Nestled in the steep, forested hills of Putnam County, Tennessee, the 106-acre Mill Creek Forest property has been permanently conserved through a voluntary conservation easement donated by Karen Ramsey-Idem and Stephen Idem. This ecologically rich land joins the growing network of protected areas in the region, ensuring that its forests, headwater streams and rare species habitats are safeguarded for generations to come.
Located outside the town of Monterey, Mill Creek Forest is surrounded by mature second-growth forest, boulder-strewn slopes and dramatic escarpments.
The Idems reside in the northwest corner. Beyond this small area, the remainder of the property has been kept in a natural state. No new buildings or residential construction is permitted under the terms of the easement.
“Karen and I want the land to always remain in its current natural state, and we hope that future generations will be able to enjoy it just as we have. We're pleased that our property still has diverse woodlands and abundant wildlife, as well as several streams, ephemeral ponds, sinkholes, and rock bluffs,” Mr. Idem said. “We've recently seen adjacent properties that were indiscriminately clear-cut and bull-dozed, with small streams being filled in. Those properties were then sub-divided and put up for sale. Our desire is to protect our land so that it won't succumb to the threat of such objectionable development and the inevitable sprawl that it brings.”
Officials said, "Mill Creek Forest is not just scenic—it is also ecologically significant. Approximately 0.75 miles of Mill Creek flow along the property’s northern and western borders. This headwater stream feeds into the Calfkiller River, sections of which are designated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as Exceptional Tennessee Waters due to the presence of the federally endangered Cumberland pigtoe mussel (Pleurobema gibberum) and the state-endangered eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis).
"The surrounding forest also provides vital habitat for other rare and sensitive species. Fourteen have been documented near the property, including the cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), a neotropical migratory bird that relies on large tracts of mature hardwood forest. The presence of this species—along with others such as the bedrock shiner (Notropis rupestris), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), and southern cave crayfish (Orconectes australis)—reflects the site’s importance as a biodiversity refuge.
"Mill Creek Forest lies within a designated Urban Focal Area in TennGreen’s Strategic Land Conservation Plan, highlighting its vulnerability to nearby urban growth in Cookeville. Its protection advances multiple statewide and regional conservation goals. According to the 2015 Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), the property ranks as a High terrestrial conservation priority, with Very High priority aquatic habitat along Mill Creek. It also lies within the Middle Cumberland Plateau Conservation Opportunity Area and is considered part of a High conservation value region by the Southeast Conservation Blueprint.
In addition to habitat values, the property contains numerous geological and hydrological features, including documented sinkholes, ephemeral streams, large sandstone cap rocks and rocky seeping areas. These features enhance the landscape’s resilience in a changing climate."
“It was a privilege to work alongside Stephen and Karen to permanently protect Mill Creek Forest,” said Kristen Hanratty, director of Private Land Conservation. “Their deep respect for the land—from its rare species habitat to its springs, slopes, and forests—was evident in every decision they made. This easement not only safeguards an ecologically important place, but it reflects the Idems’ lasting commitment to protecting what makes this region so special.”
“Our collaboration with TennGreen has been a pleasure,” Mr. Idem added. “Kristen has always worked closely with us to ensure that our concerns have been thoroughly addressed in the final agreement. We look forward to working with Kim [Woodward, Stewardship Coordinator, TennGreen] in the future as she visits the Mill Creek Forest property annually to ensure the terms of the agreement will be carried out per our wishes.”
Officials said, "The Mill Creek Forest Conservation Easement restricts future development while allowing the landowners to continue living on the land and practicing sustainable forest management. While one division is permitted under the reserved rights, no additional building envelopes or large-scale timber harvesting will ever be allowed. TennGreen Land Conservancy will monitor the property annually to ensure the conservation values are upheld.
"Stephen and Karen Idem’s decision to protect this land reflects a deep commitment to conserving Tennessee’s natural heritage. Their generosity not only protects an ecologically vital property but also contributes to a growing corridor of protected lands in the region—connecting people, wildlife and water for generations to come."
“We are deeply honored by Stephen and Karen’s trust in TennGreen to protect Mill Creek Forest forever,” said Executive Director Alice Hudson Pell. “Their decision reflects a profound love for this land and a courageous commitment to ensuring it remains wild and vibrant for generations to come. Safeguarding places like this—where rare species thrive and clean water begins—is at the heart of our mission, and it’s a responsibility we carry with gratitude and resolve.”
For more information on conservation easements and Tennessee conservation, contact them by emailing land@tenngreen.org or by calling 615-329-4441.