Department of Environment & Conservation
Jim Fyke, Commissioner

Recreation Educational Services Division

The Division of Recreation Educational Services' mission is to create and protect parks and open spaces that provide recreation opportunities and conservation education.

Recreation Educational Services is composed of three sections:

» Trails and Greenways Technical Assistance
» Funding and Planning Resources
» Land Management and GIS Resources

Technical Assistance, Funding and Planning Resources is managed by Gerald Parish and provides a variety of services to Tennesseans.  Recreation Grant programs are administered under this section which includes Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Land Water and Conservation Fund (LW&CF), and the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF).  This section also includes the Parks and Recreation Technical Advisory Service (PARTAS) that provides technical and educational assistance to communities concerning parks and recreation services and development. 

Land Management and GIS Resources is managed by Bill Avant and provides important assistance in the acquisition and conservation of land for TDEC.  This section oversees the State Lands Acquisition Fund and coordinates GIS services as they relate to land acquisition for the department. 

Trails and Greenways Resources is coordinated by Bob Richards the State Greenways and Trails Coordinator.  Important assistance in trail design, trail sustainability, and planning are provided to communities and trail organizations across the state.  Bob facilitates the Commissioner's Council on Greenways and Trails.