Newsroom

TWRA sponsored the Tennessee Stem Innovation Network (TSIN) 2025-26 Statewide Design Challenge, focusing on “Protecting, Restoring, and Promoting Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems.”

The removal of Harms Mill Dam in Lincoln County has restored the Elk River to its natural state, and the benefits are immeasurable. The completion of the project has reestablished a free-flowing river, enhanced ecological health, and allows aquatic species to pass freely throughout the river.

TWRA Region IV Lt. Andy Collins has retired, concluding an impressive career that spanned more than three decades with the Agency.

Region IV Species Program Biologist Sterling Daniels and a team of Region IV wildlife officers and volunteers recently installed several wood duck boxes along the Nolichucky River in Greene County.

Gov. Bill Lee and his wife, Maria, took part in a duck banding event at the Lauderdale Refuge in late February. During the event, the Governor and First Lady assisted in attaching leg bands and GPS backpacks to several ducks.

The Ashtin Grimes Youth Squirrel Hunt in Wayne County marked a major milestone in February, celebrating its 10th year of bringing young hunters together for a day in the woods.

Students in the Wildlife and Fisheries Science class at Cumberland Gap High School recently participated in a unique educational program focused on furbearer trapping and predator control.

The TWRA has been presented the National Wild Turkey Federation's (NWTF) prestigious “Diamond Legacy Award” for its long-standing partnership.

Robertson County wildlife officer Jason Shapton recently partnered with the city of Springfield and Hero Hunt Inc. to organize a special goose hunt at a local city park.

Micheala Bass-Zaidan recently completed survey work on a 3-year research project focused on eastern box turtles in Middle Tennessee’s Central Basin. Her study examined both micro- and macro-habitat use to better understand how these turtles move and behave across a changing landscape.

Four wildlife officers were honored by the Tennessee State Chapter of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation (NWTF) as “Wildlife Officer of the Year” for their respective regions.

A group of high school students from Shelbyville Central High School spent an afternoon at the Normandy Fish Hatchery enjoying hands-on learning about wildlife and conservation.

The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival was successful, as a near record crowd of 5,200 attended the event held Jan. 17-18 at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center.

Members of the TWRA Honor Guard recently participated in a two-day training session at the John Sevier Range alongside the University of Tennessee ROTC Dragoons.

Wally Akins has retired as Assistant Chief for the Wildlife and Forestry Division, Field Operations. Wally had been serving in the position since the summer of 2020.