Thomas Bub Edwards

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EDWARDS NOMINATED TO WILDLIFE COMMISSION
(FIRST TIME FOR A PARISIAN)
by Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com

Thomas “Bub” Edwards of Paris has been selected by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the 13-member Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission (TWRC). It’s the first time in the state’s history that a Parisian has been nominated to serve on the governing body of the wildlife agency.

It’s a coveted position; the second most sought after position in state government. The first being chosen as a member of the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.

Our area has long been known as a sportsmen’s Mecca. With Kentucky Lake drawing anglers, hunters, campers, boaters, wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and just about anything to do with the great outdoors, the Paris-Henry County area as long been a destination for such folks. Having a representative from Henry County is long overdue.

“I’m honored to have been asked by the Governor to represent the sportsmen of Tennessee,” said Edwards, formerly of McKenzie and a 25-year resident of Henry County. “I think my background in farming, wildlife management, business, and being an avid outdoorsman will help me bring a voice to the Commission on a variety of matters. I’m looking forward to it.”

Edwards is a member of such wildlife organizations as Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, National Wild Turkey Federation, Partners for Wildlife, and served as Vice-Chairman of the TWRA Foundation.

“The Commission is important to all sportsmen of the Volunteer State as it sets season dates, bag limits, and everything from the length limits on fish to coordination of multi-million dollar budgets and real estate transactions. Being a Commission has a lot of responsibility.”

While commissioners actually represent all sportsmen of the state, some are chosen from districts. Edwards will represent District 7 of the state, which is comprised of Henry, Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Henderson, Hardin, and Perry counties.

Nine Commissioners are appointed to six-year terms by the Governor. The Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor also appoints one. The Commissioner of Conservation and Environment and Agriculture, both of which are appointed by the Governor, automatically fills the other two seats.

The TWRC meets six or more times per year with at least one meeting in each region per year. Duties of the Commission range from appointing or dismissing the Executive Director to approving the budget, promulgating rules, regulations, and proclamations. They establish objectives, which enable TWRA to develop, manage, and maintain sound programs of hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife-related activities.

Members serve without pay, receiving only reimbursement for travel expenses to and from meetings.

“I’m a lifetime outdoorsman and this is a way to give something back to the resources,” continued Edwards, who owns Gleason Foundry, a clay-shredding machine business. “I’ve got children coming on who will want to fish, hunt, and enjoy the recreation of our lands and waterways too.”

The next meeting of the TWRC is slated for May 23-24 at the TWRA office in Nashville. All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and additional information on Commission meetings are posted on the TWRA Website at www.tnwildlife.org .

Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT.

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