TDEC Names Cumberland River Compact a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named the Cumberland River Compact (CRC) as a recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture and Forestry. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state's natural resources.

The award for Agriculture and Forestry recognizes innovative practices that advance sustainable agricultural and forestry activities.

CRC announced major milestones from its Grazing School, a statewide program helping Tennessee farmers implement water-friendly agricultural practices that improve soil health, reduce pollution, and strengthen farm operations. The program supports farmers as crucial stewards of the 18,000-square-mile Cumberland River basin, one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.

Launched in 2024, the Grazing School is held twice a year in agricultural communities and provides hands-on training in rotational grazing, pasture management, water quality protection, and animal health.. Graduates are eligible for cost-share funding to implement best management practices such as exclusionary fencing, waterlines, and rotational grazing systems.

CRC has directly supported 93 historically underserved farmers, including beginning farmers, veterans, and socially disadvantaged producers, increasing access to conservation tools in communities that often face economic barriers.

The Grazing School program has helped address some of Tennessee's most pressing water quality challenges, including sedimentation, erosion, and bacteria contamination caused by unrestricted livestock access to waterways. Collaboration with federal, state and private partners has expanded the program's reach and technical support network.

There are ten categories for the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:

· Building Green - iFixit

· Clean Air and Transportation Solutions - Clarksville-Montgomery County School System

· Environmental Education and Outreach - Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System

· Energy and Renewable Resources - Memphis Light, Gas and Water

· Materials Management - Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC

· Natural Resources - Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful

· Pursuit of Excellence - OxyChem

· Sustainable Performance - Carlex Glass America, LLC

· Water Quality - Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards website.