Multi-Agency Effort Emphasizes Safety for Boaters and Anglers Near Dams

     Nashville, TN —The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is leading a multi-agency effort to remind all boaters and anglers to prioritize safety when boating or fishing near hydroelectric dams across Tennessee’s rivers and lakes. New video assets are available for distribution now to bring public awareness to the dangerous boating conditions near dams.

     Over the past decade, there have been 17 fatalities caused by boaters getting caught in and around the spillways of hydroelectric dams in Tennessee. Officers determined that incidents were not dam specific but were spread out across the state. Pickwick, Cheatham, and Loudon dams all had multiple fatalities. 

     There are 29 hydroelectric dams in Tennessee that play a crucial role in flood control, power generation, and maintaining Tennessee’s water resources, but the surrounding waters pose hidden risks. The force of the water around dam structures is powerful, unpredictable, and can quickly overcome even skilled boaters and swimmers. Areas below and above dams often have restricted zones, where waters are turbulent, and undercurrents are strong. TWRA urges everyone to remain vigilant and avoid getting too close.

     “Your safety is our top priority,” says TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “We want everyone to enjoy Tennessee’s beautiful lakes and rivers, but we also need you to stay alert, follow posted guidelines, and exercise caution when near dams. The simple steps you take to stay aware can save lives.”

To ensure a safe outing, TWRA recommends following these safety tips:

• Observe and Follow All Posted Warnings and Buoys: Pay attention to warning signs, restricted areas, and barrier buoys that indicate hazardous zones.
• Avoid Swift Currents: Currents near dams can be unpredictable and dangerous. Avoid getting too close to dam structures or spillways.
• Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, fishing, or recreating near water.
• Stay Alert for Changes in Water Levels: Water levels near dams can rise or fall unexpectedly due to dam operations. Be prepared to move to safer areas if needed.

     To showcase the importance of following these guidelines, TWRA partnered with the TVA, Hardin County EMA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pilot a remote-operated boat through Pickwick dam as a visual example of the devastation that can occur.

     “I promise you, it’s not worth those fish all the way up against the dam if it’s going to take somebody’s life or injure somebody,” cautions TWRA Lt. Col. Matt Majors.  “Boating or fishing near dams requires extra caution even for experienced boaters.”

     For additional information on boating safety and fishing regulations, visit TNWildlife.org. Members of the public can view the dam safety video titled “No Fish is Worth Your Life” on the TWRA YouTube page. Partner organizations and members of the press can download video assets for distribution at this link.

About the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for the management, protection, and conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. TWRA is dedicated to enhancing recreational opportunities, educating the public on conservation practices, and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy Tennessee’s natural landscapes.

COMMISSION APPROVES RULE CHANGES AT FINAL 2024 COMMISSION MEETING

     MEMPHIS --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) voted to approve rule changes to adjust license prices and simplify license structure among other business at its final 2024 meeting held at the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters.

     More than 70 percent of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operating budget comes from license sales and federal grants based on the number of hunters in the state. Since the last broad license fee increase in 2015, the Consumer Price Index has seen a 31.6 percent inflation, putting the agency in a significant operational deficit.

     The new approved rules increase boating registration fees by 22 percent and most of the hunting and fishing license prices by 28 percent. Sportsman and Lifetime license fees are increased by 12 percent. Following public comment on the proposed Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) fees for North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, the Commission voted to set a three-year gradual permit increase with options for daily, three-day, seven-day, and annual permits. Price changes will take effect July 1, 2025.

     In addition to price increases, the ruling adjusts the license structure to simplify regulations. Hunting device type supplemental licenses (gun, archery, muzzleloader) will change to species type supplemental licenses (deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl).

The trout supplemental license (stamp) is now part of the base hunting and fishing combination license, so no additional license is needed. Multiple Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permits have been combined into one single WMA permit. There are no changes to resident disability licenses or changes to fees for TWRA lakes. A complete list of the license fees and permits will be available on the TWRA website prior to implementation in 2025.

     In other agenda items, a video documentary was presented on TWRA staff efforts in response to Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. At the conclusion of the video, a resolution honored TWRA wildlife officers. In addition, four East Tennessee TWRA officers were presented with Law Enforcement Valor Awards. Honored for their efforts were Maj. Shelley Hammonds, Lt. Jeff Prater, Communications Coordinator Matt Cameron, and District 42 Officer Justin Pinkston.

     An update on the status of invasive carp was provided to the Commission by Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Cole Harty. Since the Tennessee Carp Harvest Incentive Program began in 2018, 35 million pounds have been removed, including 7.8 pounds in fiscal year 2024. The Commission approved two federally funded budget expansions for the invasive carp program.

     The Wildlife and Forestry Division honored the Wildlife Biologist of the Year and Wildlife Technician of the Year. Janelle Musser, who works with the Bear Program received the Biologist of the Year award. Musser plays an integral role in educating the public about bear safety, responding to human bear conflict reports, and coordinating with the City of Gatlinburg to support bear management. Seth Dunn works with the elk program on North Cumberland WMA and received the technician award. Since the reintroduction of elk in 2000, the program has grown consistently, offering unique wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Dunn contributes significant value to elk research work, habitat, and herd management.

     Commission Chairman Jimmy Granbery announced nominations are open for the TFWC Legacy Award. The Legacy Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing in Tennessee.

2024-25 TWRA Winer Trout Stocking Program Underway

     NASHVILLE --The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has begun its 2024-25 winter rainbow trout stocking schedule. The program provides numerous close to home trout fishing opportunities for anglers during the winter months.

     Many of the locations are in urban-areas and include walking trails, playgrounds, and pavilions making them the perfect place to take the family or first-time angler. The TWRA will also release trout in selected tailwaters and reservoirs.

     These fisheries provide a great opportunity to introduce children or first-time anglers to fishing. There are more than 40 locations for this year’s winter trout stocking program. A new location this year is Grundy Lake No. 4 in South Cumberland State Park. The list of locations and stocking dates can be found on TWRA’s website, here.

     The trout will average about 10 inches in length. The daily creel limit is seven, except for five in the locations in the Community Lakes Fishing Program. These locations include Cameron Brown Lake in Germantown, Cedar Hill Park Pond in Madison, Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Pistol Creek/Green Belt Lake in Maryville, and Fountain City Lake in Knoxville. There is no size limit. Anglers are reminded that a trout license is needed in addition to the fishing license.

     Please note that the dates and locations are subject to change. Updates can be found here.