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Conservation and Natural Resources: Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation  

Contact Information

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue

Tennessee Tower - 2nd Floor

Nashville, TN 37243

David W. Salyers, Commissioner (615) 532-0109

For direct contact numbers, click here.

About the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

  • Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system;
  • Protecting and promoting human health and safety;
  • Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources; and
  • Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences.

Our department is committed to providing a cleaner, safer environment that goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity and increased quality of life in Tennessee.  We deliver on our mission through managing regulatory programs that maintain standards for air, water and soil quality while providing assistance to businesses and communities in areas ranging from recreation to waste management.  We also manage the state park system and programs to inventory, interpret and protect Tennessee’s rich natural, historical and archaeological heritage.

Conservation Programs and Projects

The Tennessee Division of Archaeology (TDOA) is dedicated to the documentation and preservation of Tennessee's historic and prehistoric archaeological resources. The Division’s responsibilities include 1) maintaining the official State archaeological Site File and site information archive; 2) working with other State agencies to protect and manage archaeological sites on State lands; 3) surveying the state to identify and record archaeological sites; 4) archaeological site protection and preservation; and 5) archaeological research with the results published in professional and popular formats.

The Division of Archaeology maintains records of all known archaeological sites in the state (over 26,000 at last count).  The archaeological Site File continues to grow as new sites are recorded and site information is updated.  Archaeological investigations carried out on State lands require a permit issued by the TDOA.  The Division’s Federal Programs Archaeologist works with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to review federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects in the state and assess their potential to affect archaeological sites.

For more information about Tennessee's Archaeological Department, click here.

For more information about Tennessee's Recreational Services, click here.

The Division of Natural Areas is dedicated to the protection and proper management of native plants, animals, and natural communities across Tennessee. Along with managing a state-wide system of natural areas, the Division of Natural Areas is a lead authority regarding the location and ecology of Tennessee’s rare species. With experts in conservation biology, botany, zoology, ecology, natural resource management, and geographic information systems (GIS), Division of Natural Areas professionals focus their efforts on searches, monitoring, conservation, restoration, and management of Tennessee's native species and plant communities. Data gathered by division biologists help guide the Bureau of Parks and Conservation in protecting Tennessee’s special places as state parks or natural areas. We also assist other land-management agencies, conservation organizations, and individuals to determine proper management of plants and animals on Tennessee’s protected lands and private property. Furthermore, rare species data maintained by the division are used by individuals, companies, and public agencies in the environmental permitting and review process.

For more information about Tennessee's Natural Areas, click here.

Mobile Apps

Download the TWRA On the Go App.

Take the TWRA with you when you’re on the go! Fingertip access to buy your licenses, renew boats, and report and see your harvests online; Always know when sunrise and sunset is in your neck of the woods; Find a WMA, Check Stations, Hunters for the Hungry Processors, Fishing Spots, Boat Ramps, and Wildlife Viewing Areas near you (and even get directions)! You can also upload your favorite trophy, and lots more!

Look for the following symbol to make sure you download the correct app.

TWRA On The Go