor removal of any trees on the Property for the foregoing purposes until each of the following conditions is satisfied:

(i) The location and dimensions of each Building Area shall have been reviewed and approved by Grantee. The location of each Building Area must not, in Grantee's reasonable judgment, result in any material adverse effect on any of the Conservation Purposes or Conservation Values. Grantor hereby identifies four (4) potential locations for the Building Areas and each of those potential locations and the approximate proposed size of each potential location are set forth on Exhibit “E” attached hereto and also depicted on the Exhibit “B” survey attached hereto. At such time as Grantor desires to construct a Structure within one of such potential Building Areas, Grantor shall contact Grantee in writing and, in response to such contact, Grantee shall review and evaluate the specific Building Area so identified (and Grantee shall approve or not approve said potential location in accordance with the provisions hereof).

(ii) The location of each Building Area, any new road and driveway, any new utility facilities, and any trees and branches to be trimmed to preserve views, shall be identified and surveyed by Grantor and such survey information shall be provided to Grantee in the form Grantee requires, at the sole expense of Grantor, before Grantee's approval is granted.

(iii) Grantor, and not Grantee, shall bear all responsibility for obtaining permits or other approval of any state, county or municipal government for the location and construction, as applicable, of the Building Areas, the Structures, utility facilities, roads, driveways and other related improvements, the locations of which are to be reviewed by Grantee under this Paragraph 4(n).

(iv) The description of the Building Areas, utility easement areas and any new road and driveway as reviewed and approved by Grantee shall be set forth in a written amendment to this Easement signed by duly authorized officers of Grantee and by Grantor. The amendment shall be recorded in the same place of public record in which this Easement was recorded.

(v) All of Grantee's expenses incurred in the review, approval and oversight of the Reserved Rights in this Paragraph 4(n), including allocated staff time and attorney’s fees, as well as the costs of surveying required herein, shall be paid by Grantor. Grantee may require a deposit of its estimated expenses before granting any approval or reviewing any surveys or other submissions by Grantor.

"Structure" and “Structures” shall mean, and Grantor may construct, renovate, remodel, raze and

16 rebuild, and maintain, in compliance with the requirements of this Easement, as follows: four (4) new cabins or dwellings, one (1) within each of the Building Areas. Grantor may also construct and maintain within a Building Area ancillary buildings and structures and supporting buildings that are customarily accessory to a cabin used as a single family cabin or hunting cabin and/or customarily accessory to a single family dwelling (e.g., garages and gazebos).

(o) In the event of the sale of a Structure (or the proposed granting of a mortgage on a Structure area), then this Easement shall be amended by the parties to allow the subdivision of the Structure and any portion of the Building Area to be sold therewith; provided, however, that (i) any such subdivision shall be subject to then applicable requirements of law and the recording of appropriate documentation, (ii) each area to be so subdivided will contain approximately one (1) acre, (iii) the area to be subdivided will have ingress and egress to public roadways over nonexclusive access/road easements established or to be established hereunder, (iv) all of the Property, as subdivided, shall continue to be subject to and bound by all of the agreements, restrictions and covenants herein contained, and (v) any mortgage lien on the area to be subdivided must be subordinate and subject to the lien of this Easement.

(p) There shall be no pollution of surface water, natural water courses, lakes, ponds, marshes, subsurface water, or any other water bodies other than is incidental to the uses and activities authorized herein. It is hereby acknowledged that many of the intended uses of the Property are agricultural and forest management based and could result in soil disturbance. Any runoff or erosion associated with agricultural or forestry management in conformance with Best Management Practices promulgated by any department or agency of the State of Tennessee or of the United States shall not be deemed a breach of the provisions of this Easement.

(q) Hunting and fishing shall be permitted on the Property by written permission of Grantor, and Grantor shall have the right to control, destroy, or trap predatory and problem animals that pose a nuisance or threat to livestock, crops and/or humans.

(r) Grantor shall retain all rights, benefits, privileges and credits related to carbon sequestration in the above ground and below ground biomass, and the soil of the Property.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROPERTY

The Foothills Land Conservancy Corporate Mission

The Foothills Land Conservancy is a tax-exempt, non-profit land conservation organization. Article V, Section 1 of the Foothills Land Conservancy Charter of Incorporation states that its purpose and objectives are to “work with public agencies, preservation and conservation-oriented organizations, property owners, and the interested public to encourage the preservation of natural and productive lands which contribute to the unique character and heritage of the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The corporation will work to protect, preserve or enhance the land, water, geological, biological, historical, architectural, archeological, cultural or scenic resources of the foothills area and productive values of such lands in a manner consistent with its purpose and the purposes reflected in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 64-9-301 et seq. and in conformance with Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.” Section 3 further states the Conservancy is “to acquire, through gift, sale or other lawful means, interests in real property as necessary and convenient to protect such characteristics, which may include but are not limited to agricultural productivity, ecological integrity, historic characters, or managed public access.” This easement meets the purpose of the organization by conserving land, watershed, forestry, ecological and historical values.

Tennessee Agricultural, Forestry and Open Space Resource Preservation

Tennessee Code Annotated 67-5-1002 states, “The general assembly finds that: (1) The existence of much agricultural, open space and forest lands is threatened by pressure from urbanization, scattered residential and commercial development, and the system of property taxation … . (2) The preservation of open space in or near urban areas contributes to: (A) The use, enjoyment and economic value of surrounding residential, commercial, industrial or public lands; (B) The conservation of natural resources, water, air, and wildlife; (C) The planning and preservation of and open condition for the general welfare; (D) A relief from the monotony of continued urban sprawls; and (E) An opportunity for the study and enjoyment of natural areas by urban and suburban resident.” This conservation easement serves the open space, habitat protection, watershed protection, and offset of development pressure needs of the state of Tennessee.

Tennessee Conservation Easement Act of 1981

Tennessee Code Annotated 66-0-302 states, “It is the finding of the general assembly that the protection of the state’s land, water, geological, biological, historical, architectural, archaeological, cultural, and scenic resources is desirable for the purposes of maintaining and preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage, and for assuring the maintenance of the state’s natural and social diversity and health, and for encouraging the wise management of productive farm and forest land.” This conservation easement is pursuant to that act.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING AT WHICH THE EASEMENT WAS ACCEPTED (excerpted) Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC)

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC)

November 12, 2015, at the offices of FLC, 373 Ellis Ave., Maryville, TN 37804

Notice of the November meeting, an agenda, and financials were distributed by email a week prior to the event. The following members were in attendance at the November 2015 meeting: Ernie Blankenship, Jay Clark, Madge Cleveland, Jenny Hines, Craig Jarvis, Mark Jendrek, Mark King, David Long, Billy Minser, Mike Parish, and Mike Suttles . Not in attendance were Charlie Barnett, Jenny Freeman, Dan Lawson, Ken Rueter, Matt Smith and David Zandstra. The members in attendance constituted a quorum. FLC staff was present.

Call to Order

President Mark King called the meeting to order at 5:53pm.

Approval of the Minutes

Minutes from October 2015 Board meeting were sent out to FLC Board Members prior to the November 2015. Since there was no discussion, Mark King asked for a motion to approve the October 2015 minutes. Ernie Blankenship made the motion to approve the minutes and Jay Clark seconded it. The vote for approval of the minutes was unanimous.

Committee Reports (excerpted)

Land Protection Committee

FLC Land Director, Meredith Clebsch, distributed a spreadsheet to the Board that included the list of final and pre-approval projects that included applicable acreage, location, conservation values and # of potential house sites. Meredith then provided an overview of FLC’s 16 conservation easement projects for the Board’s final approval: (excerpted)

Sycamore Fork (Clay County, TN) – A pretty property is located close to Gainesboro in the Eastern Highland Rim. It’s within the same watershed as Cordell Hull and the Cumberland River. The whole tract is wooded with the exception of the floodplain behind a small flood control dam. The property has limestone, dry ridges, mesic slope wildflower areas and really hasn’t been too disturbed.

If offered to FLC, the following conservation easements projects are approved and recommended by the Land Protection Committee for final approval by the Board, with the understanding that if any of the project’s parameters presented during the November 12th meeting are changed, Land Protection reserves the right to review any such changes and if deemed relevant, then pass those changes on to the Board for final review and approval. The projects pertaining to final approval by the Board are TN

Ranch Estates, Sycamore Fork, Horseshoe Bend Holding, Ivey Branch, Blue Haze, Belvoir, Emerald, One Eleven, RR, Doug Cox, Basin Mountain, Alvion, Lion’s Gate, Heaven’s Gate, Benton Hills and Harmon. Board Members, David Long and Mark Jendrek, recused themselves from voting. Jenny Hines seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed unanimously with two abstentions.

RECITALS from SYCAMORE FORK, LLC

CONERVATION EASEMENT (All mention of Exhibits in this section refers to the Conservation Easement.) WHEREAS, Grantor is the owner in fee simple of real property containing approximately 1184.90acres located in Clay County, Tennessee, more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the "Property") and depicted on the survey drawings attached hereto as Exhibit “B”; and

WHEREAS, the Property is visible from public roadways (including from State Highway 135, Jim Short Road, Pine Lick Road and Cherry Cemetery Road), thus providing a natural scenic view to the general public; and

WHEREAS, the Property contributes to the ecological viability of the area in the vicinity of Sycamore Fork (the “Wildlife Areas”); and

WHEREAS, the Property includes a variety of habitats similar to adjacent protected Wildlife Areas, and multiple habitat types on the Property, abundant water sources and vast contiguous forested areas offer generous natural resources for many plant species plus resident and migratory wildlife and fish species; and

WHEREAS, the Property is home to various endangered, rare, uncommon and imperiled species as determined by the State of Tennessee, and the Property’s diversity of habitats creates the potential for the occurrence of rare and uncommon animal and plant species; and

WHEREAS, Grantor certifies that the Property possesses ecological, natural, scenic, forested, open land, and wildlife and fish habitat values (collectively, "Conservation Values") of great importance to Grantor, the people and visitors of Clay County and the people and visitors of the State of Tennessee and which further contributes to the national goals to conserve scenery and wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Grantor certifies that the Property possesses ecological, natural, agricultural, scenic and other Conservation Values in its present state as a large natural area; and

WHEREAS, the Property remains undeveloped and ecologically well balanced and is contiguous with larger tracts of both forested and agricultural lands and its preservation is desirable for aesthetic, silvicultural, agricultural, and ecological reasons; and

WHEREAS, the areas around and in the vicinity of the Wildlife Areas in upper middle Tennessee, and around and in the vicinity of Clay County, Tennessee, are rapidly developing regions, and large tracts of natural lands are immediately threatened with residential, commercial and industrial development; and

WHEREAS, the specific Conservation Values of the Property are further documented in an inventory of relevant features of the Property, dated as of ______, 2015, on file at the

22 offices of Grantee ("Baseline Documentation"), which consists of reports, maps, photographs, and other documentation that the Grantor certifies and the parties agree provide, collectively, an accurate representation of the Property at the time of this grant, and which is intended to serve as an objective, though nonexclusive, information baseline for monitoring compliance with the terms of this grant; and

WHEREAS, Grantor intends that all other Conservation Values of the Property also be preserved and maintained by prohibiting those land uses on the Property that impair or interfere with them; and

WHEREAS, Grantor further intends, as the owner of the Property, to convey to Grantee the right to preserve and protect the Conservation Values of the Property in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, Grantee is a publicly supported, tax-exempt nonprofit organization and is a qualified organizations under Sections 501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 170(h), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Code"), whose primary purpose is to preserve land, water, air, wildlife, scenic qualities and open space by implementing programs for protecting unique or rare natural areas, water front, stream corridors and watersheds; and

WHEREAS, Grantee has a commitment to protect the Conservation Values of the Property and has the resources to enforce conservation restrictions; and

WHEREAS, preservation of the Property shall serve the following purposes (the "Conservation Purposes"):

(a) Preservation of the Property as a viewshed and open space for the scenic enjoyment of the general public, which will yield a significant public benefit;

(b) Preservation of the Property as a relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife, plants or similar ecosystems; and

(c) Preservation of the Property as open space (including forest land which contains mature trees on portions of the Property) where such preservation is for the scenic and recreational enjoyment to the general public and will yield a significant public benefit and where such preservation is pursuant to a clearly delineated government conservation policy which provides significant public benefit from both open space (including farm land and forest land) and agricultural use; and

WHEREAS, Grantor and Grantee desire to perpetually conserve the natural, scientific, educational, open space and scenic resources of the Property to accomplish the Conservation Purposes; and

WHEREAS, Grantor intends to grant the easement and impose the restrictive covenants on the Property as set forth in this Easement to accomplish the Conservation Purposes.

LEGAL CONDITION

Deed of Conservation Easement (See Exhibit A)

(Copies will reside in the files of the Donor, the Donee, and the Clay County, Tennessee Register of Deeds

NATURAL RESOURCE FEATURES

CONSERVATION VALUES The conservation values that make the Sycamore Fork property unique are described below and are detailed in the recitals (the “Whereas” statements) in the Conservation Easement. All field data was gathered on site visits made on 8-16-15 and 9-30-15 by Meredith Clebsch, Land Director, Tom Howe, Consulting Biologist and Bill Clabough, Executive Director.

 Natural Resources

Regional Habitat

The Sycamore Fork property is in a unique and ecologically important landscape within the Highland Rim physiographic province. It is within the Interior Low Plateau and Eastern Highland Rim (EHR) (71f) ecoregions. The southern portion of the EHR is an unglaciated landscape that includes rugged hills of limestone outcrops and other karst features with many springs and sharply cut river valleys that support rich natural diversity of flora and fauna. The major habitat type of the region is Temperate Broadleaf Mixed Forest including Central US Hardwoods forests. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers this to be one of the most biologically diverse temperate region forest types in North America and in need of protection1. The distinctiveness of the region is classified as Regionally Outstanding and the conservation status is considered to be Critically Endangered1. Adding protections to the Sycamore Fork property therefore furthers regional and international goals of maintaining landscape continuity which greatly enhances the habitat value of the Property as well as properties around it.

Colors indicate Priority Conservation areas as delineated by The Nature Conservancy in green which overlaps the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) area in darker shade2.

Fragmentation from logging and development are considered the primary threats to these ecoregions. One of the top priorities of these and other conservation organizations is to minimize fragmentation of the landscape by protecting large, interconnected blocks of mature forests. As part of a Wildlife Conservation Strategy developed in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) believes it is important to protect such tracts as the Property in an effort to maintain landscape connectivity through the region and minimize habitat degradation that results from development and other factors that tend to diminish ecological values3. The considerable size of the Property and its relationship to some of the largest forest blocks in the region, adds exponentially to its overall habitat value and ecological importance. Landscape diversity and connectedness are also acknowledged as critical elements for the persistence of species during a changing climate4.

According to Landscope,

“Habitat loss to agriculture and other uses and the fragmentation and reduced quality of what remains are the biggest conservation issues in this area. Especially, in the unglaciated portion of the ecoregion, forests still cover approximately 41% of the landscape. While much of this forest is fragmented, extensive areas of contiguous forest (>300,000 acres) persist in Tennessee, eastern Kentucky, and central Indiana and serve as biodiversity reservoirs for area sensitive species, especially interior breeding neotropical migrant birds” 5.

Intact natural ecosystems are considered important and valuable resources for the benefit of general public that should be respected and protected.

Landscape and Forest The Property is included in a broad, predominantly unbroken forested region of steep, dissected terrain on either side of the Cumberland River drainage extending well into Kentucky. As part of the region’s abundant forestlands, the large size of the Property is especially important for ecological continuity and supporting the rich wildlife and plant diversity present in the region. Some of the more popular publicly protected areas in the vicinity include The Boils WMA/119 ac., Cordell Hull WMA/25,000ac., including 600 ac. of Wildlife Refuge, Cummins Falls State Park/211 ac., Standing Stone State Park and WMA/1,042ac., Standing Stone State Forest/11,000ac., Granville Recreation Area, Roaring River Recreation Area, and Salt Lick Creek Recreation Area. Cordell Hull Reservoir encompasses 12,000 acres, is 72 miles long with 281 miles of shoreline.

Landscapes in the Eastern Highland Rim region include irregular relatively flat to rolling limestone plains below sharply dissected hills rising in steep, rocky slopes to dry, gravelly ridges. Soils of the uplands are derived from shales and limestone that tend to be cherty, very porous and of poor fertility. Drainages tend to be abrupt with steep sometimes bouldery slopes with limestone bluffs often with much more diverse Mixed Mesophytic forest species at the base where there is more protection. Between rain events the creek bed is often a broad dry bed of limestone ledges and cobblestones. The floodplain is deep gravel and sand dominated by herbaceous species.

Site visits were made to the Property on 8-16-15 and 9-30-15 by Meredith Clebsch, Land Director, Tom Howe, Consulting Biologist, and Bill Clabough, Executive Director, when data were collected. The second visit was hampered somewhat by rain. The Sycamore Fork property is over 90% forested with only narrow valley bottoms more open as a result of seasonal flooding. Vegetation within the Property varies considerably within the changing slopes, aspects and elevations. Two major forest types are included on the Property. The upland forest type of this region as well as the Property is classified as Southern Low Plateau Dry-Mesic Oak Forest (2305). Lower protected slopes along the valleys tend towards Southern Interior Low Plateau Mesophytic Forest (2321). The forests are at least 2nd or 3rd growth dominated in the uplands by various oak and hickory species along with some pines especially on the rockier, drier escarpment edges. Dry upland forests are dominated by a mix of hardwoods. Chestnut oak, (Quercus prinus), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), chinquapin oak (Q. muehlenbergii), and post oak (Q. stellata) are most common oaks on the dry, rocky uplands with white oak (Q. alba) and northern red oak (Q. rubra) moving in to the mix on the lower, more mesic slopes. Understory shrubs and trees in the uplands included maple-lvd. viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), low bush blueberry (Vaccineum pallidum), hawthorne (Crataegus sp.), redbud (Cercis canadensis), and Dogwood (Cornus florida) with the typical species variation with aspect, soil, and moisture gradients. The lower elevation more mesic forests include American beech, (Fagus grandifolia), tulip poplar, (Liriodendron tulipifera), cucumber magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) and black walnut, (Juglans nigra). Additional interesting species noted in the floodplain were kingnut hickory, (Carya laciniosa), river birch (Betula nigra), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and butternut (Juglans cinerea), a rare species. These mesic forests are also complex vertically and the drainages appear to have an especially rich herbaceous and shrub layer. Species noted in these areas include Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Paw-paw (Asimina triloba) and Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea). The drainages on the Property are generally protected so cooler, moister and more fire resistant. The herbaceous component in these lower, more mesic sites appeared to be quite diverse as well. Though many herbaceous species were already dormant and so not visible, a great variety of spring ephemeral species is adapted to these mesic, basic soils and might be expected on a spring survey. Indicator species noted that suggest a rich spring flora were wildflowers such as dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), cucumber root (Medeola virginica), and wild ginger (Asarum canadense).

Wildlife The forest types noted above provide excellent year-round foraging opportunities for most wildlife native to the region primarily through mast of the dominant oaks and hickories. Evidence of wildlife on the Property during the site visit was plentiful with deer, turkey and songbirds being most evident. There was evidence of beaver along the creek banks and floodplain. Crayfish burrows were observed along wet creek edges. A variety of birds were heard or seen including Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Yellowthroat and Gray-cheeked Thrush. No doubt many more species would be added given additional survey time and better weather conditions. The deciduous forests of the region are prime breeding

27 habitat for Neotropical migrants such as those noted above. These mostly hardwood forests provide food not only through mast production, but more importantly from the insects that depend on the hardwoods. Populations of these and many other songbirds are in decline and protecting large blocks of native hardwood forests and natural opening provides habitat that may support a sufficient pool for breeding and therefore is a priority for their conservation. Considering that birdwatching, avitourism, is one of the most lucrative sources of income in ecotourism and accounts for the largest single group of ecotourists across the globe, protecting quality habitat is valuable for public enjoyment as well 6 .

The floodplain areas currently provide wildlife openings and thickets that offer water most of the year as well as good browse for larger species such as white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail rabbits and groundhogs as well as foraging and nesting opportunities for many songbirds. A great many birds that prefer these successional habitats, such as the yellow breasted chat and field sparrow, are also in decline throughout their range, in part as a result of loss of breeding habitat. These edges are made up primarily of a diverse mix of native forbs, shrubs, woody sprouts and saplings which tend to support an equally diverse insect population which is a critical food source especially for breeding birds. This early successional flora is also an especially important resource for pollinator species, such as Monarch, Eastern Tailed Blue and Great-spangled Fritillary, many of which are also in decline globally due to the loss of habitat. Other birds noted on site or that are commonly found in similar habitats include the Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Indigo Bunting, Golden- crowned Kinglet, Mockingbird, Grouse, Black Vulture, Carolina Wren, Black Capped Chickadee, Bluejay, Yellow Shafted Flicker, Pileated and other woodpeckers, American Crow, a variety of warblers, and others.

Evidence of large wildlife included white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail rabbit, and wild turkey sightings, tracks and scat. Deer rubbings were observed along all forest roads and trails. Coyote are common in the area and dog-like tracks were seen and the edge habitat would offer coyotes excellent hunting opportunities for rodents and other small mammals as well as young deer. Wild hogs are known from the area but no sign was observed. The forest roads and wildlife openings also provide plentiful edge habitat for a variety of common species that benefit from this interface of community types such as striped skunk and fox. Other wildlife noted while on site included gray squirrel, eastern box turtle, chorus frogs and crayfish.

Rare Species and Unique Habitats

The size of the Property along with the range of elevation and geology combined with the variations of hydrology, slopes, rock outcrops, multiple streams and edges provides diverse natural habitats within the

Property which collectively support abundant relatively high diversity of both plant and animal species. Over 140 species of plants were noted on the Property during the 2 site visits. The more extensive site visit was made during heavy rain and so observations were very limited. The karst features of the Property are the most unique and are characteristic of the Highland Rim. The limestone outcrops and ledges along the slopes and porous limestone creek bed offer potential habitat for a variety of less common plant and animal species including several known from the area. The inserted map below notes the location of the Property as within the High Conservation Priority Karst Area of the Highland Rim. 4 rare species of plants and animals are listed as occurring within 4 miles of the Property by the Tennessee Department of Natural Heritage, one of which was noted on the Property as well as on adjacent property, Butternut, (Juglans cinerea). Butternut is considered a G4 (uncommon but not rare) Globally, S3 (rare and uncommon in the state)/Threatened by the State. Butternut is susceptible to an Provisional TN SWAP 2015 Combined introduced canker disease but trees are Conservation Priorities for Terrestrial, still relatively common in this region. Downstream Aquatic, and Adjacent Karst 11 Opening the canopy around existing Habitats trees is recommended to encourage reproduction. The buffer provided by the Conservation Management Area will include the waterways where butternut is likely to occur. The Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister), is considered G3 (rare and uncommon in its range or found locally in a restricted range)/G4 Globally and D (in need of management) by the State. Suitable habitat appears to exist on the property along the limestone outcrops and rocky slopes and more attention to these areas in future site visits would be recommended. One small rockhouse was noted but no caves were observed on the site visit. However, the region is known for its karst features which may not be readily apparent on the surface. The Tennessee Cave Crayfish, (Orconectes incomptus), considered G2 (very rare and imperiled within the world) Globally and Endangered in the State, relies on clean, unpolluted waters. Since these karst water systems are interconnected and may run for miles below ground and resident species are highly vulnerable to disturbance, especially any degradation of water quality, it would be sound stewardship to protect the surface hydrology of the Property. Documenting any rockhouses and noted caves on the Property and taking necessary steps to protect them as important natural and cultural resources by including them in appropriate Conservation Management Areas is important for protection of the conservation values on the Property.

Water

The Property is the Headwaters for Sycamore Fork Creek which is part of the Pine Lick Creek watershed, and the larger Upper Cumberland–Cordell Hull Reservoir watershed. Water for wildlife is

29 abundant in most seasons and of good quality on the Property. The entire Property drains to Sycamore Creek before it joins Pine Lick Creek about .5 miles off of the Property. After about 3 miles Pine Lick joins Jennings Creek at Whitleyville, then flows another roughly 2 miles in to Cumberland River at Cordell Hull Wildlife Refuge. Sycamore Creek is typical of steep drainages of the Highland Rim. Streams are commonly high velocity, high gradient streams over limestone. Storm waters run quickly off of the porous uplands often in a raging flood, then subside as quickly and may even disappear for miles underground before reappearing downstream. During both site visits the creek was flowing and a number of large pools held clear water and minnows.

Near the southern boundary of the Property Sycamore Creek is dammed for flood control as are a number of other small watersheds in the area. The porous nature of the floodplain does not allow the water to remain standing long after rain events, and so the “lake” behind the dam is most often dry except for the creek itself.

The extensive Cumberland River ecoregion contain globally high richness and endemism in mussels, crayfish, and other invertebrates. The karst topography along the river is one of the most biologically diverse communities on earth. Sycamore Fork is approximately 2.5 miles long with headwaters on the north end of the Property. At least 2 other small tributaries join Sycamore Fork on the Property. Sycamore Fork has not been assessed by the State, though where its waters join the Cumberland River, roughly 5 miles downstream, the river is fully supporting. The creek and small tributaries provide good quality aquatic resources. Sycamore Fork is predominantly forested and not easily accessible and so largely undisturbed and quite scenic. Maintaining natural shade with native vegetation near aquatic habitats is important for maintaining cool temperatures for sensitive aquatic fauna. Waterways are important conduits for movement of both plant and animal species across the landscape therefore supporting the increasingly critical need of maintaining landscape continuity and biodiversity. These riparian corridors are especially important natural features of the Property and are included in Conservation Management Areas offering extra protections.

The TN Water Quality Control Act supports actions that protect water quality in the state. Its mission includes: “…Recognizing that the waters of Tennessee are the property of the state and are held in public trust for the use of the people of the state, it is declared to be the public policy of Tennessee that the people of Tennessee, as beneficiaries of this trust, have a right to unpolluted waters. In the exercise of its public trust over the waters of the state, the government of Tennessee has an obligation to take all prudent steps to secure, protect, and preserve this right.” (The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act, 1999)

The easement protects portions of the Cumberland River Watershed. Protecting these important headwaters of Sycamore Fork Creek will be of considerable public benefit not only for support of flora and fauna within the boundaries but to all downstream.

 Scenic • Recreation

The Sycamore Fork property includes views to the surrounding ridges and is visible from several points on Hwy. 135 as well as Pine Lick Rd. The topography of the area is made up of numerous ridges on the Plateau allowing many area landowners views onto the Property. Tourism is increasingly important in the region and local residents of as well as visitors to Clay County are drawn to the vast scenic landscapes and many natural areas of the Highland Rim. Outdoor recreation pursuits such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking and boating are popular throughout the region. Cycling is an increasingly popular outdoor recreation and in 2013 the TN Bike Riders Association Road Race included part of Hwy. 135 in their route, of which roughly 3 miles provided views to areas of the Property. As noted earlier, avitourism alone has a significant economic impact where opportunities exist and requires habitat protection.

Other natural areas on the Highland Rim mentioned previously are increasingly popular recreation destinations. The most prominent is Cordell Hull Lake which extends 72 miles along the Cumberland River, less than 4 miles from the Property, is known for its natural beauty and excellent waterfowl habitat.

The SWAP has measured a number of potential impacts and threats to the Tennessee landscape. Interestingly, in most instances, they found that the general area of the Property is predicted to be minimally impacted by environmental threats relative to the rest of TN. As one of few areas of the state that may remain relatively natural, it would be expected to draw an increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts into the future.

The natural beauty is recognized as an increasingly precious asset of the region. An ongoing vision for the region is outlined in The Tennessee Highlands Sustainable Tourism Plan which was funded in part by a Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the Rural Development Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 7. This project’s initial focus is on immediately adjacent counties but will certainly impact the surrounding areas of the “Highlands” as well. The Plan recognizes the outstanding cultural and natural resources of the region and focuses on encouraging actions that maintain the scenic landscape by encouraging economic development that conserves natural lands. Conservation Easements were noted as an important tool. The Plan notes that “…utilizing a region’s natural and cultural resources, is one of the fastest growing fields in rural economic development. In recent years, more and more tourists have been drawn to natural resource tourism. …. This particularly scenic region in the Upper Cumberland boasts a wide variety of attractions in each category and is well-poised to benefit from asset-based tourism.”

Below are excerpts describing the Plan’s strategy:

“As noted, the greatest advantage the three counties [Jackson, Overton and Putnam] have to offer for attracting tourists and their accompanying spending is the region’s outstanding diversity of scenic natural areas, recreational lands, and historic resources, some of which have already been developed, others of which can be important new attractions. The rural character of the region with its pastoral beauty, a mix of prosperous farms, woodlands, scenic rivers and the forested escarpment of the Eastern Highland Rim is the defining characteristic of the region and is much more intact than the rural landscape in much of Tennessee and surrounding states. Visitors traveling to existing parks, reservoirs and other attractions in the area frequently comment on how the scenic beauty of the area is what they enjoy most about their trips and what would draw them back. Therefore, preserving the rural character, the mix of farmland, open space, forested woodlands and rugged Plateau scenery is the most critical part of any tourism strategy for this region.”

“The rural agrarian and forest character of the three county region is much of the allure for visitors, therefore it is essential to encourage conservation of farmland and open space wherever possible.”

The preservation of the scenic attributes of the undeveloped Sycamore Fork property will add significantly to the enjoyment of those who travel in the area for recreation and support the vision of sustainable tourism in the region.

 Open Space

The predominantly forested and undeveloped nature of the Sycamore Fork property is valuable for the many natural resources it protects including water and air quality, all of which are readily appreciated by the many who seek out relief from urban closeness by living in or visiting the region. Linking of public and private open space is recognized by the state as critical to protecting recreational and conservation needs8. The Property serves as a continuation of the natural and scenic nature of the Highland Rim and nearby Cumberland River drainage. The expansive openspace and forest on the Property is compatible with existing local land use and viewscapes in the region, which are predominantly large acreages of forests and farmland. Its size also maintains the pleasing scale of the rural landscapes that has long been common on the Highland Rim. Once protected, this large area of additional undeveloped property can continue to significantly contribute to the overall experience and public benefit for the many that are drawn to the region to for recreational pursuits.

The absence of light pollution is also important for human enjoyment of the night sky and landscape, but is even more critical for many insect species, especially moths, which often are attracted to nightlights only to perish. Moth larvae and other insects are the basis of the diets of a great many birds including Neotropical migrants such as warblers.

 Agriculture

The Forestry Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has as a basis of its forest management strategy, to support working forest landscapes and to enhance the public benefit of trees

32 and forests. Among the many benefits that result from forested landscapes are protections of water quality and drinking water, wetlands protection, opportunities for outdoor recreation, open space and minimization of landscape fragmentation9. Forestry is allowed on the Property provided an approved Forestry Plan is followed. This will assure that existing conservation values are not compromised though still allowing the property to remain productive.

In summary, as relatively natural landscape, the Sycamore Fork property functions as an integral part of the largely undeveloped Eastern Highland Rim forests and therefore is a critical component in the support of regional continuity of wildlife corridors between these extensive private and public lands.. Habitat value is enhanced exponentially when connectivity occurs because habitat potential and diversity are increased.

Protecting and enhancing the natural resources on the Property support clean air, water and wildlife habitat which are necessary and valuable ecological services which also provide important public benefit. Protecting the conservation values present on the Property will therefore serve a vital function of contributing to the overall scale and ecological viability needed for the long term health of the Eastern Highland Rim region.

General Features Size: 1184.90 acres Location: Clay County, TN USGS Quadrangle Map: Union Hill-KY Elevation: 611’ to 975’ above mean sea level Watershed: Pine Lick Cr./Jennings Cr./Upper Cumberland–Cordell Hull Reservoir Ecoregion: Interior Low Plateau/Eastern Highland Rim

The 1184.90 acre property lies within the Highland Rim physiographic province and is part of the Eastern Highland Rim of the Interior Low Plateau ecoregions in Clay County near the small town of Whitleyville. The southern end of the Property is considered an approximate boundary with the Outer Nashville Basin ecoregion. The rocky, dry uplands do not support extensive farming and so have remained relatively less disturbed and uninhabited with most agriculture limited primarily to the narrow floodplains. Soils of the uplands of the Property tend to be cherty, very porous and of poor fertility. Drainages tend to be abrupt with steep sometimes bouldery slopes and limestone bluffs with much more diverse Mixed Mesophytic forest species at the base of protected slopes. In between rain events the creek bed is often a broad dry bed of limestone ledges and cobblestones.

As with most of the Highland Rim, the timber on the Property has been harvested at multiple times leaving no virgin forests. However, the vegetation of the drainages in particular, being more difficult to access, remains especially diverse in species appropriate to the Mixed Mesophytic Forest type.

Roughly 95% of the Property is in the uplands and steep slopes with the remainder of the Property in gravelly, level flood plains. Forest age on the Property varies somewhat and includes some relatively small areas that have regenerated naturally to young pines. More mature deciduous forest areas on the Property of roughly 20-40 years remain on the ridges and slopes as well as upper drainages including a diverse shrub and forb understory. Fields of herbaceous species and scattered trees make up the flood plain.

Woodland roads provide access through the Property though upland roads and floodplain roads are not readily connected due to the steep slopes. Though these roads are generally in good condition, erosion is evident on some small sections with more gradient. All creeks are considered included in Conservation Management Areas with additional protections.

Visually, much of the Highland Rim is minimally impacted by evidence of human activities. Scenery in the region is pastoral and includes abundant forest lands occasionally interrupted by small farms and communities in the lowlands. The Property is approximately 15 miles from the town of Gainesboro on the Cumberland River. Recreation in the region is centered on the waterways and in the forests and includes activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, cycling, hunting and hiking in the abundant natural areas. Protecting the Sycamore Fork property from development will help maintain the regional character of the area and support the increasing tourism industry of the region.

GEOLOGY11

The upland of the Property is underlain by Fort Payne Formation described below: Fort Payne Chert (Mississippian) Fort Payne Chert - Very light to light-olive-gray, thin to thick-bedded fine to coarse-grained bioclastic (abundant pelmatozoans) limestone containing abundant nodules, lenses and beds of light to dark-grey chert. Upper part of formation locally consists of light-bluish-gray laminated siltstone containing vugs lined or filled with quartz and scattered throughout the formation are interbeds of medium to greenish- gray shale, shaly limestone and siltstone. Commonly present below the Fort Payne is a light-olive-gray claystone or shale (Maury Formation) which is mapped with the Fort Payne. The apparent thickness of the Fort Payne in this province varies due to differnetial dissolution of carbonate in the formation. Very small areas of St. Louis Limestone and Warsaw Limestone occur in northern section of Property and are described below:. St. Louis Limestone and Warsaw Limestone (Mississippian) at surface, covers < 0.1 % of this area St. Louis Limestone - Residuum of nodules and blocks of chert in sandy clay. (Originally grayish- brown, medium-bedded limestone.) Maximum preserved thickness about 50 feet. Warsaw Limestone - Residuum of porous chert blocks in sandy clay. (Originally gray, medium- to coarse-grained, thick- bedded limestone.) Thickness about 60 feet. Lithology: clay or mud; chertThe Floodplain and lower drainages are underlain by Ordovician, a shale/limestone formation:

The floodplain and upper drainages are underlain by Ordovician Formations including Richmond Group which is described below::

Ordovician Formations including Richmond Group (Mannie Shale, Fernvale Limestone), and Nashville Group (Hermitage Formation) (Ordovician) at surface, covers < 0.1 % of this area

Ordovician Formations - Richmond Group (including Mannie Shale - Shale with thin beds of argillaceous limestone. Thickness 0 to 20 feet and Fernvale Limestone - Thick-bedded, coarse-grained limestone with vari-colored grains. Thickness 0 to 20 feet). and Nashville Group (including Hermitage Formation - Gray shale and thin-bedded to laminated, sandy and argillaceous limestone. Maximum exposed thickness 80 feet.) Lithology: limestone; shale.

SOILS Soils on the Property are largely gravelly silt loams with a band of Barfield-Gladdice-Rock outcrop complex on borders of floodplain. Small sections of the NE upland are in loams.

• Land Use Information

Historically the Property has primarily been used for timbering and hunting. The south end of the Property includes an earthen dam for flood control which holds occasionally water for short periods. It is likely that historically the forests were more open on the HR and fire was more common. Aboriginal peoples were certainly present in the region prior to European settlement. Access to the Property is permitted only by permission of the land owner at this time. • Man Made Features Near the southern boundary an earthen dam has been constructed for flood control with an associated metal standpipe. The dam is roughly 320’ long and 210’ wide. A network of dirt and gravel roads, OHV trails and old logging roads provide access within the Property. No other permanent structures exist within the Property.

FLORA AND FAUNA REPORTS

TN Department of Natural Heritage Report

GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME Woody Plants Acer negundo Box Elder

Acer rubrum Red Maple Flora and Acer saccharum Sugar Maple Fauna Ailanthus altissima Tree-of-Heaven Arundinaria gigantea River Cane Casual List Asimina triloba Common Pawpaw Betula nigra River Birch 8-16-15 and Bignonia capreolata Crossvine Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood (American Hornbeam) 9-30-15 Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory Carya glabra Pignut Hickory Carya laciniosa Kingnut Hickory Celtis laevigata Sugarberry Cercis canadensis Redbud Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood Crataegus sp. Hawthorne Dioscorea villosa Wild Yam Euonymus americanus Strawberry Bush Fagus grandifolia American Beech Fraxinus americana White Ash Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Iris Iris verna var. smalliana Upland Dwarf Iris Juglans cinerea Butternut Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar Lindera benzoin Spicebush Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet Gum Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Maclura pomifera Osage-orange Morus alba White Mulberry Morus rubra Red Mulberry Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood Phyllanthus caroliniensis Carolina Leaf-flower Pinus strobus White Pine Pinus virginiana Virginia Pine Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood Pueraria montana Kudzu Quercus alba 37White Oak

GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME Woody Plants Quercus marilandica Blackjack Oak Quercus montana Chestnut Oak Quercus muehlenbergii Chinquapin Oak Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak Quercus stellata Post Oak Quercus velutina Black Oak Rhamnus caroliniana Carolina Buckthorn Rhus copallinum Dwarf Sumac Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rubus sp. Blackberry Rubus sp. Raspberry Salix nigra Black Willow Sassafras albidum Sassafras Smilax rotundifolia Common Greenbrier Toxicodendron radicans Poison Ivy Ulmus alata Winged Elm Ulmus americana American Elm Ulmus rubra Red Elm Viburnum acerifolium Maple-lvd. Viburnum Vaccinium pallidum Low Bush Blueberry Viburnum dentatum Arrow-wood Vitis sp. Grape

Herbs Ageratina altissima White Snakeroot Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Great Ragweed Amphicapaea bracteata Hog Peanut Amphicarpaea brateata Hog Peanut Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge Antennaria plantaginifolia Pussytoes Apocynum cannabinum Indian Hemp Asarum canadense Common Wild Ginger Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Aster sp. Aster Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle Campanula americana American Bellflower Carex spp. Sedges Chasmanthium latifolium Riveroats Chelone obliqua Red Turtlehead Chrysopsis mariana Maryland Golden-aster

GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME Herbs Cirsium sp. Thistle Coreopsis major Whorled Coreopsis Desmodium nudiflorum Naked Flower Tick Trefoil Desmodium sp. Tick Trefoil Dicanthelium spp. Panic Grass Elephantopus carolinianus Leafy Elephant's-foot Erechtites heiraciifolius American Burnweed Erigeron philadelphicus Philadelphia Fleabane Eupatorium hyssopsifolium Hyssopleaf Thoroughwort Eurybia divaricata Woodland Aster Goodyeara pubescens Downy Rattlesnake Plantain Gonolobus suberosa v. suberosa Common Anglepod Helianthus microcephalus Small-headed Sunflower Hypericum crux-andreae St. Peter's Cross Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrew's Cross Ipomoea sp. Morning Glory Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Iris Lactuca floridana Woodland Lettuce Lespedeza bicolor Lespedeza Lespedeza capitata Round-headed Lespedeza Lespedeza sp. Lespedeza Liatris aspera Rough Blazing-star Ligusticum canadense American Lovage Lobelia inflata Indian-tobacco Lobelia puberula Downy Lobelia Medeola virginiana Cucumber-root Microstegium vimineum Japanese Stiltgrass Monarda sp. Bee-balm Mosla dianthera Mosla Perilla frutescens Beefsteak-plant Persicaria longiseta Bristly Ladysthumb Persicaria sp. Smartweed Persicaria virginiana Jumpseed Phlox sp. Phlox Pilea pumila Canadian Clearweed Polymnia canadensis Whiteflower Leafcup Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern Polystichum acrosticoides Christmas Fern Prunella vulgaris Common Self-heal Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan Ruellia strepens Smooth Ruellia Sanicula sp. Snakeroot Senna marilandica Maryland Wild Senna Smallanthus uvedalius Hairy Leafcup Solanum carolinense var. carolinense Horse-nettle Solidago arguta Forest Goldenrod Solidago bicolor Silverrod 39 Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod GENUS SPECIES COMMON NAME

Herbs Solidago erecta Erect Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis Zig-zag Goldenrod Solidago gigantea Giant Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Gray Goldenrod

Solidago caesia Axillary Goldenrod Sorghum halepense Johnson Grass Spiranthes ochroleuca (?) Yellow Lady's Tresses Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Goblet Aster Symphyotrichum patens Late Purple Aster Symphyotrichum undulatum Wavyleaf Aster Teucrium canadense Canada Germander Verbesina occidentalis Yellow Crown-beard Verbesina virginica var. virginica Common Frostweed Vernonia gigantea Common Ironweed Viola sp. Violet Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur

Birds Insects Other American Crow Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Green Frog American Goldfinch Monarch Eastern Box Turtle Blue Jay Eastern Tailed Blue White-tailed Deer Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Great-spangled Fritillary Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Carolina Chickadee Pearl Crescent Wild Turkey Carolina Wren Japanese Hornet Common Yellowthroat Common Whitetail Cooper's Hawk Eastern Towhee Gray-cheeked Thrush House Finch

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT

PHOTO POINT MAP

Sycamore Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Sycamore Fork Title

PHOTO KEY Photo# SYCAMORE FORK

23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IMG_2321.JPG IMG_2320.JPG IMG_2319.JPG IMG_2316.JPG IMG_2315.JPG IMG_2033.JPG IMG_2031.JPG IMG_2030.JPG IMG_2029.JPG IMG_1424.JPG IMG_1423.JPG IMG_1422.JPG IMG_1419.JPG IMG_1418.JPG IMG_1417.JPG IMG_1416.JPG IMG_1415.JPG IMG_1414.JPG 2015-08-16 18_24_22.jpg 2015-08-16 17_47_21.jpg 2015-08-16 17_46_07.jpg 2015-08-16 17_45_55.jpg 2015-08-16 17_33_05.jpg Name File

N N 36° 31' 05" N 36° 31' 09" N 36° 31' 17" N 36° 31' 21" N 36° 31' 21" N 36° 29' 59" N 36° 29' 57" N 36° 29' 49" N 36° 29' 46" N 36° 31' 01" N 36° 30' 45" N 36° 31' 15" N 36° 30' 39" N 36° 31' 42" N 36° 31' 45" N 36° 31' 42" N 36° 31' 44" N 36° 31' 44" N 36° 29' 40" N 36° 31' 20" N 36° 31' 20" N 36° 31' 20" N 36° 31' 02" Latitude

W 85° 41' 16" W 85° 41' 15" W 85° 41' 04" W 85° 40' 59" W 85° 40' 59" W 85° 41' 31" W 85° 41' 33" W 85° 41' 37" W 85° 41' 39" W 85° 40' 53" W 85° 41' 37" W 85° 41' 07" W 85° 41' 16" W 85° 41' 13" W 85° 41' 46" W 85° 41' 49" W 85° 41' 47" W 85° 41' 46" W 85° 41' 42" W 85° 41' 37" W 85° 41' 37" W 85° 41' 38" W 85° 41' 40" Longitude

246° WSW 24° NNE 188° S 67° ENE 138° SE 211° SSW 46° NE 22° NNE 186° S 272° W 256° WSW 168° SSE 182° S 156° SSE 81° E 185° S 209° SSW 158° SSE 0° N 32° NNE 21° NNE 89° E 15° NNE Direction

Forest Rd. Forest TrashSmall Dump TrashSmall Dump Trail Entrance Near Corner Rd. Valley E Drainage Outcrop S Entranace Rd. Frontage 135 Lady's Orchid Tresses Boundary View TrailForest Near Corner Short Frontage Jim Rd. Corner @ Rd. Corner prop) Butternut Stand (off BranchSide Rock Ledges Rock Small House Bed Creek Description

Time Time Stamp 10:06:56 AM 8:43:01 AM 8:34:36 AM 8:18:09 AM 7:52:50 AM 7:52:38 AM 9:38:12 AM 9:28:58 AM 8:34:51 AM 8:04:24 AM 7:29:18 AM 7:25:28 AM 7:17:25 AM 7:16:24 AM 5:17:38 PM 5:11:22 PM 4:42:04 PM 4:21:55 PM 5:24:22 PM 4:47:21 PM 4:46:07 PM 4:45:55 PM 4:33:05 PM

Date Stamp 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 9/30/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015 8/16/2015

THowe THowe THowe THowe THowe THowe THowe THowe THowe MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch MClebsch Phtgrphr

PHOTOGRAPHS – Sycamore Fork, LLC

MAPS

 Aerial Photograph with Boundaries  State View  County View  USGS Quadrangle Map  Watershed Map  Wetlands  Flood map  Soils Map with Descriptions  Sub-surface Geology and Legend  Prime Agricultural Soils  Land Use Map  Survey Maps  Survey- Building Sites  Conservation Management Areas Map  GPS Track of Site Visit

AERIAL MAP WITH BOUNDARIES

STATE MAP

COUNTY MAP

USGS QUADRANGLE MAP

WATERSHED MAP

WETLANDS MAP

FLOOD MAP

SOILS MAP AND DESCRIPTIONS

GEOLOGY WITH LEGEND

PRIME AGRICULTURAL SOILS

LAND USE MAP

SURVEY

SURVEY BUILDING SITES

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AREAS

GPS TRACK

For Site Visits 8-16-15 and 9-30-15 Tracks indicate main roadways and OHV Trails

DIRECTIONS TO PROPERTY

Nearest town to southern border is Whitleyville, TN

Entry into southern border of Property

REFERENCES

1. World Wildlife Fund http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0402; http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0404; (11-6-15)

2 The Nature Conservancy Priority Conservation Areas map; http://www.landscope.org/; (11-6-15)

3. Tennessee Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2015, TWRA; TN State Wildlife Action Plan http://www.tnswap.com/swap.cfm ; (11-6-15)

4. Open Space Institute http://www.osiny.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7633&AddInterest=1163 (11-6-15)

5. LandScope; Interior Low Plateau http://www.landscope.org/explore/natural_geographies/ecoregions/Interior%20Low%20Plateau/ (11-6-15)

6. LifeScience; 60 Million American Birdwatchers Chase Ever-Shrinking Quarry; Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary, UNEP Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ; May 10, 2014 http://www.livescience.com/45514-bird-numbers-plummet-but-birdwatching-popular.html (11-6-15)

7. The Tennessee Highlands Sustainable Tourism Plan; http://tenngreen.org/projects/high-adventure/plan.html; (11-6-15)

8. TN 2020 http://www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/recreation_tennessee-2020-plan.shtml (11-6-15)

9. TN Department of Agriculture Forestry: Tennessee Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy; http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry/sustainability.shtml; (11-6-15) 10. USGS website; http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state; (11-6-15)

11. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, The Nature Conservancy Link to license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode. Map is unchanged from source.

General References

University of TN Herbarium Website: http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/ ; (11-6-15) Weakley, A.S. 2015. Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. UNC Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden; http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/FloraArchives/WeakleyFlora_2015-05-29.pdf; (11-6-15)

TN Department of Natural Heritage http://environment-online.tn.gov:8080/pls/enf_reports/f?p=9014:3:1529721436870::::: (11-6-15)

TN Rivers Assessment Reports http://www.tn.gov/environment/watershed; (11-6-15)

USGS website: http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state; (11-6-15)

NatureServe http://explorer.natureserve.org/; (11-6-15)

PREPARER QUALIFICATIONS

Meredith Clebsch

Meredith's formal education includes a BS degree in Animal Science from Clemson University with minors in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology. She also completed a number of graduate and undergraduate level courses at the University of TN in botany, ecology, horticulture and wildlife biology. For 25 years she owned and operated a successful native plant nursery, which included consultation and design services involving considerable field work in plant identification and landscapes interpretation. She has attended many field botany and ecology study classes and assisted in gathering and interpreting data for a number of projects associated with plant ecology.

Much of Meredith’s recreational time is spent in outdoor recreation and pursuing nature study. She has worked for Foothills Land Conservancy since 2007 preparing baseline documentation reports, drafting conservation easements, and monitoring easement properties. She attended the Land Trust Alliance national meeting and training sessions in 2007, 2008, 2013 and also annual regional land trust meetings.

Raymond D Boswell, GISP

Education: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Geography from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1995.

Professional Employment: Work Experience: Blount County GIS Group, GIS Manager (July 2005 to Present): Managed all aspects of the development of an enterprise GIS GeoDatabase for the cities of Alcoa & Maryville and Blount county government.

Produced map exhibits for public hearings; Assisted public with information requests

City of Franklin, TN - Sr. GIS Specialist (April 2002 to July 2005): Managed all aspects of the development of the City’s GIS GeoDatabase for the Franklin Water Management Department.

Produced map exhibits for public hearings; Assisted public with information requests

County of Sonoma, CA – GIS Tech II (February 2000 to April 2002): Lead technician on GIS Base Map project which included the development of a seamless parcel polygon layer and QA/QC of orthophotography; Created ortho-rectified parcel base for City of Cotati, CA.

Trained Environmental Health Department staff on the use of their Trimble ProXRS GPS receiver. Supervised the collection of positional and attribute information for known leaking underground storage tanks throughout the County.

Produced map exhibits for public hearings; Assisted public with information requests

Santa Rosa Junior College – Adjunct Professor (January 2002 to March 2002): Created curriculum and taught the fundamentals of GPS technology, and its roles with GIS and Natural Resource Management.

Miller Legg & Associates – Environmental Specialist (October 1998 to June 1999): Performed field work and report writing associated with obtaining appropriate permits from Federal, State, and Local permitting agencies for land development projects.

Monitored wetland mitigation sites to verify that those areas were within permit compliance. Responsible for the preparation of quarterly monitoring reports for Federal, State, and Local permitting agencies.

Performed field work, office research, and report preparation associated with Phase 1 environmental site assessments.

Onsite Environmental Staffing – GIS Technician (August 1998 to September 1998): Temporary contract for Steven Bernstein & Associates (SBA) of Boca Raton, FL. Used MapInfo to create individual site maps for nationwide network of cellular tower locations.

CADDUM, Inc – Stereo Compiler (October 1996 to February 1998): Responsible for the photogrammetric compilation of planimetric features for municipalities and utility companies. Created Digital Terrain Models at scales of 1” = 50’ and 1” = 100’ by compiling mass points and breaklines from aerial photography.

CADDUM, Inc – GPS Technician (January 1996 to October 1996): Used Trimble ProXL GPS receiver to collect positional and attribute information for utility companies throughout Tennessee and Alabama.

Work in Land Preservation: Foothills Land Conservancy (2007 – Present) – contract work preparing map exhibits for Conservation Easement baseline documentation and developing a GIS to support the goals of the organization.

BDR EXHIBITS

(electronic versions saved as independent files)

A. Conservation Easement

B. Management Recommendation

BDR EXHIBIT A

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

BDR EXHIBIT B

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

To protect and enhance the natural resource values of the Property, a number of suggested management practices are outlined here. It is recommended that these practices be reviewed from time to time. On easement lands management for protection of conservation values, including any RTE species, is a priority. It is important to keep them in mind especially when exercising any Reserved Rights such as forestry practices, ROW management, road maintenance or construction, etc.

Any forest management plans should be designed with the utmost care given to the protection of the conservation values outlined in this document.

Control unauthorized access via gates, barricades, etc.

Use of chemical agents should be carefully considered and only used sparingly when necessary on target species. Avoid waterways and areas of potential runoff. More sensitive natural areas in particular should be especially avoided.

Plant material should be encouraged along existing roadways to hold soils on road edges and banks. Any areas prone to erosion should be repaired as soon as possible with waterbars, gravel or other means to direct runoff safely into the landscape.

Any projects requiring soil disturbance such as utility construction, building construction, road building, etc., should be designed to cause the least possible erosion, disturbance of existing vegetation and introduction of invasive species.

When possible, avoid mowing during nesting season, March through June. Also, unless necessary, avoid mowing until late winter, February, so that birds can forage for insects on and in the plant stems.

Invasive species should be controlled as much as practicable. It is recommended that every effort be made to eradicate or at least control further spread of invasive plants. Controlling existing stands and eliminating any spread is critical in protecting the future biodiversity of the Property. Recommendations for chemical and other methods of control can be found online from a number of sources, including the TN Exotic Plant Pest Council: http://www.tneppc.org/; General Technical Report SRS-131,”A Management

Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests, published by the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station and available at: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36915. The owner may also go to our website for specific methods of control or contact the Foothills office for recommendations. Management of invasive species should be viewed as an ongoing process since control of existing infestations can take years, plus new infestations from sources off property will likely occur. It is important to research the control of each individual species as the methods for control of each may differ widely.

Control light pollution by limiting any night lighting as much as possible and to use light shields to focus light down to only area needed. This will help minimize the effects of unnatural night time lighting on wildlife as well and improve the outdoor viewing experience for human inhabitants.