Tennessee Code Title 66. Property § 66-9-305

(a) In order to carry out the purposes of this part, any public body or organization may acquire and dispose of interests in land or structures or features thereon in the form of conservation easements. No conservation easement shall be acquired by eminent domain unless such easement is necessary for the accomplishment of a specific public project which has been authorized by statute. Any such acquisition by a state entity shall be subject to approval by the state building commission.

(b) No private nonprofit organization shall exercise a power of eminent domain to acquire an easement under this part even though such organization may otherwise have such power.

(c) Any public body may designate a conservation easement in any real property in which it has an interest, if such property is listed on the National Register or the Tennessee Register, in order to provide protection to and assist in the preservation and protection of such property.

(d) A public body has all powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, including the following powers in addition to others granted by this chapter: