Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-8-102: Declaration of policy

The general assembly finds and declares that:

(1) It is the policy of this state to manage certain nongame wildlife to ensure their perpetuation as members of ecosystems, for scientific purposes, and for human enjoyment;

(2) Species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to this state that may be found to be endangered or threatened within the state should be accorded protection in order to maintain and, to the extent possible, enhance their numbers;

(3) The state should assist in the protection of species or subspecies of wildlife that are deemed to be endangered or threatened elsewhere by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment within this state of species or subspecies of wildlife listed on the United States' List of Endangered Fish and Wildlife as set forth in this part, unless such actions will assist in preserving or propagating the species or subspecies; and

(4) Adequate funding should be made available to the agency annually by appropriations from the general fund or from other sources for management of nongame and endangered species.