The Cherokee National Forest is located in Eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 640,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee.  It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, one of the world's most diverse areas.

Current Events

New Tellico District Ranger

CLEVELAND, TN --- May 26, 2009 … Cherokee National Forest Supervisor, Tom Speaks recently announced the arrival of Katherine Foster as the new Tellico District Ranger. Ms. Foster transferred to the Cherokee National Forest from the Manti La Sal National Forest in Utah where she served as the Forest Hydrologist.

FOREST SERVICE CLOSES CAVES AND MINES TO PROTECT BATS IN SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA – Most caves and mines on National Forests in the southeastern United States are being closed for one year in an effort to protect bats, according to Regional Forester Liz Agpaoa.
“We are working to stop the uncontrolled spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) among bat species,” she said. “The closures will allow scientists and land managers time to work together and study the fungus, learn how it spreads and how to best address it.”          Cherokee NF Info 5/21/2009      Briefing 5/15/2009

National Forest Resource Advisory Committee

CLEVELAND , TN – May 15, 2009… The Forest Service, USDA continues to seek applicants for a National Forest Resource Advisory in east Tennessee.

New Fire Prevention Website

This site is designed for homeowners, public land visitors, wildfire prevention professionals, volunteers, and others. It is filled with information on where the big fires are burning throughout the nation, what the wildfire severity level is in your state, rules and regulations for burning debris in your state, and how to protect your home against wildfire. It tells you about educational materials that are available in the arena of fire prevention, the Wildland Urban Interface, Smokey Bear, and Woodsy Owl.