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Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 22, 2019 7:32:20 GMT -5
Woman rescued after injuring leg hiking in Red River Gorge Posted: 5:13 AM, Oct 22, 2019 Updated: 5:13 AM, Oct 22, 2019 By: David NicholsWOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Rescue crews aided a hiker who suffered a severe leg injury Monday evening in Red River Gorge. The rescue operation took place about 6 p.m. near the border between Wolfe and Menifee counties. Wolfe County Search and Rescue team members said they responded to the short-cut trail to Cloud Splitter, near Campton, where they reported finding the injured woman. Crew members put her leg in splint and were able to carry her out in a stoke basket. The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment, although her condition was not disclosed. Link:www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/woman-rescued-after-injuring-leg-hiking-in-red-river-gorge
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Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 19, 2019 7:08:58 GMT -5
A 900-acre destination resort in the Red River Gorge area? A concept is in the works Ben Tobin, Louisville Courier Journal Published 1:59 p.m. ET Oct. 18, 2019 | Updated 4:40 p.m. ET Oct. 18, 2019A destination resort may be on its way to roughly 900 acres of Eastern Kentucky's most popular attractions. Red River Economic Development, a nonprofit group in the charitable arm of the state's chamber of commerce, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, is seeking to create a master plan for a resort in the Red River Gorge region. The envisioned resort would be a public-private partnership and include a 150- to 175-room lodge that would accommodate families and meetings year-round, 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space and wedding venues, among other amenities, according to a concept paper. But don't get too excited or too angry about the resort just yet: the concept might not become a reality, and construction wouldn't start for a few years, said David Adkisson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. "This it is not a project yet," Adkisson told The Courier Journal. "There is not a set of blueprints. It is a concept." Read More:www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2019/10/18/red-river-gorge-kentucky-could-have-destination-resort/4021505002/
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Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 1, 2019 5:38:32 GMT -5
Restrictions issued for Daniel Boone National Forest due to dry weather Posted: 11:14 AM, Sep 27, 2019 Updated: 8:29 AM, Sep 30, 2019 By: Sierra McLean(LEX 18) — Daniel Boone National Forest has issued an emergency order that restricts the use of fire on national forest lands. The emergency order went into affect on Friday morning. In developed campgrounds and picnic areas, campfires are only permitted in existing metal or concrete fire rings and pedestal grills that have been installed by the Forest Service. In general forest areas, such as the Red River Gorge, campfires and open flames are prohibited. This emergency order also prohibits the use of candles or any other open flame devices outside of developed recreation areas. Forest Service officials said that portable lanterns and stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel and have a shutoff valve are allowed out of developed recreation areas, but officials have urged caution. "We're experiencing above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation, and the extended weather forecast doesn't appear to bring any change over the next couple of weeks," said Forest Management Officer E.J. Bunzendahl. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of eastern Kentucky have now reached severe drought conditions. "Over the past several weeks, eastern Kentucky has received little rainfall, and no significant rainfall is predicted anytime soon. The forest ground fuels are extremely dry, approaching record lows for moisture," said Bunzendahl. Anyone in violation of this emergency order will be fined and may be required to appear in federal court. In addition to any possible fines, any individual or group responsible for causing a wildfire may be held liable for the costs of fire suppression. Below you can find a list of the recreation areas where campfires are allowed in existing metal fire rings or in pedestal grills: Cumberland Ranger District Twin Knobs Campground Clear Creek Campground and Picnic Area White Sulphur Horse Camp Clay Lick Boat-In Campground Billy Branch Picnic Area Boat Gunnel Group Campground Zilpo Campground Koomer Ridge Campground Sky Bridge Picnic Area Rock Bridge Picnic Area Grays Arch Picnic Area Fitchburg Picnic Area Stearns Ranger District Alpine Picnic Area Natural Arch Picnic Area Hemlock Grove Picnic Area Bell Farm Horse Camp Great Meadow Campground Barren Fork Horse Camp Jellico Creek Dispersed Campsites Rock Creek Dispersed Campsites London Ranger District Bald Rock Picnic Area Holly Bay Campground Grove Campground Craigs Creek Group Use Area White Oak Boat-in Campground Flatwoods Picnic Area Laurel Bridge Picnic Area S-Tree Campground and Picnic Shelter Turkey Foot Campground and Picnic Shelter Little Lick Campground Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Video Link:www.lex18.com/news/restrictions-issued-for-daniel-boone-national-park-due-to-dry-weather
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Post by Greg Stamper on Oct 1, 2019 5:23:21 GMT -5
U.S.Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest
Forest fire at Sky Bridge, Red River Gorge - An escaped campfire caused a wildfire this weekend at Sky Bridge. The area is currently closed to the public while firefighters work to establish fire containment lines. The fire is expected to burn 125 acres at containment. Please avoid the Sky Bridge area until further notice. Only firefighters and emergency personnel are allowed in the vicinity at this time. All of Highway 715 in the gorge remains open to public vehicles, but Forest Service Road #245 that leads to the Sky Bridge recreation area is closed. Friendly Reminder - Campfires are currently banned in the general forest area and in dispersed, non-developed recreation areas, such as the Red River Gorge. Campfires are allowed only in developed recreation areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest where metal/concrete fire rings or grills are installed by the Forest Service. In the Red River Gorge backcountry, please note that rock circles for campfires are user-developed, not Forest Service developed or installed. DBNF law enforcement officials extinguished nearly 20 illegal campfires in the gorge this past weekend, which had been abandoned and left smoldering.
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Post by Greg Stamper on Sept 30, 2019 5:16:06 GMT -5
Fishing Derby at Indian CreekDate(s): Oct 5, 2019 Join us at a Fishing Derby on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Indian Creek in the Red River Gorge. For ages 5 to 15. Adult supervision required. Registration from 8 -10 a.m. Fishing 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring your own fishing pole, one per child. This event is free. For more information call Cumberland Ranger District, 606-784-6428. Registration required: Yes View pdf flyer:www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd656994.pdf
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Post by Greg Stamper on Sept 30, 2019 5:10:42 GMT -5
Sept. 27, 2019 – With worsening drought conditions, the Daniel Boone National Forest has issued an emergency order that restricts the use of fire on national forest lands. The order is effective until further notice beginning Friday, September 27. In developed campgrounds and picnic areas, campfires are permitted only in existing metal or concrete fire rings and pedestal grills installed by the Forest Service. In the general forest area and in dispersed, non-developed recreation sites, such as the Red River Gorge, campfires and open flames are prohibited. The fire restriction order also prohibits the use of candles or any other open-flame device outside of developed recreation areas. Portable lanterns and stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel and have a shutoff valve are permitted outside of developed recreations areas, but Forest Service officials urge caution. “We’re experiencing above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation, and the extended weather forecast doesn’t appear to bring any change over the next couple of weeks,” said Forest Management Officer E.J. Bunzendahl. “Over the past several weeks, eastern Kentucky has received little rainfall, and no significant rainfall is predicted anytime soon. The forest ground fuels are extremely dry, approaching record lows for moisture.” According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of eastern Kentucky have now reached severe drought conditions. Anyone in violation of the U.S. Forest Service Supervisor’s Order will be fined and may be required to appear in federal court. In addition to fines, any individual or group responsible for causing a wildfire may be held liable for fire suppression costs. Forest Service regulations require that any campfire be attended at all times, even those in developed recreation areas where fire rings occur. For a list of recreation areas where campfires are permitted in metal fire rings or pedestal grills, visitors can call the ranger district office where they intend to visit. District office phone numbers can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/dbnfThe following is a list of recreation areas where campfires are permitted (in existing metal fire rings or in pedestal grills). www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/home/?cid=fseprd667757
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Post by Greg Stamper on Sept 18, 2019 3:53:00 GMT -5
Climber who died at Red River Gorge identified Posted: 5:47 AM, Sep 17, 2019 Updated: 10:24 PM, Sep 17, 2019 By: David NicholsWOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — An investigation is underway after a climber reportedly died Monday in fall at Red River Gorge in Wolfe County. Officials with the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team said the group received a call about 4:15 p.m. reporting a climber had fallen in Muir Valley near the Rogers community. John May, the chief of the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team, has confirmed that the victim is Martin (Marty) Vogel, 59, from Ohio. Vogel owned property near where the accident happened. Read More:www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/climber-reportedly-dies-in-fall-at-red-river-gorge
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Post by Greg Stamper on Aug 24, 2019 5:32:08 GMT -5
Business in the Red River Gorge hosting Kayaks for K9's this weekend By Amber Philpott Posted: Thu 3:39 PM, Aug 22, 2019 Updated: Thu 9:44 PM, Aug 22, 2019SLADE, Ky. (WKYT)- This weekend you can enjoy the Red River Gorge by kayak and help out man's best friend at the same time. The second annual Kayak's for K9's event will be held at Red River Adventure. The couple who runs the business has a special place in their heart for rescue dogs, it's the reason they are married and it's the reason the two are now helping animals in need. In these dog days of summer, the water can certainly be inviting. It doesn't matter if you are the two legged kind or furry and four legged, the water is just as refreshing. Ernie and Danielle Braden run Red River Adventure just outside of Slade, right in the middle of the Red River Gorge. At their place along the Red River, it's a perfect spot to idle away these last few days of summer. "We do boat rentals, we do canoe, kayak rentals, we have a campground" said owner Ernie Braden. Always there to greet guests, Freedom and Remington. The two dogs are rescue pups living their best life on the water with the Braden's. Rescue animals have a special place in this couple's heart, their own love story is a dog gone good tale because of these two pups. "Me and my wife met because of our dogs, I had just got my rescue dogs, had him about two days and went to the pet store to get food and toys and I happen to run into her there," said Ernie Braden. The rest is history, two dogs, two owners, now one happy family. It's because of their dogs that this couple is now using their business to give back to shelters in needs. "Most of the time I tell people, we see a need, we fill a need. We were inspired by our own dogs, so we think if they can change our lives other people should adopt rescues and it change their life," said Danielle Braden. This weekend Red River Adventure will hold its second annual Kayaks for K9's event to raise awareness and support for area shelters in Wolfe, Menifee and Powell counties. "Last year we had a great turnout, we had around 200-300 people last year, the animal shelters got some dogs adopted, we raised over 1000 pounds of dog food and a lot of money for them," said Ernie Braden. The Braden's were blown away by the success and by just how many people wanted to help. "I think I realized mostly that everybody loves the dogs, a lot of people have a similar story with their rescue how it changed their life. Most importantly a lot of people want to help, but just didn't know how," said Danielle Braden. Their business might be adventure for man and his best friend, but for a couple who fell in love thanks to furry orphans, it seems giving back may be their real work. This weekend's event is free, but the Braden's would like for you to go online and register at www.redriveradventure.netSaturday there will be an "All Pups Pageant" and a "Puppy Paddle" contest as well as live music and food. Story & Video Link:www.wkyt.com/content/news/Business-in-the-Red-River-Gorge-hosting-Kayaks-for-K9s-this-weekend-557896891.htmlUPDATE:www.lex18.com/second-annual-kayaks-for-k9s-helps-shelters-near-red-river-gorge
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Post by Greg Stamper on Aug 11, 2019 9:22:17 GMT -5
Search & Rescue teams conduct extraction training with Blackhawk helicopter By WKYT News Staff Posted: Sun 8:47 AM, Aug 11, 2019CAMPTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Members of the Wolfe and Powell County Search & Rescue teams, along with other agencies, spent Saturday engaged in some intense training exercises in the Red River Gorge. Powell County Emergency Management, Red River Gorge Special Treatment, Access, and Rescue (Red STAR,) Wildcat DUSTOFF, and members of the 123rd Airlift Wing of the Kentucky National Guard were all on-hand participating in a number of different extraction exercises. Video posted to Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team’s Facebook page shows one exercise utilizing a Blackhawk helicopter to aid in a potential medevac scenario. The Facebook page also says some of the Blackhawk exercises utilized a search dog placed in the helicopter. Teams also conducted training in high-angle rope operations. Training was conducted around the Auxier Ridge area of the gorge. Video Link: www.wkyt.com/content/news/Search--Rescue-teams-conduct-extraction-training-with-Blackhawk-helicopter-534749771.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Aug 7, 2019 8:42:31 GMT -5
Search and rescue teams to gather at Red River Gorge to practice rescue skills By WYMT News Staff Posted: Tue 7:37 PM, Aug 06, 2019POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/WKYT) - Many gather at Red River Gorge each year to hike but Saturday search and rescue teams will take over. Sister station WKYT reports there will be military aircraft, search and rescue teams and emergency management personnel at the gorge. These teams will work together to practice how to save someone who has fallen off a cliff. "This is for when it happens, not if it happens, when it happens that we are prepared. It happens more than we would like it to, but we haven't had the intensity to where we need to use so many teams except for recovery," said Lisa Johnson with Powell County Search and Rescue. Johnson also says if you plan on hiking you should always have a water bottle and whistle with you. Video Link:www.wymt.com/content/news/Search-and-rescue-teams-gather-at-Red-River-Gorge-Saturday-to-practice-rescue-skills--523943991.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Aug 2, 2019 4:18:09 GMT -5
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Post by Greg Stamper on Aug 1, 2019 20:03:31 GMT -5
Time to speak up for national forests, or see ‘radical turn toward secrecy’ on logging By Jim Scheff August 01, 2019 04:40 PMYou’ve probably never heard of a “Categorical Exclusion.” You may have heard of the National Environmental Policy Act, also known as “NEPA,” the bedrock environmental law signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970. It would make sense if you hadn’t. But I’d wager that you know a thing or two about the Daniel Boone National Forest, or places like the Red River Gorge, Vanhook Falls, or Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. If you do, and if you care about these places – or any of the 193 million acres of national forest lands across our United States – then now is a good time to get familiar with some of these obscure terms. Here’s why: The U.S. Forest Service, under President Trump’s Department of Agriculture, has proposed major revisions to the agency’s rules for following NEPA. The proposed changes would end longstanding requirements that the Forest Service notify the public, allow for public comment, and analyze environmental impacts when approving logging, road building, pipeline construction, and a host of other activities across the U.S. National Forest system, including Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This is a radical turn toward secrecy that benefits industry at the expense of the public. Under the new rules, the Forest Service would be allowed to clearcut up to 4,200 acres at a time – nearly 7 square miles – for pretty much any reason, without telling the public or performing any meaningful environmental review. Their “one size fits all” approach treats Kentucky’s 170,000 acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area no differently than the 17,000,000 acre Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Read more here:www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article233405127.html#storylink=cpy
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Post by Greg Stamper on May 27, 2019 4:09:07 GMT -5
Wolfe County Search & Rescue called out for two operations Saturday By WKYT News Staff Posted: Sun 11:28 AM, May 26, 2019CAMPTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Search teams in Wolfe County aren’t having a very restful Memorial Day weekend after handling back-to-back calls on Saturday. According to a Facebook post on the Wolfe County Search & Rescue page, they received the first call around 6 p.m. about an injured climber who took a fall in Muir Valley. Teams were able to get to the woman, who was reportedly already on crutches and had applied her own knee wrap. The climber hadn’t suffered any additional injuries and was able to walk out on her crutches. Teams say shortly after they completed that operation, another call came in for lost hikers near the Gladie Center along Bison Way. The hikers could see the Gladie Center parking lot, but were “ledged out,” meaning they had descended to a point where they couldn’t go further, but also couldn’t go back up the way they came. Teams made their way to the hikers and were able to use handlines to quickly get the group to safety. Wolfe County Search & Rescue is reminding hikers in the Red River Gorge to remember to bring plenty of water, maps, and lights while hiking, and to always have a fully charged cell phone and spare battery before hitting the trails. www.wkyt.com/content/news/Wolfe-County-Search--Rescue-called-out-for-two-operations-Saturday-510447441.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on May 22, 2019 5:39:24 GMT -5
Living Archaeology WeekendKentucky Life | KET KET - Kentucky Educational Television Published on May 21, 2019 Kentuckians learn about the lives of people who lived on this land centuries ago through the Living Archaeology Weekend at Red River Gorge. It’s an eye-opening experience for visitors who get to see artifacts and traditions from ancient cultures up close. When the event was first held in 1989, there had been problems with people coming to the Red River Gorge area and illegally digging in archaeological sites, looting the artifacts and destroying the integrity of the sites. By inviting local fifth graders to the Gorge to learn about the importance of this history, the organizers hope to instill a sense of healthy curiosity and respect. Living Archaeology Weekend, September 20-21, 2019Learn more about KET's programs and educational services at www.ket.org/www.kentuckynewera.com/multimedia/video/news/youtube_b99ab3f7-8370-5a09-be15-8d60d84efb85.htmlVideo link:
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Post by Greg Stamper on May 21, 2019 4:12:06 GMT -5
Video link: www.wkyt.com/content/news/A-first-in-Kentucky-National-Guard-helps-rescue-woman-in-Red-River-Gorge-510193591.htmlA first in Kentucky: National Guard helps rescue woman in Red River GorgeBy Victor Puente Posted: Mon 9:40 PM, May 20, 2019 POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Rescuers in Powell County called in for extra help Saturday afternoon for a rescue that turned out to be the first of its kind in Kentucky. A woman at the top of the Natural Bridge was seizing. A paramedic with RedSTAR (Red River Gorge Special Treatment, Access, and Rescue) said she needed treatment as soon as possible. That meant a call to the National Guard. Over the past year, Wolfe County Search and Rescue has been training with the National Guard on search and rescue missions. A Blackhawk helicopter flew in to take the woman to treatment. Wolfe County Search and Rescue helped hoist the woman up. Previously, they've had to carry people out, losing valuable time that could go to treatment. "It can take anywhere from two to six hours. It depends on the terrain," said Lisa Johnson with Powell County Search and Rescue. The teams from Wolfe and Powell counties along with RedSTAR and the National Guard all worked together to get the woman out as quickly as possible. She was airlifted to a hospital in Lexington. She was treated and released that night.
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