Shakeup Follows Controversy at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Conservation efforts in the South Cumberland region have made significant progress this year. Working alongside local land trusts, state agencies, and community volunteers, we've seen meaningful steps toward protecting the natural heritage of this irreplaceable landscape.

The area surrounding Nickajack Cave, once home to the largest gray bat colony in the eastern United States, exemplifies the conservation challenges we face. Protecting these critical habitats requires balancing recreational access with the needs of sensitive species. The cave's gated entrance, installed in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, has helped stabilize the bat population while still allowing responsible scientific study.