City of MaryvilleBilly Minser’s career highlights
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Helping acquire over 500,000 acres in the Tennessee Valley, creating eight new wildlife management areas and expanding Great Smoky Mountains National Park by 300 acres
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Leading efforts in 2006 to protect 292,000 acres of public lakeshore property around TVA lakes in eight states
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Securing the Foothills Wildlife Management Area, now expanded from 4,000 to 10,000 acres, creating a wildlife corridor with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Serving on FLC’s Board of Directors, contributing to the protection of more than 200,000 acres of mostly private land in seven southeastern states
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Placing a conservation easement on his own property and helping neighbors do the same
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Partnering with Carpenter’s Elementary in Maryville to develop an award-winning Outdoor Classroom, inspiring similar projects across the region
“Since I was a small child, during my teenage years as an Eagle Scout, and as a young college student, I knew I wanted to work in land conservation,” said Minser. “It’s been my pleasure to share what I know with students, our community and FLC.”
“Billy’s lifetime of dedication to conservation has left a legacy that will benefit generations,” said Bill Clabough, FLC executive director. “This park is a fitting tribute to his service, his teaching and his love for the natural world. It will be a great benefit to the city of Maryville.”
“We are honored to partner again with Foothills Land Conservancy to preserve this property and honor Billy Minser, a legend in the conservation community,” said Maryville Mayor Andy White. “Our City Council members are excited to be able to accept this gift on behalf of the community and generations of future explorers and nature lovers.”
The City of Maryville and Foothills Land Conservancy will share further details on the park’s development timeline and amenities in the coming months.