Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation to enhance the state’s conservation efforts and increase access to Tennessee’s outdoor spaces. The announcement was made at the second annual Tennessee Conservation Summit in Nashville, where stakeholders gathered to discuss conservation priorities and strategies.
Governor Lee emphasized that the new office aims to leverage Tennessee’s natural resources to improve quality of life and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors. Brian Clifford has been appointed as the director to lead the office, which will be based at TDEC in Nashville.
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“This office will help us leverage Tennessee’s unparalleled natural resources and beauty to improve our quality of life and create lasting memories for Tennessee families and visitors,” Lee said.
TDEC Commissioner David Salyers also expressed optimism about the office’s potential impact on state conservation initiatives. “The governor and the legislature have given us the means and leadership to make conservation a priority across the state,” he said. “We want this office to be as effective as it can be, and we’re excited about what this means for Tennessee. The office will play a vital role in our mission.”
Brian Clifford noted that conservation requires collaboration among various partners and that the new office will build on existing momentum to protect and share Tennessee’s outdoor resources. “Conservation is a team sport, including federal, state, local, and private partners,” Clifford said. “We’re already making great strides to protect and share Tennessee’s great outdoors, and this new office will capitalize on that momentum. The office is one of, if not the most, comprehensive offices of outdoor recreation in the nation, with a strong focus on actually getting things done on the ground.”
The office was established using existing resources to further state conservation efforts without expanding government. A major focus will be Governor Lee’s Tennessee Blueways initiative, which aims to develop high-quality water trails across the state to ensure clean and accessible waterways.
“Tennessee is blessed with world-class rivers and fisheries, and our communities across this state, particularly rural areas, want better access to these unique waterways,” Clifford said.
Governor Lee’s Conservation Strategy includes creating new parks, improving state waterways, and encouraging more Tennesseans to enjoy the state’s natural resources. The strategy aims to drive economic prosperity, particularly in rural areas, while protecting natural resources, improving health, and enhancing quality of life.
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, praised the initiative, stating, “Governor Lee and the agency leads from the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership who helped generate today’s announcement are showing the nation what the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy means for states and communities. The new office will take Tennessee’s $11.9 billion outdoor recreation economy to the next level and help promote strong relationships between agencies and with communities of all sizes to connect Tennessee’s residents to the great outdoors. We can’t wait to support their future work and watch the economic, health, and community benefits this new office will create.”
To learn more about the new Office of Outdoor Recreation visit this link.
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Tennessee State Parks Offer Free Camping and Golf for Veterans
Tennessee State Parks are honoring U.S. military Veterans with free camping and golf on the birthdays of each military branch and on Veterans Day, starting August 4, 2024, and leading up to the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026. Veterans can claim these benefits by providing proof of Veteran status and contacting the parks or golf courses directly. More information can be found here.