Public access to Franklin State Forest in Franklin and Marion Counties resumed on Monday following a temporary closure that facilitated a still-ongoing investigation into vandalism and theft of state-owned equipment in the forest.
“While we are frustrated by the destruction of equipment used to keep our forests and communities safe from wildfire, we are grateful for law enforcement’s thorough investigation and efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “We continue to pursue our mission to protect, conserve, and enhance the working forest at Franklin State Forest through active management practices. They welcome the public back and hope they will engage with us to understand the importance of active management to ensure healthy and thriving state forests for future generations.”
Five Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) dozers and one dozer transport truck and trailer were vandalized between July 10 and 14, 2024. The equipment was rendered inoperable and damaged by at least $1 million. Equipment was also stolen from the vehicles.
Immediately following the incident, TDF temporarily closed the forest to the public so that law enforcement agencies could collect evidence.
