SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

March

2014

Let your speech be better than silence, or be silent.

-Dionysius

Spring Wildflower Hikes at Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes on March 22. The second in the quarterly hikes program, the Spring Hikes will be offered at each of the 54 state parks.

"We are excited to welcome the spring season with hikes at each of our great parks," Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said.

"These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise and enjoy nature with friends and family."

From Reelfoot Lake to Fall Creek Falls to Warriors' Path and every state park in between, the 2014 Spring Hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length and tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. For a more in-depth look into planned hikes in your area, please visit http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/spring-hike.

Tennessee's 54 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. The Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937. Today, there is a state park within an hour's drive of just about anywhere in the state, with features such as pristine natural areas and a variety of lodging and dining choices.

Tennessee Environmental Conference

Now in its 13th year, the Tennessee Environmental Conference continues to build upon its mission of improving our public health and the environment through smart choices.

Come join us for the region's premier networking event with over 60 speakers that will share information and ideas to help you make informed environmental choices. Register Now.

Click the graphic above to register for this exciting and informative conference.

Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative Announces Second Round of Funding

The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative announced today its plans to fund new watershed improvement and protection projects, with a focus on four of the Initiative's Strategic Investment Areas. Areas of focus are Regional Water Planning; Restoration Projects; Scientific Research and Monitoring; and Protection of Waters and Wetlands. Up to $637,500 in funding will support projects across the state beginning in August 2014, lasting through December 2016.

The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is requesting proposals for new projects to fund across Tennessee. The deadline for new proposals is March 21, 2014. To view the Request for Proposals and to learn more about the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative, please visit

http://www.tn.gov/environment/water/water_tn-healthy-watershed-initiative.shtml.

Launched in August 2011, the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is the result of a partnership among the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Tennessee Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the West Tennessee River Basin Authority (WTRBA). The initiative's primary goal is to maintain and improve water resources across the state by bringing together the public, landowners, resource management agencies, and conservation-focused organizations to promote communication, collaboration, and thoughtful water resources planning.

"Partnerships like this are an important part of TVA's continuing stewardship mission. By coordinating our efforts to assess, plan, and implement watershed management efforts, we will build stronger partnerships and become more effective at protecting our water resources."," said Rebecca Tolene, vice president of Natural Resources for the Tennessee Valley Authority. "We look forward to seeing the results of this group effort."

"The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is playing a vital role in engaging stakeholders to work together to continue protecting and restoring our rivers; ultimately resulting in healthier communities," added Dr. Shari Meghreblian, deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

New watershed projects will add to the wide variety funded across the state by the Initiative. To date 11 projects have been completed or are in progress; and all will be complete by fall 2014. Dedication ceremonies for two projects, one in west TN (Shelby County) and one in east TN (Knox County) will happen this spring.

The Tennessee Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards are the most prestigious environmental and conservation awards in the state. For more than 25 years, the awards have been presented to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the protection and improvement of our natural resources and wildlife.

The awards are designed to bring about a greater knowledge and awareness of effective practices and projects and to give proper recognition to those persons and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the natural resources of their community and the state. Click on the above logo for more information.

Nominations will open January 1, 2014 and be accepted until March 31, 2014.

TELL US YOUR STORY!!!

If you have a story for our monthly newsletter, please share it. Deadlines for story submissions will be the last Friday of each month. This monthly newsletter is published by TDEC Office of Sustainable Practices.