Area sportsman Bill Swan was confirmed by Tennessee House and Senate Committees today as one of the newest members of the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission. The TFWC is the governing body over wildlife, hunting, fishing and boating regulations in the state.
Swan’s committee appointment must still be approved by the full House & Senate, however such confirmations are usually routine.
“Once the committee confirms the appointment, it goes on the Consent Calendar and at some point will most likely sail on through the full House and Senate,” according to TWRA Asst. Director Barry Sumners.
Swan, a resident of Sequatchie County, carries on a long conservation legacy in Tennessee. His uncle, Chuck Swan, was the first Commissioner of Conservation in Tennessee in the 1940’s and was part of a group which spearheaded the formation of the wildlife commission and game & fish agency as we know it today.
While he said he doesn’t know Swan personally, TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter said he is well aware of Swan’s work, and his family’s commitment to conservation. The TWRA “Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area” north of Knoxville is named for Bill Swan’s uncle.
“That is a pretty cool tie there,” said Carter.
Swan has long been extremely active with Safari Club International, receiving national conservation awards for his work. Stepping inside his rustic home in Sequatchie County is like stepping into a museum of natural history. The avid world-wide hunter has also been extremely active in local conservation efforts, including the annual Hunt for Warriors held at Enterprise South Nature Park and on Fall Creek Falls State Park. He has also spearheaded the purchase of significant equipment donations to help area game wardens in efforts to curtail poaching. Swan is also an avid knife collector and seller.
Swan’s nomination comes from Ron Ramsey, the Speaker of the Senate. Swan has been active politically and was extremely active in the campaign to elect Dist. 31 Representative Ron Travis, ousting former representative, Jim Cobb, who many considered an enemy of TWRA.
If Swan’s appointment is fully confirmed as expected, he will serve until February 28, 2019.
CLICK HERE to read the full nomination.
