White County leaders, state leaders and various agencies gathered at Welch’s Point Overlook on Friday to dedicate the opening of Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park.
Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park spans over 9,500 acres and unites Virgin Falls State Natural Area with Dog Cove and Lost Creek Natural Area. Park Manager Stuart Carroll said the park has been in the works for more than 30 years. Carroll said he is honored to see it finally officially opened.
“It’s very humbling and very proud,” Carroll said. “I’m also very cognizant of how many people worked on this project. There’s been a whole lot of people putting time, efforts, money, uh, direction, energy in with this project over the years. Thirty years is a quite a long time, so some of the folks that actually started on this project, they’re not even with us anymore.”
The Nature Conservancy State Director Laurel Creech said the conservancy has been a big supporter of this project. Creech said Scott’s Gulf is very special because of what lives and grows there.
“It is the most biodiverse temperate forest in the world,” Creech said. “And that is one of the reasons why you all are here today to celebrate this important day, to steward and shepherd this conservation, this engagement, this recreation and enjoyment of this special area.”
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is helping to develop Scott’s Gulf. TWRA’s Torrey Grimes said the opening of the park means almost 5,000 acres of increased hunting opportunities.
“I think this project showcases the great things that happen when these government agencies build partnerships and work in tandem to the service of Tennesseans,” Grimes said. “There is really no question that we’re stronger when we’re able to do that and work together.”
