Federation Adds Conservation Veteran to Policy Team

Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to the conservation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources, has grown its public policy capacity with the addition of Lindsay Gardner.

As the Federation’s conservation policy manager, a new position for the organization, Gardner will conduct intensive research and manage outreach to stakeholders and policymakers. Her work will enable the Federation to provide even better insights about the effects of public policies on conservation and guide the creation of new, science-based conservation policy.

“For 70 plus years, Tennessee Wildlife Federation has sought to lead the conservation, sound management and wise use of our state’s wildlife and outdoors. We’ve done that by being a thoughtful, well informed voice on the Hill and to our government agencies,” said Michael Butler, CEO of Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “Lindsay’s technical and practical experience in conservation will help us cover more ground and strengthen our role as the go-to source for wildlife issues.”

Gardner has extensive experience in conservation, including as a conservation educator and communicator, project and program manager, and non-profit administrator. Prior to joining the Federation, she served as communications and habitat restoration program manager for the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership. She also worked as the executive director of the Red River Watershed Association and as director of science and restoration programs for the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

“Lindsay is the perfect complement to our team including Joe McCord, who we began working with earlier this year on issues with the Tennessee General Assembly,” said Butler.

Among other accomplishments during the last legislative session, the Federation secured $2.3 million in recurring funding for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Not a new tax, these funds are to be used on public waters to address issues such as invasive species, access and law enforcement.

Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. and a master’s degree in social anthropology from the University of London. Gardner enjoys activities on the water, hiking and wildlife watching.