§ 11-14-101. Short Title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Natural Areas Preservation Act of 1971.”

§ 11-14-102. Purpose

The general assembly finds that in the countryside of Tennessee there are areas possessing scenic, scientific, including biological, geological and/or recreational values, and which are in prospect and peril of being destroyed or substantially diminished by actions such as dumping of refuse, commercialization, construction, changing of population densities or similar actions, there being either no […]

§ 11-14-103. Part Definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: “Area” means an area of land or water, or both, whether in public or private ownership, which has scenic, natural, or scientific values; “Commissioner” means the commissioner of environment and conservation; “Department” means the department of environment and conservation; “Local government” means the government of […]

§ 11-14-104. Administration — Report on Implementation

This part shall be administered by the department, in cooperation with the wildlife resources agency, acting as an advisory body. The commissioner is authorized to make and shall enforce certain regulations necessary for the preservation and enhancement of the values herein protected, and for control of recreational, educational, scientific and other uses of these areas […]

§ 11-14-105. Classifications

There shall be two (2) classes of areas within the meaning of this part: Class I, scenic-recreational areas, which are areas associated with and containing waterfalls, natural bridges, natural lakes, small but scenic brooks or streams, gorges, coves, woodlands, caverns or other similar features or phenomena, which are unique in scenic and recreational value and […]

§ 11-14-106. Development Permitted

The following development shall be permitted in the two (2) classes of areas: Class I areas may be developed with foot trails, foot bridges, overlooks, primitive campgrounds and small picnic areas with associated sanitary facilities; Class II areas may be developed with foot trails, foot bridges, overlooks and primitive campgrounds; and Either class may be […]

§ 11-14-107. Reports by Department

The department shall submit annually to each succeeding general assembly proposals for additions and alterations to Class I or Class II areas, or for improvements to this program. Each proposal shall specify the category of the proposed addition and shall be accompanied by a report on the factors which, in the judgment of the department, […]

§ 11-14-108. Designation of Areas

The general assembly may designate Class I or Class II areas proposed by the commissioner to become parts of the system. However, designation by the general assembly need not necessarily be restricted to areas proposed by the department. The following areas are designated natural areas: Class I—Scenic-Recreational Areas Bays Mountain.  An approximately three thousand five […]

§ 11-14-109. Plan for Development and Protection

The commissioner shall, within two (2) years after an area has been made a part of this system, have completed a comprehensive plan of development and protection, and shall have begun the process of acquisition.

§ 11-14-110. Acquisition of Property

Within the boundaries of any Class I or Class II area included within the system, except those belonging to local governments, the commissioner may acquire, on behalf of the state of Tennessee, lands in fee title, or if applicable, and preferably, interest in land in the form of conservation easements. Easements should especially be sought […]

§ 11-14-111. Cooperation With Other Agencies

The commissioner, with the assistance of the other concerned state agencies, shall seek the cooperation of federal, county, and municipal agencies for the purposes of planning, development, and administration of the areas included within this program, and for the wise utilization of economic resources.

§ 11-14-112. Registration of Privately Owned Areas

The department shall maintain a registry of scenic or natural-scientific areas that are not in state ownership and whose owners have agreed to maintain them in a natural state, in accordance with such rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner. Owners of such areas shall be permitted to make public the fact that the area […]

§ 11-14-113. Areas Becoming Part of Other State Areas

Any component of the system that is or shall become a part of any state park, wildlife refuge, or similar area shall be subject to this part and the laws under which the other areas may be administered and, in the case of conflict between these laws, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

§ 11-14-114. Reports From Other Agencies

All state agencies shall, as areas are placed in this system, inform the commissioner of any proceedings, studies, or other activities within their jurisdiction and regardless of by whom requested which are then in progress and which affect or may affect any of the areas specified in § 11-14-105. They shall likewise inform the commissioner […]

§ 11-14-115. Violations — Penalties

Whoever violates, fails, neglects or refuses to obey this part or rule or regulation promulgated hereunder may be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of such violation. In addition to the foregoing criminal penalty, the general assembly finds that it is appropriate that there be the […]

§ 11-14-116. Reelfoot Lake Natural Area — Administration — Land Acquisition

Notwithstanding any of this part to the contrary, this section is applicable to the Reelfoot Lake natural area, an area designated as a natural area under § 11-14-108 and described therein. The responsibility for the administration of the Reelfoot Lake natural area under this part is transferred from the department, in cooperation with the wildlife […]

§ 11-14-117. Initiation of Proceedings — Injunctive Relief

The commissioner may initiate proceedings in the chancery court of Davidson County or the county in which the activities occurred against any person who is alleged to have violated or is about to violate this part or the rules promulgated hereunder. In such action the commissioner may seek, and the court may grant, injunctive relief […]