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Commission begins process to add Bill Dance name to Herb Parsons fishing area; 90‑day public comment to follow
Summary
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission on Feb. 21 approved a motion to begin the process of renaming the Herb Parsons State Fishing Area to include Bill Dance—starting a 90‑day public comment window and staff outreach to surviving heirs, per the commission's naming policy.
Commissioner Bill Cox moved Feb. 21 to seek public comment and consider renaming the Herb Parsons State Fishing Area to add Bill Dance’s name; the commission approved the motion and directed staff to follow the commission’s naming policy, including a 90‑day public comment period and outreach to surviving family members.
Process explained by counsel: General Counsel Tory Grimes told commissioners that under the commission’s naming policy, staff must contact surviving heirs (if any) and open a public comment period before the commission acts further. Grimes said the policy requires a 90‑day comment window when a name is moved off a waterbody, and staff will report back to the commission with public comments and the sentiment gathered during that period.
Why it matters: The proposal would pair a new public‑facing name with an existing state fishing area. Commission supporters said the renaming would honor longtime supporter Bill Dance, who has donated use of his name and brand for a new Signature Lake Trail to aid tourism and fishing promotion; members also said the family has been contacted and the son of Herb Parsons has expressed support.
Implementation steps: The commission approved the motion to begin the process; staff will publish the public‑comment window (90 days), reach out to heirs, collect and present comments, and return to the commission with findings for a final decision.
