NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced that 28 of Tennessee’s 56 state parks have achieved Platinum status, the highest level of achievement, under the department’s Go Green With Us program. . This is the most Platinum parks in program history.
Both Roan Mountain State Park and Sycamore Shoals State Park were on the list.
“Our state parks go above and beyond in environmental protection and sustainability, and we are thrilled with their performance in this program,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Jim Bryson. “This formally recognizes our parks’ commitment to preserving the environment and setting the best possible example for our visitors.”
The TDEC announcement predates World Earth Day, Friday, April 22.
The comprehensive Go Green With Us program, established in 2015, incorporates guidelines across park operations that help staff and guests become more environmentally conscious. The parks implement sustainability practices and are recognized in the spring near Earth Day. A total of 37 parks have increased this year by one level of status from the last assessment in 2020, with 22 parks achieving Gold status and six Silver.
All parks recycle what is available for recycling in their counties. Other program activities include replacing old water fixtures with low-volume alternatives, composting food waste, installing LED lighting in high-traffic areas, enforcing no-idle zones to reduce emissions, tracking rare, threatened and endangered species and planting native species.
Many campgrounds are trash-free with conveniently located dumpsters and recycling bins. Some restaurants are reducing food waste through diversion, donation and composting practices. Some parks have on-site gardens, providing seasonal herbs and vegetables to local kitchens and communities.
The 28 state parks to achieve Platinum level recognition were:
East Tennessee
Big Ridge State Park
Booker T. Washington State Park
Lake Cove State Park
Frozen Head State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Indian Mountains State Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Seven Islands State Bird Park
Sycamore Shoals State Park
West Tennessee
Fort Pillow State Park
Johnsonville State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pinson Mounds State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Middle Tennessee
Capitol Mall Bicentennial State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Burgess Falls State Park
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Cummins Falls State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Radnor Lake State Park
Rock Island State Park
sergeant. Alvin C. York State Park
Standing Stone State Park
