NASHVILLE MAN INDICTED FOR CUTTING DOWN DOZENS OF TREES IN SAVAGE GULF STATE PARK TO IMPROVE VIEW
A Nashville man is facing felony charges after authorities say he illegally cleared dozens of trees from Savage Gulf State Park to open up a view for a private home under construction.
Charles Trost was indicted by a Grundy County Grand Jury on July 21, 2026, on one count of vandalism over $60,000 and under $250,000, a Class B felony.
The investigation launched in April 2025 when state park officials alerted the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) about unauthorized timber cutting along the park boundary near Beersheba Springs. According to investigators, the trees were cut down and left on the ground. A forestry consultant valued the damaged timber at $112,735.90.
Trost surrendered to authorities following a bench warrant issued on July 22, 2026, and was released after posting a $10,000 cash bond. If convicted, he faces eight to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
State agriculture officials emphasized the severity of the offense.
“Tennessee’s state parks and forests belong to every Tennessean, and protecting these treasured natural resources is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt.
ACU Chief Greg Whitehead echoed those sentiments, noting that unauthorized timber cutting permanently alters public landscapes.
The ACU investigates agricultural and environmental crimes across Tennessee, including timber theft and property damage. Anyone with information on similar incidents can contact the ACU at 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463).
