The Economics of Tennessee Conservation

At the heart of Tennessee conservation lies a critical truth: Protecting Nature Pays Off—For All of Us.

At TennGreen Land Conservancy, we know that conserving land in Tennessee encompasses far more than safeguarding scenic views or protecting plants and animals. It’s about investing in our future—in communities, jobs, and families—an irreplaceable tapestry that make Tennessee Tennessee.

From the misty Great Smoky Mountains to the winding Mississippi floodplain, our state’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes aren’t just a backdrop. They’re also the backbone of a booming economy rooted in outdoor adventure, agriculture, and local pride. Truly, conservation isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good business.

Outdoor Recreation: One of Tennessee’s Greatest Economic Engines

Tennessee’s wild spaces are proven, powerful economic drivers. Families from all over the country flock here to hike timeless mountain trails, raft the Ocoee’s might, explore waterfall-rich state parks like Cummins Falls and Rock Island, climb the premiere cliffs of Denny Cove, and kayak under the ancient cypress cover of  the Wolf River. And when they do, they spend:

• In 2023, visitors spent over $30.6 billion across the state, a 25% increase since 2021.
• That spending generated $3.2 billion in state and local taxes, funds that support schools, roads, emergency services, and more.
• Tourism supports over 191,000 jobs in Tennessee (nearly one in every 24 jobs).

Tennessee conservation makes this all possible. When we protect public access to forests, rivers, trails, and parks, we’re protecting the infrastructure of a thriving outdoor economy.

TennGreen is a leader in conservation partnerships, working hand-in-hand with public and private allies to keep the outdoors open, safe, and economically viable for all.

State Parks: A Natural Asset with Powerful Returns

Tennessee’s state parks aren’t just cherished family destinations—they’re engines of economic opportunity. A recent economic impact study from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) revealed that:

• State parks added a remarkable $1.9 billion to Tennessee’s economy in fiscal year 2024.
• That activity supported over 13,500 jobs, from hospitality and retail to trail maintenance and education.
• More than $550 million in household income was generated by park-related spending.

When we protect these lands, we’re not hitting “pause” on growth—we’re accelerating it in a way that supports families, small businesses, and healthy communities across Tennessee.

TennGreen’s mission is rooted in the belief that conservation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for every Tennessean, now and in perpetuity.

Agriculture & Forestry: Stewarding the Working Lands That Feed Us

Our rich farmland and abundant forests are also woven into the very fabric of our culture and economy. Tennessee conservation protects these working lands from fragmentation and unchecked development, helping keep family farms in operation and timber resources sustainable.

• In 2022, Tennessee generated $5.3 billion in agricultural cash receipts—roughly 4.4% of the state’s GDP.
• Forests cover more than 50% of our land, supplying raw materials and supporting rural jobs in forestry and wood products.

Protecting agricultural lands helps preserve not just livelihoods, but heritage, food security, and the long-term health of Tennessee’s communities. This is critical to TennGreen and our partners at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

TennGreen collaborates with landowners to develop conservation plans that are flexible, forward-thinking, and grounded in science and sustainability.

Outdoor Industry & Rural Entrepreneurs: A Rural Revival Through Nature

You don’t have to look far to see the positive impact of conservation on rural entrepreneurship. Small businesses—from gear shops and canoe rentals to coffee shops and bed-and-breakfasts—thrive when people visit protected lands.

• Tennessee’s outdoor industry generates $21.6 billion in consumer spending annually.
• It supports 188,000 direct jobs and contributes $6.5 billion in wages.
• The sector returns $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue.

And perhaps most importantly: these dollars often stay local, breathing life into small towns and communities that proudly serve as gateways to the great outdoors.

TennGreen is a partner to entrepreneurs and local leaders, advancing projects that balance growth with the values that matter most to Tennesseans through Tennessee conservation.

Property Values & Ecosystem Services: Conserved Lands Pay Long-Term Dividends

Land Conservation isn’t just about land—it’s about what’s protected. Clean water, healthy air, floodplains that absorb stormwater, trees that capture carbon, and peaceful green spaces that bring people together—these are all impossibilities without conservation in today’s reality.

• Green spaces enhance property values, drawing new residents and businesses.
• They reduce public costs for stormwater management and infrastructure.
• Conserved lands make neighborhoods healthier, more resilient, and more attractive to employers.

In other words, protecting open spaces isn’t just about environmental stewardship—it’s a smart investment in the strength, safety, and sustainability of our communities.

TennGreen safeguards the lands that protect us—from climate resilience to community well-being.

Tennessee Conservation: A Shared Future Worth Investing In

At TennGreen Land Conservancy, we believe in a Tennessee where nature and economy grow side by side. Protecting a riverbank today means building a stronger economy tomorrow. The benefits of conservation are shared by all of us—across political aisles, across counties, across generations. And as the data above shows, there is no replacement; no better option. We are all part of nature.

We invite you to be part of this important work—because together, we’re not just preserving land. We’re protecting our future.

There’s no catch—just conservation.

Learn more, join a hike, or support Tennessee conservation at tenngreen.org.