Tennessee Tourism releases 2020 Tennessee Vacation Guide

2020 Tennessee Vacation Guide has Three Distinct Covers that Showcase Scenic Beauty Across the State

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development unveiled its official 2020 Tennessee Vacation Guide.

For the first time, the guide features three distinct covers that showcase the breadth of picturesque landscapes across the state, including treasures like Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville, Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area in Tullahoma and Jane Bald at Roan Mountain in Carter County.

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Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Aviation Unit trains for Emergency Response Missions

Unit Routinely Called Upon for Rescues, Emergency Situations, Investigations Across Tennessee

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Aviation Unit recently trained for emergency rescue missions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with rangers from the National Park Service and the Tennessee State Parks, and first responders from across east Tennessee.

The training exercises, which took place in the Cades Cove area of the park, focused on air rescue and evacuation practices. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is the only state agency that operates helicopters in its aviation section.

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Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission returns to Nashville for February 2014 Meeting

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission will be presented with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s new strategic plan proposal during its February meeting.

The TFWC will be returning to Nashville and the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building after holding its January meeting in Memphis. Committee meetings will be held (Thursday) February 13th at 1:00pm while the formal TFWC meeting is (Friday) February 14th at 9:00am. [Read more]

Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens for 5 Days

Nashville, TN – Tennessee travelers, we’re happy to announce the gates of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopen Wednesday, October 16th to visitors. All attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers and facilities will be open.

Fall is a peak season for the Smokies along with our gateway towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend. Let us help you plan your trip today. Visit our Fall Foliage Report to see how the splendor of fall color is changing from Memphis to Bristol.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V8vBFL-2ns[/youtube] [Read more]

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responds to Gold Mining concerns in Tennessee Streams and Rivers

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has received a series of complaints recently from various recreational users concerning dredging activities on the Little River in Blount County.

Complaints are centered on practices that include the use of suction dredges to excavate large holes in the river bottom, and the discharge of muddy water downstream from dredging activities. Also, there has been the blanketing of shoals with sediment, petroleum products on the water, and the use of high pressure hoses to blast holes in the river bank. [Read more]

TWRA reports State of Tennessee extends Public Caves Closure into Fourth Year to Protect Bats in Southeast

Nashville, TN – Caves located on state lands in Tennessee will remain closed in an effort to slow the spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) among the state’s bat population.

During the upcoming year, state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations will consult with recreational caving organizations to determine how to best manage the spread of this disease while maintaining high quality recreation. Biologists will also continue to work with researchers to better understand WNS and determine the best ways to mitigate the effects of WNS on Tennessee’s bats. [Read more]