STEWART STATE FOREST
This Forest is located in northwestern Tenn-essee, in south-central Stewart County. State Highway 49 was an old rail bed that connected iron furnaces, that now bisects the forest. It is south of the western boundary of the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Forest was acquired from a larger tract of land that was the Leech Estate, it became State land in 1933 in lieu of taxes. In 1935 governor McAllister declared it a state forest. There also are many sites of historic or cultural interest on the forest, including hundreds of areas where charcoal was produced, an iron ore pit, and several old house sites and stills. There are also several small areas where prairie grasses have been established. The 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell Military Reservation utilizes the forest on a renewable permit basis for training purposes on a biannual basis. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities on the forest include hiking and some mountain biking. A large proportion of the forest has received salvage cutting due to blow down of older age class stands in 1983, 1991, and 2000. Approximately 96% is in hardwoods and only about 3% is in pine. The dominant hardwood type is oak/hickory and is generally even aged (70-95 years) containing mostly mature to over-mature hardwood.
1. Native American presence: The area that is now Stewart State Forest was inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries. The Woodland and Mississippian cultures were prevalent in this region, leaving behind artifacts and evidence of their settlements.
2. Early European settlement: European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the land that would become Stewart State Forest was part of a larger tract owned by James Stewart. He was a prominent figure in the county and owned a vast plantation.
3. Agricultural transformation: Like many areas in Tennessee, the land was extensively cleared for agriculture. Cotton and tobacco became major cash crops in the region, and the forested areas were selectively logged for timber.
4. Creation of the Forest: In the 1930s, the U.S. government implemented the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The CCC was responsible for various conservation projects, including the creation of state forests. Stewart State Forest was established as one of Tennessee's first state forests in 1937 thanks to the efforts of the CCC.
5. Conservation initiatives: Over the years, the forest has been managed and preserved for its natural resources, recreational activities, and wildlife habitat. Timber harvesting has been conducted sustainably to ensure the health and diversity of the forest.
6. Multiple-Use Management: Stewart State Forest is managed through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Division of Forestry. It is managed with a multiple-use perspective, allowing for a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The forest covers approximately 12,900 acres and provides a picturesque natural setting for visitors to enjoy.