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Post by Greg Stamper on Jul 28, 2020 23:23:08 GMT -5
Consultant Work Continues On Possible RRG Development By Stu JohnsonConsultant work continues to explore the feasibility of developing a destination resort near Red River Gorge. A second virtual town hall meeting Tuesday focused on potential economic and infrastructure benefits for the four county area in southcentral Kentucky. Stantec Designer Nancy Locke said stakeholders want to maintain a balance of existing and new facilities. “This idea of competing with the cabin industry. There’s a concern that that’s been a really strong vital industry in the area and a hesitation to bring in something that might disrupt that,” said Locke. Preliminary ideas and goals were presented during the remote forum. That included creating a sustainable economic development, year round job opportunities, and to be true to the character and values of local residents. Locke noted consultant work has included evaluating benefits to communities bordering the gorge in Lee, Menifee, Wolfe, and Powell Counties. “Each community is poised to be a gateway to the greater region. So, how do we get people to stop there and spend time in these communities and what can the communities focus on to better serve these visitors,” Locke explained. A third virtual meeting to take input is planned for mid-August with draft recommendations slated for the end of August and a final presentation in late September. Former Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO David Adkisson is leading the soon to be non-profit entity of interested business leaders who have ties to the region. Once finalized, he’s said the next step will be to see if there are interested investors to back such a project. Read More & Listen to Audio Clip:www.weku.org/post/consultant-work-continues-possible-red-river-gorge-development
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jul 27, 2020 20:19:40 GMT -5
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jul 3, 2020 7:18:05 GMT -5
Search and Rescue offers safety tips for hiking in Red River Gorge on 4th of July By: Sofia Millar Posted at 7:04 PM, Jul 02, 2020 and last updated 7:04 PM, Jul 02, 2020WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Wolfe County Search and Rescue is reminding people to be safe by thoroughly prepare before going on a hike in the Red River Gorge during the 4th of July weekend. Search and Rescue Chief John May said they expect a high volume of people at the Red River Gorge over the weekend. Last year, the team responded to five emergencies in the Gorge during the holiday weekend, according to May. May said because Saturday and Sunday will be hot, it is especially important for people to hydrate early and frequently. “Always hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I mean, carry more water than you think you’ll need,” said May. “Even having a water purification system is a great thing to throw in your bag because if you were to get out there and run out of water, you’d have the means to treat water so you can drink it safely.” May also recommended researching trails before a hike and having both a cell phone with GPS and a physical map on hand. “Cell signal is kind of spotty. You know, you can’t always rely on that,” he said. Read More with Video:www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/search-and-rescue-offers-safety-tips-for-hiking-in-red-river-gorge-on-4th-of-july
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jun 18, 2020 22:08:57 GMT -5
One dead, one charged with murder after Wolfe County shooting By WKYT News Staff Published: Jun. 18, 2020 at 5:26 AM EDT|Updated: 17 hours agoZOE, Ky. (WKYT) - A man is dead, and another man is charged with murder after a shooting in Wolfe County. It happened Wednesday night at a cabin in the Red River Gorge. According to Kentucky State Police, a 31-year-old Jarron Slayback, Cincinnati, was shot several times outside the cabins. Witnesses stated they saw Slayback and the suspect, Troy Dunkelberger, of West Chester, Ohio, arguing when shots were suddenly fired. Read More:www.wkyt.com/2020/06/18/one-dead-one-charged-with-murder-after-wolfe-county-shooting/www.wymt.com/2020/06/18/one-dead-one-charged-with-murder-after-wolfe-county-shooting-2/www.newsbreak.com/kentucky/campton/news/0PNKWGHv/one-dead-one-charged-with-murder-after-wolfe-county-shootingwww.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article243628582.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jun 16, 2020 19:51:42 GMT -5
For Immediate Release Contact: Tim Eling 859-745-3145 WINCHESTER, KY - June 16, 2020 – Tunnel Ridge Road (Forest Route 39) in the Red River Gorge will be temporarily closed for repairs June 22-25. Gates will close Sunday, June 21, at 9:00 pm. Tunnel Ridge Road provides access to popular destinations such as Gray’s Arch and Auxier Ridge. As visitation to the popular Red River Gorge of the Daniel Boone National Forest has increased in recent years, so have the impacts on infrastructure. The Red River Gorge is a regional icon and international destination with heavy visitor use experienced daily and year-round. Heavy vehicle use of the road displaces gravel and exposes potholes, making vehicle travel challenging. With increased use comes a need for an increased frequency of maintenance and reconstruction. The U.S. Forest Service is working cooperatively with Powell County Tourism and Powell County to maintain this popular road for the enjoyment of visitors. Please do not park vehicles in front of closed gates or block emergency vehicle access. Tunnel Ridge Road will reopen 9:00 am on Friday, June 26th. For additional information, please contact the Cumberland Ranger District at 606-784-6428 or visit the Daniel Boone National Forest website at www.usda.gov/dbnf. Updates will also be posted on Facebook: www.facebook.com/danielboonenfTim Eling Staff Officer (GIS, Admin, Planning, Public Affairs) Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest 859-745-3145 tim.eling@usda.gov 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.usUSDA LogoForest Service TwitterUSDA Facebook Caring for the land and serving people
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Post by Greg Stamper on May 8, 2020 20:47:15 GMT -5
Road Collapse Closes Lane In Gorge Area By Steve Rogers May 8, 2020 MENIFEE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Motorists taking a scenic drive in the Red River Gorge area need to be aware of a traffic hazard. Part of Kentucky Highway 715 near the Gladie Welcome Center in Menifee County has collapsed and traffic is reduced to one lane. Traffic barriers are in place. Kentucky 715 winds through the gorge area from Highway 77 on the north to Combs Parkway at Pine Ridge on the south. www.wtvq.com/2020/05/08/road-collapse-closes-lane-gorge-area/
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Post by Greg Stamper on Apr 1, 2020 23:19:05 GMT -5
Wednesday April 1, 2020From Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team Facebook: "Our hearts are heavy with hearing the news that, Red River Gorge legend, Ranger Don Fig, has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and all that knew him. His legend will live on in the SAR teams he helped form. Rest easy Don, we will take it from here." www.claycity-times.com/news/?p=10863
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Post by Greg Stamper on Mar 29, 2020 5:37:33 GMT -5
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Post by Greg Stamper on Feb 12, 2020 22:26:42 GMT -5
US Forest Service says someone vandalized the 100-year-old Nada Tunnel in Kentucky Wednesday, February 12th 2020, 7:33 AM EST By Allen Kim, CNNThe U.S. Forest Service is searching for vandals that have spray painted graffiti around the Red River Gorge and inside the historic Nada Tunnel, which is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in central Kentucky. Officials discovered the restroom facility at the end of the Tunnel Ridge Road and the Nada Tunnel vandalized within the past week. Read More: www.wrcbtv.com/story/41691564/us-forest-service-says-someone-vandalized-the-100-year-old-nada-tunnel-in-kentucky
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Post by Greg Stamper on Feb 12, 2020 21:53:46 GMT -5
Hiker safe after daring rescue in Powell County By WKYT News Staff Posted: Wed 11:17 AM, Feb 12, 2020 Updated: Wed 6:48 PM, Feb 12, 2020POWELL CO., Ky. (WKYT) - A man is safe after a daring rescue in Powell County. Powell County Search and Rescue say the hiker, Christian Jones, got lost in the Red River Gorge Tuesday night. (Powell County Search & Rescue Facebook) They say he had bush-whacked up a cliff and got stranded. It was dark, cold and rainy. Rescue crews say those conditions added danger to the mission. They say Jones used his last one-percent battery on his phone to turn on his flash-light, allowing rescuers to find him. Powell County Search and Rescue says it was one of the most dangerous rescues they have attempted. Video Link: www.wkyt.com/content/news/Hiker-safe-after-daring-rescue-in-Powell-County-567800561.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Feb 2, 2020 5:48:29 GMT -5
Red River Gorge United forms to voice community concerns about possible resort By Shelby Smithson Posted: Sat 10:49 PM, Feb 01, 2020 Updated: Sat 11:47 PM, Feb 01, 2020 POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - As discussions continue regarding a master plan with the possibility of a resort coming to the Red River Gorge, some community members have formed a group to create a plan of their own. "I worry about flooding, I worry about traffic,” Kristen Wiley, who lives and works in the Red River Gorge area, said. “I worry about impacting the small businesses in the area already." That's just the tip of the iceberg of Red River Gorge United’s concerns for the community. It follows the Red River Economic Development group approving a contract with an outside company called Stantec to complete an $800,000 study that would develop a master plan to increase tourism in the Red River Gorge. Stantec is expected to complete the study by July 31. Project Manager Dave Adkisson previously told community members that just because the study is happening does not mean a resort will be built. Either way, it’s a deadline that’s looming over Red River Gorge United and the surrounding community. "I don’t know if we can compete with that, all we can do is try,” Wiley said. “And we're going to do what we can." That includes developing their own master plan based on the wants and needs of the community. Wiley said it's not a plan against growth or moving forward, but one advocating for everyone to have a voice in how they get there. "Most people do support some sort of growth, but in a way that is manageable, and sustainable, and also actually helps the people who live here," Wiley said. Red River Gorge United will be holding several more public meetings. For more information on those and how to get involved, you can like them on Facebook or visit their website at www.rrgunited.orgVideo Link: www.wkyt.com/content/news/Red-River-Gorge-United-forms-to-voice-community-concerns-about-possible-resort-567501051.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jan 12, 2020 23:39:57 GMT -5
Listen to development plan for Red River Gorge before you get so angry By Heather Warman January 10, 2020 10:48 AM It’s a new year full of possibility. Today I spent the day hiking and paddling in the Red River Gorge, a place near and dear to my heart. I remember my mom taking me here every year on our way to my aunt Lila’s in Breathitt County for Thanksgiving. I always looked forward to our Natural Bridge hikes. I grew up in Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky. For the last three years I have stationed my outdoor adventure company, Stand Up Paddle Kentucky, in Slade. When I first got wind of a big “resort” coming in, I was worried about how a development like this would impact our area. A week later I went to a community meeting about the project. Prior to attending the meeting, I read the full concept paper that is publicly available at redriverky.com. As I read, my initial fears subsided. The language and goals of the project gave me some hope for positive change in eastern Kentucky. The Red River Gorge is going through a transition. From the time Stand Up Paddle Kentucky first opened our doors just three years short years ago to now the visitation in the Gorge has grown dramatically. I love to see this increase in tourism for the area. Many businesses for the first time ever are able to stay open all year long and not have to shut down for the winter. Read more here: www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article239118193.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Nov 27, 2019 7:38:59 GMT -5
Climber rescued after fall in Red River Gorge Posted: 7:15 AM, Nov 26, 2019 Updated: 7:15 AM, Nov 26, 2019(LEX 18) — Rescue crew members and good Samaritans helped bring a climber injured Monday to safety after a fall in Red River Gorge. According to a post on the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team's Facebook page, the team was called out about 5:30 p.m. after a climber fell about 25 feet near Eagle's Point Buttress. "The climber sustained multiple injuries, but was able to rappel off of the route before dialing 911," the post says. Rescue team members aided by four good Samaritans carried the injured climber out of the area. He was transported to an area hospital by Menifee County emergency personnel. The injured man's condition was not disclosed. www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/climber-rescued-after-fall-in-red-river-gorge
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Post by Greg Stamper on Nov 8, 2019 3:40:44 GMT -5
Fees waived on Veterans Day WINCHESTER, Ky., Nov. 6, 2019
In honor of Veterans Day, the Daniel Boone National Forest will waive fees at several recreation areas. The fee waivers apply to all forest visitors at designated locations.
“We want to especially recognize our nation’s veterans and enlisted military members on Veterans Day,” said Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen. “We truly appreciate their honorable service and the sacrifices they have made for our country.
“On this special holiday, I hope our service men and women find the opportunity to visit our forest and enjoy some outdoor recreational time with their families,” said Olsen.
On Monday, November 11 no fee is required at the following day-use sites:
Redbird Crest Trail - Clay and Leslie counties White Sulphur ATV Trail – Bath County Clear Creek Shooting Range - Bath County Natural Arch Scenic Area – McCreary County Appletree Shooting Range - McCreary County Keno Shooting Range – Pulaski County Laurel River Lake boat ramps - Laurel and Whitley counties Cave Run Lake boat ramps – Bath, Rowan and Menifee counties
Overnight camping fees are also waived at the following national forest locations:
Red River Gorge - Powell, Menifee and Wolfe counties Koomer Ridge Campground - Wolfe County Barren Fork Horse Camp - McCreary County White Sulphur Horse Camp - Bath County Clear Creek Campground - Bath County Claylick Boat-in Campground – Rowan County
In the Red River Gorge, backcountry campers staying overnight on Monday are not required to have a fee permit.
For more information, call 859-745-3100 or visit the national forest website at fs.usda.gov/dbnf
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Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 25, 2019 11:27:51 GMT -5
Koutoulas: Will we love the Red River Gorge to death? By Winchester Sun Published 9:47 am Friday, October 25, 2019The Red River Gorge is a Kentucky treasure. I grew up in Wolfe County, literally a stone’s throw from what would eventually become Muir Valley and on the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Although I live in Winchester now, the Gorge will forever be a part of my heritage and a large piece of my heart. As a teenager, my friends and I spent a lot of time in the Gorge. This was before the area became a haven for rock climbers and a nationally-known getaway for campers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Gorge was virtually unknown outside of central and eastern Kentucky. It was drawn into the national spotlight in the early 1970s when a proposal to build a dam and flood much of the Gorge attracted the interest of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. That plan was eventually scuttled, and the Red River Gorge was saved. But there were still dark clouds on the horizon. I’ve always felt the area can only sustain a certain amount of development, and I think it is already at or near that point. Over the last 20 years or so, there have been more cabins and tourist attractions built than I ever dreamed possible. Now — seemingly out of nowhere — a plan has come to light to construct a “destination resort” near the tiny village of Slade, in the heart of Gorge country. The proposed site is a 900-acre tract near Natural Bridge State Park. Read More:www.winchestersun.com/2019/10/25/koutoulas-will-we-love-the-red-river-gorge-to-death/
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