Bill > HB2583

This bill establishes the "Tennessee Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund" to support the improvement and restoration of natural resources and outdoor recreational areas across the state. The fund will be managed by a board of trustees, composed of both state officials and appointed members with expertise in conservation-related fields, and its monies can be used for grants and loans to counties, municipalities, state agencies, and non-governmental entities (nonprofit organizations focused on land and natural resource protection). These funds are intended for projects such as enhancing state parks and trails, restoring wetlands and habitats, improving access to public waters and lands for recreation and conservation education, and acquiring critical areas for clean water, wildlife, hunting, fishing, military installation buffering, or natural resource-based recreation, with specific limitations on land acquisition methods. The bill also outlines the operational procedures for the board, including application review, priority setting for projects that leverage other funds or promote outdoor activities, and reporting requirements, while also defining terms like "conservation land" and "permanently protected conservation areas" to clarify the scope of eligible projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2583&ga=114