Natural Resources

(1) The cutting, removal, gathering, planting, destruction or damaging of any natural resource is prohibited in any state forest without the written authorization of the district forester or under the district forester's supervision. (2) The collection of plants, rocks, minerals, animal life, botanical specimens or other natural objects in state forests is prohibited; provided however, persons officially representing a reputable scientific or educational institution(s), federal or state agencies may be permitted for such collecting by the district forester. Other state and/or federal permits and approvals may also be required as provided by law, rule or regulation. (3) The hunting, fishing, killing, taking or attempted taking of any species of wildlife in state forests is allowed only as provided by law, rule, or proclamation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission. (4) The district forester can restrict hunting, fishing, and the killing, taking or attempted taking of any species of wildlife in a state forest if the district forester determines that conditions in an area normally open to the public are such that they endanger resources or the public. The district forester’s authority includes the right to limit the times and locations available for hunting and fishing. If the state forest is a designated or partially designated Wildlife Management Area, the district forester shall consult with the appropriate Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region Manager prior to restricting hunting, fishing, killing, taking and/or attempted taking of any species of wildlife.