News Summary
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has signed a significant covenant to preserve 13 acres of land at Missionary Ridge, which includes an 8-acre forest with historical and ecological importance. The preservation initiative is critical amid urban development pressures, aligning with Chattanooga’s status as the first National Park City in North America. This land will support passive recreation while safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing outdoor access for the community.
Chattanooga – Mayor Tim Kelly has signed a pivotal covenant to preserve 13 acres of land at Missionary Ridge. This deal involves five parcels of land, including an 8-acre forest that holds significant historical and ecological value.
The signing ceremony took place near Ridgecrest Drive, close to the historically important site of Billy Goat Hill. The designated land is notable for its association with Civil War battle terrain and features mature hardwood forests. As urban development pressures increase in Chattanooga, the preservation of this area has become a crucial initiative.
David Johnson from the Trust for Public Land underscored the ecological diversity present within the forest, noting its habitat for various native species such as poison ivy, mosquitoes, trillium, and strawberry bush, commonly known as hearts-a-bustin’. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding this “little piece of wild land” as development campaigns threaten such natural spaces.
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors spokesperson Brian Smith remarked that the city is committed to growth while concurrently preserving its natural landscapes. This dedication to ecological preservation aligns with Chattanooga’s recognition as the first National Park City in North America, a title which promotes greener and healthier urban environments.
Smith indicated that the newly preserved land will not be subject to development; instead, it will be allocated for passive recreation and management purposes. Council member Ron Elliott recognized the donation not only benefits Missionary Ridge but also serves the broader community by enhancing public access to outdoor spaces in neighborhoods lacking such amenities. The preservation of this land is seen as essential for increasing the overall availability of public areas for outdoor recreation.
This land donation aligns with the objectives of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Plan, which aims to expand the city’s park system and protect unique natural environments. Mayor Kelly highlighted this initiative as a necessary step toward maintaining biodiversity against the backdrop of increasing urbanization.
The newly protected parcels represent the second ecological preserve established under the city’s covenant program, following the designation of Shallowford Preserve in the previous year. The protected land will now become part of Chattanooga’s Urban Ecology Preserve System, ensuring it is permanently shielded from development activities.
The covenant is intended to safeguard the historical and natural significance of the Missionary Ridge area for future generations, aligning with the city’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents while fostering environmental stewardship. This initiative aims to preserve the integrity of natural habitats amidst ongoing urban development efforts and stands as a testament to Chattanooga’s commitment to sustainability and public access to outdoor areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Future of Parkway Towers Building in Chattanooga Uncertain
Thousands Rally Against GOP Proposal to Sell Federal Lands
Chattanooga Celebrates the Grand Opening of Eastgate Theatre
Hamilton County Dispute Over Proposed Pharmaceutical Plant
Chattanooga Hosts ‘No Kings’ Rally on Trump’s Birthday
Chattanooga Designated as North America’s First National Park City
Controversy Surrounds Demolition of Chattanooga’s Medical Arts Building
Chattanooga’s Wine Over Water Festival Returns for 30th Anniversary
Chattanooga’s Engel Stadium Faces Demolition Plans
Chattanooga Hosts 30th Annual Wine Over Water Festival
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Receives Donation of Land
- Wikipedia: Missionary Ridge
- Chattanoogan: City’s Park Within A Park
- Google Search: Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors
- WDEF: City of Chattanooga Accepts Historic Land Donation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Pulse: Trust for Public Land Donation
- Google News: Chattanooga Land Donation
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
