Defending Streams, Rivers, & Wetlands
Water is the most essential natural resource. Fish, wildlife, and Tennesseans themselves all depend on it for survival. But thousands of miles of Tennessee’s rivers and streams are not able to support the aquatic life, water supply needs, and public recreation they are intended to support. Tennessee Wildlife Federation works to ensure this critical natural resource is managed appropriately as our state continues to grow.
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.
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.
Stop Litter, Preserve the Land We Love
Tennessee has a pollution problem. Litter affects wildlife, agriculture, recreation, and much more—all of which lead to negative impacts on Tennessee’s economy, health, and wild places.
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More Streams, Rivers, & Wetlands Concerns
Inadequate Water Resource Management
Regional growth is good for the economy, but if not done responsibly it will have detrimental impacts on the lands, water, and wildlife that draw many people to Tennessee. The health and abundance of Tennessee’s waterways needs time and resources to plan and monitor regularly.
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.
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Modernizing the Endangered Species Act
There are efforts underway to modernize the Endangered Species Act, which was originally written in 1973. Because only 3 percent of listed species have recovered during the past 45 years, changes...
Pushing Back on Exemptions to Aquatic Protections
Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s conservation policy team regularly tracks proposals and rule changes by local, state, and national groups. These would otherwise go unchallenged and could have...
Representing Fish & Anglers on State Water Plan
Tennessee Wildlife Federation was instrumental in Governor Haslam’s development of the TN H2O, Tennessee’s first-ever statewide water plan. (Tennessee is one of the few states without one!) The...