Tennessee Unveils New State Recreation Plan
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 | 08:30am
Tennessee 2020 Focuses on Future of Tennessee Parks, People and Landscapes
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke joined local conservation and parks professionals today in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the State Capitol to unveil Tennessee 2020, the state’s new recreation plan. The comprehensive planning document was created with significant public input, and focuses on the future of Tennessee’s parks, people and landscapes. The plan documents the most critical needs facing land conservation and recreational infrastructure over the next 10 years.
“Protecting Tennessee’s priority lands and assuring citizens have the opportunity to enjoy our recreational resources contributes both to our quality of life and to sustainable economic development in our rural communities,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased to see such a comprehensive roadmap for moving forward with recreation and conservation initiatives that have on-the-ground benefits for Tennessee communities.”
The Department of Environment and Conservation developed the plan with public input from a variety of sources, including surveys, public meetings and working groups. It outlines Tennessee recreation goals, including improving public information about recreational opportunities, improving citizens’ health and bolstering Tennessee’s economic climate through sustainable practices.
“This plan will serve as a catalyst for the state to work with communities and other stakeholders to maintain the resources we have, prioritize specific needs for the future and take action to meet those needs,” said Fyke.
Tennessee 2020 has been approved by the National Park Service. Maintainingan up-to-date state recreation plan allows Tennessee to continue receiving Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars from the federal government, which are used for parks and conservation projects across the state.
Tennessee 2020 advances the 2003-2008 Tennessee State Recreation Plan. Both plans are available on the department’s Web site at http://www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/plan.
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