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Natural Resources Campus
On December 18, 2001, Jay Exum, then Chairman of our Advisory Board, came to Knoxville and presented a Natural Resources Campus plan to the University of Tennessee Long Range Planning committee. He was accompanied by Bill Kercher, president of their firm. This presentation was done at the request of Jack Britt, Vice President of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The plan calls for development of a research park complex on the Cherokee Farm (the present site of the Dairy Unit which will be moved to a new location in Blount County). The Natural Resources Campus plan also included a nursery for hardwood forest genetics testing, aquaculture ponds, ornamental trial gardens, outdoor recreation facilities, natural greenways, and hiking trails. At the center of the campus would be a conference center, research labs, and office complex. Space would be available for state and federal natural resource agencies wanting to be located on campus and partner with university research and education programs. The plan is a vision for the future. A Natural Resources Campus located at the University of Tennessee will serve the state, the region, and beyond, and will help solve problems and advance the science, management and appreciation of natural resources. What better place to build a research park complex? The University leadership's response to the Natural Resources Campus concept was positive. Imagine what could be!
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