BRISTOL, Tenn. — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission wrapped a two-day October meeting at Bristol Motor Speedway, bringing state wildlife business to Northeast Tennessee for agenda items that ranged from long-range fish plans to Hurricane Helene recovery.
Agency fisheries staff presented a final draft of the 2027-36 Tennessee Black Bass Management Plan and previewed work on a new trout management plan as the current trout plan approaches its 2027 expiration. Officials said the bass plan was revised after public meetings and comment periods that stressed aquatic vegetation, tournament impacts, access, wake boats and invasive species.
For trout, the agency said it will use the same stakeholder-driven model that shaped the bass plan. An online survey for anglers opened around the meeting window and was scheduled to run through Nov. 6, with a stakeholder advisory committee and a technical advisory committee expected to help draft a plan set to begin in 2028.
Commissioners also received an update on Hurricane Helene recovery work for northeast Tennessee properties. Completed projects listed by the agency included Highway 400 Lovers Lane, the Left Prong Hampton Creek fish barrier and Rankin Access Area, with Leadvale Boat Ramp, Blevins Road Boat Ramp on the Watauga River and Joe Johnson Access Area on the Nolichucky River scheduled for December completion.
Gatlinburg officials were recognized for more than 25 years of partnership on black bear management, including police handling of hundreds of bear-related calls each year. The meeting was held in the Bruton Smith Building banquet room after an Oct. 1 agency notice set committee sessions for Oct. 8 and full commission proceedings for Oct. 9.
Local coverage said it was the first time the commission met at Bristol Motor Speedway, underscoring the Tri-Cities stop for statewide wildlife policy. Executive Director Jason Maxedon was at his final commission meeting in the role ahead of a planned Nov. 30 retirement, and commissioners have a search underway for the next director.
