The Big East Fork AGRIHOOd - A Forest Community of watershed stewards, FARMERs, And Artists
We are a community of about 20 families, living privately and sharing common recreational and agricultural land on over 3000 acres of forested and cultivated watershed. Miles of trails on private and non-profit land are maintained by the Center of Sustainable Stewardship (CSS) , residential community members, and leasing farmers. Some common areas are periodically accessible to the public, but access to trails on private land is at the discretion of the land owner. Agricultural areas may be used by community residents and leasing farmers committed to regenerative practices.
Our new neighbors are required to become members of our Agrihood and contribute to a limited-access network of hiking trails, creeks, ponds, meadows, and pasture. Agrihood members may enjoy such amenities as the headwaters of Big East Fork Creek, Lake Gratitude and its Lakeside Lodge and Lounge, adjacent recreational grounds, artist studios and stages, community garden, farm animals, and community supported agriculture..
We understand the importance of creating future stewards and sharing our valley with others, while not “over-sharing” it, and securing the safety of our community of stewards. Agrihood memberships start at $500/month
The residents of the Big East Fork watershed are composed of several groups:
1) New owners who buy ot rent residences and are required to join the Big East Fork Agrihood Association (BEFAA),
2) Existing owners/renters of homes and land within the Big East Fork Watershed (BEFAA membership optional),
3) Present longterm renters of property located in the watershed,
4) Guests in short-term-rentals desiring accommodation and agrarian/forest experiences,
5) New long-term lease holders of property currently in the Big East Fork conservation easement (BEFAA membership required),
6) Farmers leasing land or living in subsidized housing and supported by members of the BEFAA and the greater community, Farmers are committed to regenerative farming practices overseen by the Center for Sustainable Stewardship.
7) Artists, and makers living in co-housing arrangements living in short term rentals through third party arrangements (AirBnB, VRBO)
Our community envisions sharing common meeting and recreational space centered around the existing private farms, Lake Gratitude, Hallelujah Hollow, and the Lakeside Lodge. We look forward to adding future structures to be added by Community agreement.
Extent of area in Williamson County protected by the proposed Big East Fork Agrihood.
Big East Fork Agrihood Association membership:
Membership in the BEFAA is required for all new homeowners desiring the benefits gained by joining (gardening, shares of produce from our community supported agriculture (CSA), farming opportunities, and livestock privileges, access to community walking trails, private 24/7 access to the community forest, the Lakeside Lodge, and Lake Gratitude, and the fellowship of like-minded stewards). BEFAA fees cover costs of the Community Farm, community meeting center, maintenance of common watercraft, and any common costs agreed to by the BEFAA. Private land is of course, the property of the owner, but may have hiking easements across it that other BEFAA members may enjoy provided that hiking easements do not disturb the reasonable privacy of the landowner. The Association is managed by its members who will agree to an annual budget and what benefits are provided to its members.
Members of the Rocky Top Forest Community (Entrance off Parker Branch Rd) may use the Gratitude Trail easement to walk, bike, or ride their side-by-side off-road vehicles to visit the Lakeside Lodge (social club and lakeside lounge) and Lake Gratitude. Dues from the Rocky Top Forest Community Association pay for maintenance of their particular common recreational areas.
Members of the Rocky Top Forest Community may use the Gratitude Trail easement to walk, bike, or ride their side-by-side off-road vehicles to visit the Lakeside Lodge (social club and lakeside lounge) and Lake Gratitude. Dues from the Rocky Top Forest Community Association pay for maintenance of their particular common recreational areas.
Big East Fork Watershed Community
Land for Sale. Click here
6 to 9 lots off Parker Branch Road (388 acres)
4 lots between Bedford Creek Rd and Big East Fork Rd
West Fork Hollow (“Yellow chain”) building sites
5594 Big East Fork Rd
5596 Big East Fork Rd
5190 Firetower Rd (5400 Big East Fork Rd)
Big East Fork Heritage Trust
Houses for Sale by Del/Dane Partners
5327 Big East Fork Rd
5575 Big East Fork Rd
5596 Big East Fork Rd
5141 Firetower Rd
5155 Firetower Road
5215 Backbone Ridge Rd
Subsidized Rental Housing for farmers and creatives
5350 Big East Fork Rd
5576 Big East Fork Rd
5575 Big East Fork Rd
5155 Firetower Rd
5141 Firetower Rd
Existing farms: Downing Farms, Dr. Zo’s Chicken Farm, Lambmas Sheep Farm, Big East Fork Farm
Short term rentals: Through AirBnb, VRBO and theforkinn.com
Land Leases 50 and 100 year leases: Backbone Ridge Rd, various sites Big East Fork Rd, Fire Tower Rd, Poor House Rd, and Backbone Ridge Rd in Franklin TN
Regenerative Farming Leases available from Big East Fork Farms
Grazing Leases
Members may contribute to the establishment of a local art center such as:
https://www.skowheganart.org/home. or
If you have gotten this far, you are probably interested. Please fill out and submit the form below. Share your ideas about what we could be!
What amendments you would like to considered to the above Agrihood Association ? Let us know below.