The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced 32 of the 57 Tennessee State Parks have attained Platinum status, the highest level of achievement, in the department’s Go Green With Us program. It is the highest number of Platinum parks in the program’s history.
“Our state parks are setting an example for environmental protection, and we are glad to see them recognized in this way,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for TDEC’s Bureau of Parks and Conservation. “These parks have worked hard and deserve this recognition. It is one more way to show TDEC’s commitment to stewarding our precious natural resources, and our park visitors deserve no less.”
The announcement coincides with April being Earth Month around the world. The annual Earth Day observance was April 22.
The evaluation process reviews parks’ efforts in sustainability categories including energy efficiency; maintenance and hospitality; water conservation; and recycling and waste reduction; among others. Through this process, parks can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition levels. Parks accumulate points for completing designated tasks within the Go Green guidelines. This year, 20 parks reached Gold to go with the 32 achieving Platinum recognition.
Go Green With Us began in 2015 as a recycling initiative of the state parks. In its first year, it was a voluntary program. In 2018, the guidelines became mandatory for all Tennessee State Parks.
The parks were the recipients of the National Association of State Park Directors’ 2022 President’s Award for the Go Green program.
Park visitors are encouraged to ask about their favorite park’s Go Green initiative and what they can do to participate. More information about the program https://tnstateparks.com/about/go-green-with-us.
The 32 parks to achieve Platinum status are:
West Tennessee:
Fort Pillow State Park
Johnsonville State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Middle Tennessee:
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Burgess Falls State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Henry Horton State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
Old Stone Fort State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Standing Stone State Park
Radnor Lake State Park
Rock Island State Park
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park
Tims Ford State Park
East Tennessee:
Big Ridge State Park
Cove Lake State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Fort Loudoun State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park
Indian Mountain State Park
Norris Dam State Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Seven Islands State Birding Park
South Cumberland State Park
Sycamore Shoals State Park
