Williamson County residents can weigh in on wildlife habitat loss, water resources and chronic wasting disease (CWD) at a public town hall Nov. 2 in Franklin.

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation scheduled the event for 6:30 p.m. at Leiper's Fork House of Spirits, 334 Main St. #104, according to the federation's town hall page. Registration is open on the same site.

A guest speaker has not been announced.

The Williamson County stop is one of 11 on a statewide tour that spans Memphis to the Tri-Cities. It follows earlier Middle Tennessee events in Columbia, Cookeville and Gallatin.

The federation says Middle Tennessee's rapid growth is creating pressure on wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation access and working lands. CWD, a progressive and fatal disease that attacks the nervous system of deer, elk and moose, is among the regional concerns on the agenda.

That disease hit close to home in December 2025, when the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirmed the first positive CWD cases in Williamson County, The Leaf-Chronicle reported. Wildlife officials at the time encouraged hunters to continue hunting while submitting deer for testing.

Mike Butler, CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, told the Williamson Herald in early October that decisions being made now will shape wildlife, habitat and outdoor opportunities for decades. Butler said the town halls are meant to hear directly from residents experiencing those changes and to keep conservation part of the conversation as communities grow.

Each town hall includes a federation overview, guest speakers on regional conservation topics and a panel discussion where attendees can submit questions. The TWRA is expected to participate with updates relevant to each area. Door prizes donated by Outdoor Business Roundtable members will be given away, the federation's website states.

The event is open to hunters, anglers, landowners, outdoor business owners and anyone interested in conservation. Hospitality is provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Nov. 2 — Tennessee Wildlife Federation town hall, 6:30 p.m., Leiper's Fork House of Spirits, 334 Main St. #104, Franklin. Register at tnwf.org/townhall.