Black Bass, Trout Management Plans Highlighted at October Commission Meeting
BRISTOL, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Fisheries Division presented the final draft for the 2027-36 Tennessee Black Bass Management Plan and also introduced a preview of the Tennessee Trout Management Plan among agenda items at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s October two-day meeting held at Bristol Motor Speedway.
TWRA Fisheries Division staff previewed the Black Bass Management Plan at the August TFWC meeting and incorporated changes to the plan based on public comments. The frequent input theme from five public meetings and the public comment period included more emphasis on aquatic vegetation, a better understanding of the scope of tournaments and impacts, improvement to access and facilities, wake boats, communication, and competing and invasive species.
A preview of the Tennessee Trout Management Plan was presented. TWRA’s current Trout Management Plan expires in 2027, and the Fisheries Division is planning to follow the same process used for the Black Bass Management Plan, incorporating public input throughout the process. An online poll is now underway for trout anglers to express their opinions on current trout management. A stakeholder advisory committee will be formed. The committee, representing a broad range of interests in trout fishing in Tennessee, along with a technical advisory committee comprised of TWRA fisheries staff and external experts, will partner to develop a plan set to begin in 2028.
Commissioner and Audit Committee Chair Ford Little presented a Federally Assisted Program Civil Rights Review. The review, conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior and recently completed by the TWRA, found that the Agency complies with applicable federal civil rights requirements.
The review commended TWRA’s Hunter and Boating Education courses that are provided free of charge and the qualified instructors. The review also praised the “good self-evaluation” in place. Limited issues identified for improvement included documenting existing procedures for informing the public how to file complaints, procedures for displaying signage at facilities, and establishing a log to track complaints.
An update on the Hurricane Helene Recovery Program for northeast Tennessee was given, including damaged TWRA properties and their recovery status. The projects for Highway 400 Lovers Lane, Left Prong Hampton Creek Fish Barrier, and Rankin Access Area have been completed. Locations including Leadvale Boat Ramp on Upper Douglas Reservoir, Blevins Road Boat Ramp on the Watauga River, and Joe Johnson Access Area on the Nolichucky River are scheduled to be completed in December.
Officials from the city of Gatlinburg were guests at Friday’s meeting. The city was recognized for its more than 25 years of partnership with the Agency on bear management. The city’s police received special acknowledgement for handling hundreds of bear-related calls annually.
Austin Parsley was introduced as the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Tennessee Wildlife Officer. Parsley serves as the Madison County game warden and will represent TWRA as the state recipient during the annual SEAWA conference later this month in Nashville.
Parsley maintains a strong and proactive enforcement presence and reflects a balanced approach that combines accountability with education, promoting long-term compliance with the state’s wildlife and boating laws. He was involved in one of the Agency’s premier investigations during the year, resulting in six individuals pleading guilty to the illegal harvest of turkeys and other wildlife violations. He is active in public as well, especially regarding outreach events for youth.
Executive Director Jason Maxedon was at his final TFWC meeting in his current role. He addressed the TFWC and will officially be retiring from the position on Nov. 30. The Commission has formed a search committee to select the next Executive Director.
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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