Public access to Franklin State Forest in Franklin and Marion Counties resumed on Monday (8/26/2024) following a temporary closure for a still-ongoing investigation into vandalism and theft of state-owned equipment on the forest.
Sometime during July 10-14, 2024, five Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) dozers and one dozer transport truck and trailer were vandalized, rendering the equipment inoperable and causing at least $1 million in damage. Equipment was also stolen from the vehicles.
During the active investigation and closure, three individuals trespassed on the forest and attempted to evade law enforcement. Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) officers apprehended the individuals, and they are now facing criminal felony and misdemeanor charges.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for information leading to the apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for vandalism and theft on Franklin State Forest.