Hamilton County’s Proposed Land-Use Exchange

Three people mountain biking on a trail through a forest during the daytime with sunlight filtering through the trees and dry leaves on the ground.

Hamilton County’s proposal to open approximately 500 acres of Enterprise South Nature Park (ESNP) for industrial development in exchange for permanently preserving 1,200 acres of McDonald Farm in Sale Creek. If this proposed swap moves forward, it still requires approval at multiple levels—including city, county, state, and federal review—meaning there is still time for public input and community feedback. We created this page to help our community understand the proposal process and advocate for our beloved green spaces, trails and access to outdoor recreation. We believe the county can and should preserve both parks. It shouldn’t be a choice between the two. Speak out against this proposal.

Take Action Now

Take Action

  • A rural landscape with a barn, trees, and mountains in the background, overlaid with text about Hamilton County's proposal to preserve McDonald Farm for future investment, and a Hamilton County official seal in the bottom right corner.

    SORBA's Statement

    Regarding Hamilton County’s proposal to open approximately 500 acres of Enterprise South Nature Park (ESNP) for industrial development in exchange for permanently preserving 1,200 acres of McDonald Farm in Sale Creek.

    Statement + News Articles
  • Map showing land areas with designated uses: Preserve, Festivals and Weddings, Future Services, and other areas in Tennessee.

    SORBA's Fact Sheet

    The land-swap proposal requires review and approval from Hamilton County, the City of Chattanooga, the State of TN, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Public presentations are expected in October & November 2025 before the Hamilton Co. Commission & Chattanooga City Council.

    Fact Sheet + Call To Action
  • Map showing Enterprise South Nature Park area with trails, adjacent industrial expansion, and nearby highways and roads.

    Sample Letter

    The County is exploring a land-use exchange between Enterprise South Nature Park and McDonald Farm. You can help ensure both parks remain protected and accessible for outdoor recreation. Copy the sample letter below and email it to the elected officials listed.

    Sample Letter
Text on a green background titled 'Strategic Land-Use Exchange Proposal' outlining plans for McDonald Farm and Enterprise South Nature Park in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Contact Elected Officials

Residents may contact local, state, or federal representatives to share questions or comments. Below is contact information for relevant officials and departments involved in or monitoring the proposal process:

Hamilton County Government

State of Tennessee

  • Department of Economic & Community Development – stuart.mcwhorter@tn.gov | 615-741-1888

  • Governor Bill Lee – Contact Form | 615-741-2001

  • Sen. Bo Watson – sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov | 615-741-3227

  • Reps. Greg Vital, Esther Helton Haynes, Yusuf Hakeem – see Tennessee General Assembly Directory

Federal Officials

  • U.S. Department of the Interior – Contact | (202) 208-3100

  • Congressman Chuck Fleischmann – Email Form | (423) 756-2342

  • Senator Marsha Blackburn – Email Form | (202) 224-3344

  • Senator Bill Hagerty - Email Form | 423-752-5337

Community & Business Representatives

Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce – cwood@chattanoogachamber.com | 423-763-4335

Sample Letter

Take Action Today!

Our Trails Depend on it!