NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee and the Nature Conservancy have collaborated to purchase an undeveloped 8,600-acre property in Johnson County for $8.8 million.
Doe Mountain is one of the largest remaining blocks of forest in private ownership in the Southern Blue Ridge region.
Officials announced Thursday that the property, which contains miles of existing roads and trails, will be open to the public.
Portions of it are expected to allow outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, horseback riding and scenic touring by all-terrain vehicles.
Gov. Bill Haslam says he expects the purchase to create "healthier communities and new jobs from tourism."
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
