Chattanooga conservationist Jim Pfitzer joins Wild South

Wild South is pleased to announce that Chattanooga native Jim Pfitzer has joined the Tennessee Wild team working to protect Tennessee’s wildest places by passing the Tennessee Wilderness Act. Jim brings to the job a lifetime of passion for the conservation of wild places and a strong history of promoting wildness through his work as storyteller, writer, and actor. His one-man play Aldo Leopold—A Standard of Change has carried his conservation message to audiences all over the country.

Jim Pfitzer as Aldo Leopold in A Standard of Change.

“I was attracted by Wild South’s mission to inspire people to enjoy, value, and to protect the wild character and natural legacy of these special places.”, Pfitzer said. “I believe that connecting people to their public lands and teaching people the value of permanent protection of these special places is the best way to truly create change.”

Jim comes to Tennessee Wild with over a decade of experience in conservation both as an educator and as a dedicated volunteer. As a naturalist, he has taught countless communities the value of public lands, conservation ethics, and the special relationship with wild places that humans are entrusted to steward.  Known for his uncanny ability to connect with his audience through writing and storytelling, Jim’s other work brings new perspective and a dedicated voice to Wild South’s conservation efforts.

As Tennessee Wild’s Outreach Coordinator Jim will continue building support for ongoing efforts to pass the Tennessee Wilderness Act that will permanently protect about 20,000 acres of Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee. These lands, already managed as wilderness, are home to an abundance of wildlife, old growth forests, and some of the most important watersheds in East Tennessee. The Tennessee Wilderness Act assures permanent protection of critical habitat for 3 threatened and endangered species, as well as outstanding places to hunt, fish, hike, camp, and paddle. It also secures important revenue sources like outdoor recreation and tourism.

“We are very excited for Jim to officially join us to help pass this important legislation.” said Laura Hodge, Campaign Coordinator.  “He brings an inherent dedication to conservation, and is a great Chattanooga addition to our team.”

Tennessee Wild is a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Tennessee Wild educates the public about the benefits of wilderness, conservation, and promotes volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee’s wild places.

For more information visit TNWild.org