---
title: Smiley | Conservation Mitigation Easement | Unique Places to Save
description: The Smiley Conservation Easement in TN showcases the successful partnership between ecological conservation & agricultural activities on a historically significant property
image: https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/smiley%20farm%20conservation%20easement.jpg
---
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# Smiley | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Michael Scisco - July 2024
### Total Acres
15.6
### Project Year
2024
##### Located in Knox County TN
[](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/our-values#badge)The Smiley Conservation Easement is a remarkable project and a great example of pairing ecological conservation with agricultural working lands. This easement protects 4,458 feet of restored stream channel, contributing significantly to local ecosystem health and water quality enhancement. In partnership with [Water and Land Solutions](https://waterlandsolutions.com/), this project marks our fifth successful conservation project in Tennessee, demonstrating our continued commitment to preserving the state's natural beauty and ecological diversity.
One of the unique aspects of the Smiley Conservation Easement is its adjacency to an active farm, emphasizing that ecological conservation efforts can coexist with agricultural activities. The larger farm property also includes an [NRCS Wetland Reserve Easements](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/wre-wetland-reserve-easements) (WRE) that is adjacent to the Unique Places to Save easement. The WRE easement plays a crucial role in maintaining the area's wetland ecosystems and highlights the importance of protecting riparian areas while simultaneously supporting sustainable farming practices.
The now conserved land has been in the same family for generations, adding a layer of historical significance to the project. Smiley Clapp, the landowner, has used the farm for [Civil War reenactments](https://archive.knoxnews.com/entertainment/battle-of-fort-sanders-re-enactment-planned-ep-510313012-355415311.html), some of which have been televised, enriching the cultural tapestry of the area. This unique blend of historical, agricultural, and ecological values makes the Smiley Conservation Easement a standout project, showcasing how land conservation can preserve both our natural and cultural heritage while supporting active agriculture.
##### Mitigation Partner
Our Role
### Conservation Easement Grantee
Mitigation Type
### Stream & Wetland Restoration Enhancement
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About the Author
Michael brings nearly 20 years of experience to his role as Trusted Conservation Advisor at Unique Places to Save. He has worked to conserve over 200,000 acres across the U.S. while securing over $200M in funding and transacting $500M in land and other real estate.
[Learn More](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/michael-scisco-conservation-expert)
#### We are a trusted non-profit partner for mitigation banks seeking high-quality conservation projects
[Learn More](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/conservation-mitigation)
[Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking), [Tennessee](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/tennessee), [Projects](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/projects)
Michael Scisco, September 2026
### [What Happens After a Mitigation Bank is Complete?](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/mitigation-bank-long-term-management)
Regulatory closeout is a major milestone for a mitigation bank. It confirms that the required restoration or enhancement work has been completed, performance standards have been met, and the formal monitoring and maintenance period can end....
[Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking), [Tennessee](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/tennessee), [Projects](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/projects)
Mandi Taylor, September 2026
### [The Impossibility of Capturing Nature in a PDF](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/baseline-documentation-report)
Every profession has the gap between what the job looks like on paper and what actually happens on the ground. In land conservation, that divide can be neatly summarized by one specific, legal document: the Baseline Documentation Report (BD...
[Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking), [Tennessee](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/tennessee), [Projects](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/projects)
Mandi Taylor, September 2026
### [Behind the Scenes of Land Stewardship](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/what-does-a-land-steward-do)
When people think of land conservation wins, they usually picture all the work and coordination required to place land with rich ecological, historical, or cultural value into a conservation easement. And they are right to celebrate those e...
[Mitigation Banking](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking), [Tennessee](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/tennessee), [Projects](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/projects)
Sam Warnock, August 2026
### [The River That Built a Town: Ramseur’s Past Shapes Future Conservation (Part Two)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/the-river-that-built-a-town-ramseurs-past-shapes-future-conservation-part-two)
This is the second installment in a two-part series on the Deep River restoration project in Ramseur, North Carolina. For this series, I sat down with Mayor Hampton Spivey and Town Clerk Carol Akers to hear how growing up alongside the Deep...
[](https://app.candid.org/profile/9341350/unique-places-to-save-46-2076094/?pkId=e9b6f29d-825a-42e5-88cd-e7520d3fe801)
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