Logging at Prentice Cooper State Forest
The nearly 30,000 acres of Prentice Cooper State Forest are a treasure for people in the Chattanooga Area, an excellent example of Cumberland Plateau forest, with numerous stands of forest land that is reaching near old-growth character in the 130-150 year age range. While a lot of the lower slopes are not under logging prescriptions, much of the plateau top is, and are subject to clearcutting and two-stage seedtree cuts. Below are some pictures of two recent cuts along Tower Road. Tennessee Heartwood is working to raise public awareness of the need to protect at least some of this important upland/ridgetop habitat.
However, changes may be coming to Prentice Cooper. The district is under new management, and 2024 timber sales appear to feature some less intensive logging, with a significantly greater number of "leave" trees, and maybe improved operating around sensitive sites like ephemeral stream zones. We hope that this will be a new chapter in forest management at Prentice Cooper. We will stay posted on how things change at the forest.
However, changes may be coming to Prentice Cooper. The district is under new management, and 2024 timber sales appear to feature some less intensive logging, with a significantly greater number of "leave" trees, and maybe improved operating around sensitive sites like ephemeral stream zones. We hope that this will be a new chapter in forest management at Prentice Cooper. We will stay posted on how things change at the forest.