Commission Approves FY28 Operational Budget & License Structure Fees at August Meeting

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) unanimously approved the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's (TWRA) operational budget for 2027-28. The Commission also heard the Tennessee Black Bass Management Plan and passed rules on a new license structure and fees, including TWRA shooting ranges, at its August meeting.

Additionally, there were also two resolutions to honor Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and former TFWC Commissioner Tony Sanders. The TWRA also presented its annual awards for boating officers and dispatcher of the year. To watch both days of the meeting, visit the TWRA YouTube Channel.

The Commission approved the TWRA's license fee increase and license structure proposals. The individual fee increases varied, most in the 27-29 percent range. For example, the Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo would increase from $33 to $42. The Sportsman License fee would change from $165 to $189.

The new license and permit structure is designed to reduce the complexity of licensing options. This license structure will be presented to the Joint Government Operations Committee for approval later this year. Watch the meeting to learn more about the proposed license structure.

The TFWC also approved new fees for TWRA shooting ranges and hunter education centers as well as established a "No Wake Zone" at Pine Lake in Henderson County.

Fisheries Division Assistant Chief Travis Scott gave a report on the Tennessee Black Bass Management Plan. This is a comprehensive plan developed in seven key areas to guide black bass management from 2027-36. A Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) was created late last year and established goals for future black bass management in Tennessee.

A technical advisory committee comprised of TWRA staff and outside experts established objectives and strategies to achieve those goals. The plan is in the final stages of development and TWRA is soliciting public comments before finalizing the plan in October 2026.

Among the resolutions, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally is retiring after 48 years of service to the citizens of Tennessee. A strong supporter of the TWRA and its mission, Lt. Gov. McNally is a well-known and expert muskellunge fisherman. He served both in the Tennessee House and Senate. He was selected as Speaker of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor in 2017.

Tony Sanders was honored for his outstanding service to Tennessee's outdoors heritage. For more than 35 years, Tony Sanders has devoted himself to promoting hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor education, and firearm safety. He served as a commissioner from 2017-21.

Jon Mark, who serves as the Davidson County game warden, was named 2025 Boating Officer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Chase Rich, a game warden in East Tennessee's District 42, is the Boating Educator of the Year. The part-time Boating Officer of the Year is Scott Bilbrey. He is assigned primarily to Center Hill Lake and the Caney Fork River, while also supporting Dale Hollow Lake and Great Falls Reservoir. In addition, Charles "Scott" Barber was named the Boating and Law Enforcement Dispatcher of the Year. He serves TWRA Region I in West Tennessee.

The next TFWC meeting will be held October 8-9 in Bristol. The final scheduled meeting of 2026 will be in the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building on Dec. 3-4.

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 maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

---TWRA--