TDEC to Hold Tennessee State Natural Areas 40th Anniversary Celebration on May 13

 

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau and Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Tennessee State Natural Areas Preservation Act during a special celebration at Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area on Friday, May 13, at 3 p.m.

 

Governor Winfield Dunn, who signed the original legislation on May 15, 1971, will serve as guest of honor and will be joined by other honorary guests in recognition of this landmark conservation milestone for Tennessee.  Since 1971, Tennessee has designated 81 state natural areas covering more than 120,000 acres. 

 

 

“We are incredibly grateful for the foresight of those like Governor Winfield Dunn in helping pass such an important piece of legislation those many years ago, as so much of what Tennessee stands for today is grounded in these vast and unique areas,” said Martineau. “That visionary effort is still evident in the many individuals – both in the public and private sectors – who continue to work hard to protect our diverse natural resources.” 

 

Commissioner Bob Martineau, Environment and Conservation 

Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill, Tennessee State Parks 

Assistant Commissioner Mike Carlton, Tennessee State Parks 

Ranger Steve Ward, Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area

 

WHAT:             

40th Anniversary of the Tennessee State Natural Areas Preservation Act 

 

Friday, May 13, at 3 p.m.

 

Radnor Lake State Natural Area

Netherton Overlook 

Nashville, Tennessee

 

Members of the media and public are invited to attend the anniversary celebration, followed by light refreshments. From downtown Nashville, take I-65 South to Harding Place (Exit 78) and travel west on Harding (or Battery Lane) to Granny White Pike. Turn left on Granny White and travel approximately two miles, taking a left on Otter Creek Road (just before the Granny White Market entrance). For additional information about Radnor Lake State Park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/RadnorLake. Details about Radnor Lake State Natural Area can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/radnor/. 

 

Tennessee has 81 designated natural areas throughout the state, covering approximately 120,000 acres of ecologically significant lands. More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/. 

 

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