Author Description

The idea for this beautiful photographic book came from current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Executive Director Ed Carter in collaboration with outdoor writer Larry Richardson and photographer Tom Wood. Director Carter has been a part of the TWRA family since 1972. All three have an important role to play in this book and all three have a vast knowledge of TWRA and the beautiful places that TWRA has stewardship over. Our state is divided naturally into three sections: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. From the mountains of east Tennessee to the rolling land which lies between the Cumberland plateau on the east and the Tennessee River on the west, to the smooth level plains of the Mississippi Valley in West Tennessee, there are over 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and refuges across the state that are managed by TWRA. They vary in size from 53 to 625,000 acres. All WMAs are available to the public for hunting, trapping, and other outdoor activities, although certain regulations apply. These areas are fully funded by license sales from hunters and fishermen, and those who wish to support wildlife across our state. Showcasing the state's wildlife management areas in a photo essay, along with highlighting TWRA personnel's interaction with the public in the field, is a special and unique opportunity.Obviously, this project is a labor of love for all those involved, but the ultimate satisfaction is the reward of knowing this book will be valuable to those who turn its pages. Tennesseans everywhere recognize that outdoor recreation attracts and sustains families and businesses, healthy communities, and an overall better quality of life. Whether you are involved in hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife watching or just appreciation of the outdoors, you will love the picturesque pages of this book as it takes you through the photographic journey of?Tennessee Wilderness-A Legacy Endures.' So get outside and invite someone along on an adventure, just as I am invitin