This award supports sub-programs within tennessee wildlife resources agency s approved comprehensive management system

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) $44.8 million under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) through a Formula Grant effective July 1, 2025, with completion by September 30, 2026. This funding supports four primary sub-programs within TWRA's approved comprehensive management system: sport fish restoration projects addressing fishing, fish habitat, and fish population management; recreational boating access projects that develop, renovate, maintain, or improve boating access sites; wildlife restoration projects focused on hunting, wildlife habitat, and wildlife management; and hunter education projects that provide hunter education instruction, operate shooting ranges, and recruit participants to hunting and shooting sports.

The award represents a substantial federal investment in Tennessee's wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation infrastructure, operating under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act framework that distributes grants to state fish and wildlife agencies on a formula basis. These coordinated sub-programs enable TWRA to advance integrated conservation objectives across multiple resource categories while supporting public participation in hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related recreational activities throughout the state.

Sport fish restoration projects will address fishing, fish habitat, and fish population management. Recreational boating access projects will develop, renovate, maintain, or improve boating access sites. Wildlife restoration projects will address hunting, wildlife habitat, and wildlife management. Hunter education projects will address teaching hunter education and operating shooting ranges, as well as recruiting participants to hunting and shooting sports.