MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee is adding a new state forest near the Wolf River in Fayette County, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry announced Monday. Wolf River State Forest will open to visitors in 2025. The 5,477-acre tract is about 60 miles east of Memphis, on a portion of the historical Ames Plantation. TDF says the property includes one of the finest examples of bottomland hardwood forests in the state, which will aid in white oak restoration efforts, as well as 45 state-registered historical sites. TDF says it will conserve more than 30 miles of streams and 1,560 acres of wetlands in the new state forest, "helping to ensure water quality for Memphis drinking water, fisheries, and others downstream." Hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing are a few of the activities that will be available to the public at Wolf River State Forest. Wolf River Conservancy awarded $1 million federal grant The state is surveying the property and installing signage, and hopes for a ribbon-cutting ceremony early next year. “We are thrilled to add Wolf River State Forest to our state forest system and are grateful for the support and partnerships that made this acquisition possible,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “This property holds great historical, cultural, and archeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland. Under our management, we will keep this forest as a forest, conserve and steward its extensive natural and cultural resources, facilitate the continuation of research and conservation education at the site, and support the local wood products industry.” The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization that works to protect natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms across the country, partnered with TDF to advance Wolf River State Park. ► More information on state forests Funding for the purchase was made possible with grant funds from the USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, supported by Tennessee’s federal Congressional delegation. Matching funds were provided from TWRA’s Wetlands Funds, the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, The Conservation Fund and the seller, TDF said.