Friends,
2019 was an impactful year for Tennessee Wildlife Federation—from policy action and for participation in our outdoor programs. The groundswell of support that has emerged from every corner of Tennessee has shown that you realize the importance of our great outdoors and are willing to take a stand to conserve it.
It has been so inspirational to see you show up in so many ways to support your natural resources. People of all backgrounds and viewpoints are coming together for clean air and water, healthy habitats, and diverse wildlife because—simply—without those things, everything else stops.
Your time spent in our great outdoors, however you recreate, has spurred a revival and is making an impact for conservation every single day. We hope that in this review of 2019, you find inspiration to keep fighting for the issues that are so crucial to ensuring Tennessee remains the biologically diverse and beautiful state that it is.
Your support has energized us—and we thank you for allowing us to continue to be your voice for wildlife on Capitol Hill throughout our state.
Sincerely,
Michael Butler
Chief Executive Officer
Kendall McCarter
Chief Development Officer
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is about bringing together conservationists with varying interests, backgrounds, and viewpoints. That’s how we get so much done for Tennessee’s many natural resources.
Landowner and State of Tennessee Collaborate to Conserve Habitat
The Federation helped facilitate the expansion of a rare dragonfly habitat in Hardin County. In that West Tennessee paradise are 407 plant species, 132 bird species, 58 butterfly species, and 45 dragonfly and damselfly species. Your support of our conservation efforts help to bring about incredible, habitat conserving partnerships like these. READ MORE
“For a naturalist, this area is just a paradise.”
Allan Trently, manager of Walker Branch State Natural Area
Your Certified Wildlife Habitats Created Sanctuaries
Many of you got your hands dirty and created Certified Wildlife Habitats in your own backyards. Together, individuals and communities across the state created nearly 300 certified wildlife habitats in 2019. From Memphis to Mountain City, native creatures from birds to salamanders now have even more places to live and flourish, thanks to your hard work. READ MORE
Cared for Each Other Through Hunters for the Hungry
Tennessee’s hunters came together again last year and donated more than 581,000 servings of venison to local hunger relief organizations. READ MORE
“Year after year, I am amazed at just how community-minded and generous Tennessee deer hunters and processors are.”
Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager
SPEAKING UP FOR WILDLIFE
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is the only wildlife organization with a regular presence on Capitol Hill in Nashville. And in 2019, we invested in shaping public policy like never before to make sure your voice was heard.
Secured $25M to Fight Asian Carp
Tennessee Wildlife Federation built a coalition that secured $25 million in federal funding to combat Asian carp to include and expand funding in Southern states. Funds can be used to support efforts such as barriers that limit the fish’s movement, contract fishing, commercial fishing incentives, and research. Your support of this issue made it a top priority for lawmakers. READ MORE
“It’s a time-sensitive crisis. Our opportunity to control the spread…is now.”
Frank Fiss, TWRA Fisheries Chief
Protected Basic Rules on Waterways
The Federation assembled a delegation of anglers, paddlers, and fishing guides that reached out to legislators about the critical need for basic rules and data collection for paddlecraft rental companies that have rapidly grown on our rivers. READ MORE
Secured Future of Conservation Fund
With other organizations nationwide, the Federation secured the permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. For the first time in its 50+ year history, the program’s future is guaranteed. READ MORE
“Public lands…give veterans and all Americans peaceful and calming spaces to heal and recreate.”
Billy Minser, III, Vietnam veteran
TODAY’S KIDS ARE TOMORROW’S CONSERVATIONISTS
With Tennessee Wildlife Federation, kids are getting the opportunity to engage in the great outdoors. We are continually inspired by the young people who go through our programs—with their leadership, Tennessee’s conservation movement will be in good hands.
Athlete Changed Team Dynamic, Inspired State
Emily Ferguson inspired her teammates and the whole state when she continued competing in the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program throughout her chemotherapy. And she kept helping others throughout. “Emily is the first athlete in 10 years who’s taken an interest in the younger kids,” said her coach Boyd Wade. READ MORE
“She changed the team dynamic.”
Boyd Wade, coach
Mother and Son Became Hunters Together
“It’s a dream come true for every mom. We learn together and spend time together. When we both see something, we get excited together. It’s beautiful to be out there with Noah—not talking about school or Xbox. It’s beautiful to just be together,” said Melissa Hinson about the experience with her son during a Hunting and Fishing Academy weekend. READ MORE
“It’s a dream come true for every mom. We learn together and spend time together.”
Melissa Hinson, mother of Hunting and Fishing Academy participant
Participation in Conservation Blazed Path to Harvard
Max Phillips’ experiences in the great outdoors—including participating in Hunters for the Hungry—inspired his Harvard admissions essay, “The Two Deaths of Nature”. He completed his freshman year in 2019. READ MORE
“If we neglect the environment, we neglect ourselves. We don’t stand a chance without it.”
Max Phillips, Harvard student
A Growing Organization
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and maintains an advisory board to expand and increase our ability to affect wildlife conservation across Tennessee.
And thanks to the support of involved sportsmen and conservationists, we were able to expand our professional team in 2019. With this added expertise and capacity, the Federation continues to earn its spot among the strongest National Wildlife Federation affiliates.
Board of Directors
Chairman — Ric Wolbrecht (Germantown)
Vice Chairman — Bruce Fox (Knoxville)
Secretary — Anker Browder (Knoxville)
Treasurer — Tommy Bernard (Kingston Springs)
Jim Cameron (Brentwood)
Allen Carter (Athens)
Allen Corey (Chattanooga)
Bobby Goode (Dresden)
Katherine R. Griffin (Dayton)
Monty Halcomb (Wartrace)
Dan Hammond (Franklin)
Terry Lewis (Powell)
Rob Lineberger (Brentwood)
Jean Maddox (Nashville)
Sam Mars, III (Harrogate)
Chris Nischan (Nashville)
Billy Oehmig (Chattanooga)
Richard Speer (Nashville)
Advisory Board
Albert Buckley, Jr. (Franklin)
Chuck Chitty (Chattanooga)
Craig Connors (Williston)
Bill Cox (Collierville)
Bill Dance (Collierville)
Phillip Fulmer, Sr. (Knoxville)
Mike Kelly (Nashville)
Jim Maddox (Nashville)
Colin Reed (Nashville)
Tom Rice (Nashville)
Dr. David Sloas (Cordova)
Brian Sparks (Germantown)
Dr. Ben West (Jackson)
Terry Whitson (Rogersville)
Financials
|
Assets |
3,971,654 |
|
Liabilities |
305,481 |
|
Net Assets |
3,666,173 |
| . | . |
|
Income | . |
|
Donors |
1,342,051 |
|
Foundations |
604,730M |
|
Program |
1,256,597 |
|
Total |
3,203,378 |
| . | . |
|
Expenses |
2,897,797 |
|
Net Increase in Assets |
305,581 |
*Numbers based on audited financials.
