What this tracks
This dataset maps Conservation Opportunity Areas across Tennessee where the state has identified critical habitats for protecting wildlife species that need the most conservation help.
Why it matters to you
If you’re a landowner in Tennessee, this data shows whether your property sits within a designated conservation area, which could affect land use regulations, hunting seasons, or eligibility for conservation programs. Developers and builders can check if their planned projects fall within these protected zones before investing time and money in site planning. Outdoor enthusiasts can identify prime areas for wildlife viewing and understand which species they might encounter in different regions.
How to read this data
COA — The name of the Conservation Opportunity Area, like “South Fork of the Forked Deer River.” SqMiles — The total area covered by each conservation zone in square miles, with some areas spanning hundreds of square miles like the 690-square-mile South Fork region. AveragePriorityScore — A numerical ranking showing how critical each area is for conservation efforts, with higher numbers indicating greater conservation priority. MilesHighPriorityStreams — The miles of streams within each area that are especially important for aquatic wildlife protection.
Where this leaves you
This dataset doesn’t let you look anything up by your address, but it’s still a window into how the state operates. Read it to understand the scope of the program and what the official records contain; the state’s own interactive map (linked on this page) shows the locations involved.