TWRA Recognizes Contributions from NWTF & Austin Knight Foundation

CHATTANOOGA --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recognized two partner contributions at the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission (TFWC) meeting held at the Tennessee Aquarium Friday morning. The National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Tennessee State Chapter presented a $250,000 check to the agency, and the Agency recognized the Austin Knight Foundation (AKF) for several years of donations, both supporting critical habitat management projects.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our conservation partners,” said Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “These generous donations from NWTF and the Austin Knight Foundation directly support our mission to conserve Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for future generations. Partnerships like these are vital to the success of our programs and stewardship of our state’s outdoor heritage.”

The NWTF’s donation will be put towards the Agency’s landmark acquisition of Hatchie Bottom Property, a 7,457-acre expanse of ecologically rich bottomland hardwood forest along the Hatchie River. NWTF’s total commitment to this acquisition will be $250,000, including this year’s $170,000 contribution. This brings NWTF’s total contributions to the agency for habitat management support to more than $500,000 since 2008. Since 1973, the NWTF has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat across the nation.

The AKF has played a key role in habitat restoration at Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area (WMA), contributing $30,000 to-date, matched with grant funds, for a total impact of $96,000. Founded to honor Austin Knight’s love of the outdoors, AKF and Tristar Hat and Apparel continue his legacy through conservation. In spring 2023, AKF donated $10,000 to the NWTF for habitat work in Tennessee. Partnering with TWRA, that gift was leveraged into $34,000 in grant funding, enhancing habitat for wild turkeys and other species at Chuck Swan WMA in Sharps Chapel, one of Knight’s favorite places to enjoy the outdoors.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

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