A $10,000 reward is now being offered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) for information leading to the apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for vandalism and theft on Franklin State Forest.

“As investigators continue to collect evidence at the scene in Franklin County, we are asking for the public’s help with information about the recent crimes,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Early estimates of the $1 million loss to forestry equipment leave taxpayers footing the bill.”

Sometime during July 12-14, 2024, vandals bypassed a secured gate on Franklin State Forest and ruined five TDF dozers and damaged one transport truck. In addition to spray painting threatening messages, they stole equipment, slashed tires, cut wires and hoses in engine compartments, broke windows, and tampered with fuel tanks.

“The extent of damage to this state property is shocking, and the cost to taxpayers is expected to be equally staggering,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We are thankful no employees were hurt and urge visitors to always be aware of their surroundings and report anything unusual they see while visiting state forests. While ACU Special Agents and other law enforcement officers are on site investigating, Franklin State Forest will remain closed to protect public safety and to secure evidence.”

“We cannot speculate to the motivation for this destruction, but we are aware of public opposition to harvesting operations at Franklin State Forest,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “Just like other agricultural crops, cutting timber is part of the continuous cycle of regeneration, growth, maturation, and harvest. Harvesting timber is essential for forest health and when done properly, ensures the forest will continue to thrive for generations to come. It is disappointing that someone has possibly taken their opposition to forest management to an extreme level.”

TDF dozers that were vandalized are essential for fighting wildland fires and are now out of service. TDF stands ready to deploy resources from other parts of the state to handle any wildfire emergencies that may arise in the Cumberland region.

The forest will remain closed to visitors while evidence is gathered. TDA will announce when law enforcement officers complete their investigation and the forest reopens.

Anyone with information that could help identify who is responsible for the crimes on Franklin State Forest are asked to contact ACU at 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or agriculture.crime@tn.gov.