Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

08/28/2026

Curious about Tennessee’s past?

Join TDEC’s Tennessee Division of Archaeology on September 12, 2026, at the Tennessee State Library & Archives in Nashville for the Current Research in Tennessee Archaeology conference.

This free, day-long event is open to everyone and highlights the latest archaeological research happening across the state. Attendees will hear from archaeologists and students as they share new discoveries, ongoing research and insights into Tennessee’s history.

Whether you’re a student, professional, history enthusiast or simply curious, CRITA is a great opportunity to learn more about the people, places and stories that shaped Tennessee.

View the full schedule and details: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/archaeology/crita/crita-2026.html

08/27/2026

Today, TDEC joined Knox County Government and community partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Operation Hero’s Hill in Knoxville.

This project transformed a former brownfield site near Liberty Street into housing for veterans. It includes tiny homes, a community center, and supportive services designed to help residents thrive.

TDEC was proud to support remediation at the property through a $500,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant, helping make this meaningful reuse possible.

We are honored to be part of a project that gives new purpose to the land and new opportunity to those who served.

08/26/2026

For eight years, Governor Bill Lee has made protecting Tennessee’s natural resources and expanding opportunities to enjoy the outdoors a priority.
From conserving lands and waterways to investing in Tennessee State Parks and outdoor recreation, that commitment has helped protect what makes Tennessee special. As his time as governor draws to a close, we’re reflecting on that work and a conservation legacy that will benefit Tennesseans for generations to come.

Click the link below to access this video with descriptive audio by using the video settings, clicking "audio track", and selecting "English Descriptive.": https://youtu.be/_liRNSsxLkU

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton didn't just come from the mountains of East Tennessee. She carried them in her heart.

Dolly spoke and sang about the land that raised her with a deep sense of love and belonging. The Smokies were part of her story, their mountains, forests and natural beauty inspiring her music and shaping the way she shared Tennessee with the world.

That love showed in how she gave back. She lent her voice to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encouraged others to care for the land, and when wildfire devastated the mountains and communities she loved, she was there for her neighbors. She described the Smokies as “sacred ground” and believed deeply in taking care of what we’ve been given.

At TDEC, we know the places we protect are more than land on a map. They shape our stories, our communities and who we become. Few people showed that connection between people and place quite like Dolly.

Thank you, Dolly, for loving this land and for helping the world love it, too. 🦋

📸: Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park - Flag Pond, TN

08/24/2026

More than 50 years of service to Tennessee State Parks. 🌳

If you’ve visited Cummins Falls State Park, you’ve experienced part of Ray Cutcher’s legacy. Just one day after the state acquired the property, Ray transferred to become park manager. Three months later, he and his team opened Tennessee’s 54th state park.

Ray remembers there was “not really a plan” and no dedicated budget. What they had was a team willing to figure it out together.

More than 50 years into his career, Cummins Falls stands as a reminder of what a lifetime of public service can leave behind.

Ray, thank you for your extraordinary service to Tennessee State Parks. 💚

08/21/2026

There’s a new state park in Tennessee! 🎉

Today, we officially welcomed Clinch River Valley State Park as the 67th park in the Tennessee State Parks family.

Set along the Clinch River in Hancock County, the new park protects 21 acres and gives visitors another way to experience one of Tennessee’s most special waterways. Stop by the visitor center in historic Kyles Ford, take a walk, get out on the river or simply enjoy the views.

And this is just the beginning. We’re working with partners and the community to plan what comes next for Clinch River Valley State Park.

For now, we’re pretty excited to say it: Welcome to Tennessee State Parks, Clinch River Valley! 💚

State Senator Jessie Seal State Representative Gary Hicks Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration

08/13/2026

08/10/2026

Collaboration is helping shape the future of Ozone Falls State Natural Area.

TDEC recently joined myTDOT, the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), and other stakeholders at Cumberland Mountain State Park for a stakeholder meeting focused on Ozone Falls.

Participants heard about the project’s background and purpose, reviewed site constraints, explored proposed scenarios, and participated in breakout discussions. Through an interactive “Love It, Fix It, Add It” workshop, stakeholders shared valuable ideas and perspectives that will help inform the project’s direction moving forward.

Thank you to our partners and stakeholders for contributing their time, experience, and ideas to this important conversation.

08/05/2026

Thank you to the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce for highlighting this important conversation. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with local leaders and community stakeholders to showcase the incredible natural resources that make Tennessee special.

Collaboration like this helps ensure places like Standing Stone State Park continue to provide exceptional experiences for visitors while creating lasting benefits for the surrounding community. We look forward to continuing our work together.

Tourism Director Morgan White recently met with representatives from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), including Regional Director of External Affairs Jessie McBride, Area 5 Parks Manager Travis Stover, Standing Stone State Park Manager Shawn Hughes, and Ashley Woolbright to discuss outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, and the significant economic impact Standing Stone State Park visitors have on our community.

07/31/2026

So much of a park ranger’s work happens quietly.

From early morning to late night calls, Tennessee State Park rangers prepare for every situation with consistent care and daily acts of service visitors don't often see.

They uncover park history, prepare for emergency response, ensure trails are safe, expand access for more visitors, and care for the landscapes that tell Tennessee’s story.

As Tennessee State Parks celebrates World Ranger Day, we honor the dedication, service, and sacrifice of rangers around the world, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

We are especially grateful for Tennessee State Park Rangers and the skill, courage, and care they bring to protecting the places we love, serving visitors, and inspiring stewardship.



Video description: A World Ranger Day montage pairs scenic views of Tennessee’s waterfalls, forests, and misty mountains with footage of Tennessee State Park Rangers at work. Rangers are shown riding horseback, hiking trails, assisting visitors with accessibility equipment, preparing for emergencies, leading educational programs, restoring habitat, and helping families enjoy the outdoors. On-screen text and narration honor their work protecting natural and cultural resources, supporting visitor safety, and connecting people with Tennessee’s state parks.