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Moser Family Farm The Land Trust got its start protecting special lands amid the rolling countryside surrounding Nashville. Recently though, we’ve begun to hear more from landowners in our eastern counties, and we are excited to announce the completion of a conservation easement with the Moser Family in Jefferson City. Our Eastern residents are blessed with dramatic hills and Smoky Mountain backdrops, and the Moser family has lived, farmed and enjoyed this scenery in Jefferson County for nearly two centuries. They have witnessed many changes, but nothing compares to the increased growth and development in their community as people move out from Knoxville or relocate to Tennessee from elsewhere in the country. Jay Moser, owner of the successful limestone distribution company, Tennessee Valley Resources, welcomes the newcomers and the economic growth they bring. However, he is concerned about conversion of farmland in the region, as agricultural history is a strong part of his community. His original family farm was flooded by TVA for nearby lake, but Jay owns large tracts of land nearby and has been successfully no-till farming for 30 years. After consulting with his family, he decided to place a conservation easement on two tracts of spectacular farmland totaling 590 acres. One of the tracts was the site of the Civil War Battle of Mossy Creek, and both contain prime farmland and important scenic qualities. Mr. Moser will continue to farm his land, but he can be assured the land will always be open and available for agriculture long after he is gone. He hopes his actions will be an inspiration to others in the community to conserve the rich farmlands of his region. The Land Trust is thrilled to partner with the Moser family as it expands into eastern counties. We hope this will be the first of many conservation successes in East Tennessee. 
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