You can still enjoy the great outdoors during Tennessee's safer at home order, as long as you follow guidelines for safe social distancing.
"Governor Lee’s Executive Orders 22 and 23 identifies outdoor activity as an essential activity provided that individuals follow Health Guidelines," said Kurt Holbert, Chairman of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The state's turkey hunting season is opening Saturday as scheduled and public lands controlled by TWRA are open.
Tennessee's lakes and rivers and the access areas controlled by TWRA will remain open to anglers and recreational boaters.
"Avoid congregating in a large group, just like we’re social distancing from one another out in public. If you’re going to be out on a water way, don’t raft up with a bunch of boats and just try to keep your distance from one another right now," Matt Cameron with the TWRA said. "There’s really no better place to be right now then being outdoors separate from other people."
One note for boaters, TVA is closing recreation areas at Chatuge, Cherokee, Fort Loudoun, the south side of Guntersville, Normandy, Norris, Tellico and Watts Bar dams, as well as all recreation areas at Raccoon Mountain, will be closed.
Boat ramps within those areas will be closed, but TVA river access points outside those areas will remain open.
"This disease is an imminent threat to Tennesseans and should not be taken lightly. The Commission wants to encourage all hunters, anglers, and boaters to follow the Governor’s Executive Orders and to practice social distancing. Go enjoy the outdoors, but please do it in a manner that is smart and safe," said Holbert.