Tennessee – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) played a key role in supporting communities and maintaining critical infrastructure during Winter Storm Fern, deploying personnel and resources across multiple counties to ensure public safety.

TWRA wildlife managers, officers, technicians, and radio crews collaborated with other state agencies to address urgent needs, including clearing more than six miles of road to restore access to the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN) Hinch Mountain tower site in Cumberland County. Crews also cleared trees and debris to provide road access at the Slayden Radio Tower in Dickson County and the Smyrna Street Department in Rutherford County.

In Lewis County, TWRA staff cleared 13 miles of roadway and cut 200 fallen trees, while a 12-person crew equipped with chainsaws, skid steers, and UTVs assisted in Perry County. Additionally, the agency supported Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) in clearing roads throughout Hickman County.

TWRA personnel conducted more than a dozen welfare checks to protect vulnerable residents in Cheatham, Hamilton, Lewis, Perry, Robertson, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties and assisted stranded motorists during hazardous conditions.

“Our Agency always stands ready to support Tennesseans across our great state in crisis situations,” said Jason Maxedon, Executive Director of TWRA. “I am proud of our Agency, and grateful for the coordinated effort with local officials, first responders, and statewide agencies, in helping Tennesseans feel safe and supported.”

TWRA Colonel Dale Grandstaff added, “During Winter Storm Fern, the men and women of the TWRA answered the call, working alongside our state partners to support Tennesseans and keep critical services operating under challenging conditions. I am proud of the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork shown by our agency staff as they put public safety first.”

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The agency also supports public safety through law enforcement and safety education on Tennessee waterways.