NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, has been named the 2026 Conservation Co-Legislator of the Year by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF).
The award recognizes lawmakers for outstanding achievement in conservation legislation that preserves Tennessee’s outdoor and recreational heritage.
“No state rivals Tennessee’s natural beauty or its rich legacy of conservation and recreation,” Cochran said. “Stewarding God’s creation is a responsibility I take seriously, and I was honored to pass critical legislation this year to defend the rights and traditions of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. I’m grateful to the TWF for this recognition and for their continued work to preserve the Volunteer State’s lands, water and wildlife for future generations.”
Cochran received the award along with State Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, in part for passing a new law reaffirming the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s authority in regulating hunting across the state. The law seeks to preserve Tennesseans’ hunting rights and the stewardship that hunters and anglers provide.
“Conservation wins don’t happen by accident — they happen because the right people show up and do the work,” said TWF CEO Mike Butler. “Senator Lowe and Representative Cochran did exactly that with HB2017/SB2028, and Tennessee’s sportsmen are better for it. It’s an honor to name them this year’s Co-Legislators of the Year, and Tennessee Wildlife Federation is proud to have allies in both chambers who understand that hunting, fishing, and the outdoor traditions that define this state don’t preserve themselves — they take leaders willing to protect them.”
The TWF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources through proven wildlife management strategies.
Lawmakers this year made significant investments in conservation efforts, including $81.6 million to create three new Tennessee State Parks.
State Rep. Mark Cochran lives in Englewood and represents District 23 in the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe counties.