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HB 1510

Parks, Natural Areas Preservation - As introduced, designates segments of the Buffalo River, Duck River, and certain other rivers and creeks as Class II pastoral river areas; expands certain public outreach requirements concerning scenic rivers. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Marsh

HB 1510 designates Buffalo and Duck River segments as Class II scenic areas and expands public outreach requirements for river conservation protections.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 1510

Legislative bill overview

HB 1510 designates specific segments of the Buffalo River, Duck River, and other Tennessee waterways as Class II pastoral river areas under the state's scenic rivers program. The bill also expands public outreach requirements for communities regarding their scenic river designations.

Why is this important

River designations affect land use regulations, development restrictions, and conservation protections in surrounding areas, potentially impacting property owners, local economies, and environmental preservation. Expanded outreach requirements ensure communities have better information about how these designations affect their jurisdiction and constituents.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Class II pastoral designations impose use restrictions on private landowners adjacent to designated river segments, which some may view as limiting development or resource extraction opportunities without compensation
  • Local control vs. state mandates: Expanded outreach requirements increase administrative burden on municipalities while state-level designation decisions may not reflect local community preferences or economic priorities
  • Economic trade-offs: Conservation protections may limit commercial activities (like logging, mining, or dam projects) in designated areas, affecting rural economies dependent on natural resource industries, while environmental advocates argue protections preserve long-term ecological and recreational value

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

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