Franklin State Forest reopens after vandalism, theft incident

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Public access to Franklin State Forest in Franklin and Marion counties will resume following a temporary closure due to a vandalism incident in July .

Officials with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture said vandals broke into the forest, damaging and stealing state-owned forestry equipment. The incident happened sometime between July 10-14, according to agriculture officials.

Five Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) dozers and one dozer transport truck and trailer were vandalized, rendering the equipment inoperable and causing at least $1 million in damage. Equipment was also stolen from the vehicle, according to officials.

The forest was immediately closed to public access while law enforcement agencies collected evidence for the still-ongoing investigation.

“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. We 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 generations to come.”

According to the department, during the course of the active investigation and closure three individuals trespassed on the forest and attempted to evade law enforcement. Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) officers apprehended the individuals, and they are now facing criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.

⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com

The investigation involving the ACU, TBI and FBI is ongoing, according to the department.

A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for information leading to the apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the vandalism and theft on Franklin State Forest. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact ACU at 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or agriculture.crime@tn.gov .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.