TWRA Notified of Closing of Perry County Heartwood Fund Tracts to Public Hunting

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has been notified that the Forestland Group, managing partners of several properties owned by Heartwood Forestland Fund III and IV in Perry County, has chosen to terminate public hunting on several tracts.

The tracts have been targeted for sale for the last several months. The termination of the agreement became effective as of Feb. 28, 2013.

“While Heartwood has enjoyed the opportunity to work with the agency (TWRA) on this project to provide public access for hunting on these lands, Heartwood’s disposition plans for these tracts are significantly complicated by continued participation in the program,” said Hugh A. Bullock, forester for Tri-State Forestry, Inc. “Therefore, it seems appropriate to end Heartwood’s participation in the Public Hunting Area (PHA) program. Thus, we will fulfill obligations to all current 2012-13 permit holders and will not issue any permits for 2013-14. If necessary, Heartwood will refund any permits purchased for the 2013-14 prior to this date (Feb. 28, 2013).”

Pending any sale, Tri-State Forestry will continue to manage all the Heartwood property and existing Hunting License Agreements (HLAs) with clubs and individuals. The Forestland Group has not yet determined if the tracts that have been in the PHA program will be made available to hunting clubs through Heartwood’s HLAs, but several other tracts in Perry and Benton County are currently available.

“Tri-State Forestry regrets that this change is necessary and will keep in contact (with the TWRA) if any other opportunities arise,” said Bullock.

For further information or questions, contact Tri-State Forestry Consulting, Inc. at (423) 775-6509.

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