Tennessee to launch new office to expand outdoor recreation access

Tennessee will open a new office focused on outdoor recreation initiatives, aimed at expanding access to Tennessee’s natural areas for residents and tourists alike, Gov. Bill Lee announced Wednesday at a gathering of state officials focused on conservation.

The new Office of Outdoor Recreation , which will be housed in the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, will work directly with local communities to expand recreational outlets for residents and visitors to enjoy, connecting local leaders with state resources and grants. Lee announced the office on Wednesday during a statewide conservation summit in Nashville.

“This office will help us leverage Tennessee’s unparalleled natural resources and beauty to improve our quality of life and create lasting memories for Tennessee families and visitors,” Lee said.

The office will be led by Brian Clifford, who was previously director of strategic initiatives for TDEC’s Bureau of Conservation. Clifford said the office will have “a strong focus on actually getting things done on the ground.”

“The governor and the legislature have given us the means and leadership to make conservation a priority across the state,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “We want this office to be as effective as it can be, and we’re excited about what this means for Tennessee.”

Formed via reorganization, the office will not require any new state spending, Lee said. It will complement his administration’s investment in other conservation efforts, including new investments in state parks, and his Tennessee Blueways initiative, an effort to develop water trails across the state.

“Tennessee is blessed with world-class rivers and fisheries, and our communities across this state, particularly rural areas, want better access to these unique waterways,” Clifford said.

Lee said the effort parallels his administration’s focus on empowering the state’s rural communities.

“Part of what's so wonderful about our commitment to state parks and lakes and the outdoors is that it boosts rural economies,” Lee said.

"We in Tennessee are all about outdoor experiences," he added. "I want people to canoe the rivers and mountain bike the trails and experience our outdoor trails and go to our state parks. We want that to happen in every community in our state."

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X at @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee to launch new office to expand outdoor recreation access