TWRA Releases 2024-2025 Annual Report

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has released the 2024-2025 Annual Report, highlighting a strengthened commitment to conserving Tennessee's outdoor traditions through expanded habitat restoration, improved access to public lands, and enhanced enforcement of boating and wildlife laws.

Despite budget constraints and economic challenges, the TWRA delivered a meaningful year by prioritizing efficiency, leveraging partnerships, and focusing on programs that make the greatest impact. Below are highlights that contributed to the success of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

· In FY25, 1.1 million distinct customers bought hunting and fishing licenses or registered a boat. Of those, 82 percent of customers are residents of Tennessee.

· Economic impact research conducted by the University of Tennessee estimates spending associated with outdoor recreation in combination with TWRA operations is responsible for nearly $5.8 billion in income, 214,442 jobs, and nearly $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. This positions TWRA as a major economic engine for the state, demonstrating both fiscal impact and public value.

· TWRA actively managed more than 42,000 acres of habitat through prescribed fire, timber cuts, invasive species control, and food plot preparation. This scale of hands-on stewardship helps maintain healthy populations of deer, turkey, elk, waterfowl, and more. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide essential public access while also protecting sensitive ecosystems.

· Through a partnership with Tennessee Technological University, landmark research was conducted to understand mallard movement patterns across West Tennessee. The research focused on how waterfowl use rest areas, survival, and hunter opportunity. Research results will help guide WMA and waterfowl refuge management in the future.

· Tennessee ranks among the most biodiverse states in the U.S., and TWRA continues to safeguard more than 350 fish species, 400+ birds, 77 mammals, and dozens of reptiles, amphibian, and invertebrate species. TWRA updated the state's Threatened and Endangered Species Rule using scientific scoring, research review, expert input, and staff field observations. This careful evaluation ensures that the species most at risk receive timely protections. The Biodiversity Division also partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee and stakeholders to update the State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as a blueprint for conserving species of greatest conservation need. The plan is updated on a 10-year cycle.

· TWRA's Fisheries Division supports one of the most diverse freshwater systems in the country, with more than 350 fish species and world-class recreational angling. Hatcheries across the state produced more than 9.1 million fish, supporting sport fisheries and restoration of threatened species. The Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative further elevates Tennessee as a premier fishing destination, improving access, infrastructure, and habitat quality statewide.

· TWRA enforces the Boating Safety Act and works year-round to reduce accidents, prevent impaired boating, and ensure safe operation across Tennessee's nearly 250,000 registered vessels. Officers patrol waterways, investigate incidents, and respond to emergencies, dedicating over 97,000 hours on the water in 2024. This work significantly reduces risks and enhances boating safety statewide.

· During the 2024 flooding from Hurricane Helene, TWRA deployed over 130 staff members for live-saving rescues. Officers navigated hazardous waters, aided stranded residents, supported partner agencies, and cleared debris. Four officers earned the Boating and Law Enforcement Valor Award, highlighting TWRA's critical role as first responders in statewide emergencies.

· TWRA hosted over 400 events throughout the year, including nearly 100 youth hunts and fishing events, hunter and boater education classes, county fairs, school career days, and programs like Becoming an Outdoors Woman, which expands outdoor access for all ages.

"Our Agency had a successful 2024-2025 fiscal year as we strengthened our commitment to the state of Tennessee and its outdoor traditions," said Executive Director Jason Maxedon. "These successes would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of our partners, and the trust of Tennesseans who value our state's natural resources. As we continue on in 2026, we remain focused on innovation, collaboration, and stewardship, because the future of Tennessee's outdoors depends on the work we do today."

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

---TWRA---