Hamilton County’s Proposed Land-Use Exchange
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 and advocate for our 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.
Take Action
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Mayor Weston Wamp – Online Form | 423-209-6100
Commissioner Greg Beck (District 5) – Email Form
Commissioner Steve Highlander (District 9) – Email Form
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
