For more information about the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee LTLT |
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Nestled within some of the oldest mountains on earth, the upper Little
Tennessee River basin, and their surrounding mountain ranges,
possesses a unique - yet threatened - natual and cultural heritage.
Our vision is one of a healthy rural landscape and vibrant, sustainable
economy situated within a well functioning ecosystem.
Our Work
LTLT helps to conserve the landscape of the upper Little Tennessee
and Hiwasee River Valleys by accepting gifts of land, by promoting
conservation easements and, when resources allow, by purchasing
at-risk properties.
LTLT works to restore the landscape through technical advice and the
demonstration of sustainable forestry and agriculture, streamside
reforestation, invasive exotic plant control, and wetland restoration. We
believe that promoting responsible stewardship of our natural resources
may ultimately be our most important work.
Our Heritage
The upper Little Tennessee valley is the heart of the Southern Blue
Ridge. Nestled within some of the oldest mountains on earth, it has a
richer combined natural and cultural history than any other area of its
size in the eastern United States. The five great mountain ranges
towering over the broad valleys of the Little Tennessee River and its
tributaries shelter ancient and magnificent forests, an extraordinary
diversity of aquatic and botanical species, and a rural landscape with
farmlands that have sustained agriculture for over 4000 years.
T.M. Rickman
General Store
General Store
| Mission Statement The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee is dedicated to conserving the waters, forests, farms, and heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River Valleys. We work in partnership with private landowners, public agencies, and others to conserve land, insuring that the natural beauty, ecological integrity, and rural character of our region are preserved for generations to come. |
This vision recognizes the connectivity of:
Past land use by Native Americans and European settlers with the
current ecological and cultural landscape;
Patterns of current land use and management with the quality of water
in the streams and rivers;
Maintaining the native biological diversity with the integrity and
functioning of the ecosystem across the landscape;
Ecological health with sustainable economic and social developments;
and
A healthy environment with the quality of life of its people and rural
communities.
Past land use by Native Americans and European settlers with the
current ecological and cultural landscape;
Patterns of current land use and management with the quality of water
in the streams and rivers;
Maintaining the native biological diversity with the integrity and
functioning of the ecosystem across the landscape;
Ecological health with sustainable economic and social developments;
and
A healthy environment with the quality of life of its people and rural
communities.