Cultivating Outdoor Pursuits

People who go outdoors are the heart of conservation. Securing Tennesseans’ access to our public lands and waters is necessary to keep us all engaged and invested in conserving our wildlife, water, and wild places. Whether we hunt, fish, hike, camp, or birdwatch, people who engage in the outdoors pass on their way of life to the next generation. By coming together, sharing our passions, and exploring public lands, we can continue Tennessee’s legacy of conservation for generations to come.

A lone stag in a forest clearing

Chronic Wasting Disease in Tennessee

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a major threat to Tennessee’s deer and elk populations, as well as the conservation funding they generate. Tennessee hunters are at the forefront of managing the spread of CWD and protecting these beloved resources.

Reducing River Overcrowding

Water is a public resource utilized by anglers, boaters, canoers and kayakers, and other recreationists. With a significant increase of recreational use in recent years, overcrowding on Tennessee’s rivers has reached a critical level and solutions are needed so we can all enjoy this natural resource.

Fly fisherman surrounded by kayakers
A close-up look at invasive carp

Invasive Carp Threaten Native Fish

Invasive carp have taken over the Mississippi River system—and have moved aggressively into the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems. These non-native fish are a serious threat to the aquatic species, recreation, and economy in Tennessee, and surrounding states.

Speak out

Let your lawmakers know conservation is important to you.

Help lead Tennessee's wildlife and habitat conservation movement by making your voice heard.

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More Outdoor Pursuits Concerns

Two volunteers in camo help clear fallen limbs

Growing Need for Long-Term Funding

The hard-earned conservation successes from the past century are at risk. In the early 1900s, conservationists ignited a movement to find management and funding solutions for our land, wildlife, forests, and water. The problems of today are more complex but share the same foundations. This means it is time to come together again to address the growing need for long-term conservation funding.

Keep Public Land in Public Hands

Approximately 10 percent—2.4 million acres—of Tennessee land is public land, yet public land generates $30 billion for Tennessee’s economy every year.

Walking in the forest along a trail

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Make Your gift for tennessee's wildlife and great outdoors.

Tennessee's wildlife, water, and wild places are under more pressure than any time in decades. Conservationists like you make all the difference.