Public News Service

There are an estimated 50 billion pieces of litter on roadways nationwide, according to Keep America Beautiful. (Adobe Stock)

TN to Embark on Litter Pollution Study

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Plastic bottles and cans line many of the state's roadways and rivers, and now the state is conducting a large research study to …

National forests are a massive sink for carbon dioxide that help stave off the effects of global warming. (Adobe Stock)

Two Decades of Roadless Rule Helped Fight Climate Change

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Roadless Rule became law 20 years ago today. The bedrock conservation policy halted commercial logging and the building of …

Civilian Conservation Corps members at a camp near Esco, Tenn. (Lewis Hine, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons)

Reviving a Depression-Era Program Could Put Young People to Work

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nationwide, the youth unemployment rate during the coronavirus pandemic is the highest it has been since the Great Depression…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided millions of dollars to help protect many of Tennessee�s most iconic natural areas, such as Cades Cove. (Adobe Stock)

Future of TN's Natural Parks Up to Land and Water Conservation Fund

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Congress is considering a bill that would secure permanent and full federal funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund …

Legislation pending in Congress would fund much-needed repairs to national park infrastructure around the country, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Most Americans Support Funding National Park Repairs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Eight in 10 registered voters support cleaning up and repairing our aging national parks, in the latest poll by The Pew …

Lake sturgeon are migratory fish, traveling an average of 62 miles to spawn. (Vladimir Wrangel/Adobe Stock)

Conservationists Release Endangered Sturgeon Into Tennessee River

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Scientists from the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute and the state Wildlife Resources Agency have released 89 …

Since 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has tapped revenues from offshore oil and gas development to preserve public lands, including in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (National Parks Service)

Land and Water Conservation Fund Gets Congress' Bipartisan Support

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a rare display of bipartisanship, the U.S. Senate last week passed a measure by a vote of 92-8 to reauthorize the Land …

The National Park Service has furloughed nearly 16,000 workers and suspended most maintenance and visitor services, but parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and trails remain open to the public. (Friends of the Smokies)

Shutdown: Cleanliness, Safety Concerns for National Parks

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Visitors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and others across the country have seen trash, overflowing toilets and …

According to the Tennessee Department of Tourism, outdoor recreation is the state's second-largest industry. (Tennessee Wild Coalition)

Farm Bill Secures Wilderness Act Victory for TN

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. – A diverse coalition of small business owners, veterans, clergy, conservationists and sports enthusiasts is celebrating …

The Tennessee Aquarium has released 280 juvenile brook trout into Little Stony Creek, which flows through the Cherokee National Forest. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Funds Flow for Native Tennessee Trout Restoration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Protecting the native brook trout population is an upstream battle for Tennessee conservation groups. But things are …

The Tennessee Wilderness Act would safeguard the headwaters of the Bald River Falls, one of the most visited waterfalls by paddlers in the southeast. (hey_its_rachel/Twenty20)

Businesses Push for Protection of TN Public Lands

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Business owners are in the nation's capital today, urging members of Congress to protect more public lands before the lame-…

The Cherokee National Forest is among the areas that have received funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. (Natures Paparazzi/Flickr)

Protectors of "Home of the Brave" Fight for Public-Lands Protection

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Many veterans fought to protect their country on foreign soil, and now it's their homeland they want to protect. According to the …

According to the National Park Service, almost 6 million people have visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park so far this year. (River Sports Outfitters)

Future of Funding for Great Smoky Mountains at Stake Today

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Great Smoky Mountains National Park faces a maintenance backlog of $215 million, but the country's most-visited park could …

The Roan Highlands are home to the world's largest rhododendron garden, and provide a great place for scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. (Doug Bradley/flickr)

Free Memorial Day Activity: Take a Hike

Unicoi, TN - Chances are that if you have outdoor plans this weekend, you have a land trust to thank for preserving outdoor recreation. This weekend…

It's estimated that pesticides are a major factor in the dwindling numbers of monarch butterflies. (Emily Carlin/Flickr)

Report Cites High Pesticide Use on TN Wildlife Refuges

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Two of Tennessee's national wildlife refuges are highlighted in a new report about the use of pesticides on refuge land for …

Tumbling Creek feeds into the Ocoee River, site of the whitewater events for the 1996 Olympics. (Natures Paparazzi/Flickr)

TN Groups Sue Feds Over Treatment of Cherokee Forest

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Covering more than 650,000 acres, the Cherokee National Forest is one of Tennessee's many crown jewels for outdoor …

Rainfall is increasing in Tennessee, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and some scientists attribute that to climate change. (Rory MacLeod/flickr)

Media Analyst: Tides of Trump Washed Over Climate Change

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This year the media seemed to follow President Donald Trump's every move in the White House with bated breath. But did that leave …

Mussels and other freshwater wildlife are among those that would receive additional protection if the Recovering America's Wildlife Act is passed. (Corey Raimond/flickr)

Bill Aims to Protect TN Wildlife Before There's a Problem

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There are more than 90 species in Tennessee on the Endangered Species list and legislation introduced late last week in …

One year after the fires in Gatlinburg, the U.S. Forest Service is looking for a larger budget to fight fires such as that one around the country. (Steve Harwood/flickr)

Feds Look for More Money to Fight Fires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- More and bigger wildfires - even in the East - are burning through the budget of the U.S. Forest Service. But some in Congress …

The Tennessee Wilderness Act is now part of the Federal Land Mangement Act of 2017 and would protect almost 20,000 acres in the Cherokee National Forest. (John Iwanski/Flickr)

Tennessee Wilderness Act Passes Hurdle in Congress

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. -- Tennessee is one step closer to protecting nearly 20,000 acres of public land in the Cherokee National Forest in the …

Hurricane Harvey flooded this parking garage in Houston, and rain from the storm's remnants is expected to hit Tennessee today. (R. Crap Mariner/Flickr)

TVA Prepares for Rain from Harvey as Storm Moves North

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Parts of middle and western Tennessee are waking up to heavy rain Thursday, as the remnants of Tropical Storm Harvey move …

The Gatlinburg fires did more than $500 million in damage, much of it to personal property around the city. (highlander441/flickr)

Report: 2016 TN Wildfires May Add 'Refinery' Levels of Pollution

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Parts of Tennessee continue to recover from the millions of dollars in damage done by last year's wildfires - but new …

The Tennessee Wilderness Act, proposed by U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, both R-Tenn., would protect 20,000 acres from further development. (B. Dunne/flickr.com)

Environmental Protection: Two Steps Forward in TN, While Nation Steps Back

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. -- Tennessee's U.S. senators are moving ahead with a bill providing protections for the state's wilderness lands, even while the …

Firefighters from around the region traveled to Gatlinburg and Sevierville to fight the fires. (National Park Service)

Smoke Clears, Spirits Rise as Fundraising Continues for Wildfire Victims

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Last night, thousands of dollars were raised to help people affected by the wildfires that swept through Gatlinburg and …

Smoke is reported across the state and can even be seen on satellite photos. (National Weather Service)

"Smoky" Mountains Make It Harder for Tennesseans to Breathe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Most of the state is now in a Code Orange health advisory, designating the air quality unhealthy for sensitive or at-risk …

The Cherokee National Forest with 85,000 acres in Carter County is protected as public land. (John Iwanski/Flickr)

Study Shows No Legal Basis to Switch Federal Lands to States

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – There are efforts in many states to seize control of federal public land to sell it or lease it to private interests…

A new study of plants purchased at national retail outlets shows a drop in pesticides harmful to bees. (Danic/morguefile.com)

Study: Bee-utiful Impact of New Pesticide Policies

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A campaign to protect declining bee populations is making progress. A new study conducted at garden centers across the U.S…

Observation of wildlife such as this elk in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is one of the activities protected by public lands. (Greg Holtfreter/flickr.com)

RNC Platform Calls for State Control of Public Lands

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This week at the Republican National Convention, amidst the prosecution of Hillary Clinton and the similarities between …

Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards are working to clear parts of the Appalachian Trail in northeast Tennessee. (Bill Hodge)

Crews Work to Clear Appalachian Trail After Storm Damage

WATAUGA, Tenn. - The deadly storms that swept through parts of northeast Tennessee earlier this month made their mark on one of the state's points of …

For the eighth time, Congress is considering legislation to increase federal protection for land in Tennesee's Cherokee National Forest. (John W. Iwanski/Flickr)

Tennessee Wilderness Act: Protecting a State Resource

ERWIN, Tenn. - This weekend, thousands of Tennesseans and visitors packed up and hiked into thousands of acres of public lands in the state…

Beekeepers in Tennessee are being encouraged to use queen bees that have been bred to resist mites. (jose fernandez/flickr.com)

Pesticides, Mites Threaten Nation's Bees, Report Says

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Beekeepers across the country report losing nearly 44 percent of their colonies over the last year, according to an annual …

The Tennessee Wilderness Act of 2016 would offer protection to more than 7,000 acres of land in Carter, Johnson, Washington and Unicoi Counties. (Bill Hodge)

Tennessee Land Offered Protection by Bill in Congress

UNICOI, Tenn. – More than 7,000 acres of some of Tennessee's pristine wilderness is offered protection in legislation introduced in the U.S…

Inland flooding and extreme heat are among the concerns listed in a report which gives the state a

TN Faces Longterm Threat of Inland Flooding

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Inland flooding poses the greatest risk to the Volunteer State in future years and earned the state a "D" for preparedness against …

The Tennessee Department of Health and the USDA are working together to distribute rabies vaccination packets for raccoons over the next couple of weeks in parts of Tennessee. Credit: ciconroy/morguefile.com

Tennessee Ramps Up Rabies Protection

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - If you took a hike in the wilderness this weekend, you may have noticed little blocks or packets on the ground. Those are …

A National Wildlife Federation poll shows hunters and anglers are willing to put aside their political differences in support of greater EPA protections for clean water, including small headwaters and wetlands. Photo credit: Shaun Quinlan/Morguefile.

Hunters, Anglers Support EPA Clean Water Policy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Over half of Tennessee residents take part in outdoor recreation each year, according to the Outdoor Industry Association…

Festivals from Memphis to Bristol are now evaluating the Guns in Parks law, passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, and how it could impact their event. Photo credit: John B. Holden/Morguefile.

Controversy Over Tennessee "Guns in Parks" Legislation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Under a law passed earlier this year, people with a concealed-carry permit can take a gun inside a private concert or event…

PHOTO: Concerns are being raised all along the route over plans to repurpose a pipeline running from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. Photo credit: Roy Luck

Opposition Mounts to Tennessee Gas Pipeline Conversion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Concerns are being raised by citizens and groups all along the route over plans to re-purpose the Tennessee Gas Pipeline…

PHOTO: It would permanently protect some 20,000 acres of Cherokee National Forest, and supporters of the Tennessee Wilderness Act are hoping passage by Congress will come yet this year. Photo credit: Mark Doliner/Flickr.

Package Deal in Congress Could Include TN Wilderness Act

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Congress returns to session next month, and while not much may get done pre-election, there could be movement afterwards on …

PHOTO: The landmark legislation that has protected thousands of acres of wild lands in Tennessee and millions nationwide will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Wilderness Act was signed on Sept. 3, 1964. Photo credit: Laura Hodge

Tennesseans Celebrate "The Year of Wilderness"

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Residents across the state are preparing to celebrate a historic anniversary - the 50th year of the Wilderness Act. The act was …

PHOTO: With hundreds of miles to explore nearby, Tellico Plains is being designated as a

Tellico Plains Earns "Trail Town" Designation

TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. - A special recognition is coming this weekend for a small community that is a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest…

PHOTO: A new report urges the Bureau of Land Management to take into account the changing market for coal when setting fair market values. Photo credit: Hunter Desportes/Flickr<br />

Report: BLM Should Study Coal Export Markets

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The coal market has changed. U.S. coal used to be mined primarily for domestic use, but markets overseas are growing as …

PHOTO: In Tennessee, the economic impact of last year's national park visits and the jobs they supported topped $700 million. Photo credit: Nano Anderson/Flickr

Tennessee's National Parks: Big Fun and Big Business

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - They are some of Tennessee's most pristine areas, and a new study shows national parks are not just great places to spend the day …

PHOTO: It's taken four years, but legislation that would protect some 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest now is headed to the floor of the U.S. Senate. Photo credit: Chris M. Morris

Tennessee Wilderness Act Moves to U.S. Senate Floor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Years in the making, an effort to help protect some of the state's most pristine areas finally is moving forward in Congress…

PHOTO: It's a growing trend, spring breakers using their time off from school to volunteer for service projects. One place where they're spending time is in the forests of Tennessee. Photo credit: Bill Hodge

Forget the Beach; Spring Breakers Hit Tennessee's Woods

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - They could have picked ski slopes or maybe a sunny beach, but some college students are choosing instead to spend their time away …

PHOTO: The Tennessee Wilderness Act seeks to permanently protect 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest and add the first new wilderness area in Tennessee in more than a quarter-century. Photo credit: Chris M. Morris

A Push for New Tennessee Wilderness Act on 29th Anniversary

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - With Congress back in session this week, a renewed push is on for passage of a new Tennessee Wilderness Act. Today marks the 29th …

PHOTO: An increase in fertilizer runoff from agriculture, along with more severe weather is leading to a larger number of reports of toxic algae blooms in the United States. The algae can make people ill and kill animals or pets. CREDIT: Ben Townsend

Report: Toxic Algae Problems More Common Across Nation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A growing scourge of harmful algae blooms is affecting lakes across the nation, according to a new analysis by the National …

PHOTO: The Tennessee Wilderness Act has been reintroduced in Congress by the state�s two U-S Senators. The legislation seeks to permanently protect 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest and add the state�s first new wilderness area in more than a quarter-century. CREDIT: Chris M. Morris

Congress Again Considers Tennessee Wilderness Act

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Supporters are hoping the third time is the charm for the Tennessee Wilderness Act, which has once again been introduced in …

PHOTO: A professor at the University of Utah says his research shows that spending time outdoors in nature and unplugged from technology can improve a person's creative thinking ability. CREDIT: Fred Hsu

Research: Time Outdoors Can Make You a Better Thinker

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - As folks across the state celebrate Earth Day, research out of the University of Utah finds that some time in the great outdoors …

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TN: Public Lands/Wilderness