Terms Used In Tennessee Code 11-4-102

  • Forestry: means the professional application of scientific principles in the management and use of forest land. See Tennessee Code 11-4-103
  • Forests: means those lands currently occupied by trees of any size and species which may or may not have commercial value but are capable of providing multiple use benefits. See Tennessee Code 11-4-103
  • Protection: means the application of such technology and services as may be necessary to minimize mortality and loss of growth occurring in forests as a result of wild fire, insects, disease, and other causal agents. See Tennessee Code 11-4-103
  • Reforestation: means the artificial or natural regeneration of trees on bare land, eroded sites, or previously forested areas. See Tennessee Code 11-4-103
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105

The general assembly recognizes that the forests of Tennessee are a valuable natural resource that provide significant economic and social benefits to the citizens of the state. It is further recognized that efforts are needed to effectively protect and develop those forests in a manner that assures the perpetuation of long-term public benefits. In response to such needs, the general assembly has created the Tennessee Forestry Act. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a state forestry organization that is responsible for the development and administration of those programs and services that ensure effective protection, management, and reforestation of Tennessee’s forests.