Authorities to restore 985 acres of Tennessee river land
The West Tennessee River Basin Authority plans to reconnect the South Fork of the Forked Deer River with its natural floodplain.
The West Tennessee River Basin Authority announced on Thursday that it is preparing to restore 985 acres along the South Fork of the Forked Deer River near Jackson, US. The project aims to reconnect the river with its natural floodplain to reduce future flooding and eventually open the land to the public.
The river was straightened in 1916 to drain low-lying land, a process that authorities say contributed to flash floods, erosion, and sand deposits. The project seeks to address these issues, which have affected communities in East Jackson and Bemis.
West Tennessee River Basin Authority Executive Director David Blackwood said the project would help reduce challenges like flash flooding and sediment pollution. He noted that while the work would lower flood risks, it would not completely prevent flooding.
The property, located south of Jackson below US Highway 70 and west of US Highway 45, was previously owned by the Jones Family Trust. The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund purchased the land in 2025 before transferring it to the State of Tennessee in 2026.
The area contains habitats such as cypress swamps, cane brakes, and bottomland hardwood forests. The Nature Conservancy Tennessee state director Laurel Creech said the work would help bring back natural processes disrupted for generations.
The authority is currently developing a timeline and redesign plans for the river and tributaries. The project also includes efforts to protect the Memphis sands aquifer and improve water quality.