Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced the establishment of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. This new initiative aims to enhance the state’s conservation efforts and improve access to outdoor opportunities.
The announcement was made during the Tennessee Conservation Summit in Nashville, a gathering of key stakeholders focused on aligning priorities and strategies for state conservation. This initiative aligns with the broader conservation strategy spearheaded by Gov. Lee, focusing on creating new parks, and improving state waterways.
Brian Clifford has been appointed as the director of the new office, which will be headquartered at TDEC in Nashville. Clifford’s role will be important in ensuring the office meets its goals of conservation and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities.
“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,” Gov. Lee said.
Clifford noted the collaborative nature of conservation, involving federal, state, local, and private partners. “Conservation is a team sport. We’re already making great strides to protect and share Tennessee’s great outdoors, and this new office will capitalize on that momentum.”
TDEC Commissioner David Salyers also emphasized the office’s significance in advancing state conservation priorities. “The governor and the legislature have given us the means and leadership to make conservation a priority across the state. We want this office to be as effective as it can be, and we’re excited about what this means for Tennessee,” he said.
According to a press release, the office was created using existing resources, ensuring that it supports conservation efforts without expanding government size. One of its first initiatives is the Tennessee Blueways project, which aims to develop “high-quality” water trails across the state.
“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 stated.
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, praised the establishment of the new office.
“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,” Turner explained.
