The Natural Areas Preservation Act authorizes the state to acquire lands to protect their scenic, natural or scientific values. The U.A. Moore Wetlands Acquisition Act was designed to acquire wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests. Funding is provided by a recordation tax imposed in 1986 on all transfers of realty. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency submitted a proposal in July of 1995 to acquire 1800 acres using monies from the wetlands acquisition fund, which will be merged with other holdings into a 250 square mile swath of restored wildlife habitat. Finally, the Department of Environment and Conservation administers the Local Parks and Recreation Fund which is for land acquisition, trail and facility development.
Funding also comes from the recordation tax.
Private Land Conservation Tennessee has private land conservation programs. For example, conservation easements are authorized by statute. Owners of land subject to a conservation easement are not liable for injury to third person using the land. A Forest Stewardship Program assists private landowners with conservation issues. In addition, the Tennessee Biodiversity Program encourages private landowners to protect critical areas.