Tenn. Code Ann. § 11-15-103: Acquisition authorized

In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the state of Tennessee, acting through any of its departments, agencies, or institutions, subject, in the case of the state, to the approval of the state building commission or any other public body, may acquire interests in real property in the form of scenic easements. Acquisition of interests in land or in structures (scenic easements) may be by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds or otherwise, but not by exercise of the power of eminent domain. However, no interests in land or in structures (scenic easement) may be acquired except to assist in the protection and preservation of those historic, architectural, archaeological or cultural resources listed in the National Register or Tennessee Register or those natural areas that are included among the park or recreational lands administered by the public body. In addition, any public body may designate a scenic easement in any real property in which it has an interest in order to provide protection to and assist in the preservation of such listed and designated resources and areas.