Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Region IV - Boating
Tennessee has approximately the same number of miles of navigable waterways as it does interstate highways. East Tennessee’s reservoirs and streams provide many opportunities for recreational boaters. With twelve reservoirs encompassing more than 150,000 surface acres and more than 4,800 miles of warm and coldwater streams, the locations to go boating are literally at your back door.
The goal of the boating program is to ensure that Tennessee’s waterways are safe and enjoyable for all users by providing a comprehensive program of education, law enforcement, public access, and facilities.
Historically, waterways provided an important means of transportation; early explorers, hunters and trappers utilized the streams and rivers to traverse the rugged wilderness of East Tennessee. As trade developed, vessels of all description and size were used for commerce. Federal agencies later harnessed parts of the river system for flood control, commercial traffic, and hydroelectric production. Recreational activities in recent years have not only improved the quality of life but have also contributed greatly to the economy.
Current regional TWRA boating programs include:
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On the water presence of wildlife/boating officers to enforce boating safety regulations.
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Development of modern access areas with paved parking areas and lighting.
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Funding for transient dock facilities to meet the increasing boat traffic demands on the Tennessee River system.
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Grants to provide pump-out facilities at local marinas that help keep the waterways cleaner.
The recent passage of a mandatory boating education certification law is one of the keys to safer recreational boating in the future. On-line testing through public libraries, local test sites established by TWRA personnel and courses taught by boating organizations certified over 5,000 boaters in the initial year.
Surveys indicate that 43% of Tennessee’s adult population participates annually in boating activities not related to hunting and fishing. When combined with hunting, fishing, commercial navigation, and non-resident users, the TWRA boating safety program’s continued role in managing the waterways throughout the region is critical.
