Holly Springs National Forest: Protecting 244 Acres in the Wolf River Headwaters

On a map, the lands in and around Holly Springs National Forest which birth the Wolf River are a freckled matrix belonging to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and private landowners. Within the Wolf River watershed, there are only a few large blocks of USFS land, i.e., lands which are protected as a public resource.  As a nationally accredited land trust, the Wolf River Conservancy is trying to change that, exercising its capacity to grow conservation lands in the headwaters of the Wolf River, in part by securing lands that can potentially be added to the USFS portfolio.

We are proud to announce that 244 acres of rolling uplands intertwined with springs, wetlands, and streams have been protected in the Wolf River watershed in Mississippi. Common snapping turtles, deer, turkey, and many other species utilize this land and its waters. This block of land bridges together 626 acres of USFS property. From high and dry ridge tops to moist flats, this conservation addition contains a high diversity of plant species and habitats. Managed pipelines create excellent open habitat for the abundant turkeys seen on the property.  

While this is a success thus far, our federal partners are in a time of great change. This acreage is prime for addition to the National Forest system, and the Conservancy is currently fundraising for the balance not covered by a recent grant, which will aid us in protecting more land and further incentivizing the USFS to acquire this land at a great bargain sale. You can help us create more public land by supporting our organization!

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