Purpose: To acquire and protect 2,364 acres of wildlife habitat along the Chickamauga Reservoir in eastern Tennessee. Future project activities will include developing a dependable source of water for wintering waterfowl. Portions of the Smith Bend Refuge serve as a refuge for wintering waterfowl and provide roosting/resting sites for both ducks and geese. The area is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to provide quality wintering habitat for waterfowl and additional hunting opportunities.

Smith Bend Acquisition

Developing infrastructure at Smith Bend

Location: The project is located on the west shore of Chickamauga Reservoir in Rhea County approximately 5 miles northwest of Decatur, TN.

Acres Impacted: 2,364 acres

Habitat Types: Bottomland Hardwoods
Upland Forests / Agricultural Habitats

Partners: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Foothills Land Conservancy
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Timeline: Acquisition was completed in February 2002. Construction was completed summer 2008.