Gary Myers, one of the longest serving leaders of a state conservation agency in United States history, has announced his retirement as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, effective March 1, 2009. Myers' announcement came during the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission meeting in Kingsport on Wednesday (Oct. 22).

He was named as TWRA Executive Director in 1978 and celebrated his 30th anniversary in the position this year. Widely recognized by his peers and conservation organizations throughout the country, Myers has received numerous honors during his acclaimed career.

Committee Formed to Study Possible Improvements to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) Executive Director, Michael Butler, testified today before the Special Joint Legislative Study Committee of the Tennessee General Assembly.  The Committee was formed to study possible improvements to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) including, but not limited to, the issues of state and federal funding sources and how the Agency is governed and managed.
 

Vice President Announces Plan to Protect Four Million Additional Acres of Wetlands

TWF Board Member Terry Lewis and Communications Director Karen Vaughn attended the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy last week in Reno, NV.   More than 500 representatives of wildlife conservation groups and wildlife agencies from around the country met to discuss the development of a comprehensive ten year Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan.

The 2008 Farm Bill enacted by Congress is resulting in significant changes that offer a higher cost of return to Tennessee farmers and landowners, according to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Under the new Farm Bill, the rates for entering into the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) have climbed substantially. The WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.

“If you have previously considered enrolling your land in WRP, I encourage you to give it a second look,” said State Conservationist Kevin Brown. “Rates are currently being set for every county in Tennessee, and they are significantly higher than they were just a few weeks ago.”