Why an HCP for the Cumberland Plateau?
The Cumberland Mountains and Plateau Region in northern Tennessee are home to rich cultural and natural resources and support numerous resource uses including forestry, agriculture, coal mining, oil and gas production, and water supply. The area is being increasingly recognized for its scenic beauty, tourism potential, and rich and unique conservation values. Demands on natural resources of the region will continue to grow, especially as people from around the country and globe continue to discover the area’s scenic beauty and rich and diverse resources. As population is growing on the Cumberlands, so is pressure on its natural resources. Over time, the wildlife habitat areas managed by TWRA will become increasingly important as a refuge for threatened, endangered, and rare species. Through a combination of thoughtful development practices implemented through the Water Resources HCP and protection of wildlife habitat on TWRA property through the Forest Resources HCP, the long-term viability of these species will be maintained in balance with continued economic growth. We have a unique opportunity to work together and search for innovative means to both use and conserve the areas natural resources.

Where are the HCPs located?
The Forest Resources HCP covers 219,968 acres within the Catoosa, Luper Mountain, Mt. Roosevelt, and North Cumberland Wildlife Management Areas. As of March 2010, the Water Resources HCP includes all unincorporated area within Cumberland, Morgan, and Scott Counties as well as the cities of Crossville and Wartburg, TN.

Who is involved in the HCP effort?
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency received a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Resources Agency to facilitate development of an HCP in the Cumberlands of Tennessee. The Nature Conservancy and faculty and staff from the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech form the primary Development Team coordinating this effort while partnering with numerous groups. Approximately 20 biologists and other scientists serve on the Cumberland HCP Science Advisory Committee to provide guidance on scientific issues. See the Project Organization page for more detail. Because successful conservation in the Cumberlands will require meaningful and lasting partnerships, this project is focused on building relationships with and between various interests and stakeholders in the region. These include: private landowners, landowner associations, forestry and wildlife managers, developers, homebuilders, city and county government officials, watershed associations, other local community groups, and state agencies. Ongoing collaboration with these stakeholders will ensure a practical and feasible means to focus conservation efforts, while also protecting and enhancing the region’s commerce and quality of life. As the project evolves, the number and variety of groups and individuals involved will change.

What HCPs are being developed?
TheWater Resources HCP covers numerous aquatic and terrestrial species impacted by development activities in the Emory-Obed Watershed and Big South Fork Cumberland River of Tennessee. The Incidental Take Permit applicants (also called HCP applicants or holders) currently associated with this HCP are Cumberland, Morgan, and Scott Counties and the cities of Crossville and Wartburg, TN. The Northern Cumberlands Forest Resources HCP covers multiple terrestrial and aquatic species and forestry activities on public lands in the project area of Tennessee. The ITP applicant associated with this HCP is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

How is the Cumberlands HCP Project being funded?
Funding for the Cumberland HCP project comes from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Program, Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act) Grant Programs. Funding opportunity CESCF-06, CFDA Number 15.615 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund