Newsroom

TWRA personnel joined thousands of visitors at the Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB) open house recently as the installation celebrated its 75th anniversary.

TWRA recently partnered with 4 H to host the fifth annual Wild Child Camp for 20 elementary age students in Hamblen County. The three day program introduces youth to hunting, fishing, boating, and essential outdoor skills through hands-on learning led by TWRA staff and volunteers.

Did you know that the Duck River in Middle Tennessee supports one of the richest freshwater mussel populations in the state, with more mussel species than almost any other river in Tennessee? This was just one of the many fascinating insights presented at the Tennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) 2026 Annual Conference by Brittany Bajo-Walker Statewide Mollusk Conservation Coordinator and Aquatic Biologist with the TWRA, who shared her expertise on freshwater mussels and aquatic conservation in Tennessee.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region II Biodiversity Survey Manager Michaela Bass Zaidan, started a project with construction classes at Oakland High School (OHS) in Murfreesboro.

The 2026 Tellico Trout Festival was held in downtown Tellico Plains drawing more than 5,000 attendees to celebrate the region’s thriving trout industry. This annual event continues to bring anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families together for a day of education, entertainment, food, and outfitter services, all while promoting public awareness of trout management in East Tennessee.

TWRA has completed the replacement of two of four fishing piers located on catch-and-release ponds within Sharp Springs Natural Area.

As the school year came to an end across Tennessee, many schools hosted traditional Career Day events to inspire students and explore future opportunities.

TWRA recently supported the 5th Annual Fishing at the Fountain event by providing rainbow trout from Buffalo Springs Hatchery for students in the Morristown East High School Work-Based Learning Program.

SCOTT COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the temporary closure of a portion of Montgomery Fork Road within the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) after recent rain events caused significant erosion and a hazardous road washout.

TWRA had an active role in the 2026 Tennessee FFA State Convention held in Gatlinburg. With nearly 4,000 high school agriculture and natural resources students in attendance, the event provided an excellent opportunity for students to interact with game wardens, biologists, and other team members.

Mallory Tate Cogburn, TWRA Region II Biologist, recently led a group of girls from a local American Heritage Girls troop as they worked toward earning their Zoology badge.

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.