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SJR 564

Memorials, Recognition - Nashville's Highland Rim Forest -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Heidi Campbell

Recognizes Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest as a vital ecological asset providing stormwater, air/water quality, biodiversity, and supports regional conservation and urban planning

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 564

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 564 (SJR 564) – Tennessee 114th General Assembly

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR 564 is a memorial resolution recognizing and commemorating Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest.
  • The resolution emphasizes the ecological, environmental, and quality-of-life importance of the Highland Rim Forest to Nashville and the broader Middle Tennessee region.
  • It highlights the forest as part of the Western Highland Rim ecoregion and notes its recognition by state and federal agencies.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Recognition: The resolution designates Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest as a vital ecological asset deserving acknowledgment by the state.
  • Environmental and Civic Significance:
    • Describes the forest’s role in stormwater management, water and air quality improvement, mitigation of urban heat islands, and preservation of wildlife habitat and biodiversity.
    • Connects the forest to broader regional planning and conservation initiatives (e.g., the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy).
  • Geographic and Ecological Context:
    • Identifies the Highland Rim as part of the Western Highland Rim, a Level IV ecoregion per USDA classifications.
    • Notes the forested area on the western flank of Nashville and Davidson County, including references to long-range planning documents by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
  • Urban Forestry Context:
    • References Nashville’s designation as the “World’s Largest Urban Forest,” with over 100,000 acres of tree canopy within city limits.
    • Mentions four key parks within the Highland Rim corridor: Beaman Park, Bells Bend Park, Radnor Lake State Park, and Warner Parks (Percy and Edwin Warner Parks), which collectively offer more than 4,700 acres of public outdoor recreation and nearly 100 miles of hiking trails.
  • Purpose Statement:
    • The resolution states the intent to commemorate the Highland Rim Forest for its beauty and essential contributions to environmental health, quality of life, and the economic vitality of Middle Tennessee.
  • Formal Action:
    • Provides for the preparation and presentation of an appropriate copy of the resolution.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Geographic/Environmental Focus: Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.
  • Stakeholders include local residents, visitors, environmentalists, urban planners, and state/federal agencies involved in conservation and land-use planning.
  • The resolution acknowledges ongoing and future conservation efforts and planning related to the Western Highland Rim and its forested ecosystems.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative Path:
    • Introduced and placed on the Senate consent calendar in January 2026.
    • Passed the Senate and House steps in January 2026; enrolled and ready for transmission, with final signatures in late January 2026.
  • Enactment Status:
    • The resolution was transmitted to the Governor and signed into law (as indicated by the action history) on February 2–3, 2026, effectively making it a memorial expression of the General Assembly.
  • Effective Date:
    • As a memorial resolution, it does not create new statutes or fiscal obligations; its effect is ceremonial, signaling official recognition.

Impact and Implications

  • Symbolic Importance: Elevates public awareness of Nashville’s Highland Rim Forest and its ecosystem services.
  • Potential Policy Influence: While non-binding, the resolution may bolster support for conservation, land-use planning, and watershed management efforts within the Highland Rim corridor.
  • Community and Institutional Benefits: Aligns with broader urban forestry initiatives and regional conservation goals, potentially guiding future collaboration among local government, state agencies, and conservation groups.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive meaning and potential impact of the bill as a memorial resolution. It does not create new regulatory requirements or expenditures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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