Is TWRF part of TWRA?
No. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF) directly supports and works closely with TWRA, but it is a separate, non-profit organization. The TWRF assists TWRA with habitat conservation initiatives, strategic land acquisition and various educational programs.
Is TWRF the same as the Tennessee Wildlife Federation?
No. Although our names are admittedly similar, the TWRF and TWF are two separate non-profit organizations. Both organizations support wildlife and habitat conservation, so naturally, the TWRF and TWF can and do work together on certain important initiatives.
How does TWRF help natural resources in Tennessee?
The focal point of the TWRF’s mission is the restoration and conservation of Tennessee’s natural resources. The organization’s dedication to this mission is best measured by the on-the-ground results of its efforts. Through the TWRF’s Tennessee Stream Mitigation Program (TSMP), over 33 miles of degraded streams have been restored. The organization has also restored nearly 700 acres of forested wetlands. Additionally; the TWRF is currently protecting over 400 acres of critical riparian habitat through perpetual conservation easements. These are just some of the accomplishments for which the TWRF is directly responsible. The TWRF has also contributed to many other conservation initiatives by partnering with TWRA and other organizations to benefit Tennessee’s natural resources.
Why should I join or donate to TWRF?
If you have an interest in wildlife resources and their management in Tennessee, and you have a desire to help out, then you should be a part of TWRF. We support Tennessee’s strong hunting and fishing heritage, and also provide assistance to more passive forms of wildlife enjoyment including contribution to Tennessee’s Watchable Wildlife Website, non-game wildlife programs, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching. As a member of TWRF, you will be more informed about ongoing activities relating to your interest in Tennessee’s outdoor resources.
What does my membership contribution help support?
Your contribution to TWRF will assist us in our mission of promoting habitat conservation, an ethic of land stewardship and Tennessee’s hunting and fishing heritage through various means. Because of our efficiency as a non-profit organization, we are often able to accomplish tasks much more effectively than TWRA could. We assist TWRA at various levels throughout the state including but not limited to free youth fishing days and hunter education classes organized by county wildlife officers, offering non-federal matching dollars to waterfowl management grants, and administering grants that benefit the youth sportsmen in the state.
Where does the money come from to support TWRF’s efforts?
TWRF has several ways of funding its projects. The TSMP is a self- sufficient arm of TWRF funded through stream mitigation work that it does. TWRF also administers a wetland mitigation bank that provides funding through the sale of wetland credits. A large part of TWRF’s local impact is realized through dollars contributed to specific causes at the local level, (i.e. Bedford County Free Fishing Day). Local contributions are put into TWRF’s system and them paid back out to the local event with no charge for administration. This allows us to provide a great service for communities that need a non-profit organization to work with. We then save the overhead of having to establish one locally. We also conduct our own fundraisers such as the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt, where a portion of the funds raised help cover the costs associated with day-to-day operations of the foundation.
How can I become more active in TWRF?
We welcome any help or ideas that you might have as a volunteer. TWRF could not be successful without the help of our volunteers. Much of the work that we are able to take credit for was accomplished through creative, hard working volunteers. Two great examples of this volunteerism are the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt held each spring in Pulaski, and the Montgomery County Sportsmen’s Association (MCSA), near Clarksville. The Governor’s hunt would not be possible without the support of lots of folks in the Pulaski area. The MCSA is responsible for the success of the Montgomery County Shooting Complex, a world-class shooting facility in Southside, TN that is owned by TWRF, and managed by the MCSA. If you have an idea to help out the natural resources in your state, or get more people involved in the outdoors, give us a call. You might be surprised what we can do together.
How can I find out more about TWRF?
Call our office at 615-831-9311 and we will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. Our office hours are 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. By joining TWRF you will be kept up to date on our actives through our newsletter. We will strive to keep our website up to date and informative as well.
Can TWRF help me with my wildlife related issue?
Since TWRF is not part of TWRA we will not be able to help with issues related to nuisance wildlife control, hunting licenses, permits, etc…. For help with these issues, contact the TWRA regional office in your area. We may be able to assist you if you have ideas for habitat improvement or conservation of certain wildlife species in your area.
