Like many in Southeast Tennessee, I grew up hunting and fishing. My father was instrumental in teaching me about the love of the outdoors and for the importance of conserving the land and waters that are important, not only for survival for us as humans, but for our wildlife, which is a precious resource in Tennessee.
Something that we don’t talk a lot about, though, in East Tennessee is the importance of protecting wetlands. I hear a lot from my friends in the western part of the state, where the land is a little flatter and swampier, about wetlands and why they are important to duck hunting and fish habitat, but I don’t hear a lot about it out this way. Wetlands are here in the eastern part of Tennessee as well. They exist throughout our mountains, hills and valleys all over the region. Protecting them here is just as important as other parts of our state.
Wetlands are important for our region’s fishermen and hunters, as these areas serve as important ecosystems supporting a variety of wildlife species. Wetlands act as breeding grounds, nurseries, and feeding areas for fish and wildlife, which are central to both fishing and hunting activities.
In addition, they are also crucial filtration for water flowing into our rivers, streams and lakes.
Clean water is essential for maintaining healthy fish populations and a thriving aquatic environment, which directly impacts fishing quality and success. Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping pollutants and improving water quality.
Outside of helping our state’s wildlife, wetlands also act an important buffer for flood control and erosion prevention. Wetlands help regulate water flow and mitigate flooding. In our mountainous areas, they act as natural sponges absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall. These sponges reduce the flow of water from rushing downstream and help prevent flash flooding. Wetlands also stabilize soil where mountainous areas can see heavy erosion during heavy rainfall.
There is a bill in the Tennessee General Assembly which could severely affect our state’s wetlands. It would take away the protections of these areas to support increased development. Let me say, I love our state, and I want to see Tennessee grow economically, but I am concerned about the direction we will take if this bill passes. It will open the floodgate in continuing to destroy our wetlands and severely harm Tennessee’s ecosystem.
Let me be clear, I am for economic growth, but we must do it in a responsible and conservative way. Let’s ask our legislators to continue to find reasonable solutions for our state’s growth, which helps our economy, but also protect our wetlands for future generations of sportsmen and women in Tennessee.
Tony Sanders
Former Tennessee Fish Wildlife and Commissioner, Hamilton County Republican Chairman, and host of Tony Sanders Outdoors, a weekly talk radio show in Chattanooga.