|
Post by Trix on Jun 21, 2022 13:14:19 GMT -5
Forest Service reminds visitors that fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands For Immediate Release Contact: Mary O’Malley, (859) 745-3107, mary.omalley@usda.gov Winchester, June 21, 2021 — With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, Daniel Boone National Forest officials are reminding visitors that all fireworks are banned on national forest lands. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service policy prohibits “possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device” within a national forest or grassland. This policy was developed to protect Forest visitors and native wildlife and to reduce the risk of wildfire. The fireworks ban applies at all developed recreation areas and general forest areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest, including popular areas like Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, and the Red River Gorge. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Mary O'Malley (she/her) Public Affairs Specialist Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest p: 859-745-3107 mary.o’malley@usda.gov 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.usCaring for the land and serving people
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Feb 22, 2022 14:55:11 GMT -5
Stop Tossing Your Banana Peel on the Trail That “organic litter” you just threw? It’ll still be around in a year.
by Emily Reed
Pop quiz: You’re biking with a friend, zipping along a semi-rural road, when your buddy pulls a banana from his jersey, peels it with his teeth, and flings the skin into the ditch. What do you say?
a. “Dude! That’s littering.” b. “Dude! What the f*ck?” c. Nothing, because I don’t want to make waves. d. Nothing, because I don’t see the problem.
A lot of people, I think, would opt for C or D. Well, I’m here to make a case for A. Or, if you don’t shy from strong language, B. The old hikers’ maxim “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints” doesn’t make an exception for food scraps—and it shouldn’t
Read More:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Nov 12, 2020 6:58:36 GMT -5
Bag to backpack to stream: Trout stocking in Red River Gorge by Natalie Parks Nov 11, 2020
My fish are not happy.
I don’t know that for certain, but I imagine that being dumped into a plastic bag with 17 of their brothers and sisters, thrown into darkness and then being carried on the fish equivalent of a roller coaster isn’t their preferred activity.
I can feel them sloshing and swimming against my back, so I feel that we have a connection, my fish and I. Enough that by the time we get to our destination – a stream in Red River Gorge – I will have given them most of them names (Natasha, Bernard, Gregorovich) and be very sad to unceremoniously dump them out of their current home, my backpack.
Justin Heflin, the fisheries biologist leading this expedition, says it is better to dump the fish from chest height than to take them out by hand and ease them into the water because the shock will get them moving faster.
Scientifically, I understand; setting my fish free is the goal of this endeavor, a trout stocking trip with the Kentucky Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. (But I still wanted to hold my fish and wish them good luck).
Read More with plenty of photos:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Jul 24, 2020 5:49:29 GMT -5
Sinkhole Closes Part Of Mountain Parkway July 23, 2020
By Steve Rogers
POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Folks headed to the Red River Gorge or other areas should take note.
The Mountain Parkway in Powell County near the Wolfe County line remains closed and likely will be for awhile because of a sinkhole under the pavement.
The problem threatens to swallow up vehicles should it completely collapse.
According to the State Transportation Cabinet, the westbound lanes are closed indefinitely near mile marker 35 in Powell County just west of the Wolfe County line.
State officials say the collapse is near the Tunnel Ridge Road underpass at the top of Slade Hill. Westbound traffic is being detoured at exit 40 in Wolfe County onto north bound KY 15.
Read More with Video link:
WYMT-57 Story with Video link:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 21, 2020 13:01:55 GMT -5
Gorge Businesses Excited For Visitors By: Conroy Delouche Posted at 12:00 PM, May 21, 2020 and last updated 12:00 PM, May 21, 2020
SLADE, Ky. (LEX 18) — One of the most visited areas in Kentucky is reopening tomorrow.
For struggling seasonal businesses around Red River Gorge, it's the economic shot in the arm needed to bounce back during these difficult times.
"So it's gonna be very exciting to see everybody back in here," said Rob Little, co-owner of Five Star Cabin Rental and 4 Guys RV.
Read More: www.lex18.com/rebound/gorge-businesses-excited-for-visitors
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 15, 2020 15:55:47 GMT -5
Red River Gorge is now opening Friday, May 22nd, 2020 Koomer Ridge Campground remains closed until June 11th
Link:
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Media Contact: Tim Eling (859) 745-3145 tim.eling@usda.gov Daniel Boone National Forest recreation site reopening schedule announced WINCHESTER, KY—May 15, 2020 – The Daniel Boone National Forest will begin reopening recreation sites in June using a site-by-site approach, including assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety of recreation areas. The following areas are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, June 3: Most day-use sites, such as picnic areas and shooting ranges Redbird Crest & White Sulphur Off Highway Vehicle Trails Red River Gorge (includes Geological Area, Clifty Wilderness, Indian Creek) The following areas are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Thursday, June 11: Most developed campgrounds (Koomer Ridge Campground) Those with existing campground reservations through www.Recreation.gov will be notified via email and/or text message if there are any changes. These projected opening dates may vary depending on circumstances, and it may be necessary to not open or to close areas again if conditions change. Most boat launches, trails and the general forest area, have remained open to hiking, biking, boating, dispersed camping, hunting, fishing, etc. “Closing any site for any reason is not one we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are approaching re-opening with safety in mind,” said Daniel Boone National Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen. “We are looking forward to seeing our recreation sites being enjoyed by the people from the communities we serve.” Although not accepting in-person visits, offices remain open and operational. Visitors are encouraged to contact their local Forest Service office for general information or assistance in obtaining maps and passes. The Daniel Boone National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation. Please review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local and state guidelines for social distancing and cloth face coverings. For up-to-date information and the projected opening schedule on the Daniel Boone National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/dbnf/ or the forest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/danielboonenf/ or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DanielBooneNFNote to media: See attached list of recreation area sites being reopened by district in the Daniel Boone National Forest. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Tim Eling Staff Officer (GIS, Admin, Planning, Public Affairs) Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest p: 859-745-3145 tim.eling@usda.gov 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.us
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 14, 2020 21:55:31 GMT -5
Red River Gorge business owners ask for trails to be reopened in area By Olivia Russell Posted: Wed 4:29 PM, May 13, 2020 Updated: Wed 5:40 PM, May 13, 2020
SLADE, Ky. (WKYT) – Memorial Day weekend is huge for tourism, but business owners at the Red River Gorge are worried they could miss one of the few opportunities during the short season while their doors are closed.
Businesses like trail guides, photographers, and kayak rentals rely on the gorge and the tourists it brings.
Even if businesses in the area are able to open, they can’t actually operate while it’s closed.
Red River Adventure is one of the kayak rental shops that has already lost half of kayaking season.
That’s why owner Ernie Braden reached out to other business owners to form a coalition and propose guidelines they’ll follow if they’re allowed to reopen. Things like wearing masks, sanitizing equipment, and safe transportation for visitors.
He says some businesses risk closing completely if the shutdown lasts any longer. Especially working in a seasonal industry.
Braden says, however, it’s not just about the businesses, it’s about giving people safe activities too.
“We want everybody to be able to come back down and enjoy the outdoors. All the visitors, people are smiling, just having a great time. Getting out here enjoying the wilderness itself is a way to social distance. If you go out camping you can have several feet, if not hundreds of feet, in between campsites,” says Braden.
“When the gorge does reopen it’s still not clear on which businesses can operate,” says Braden.
His concerns echo a lack of direction for what CDC restrictions will be in place.
Braden says he has submitted the proposed guidelines to Governor Andy Beshear but says he hasn’t heard if they’ll be approved.
Video Link:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 14, 2020 20:50:11 GMT -5
U.S.Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest May 14, 2020
Fishing Derbies Cancelled After careful consideration, and in consultation with partners, the Daniel Boone National Forest has decided to cancel the annual kids fishing derbies scheduled for June 6. We regret to have to cancel these popular events, but the safety and health of volunteers, families and participants is the highest priority. • Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County • Indian Creek, Menifee County • Turkey Foot Recreation Area, Jackson County • Optimist Club Camp, Laurel County • Little Double Creek Pond, Clay County • Barren Fork Horse Camp, McCreary County The weekend of June 6 and 7 remains Free Fishing Weekend and anglers of any age do not need a license to fish in Kentucky.
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Oct 17, 2019 12:44:58 GMT -5
Locals react to proposal for big resort in Red River Gorge Posted: 5:43 AM, Oct 17, 2019 Updated: 5:43 AM, Oct 17, 2019 By: Katherine Collins
POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — An economic development group has sought out proposals for a master plan of a destination resort in the Red River Gorge area that could reportedly bring hundreds of jobs and spur economic growth in Eastern Kentucky.
But some business owners and visitors to the Gorge said they're on the fence about what a large development would mean for the area.
A public meeting on the topic is scheduled for Thursday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Woodland Center in Natural Bridge State Park.
Red River Economic Development, LLC., a non-profit arm of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, was formed in 2013 and is made up of Kentucky businessmen and local government leaders, according to their website, redriverky.com.
The group hired firms to conduct tourism studies on Eastern Kentucky, their website states.
It includes a "Concept Paper," with broad ideas for a resort, including a 150 to 175 room lodge, private cabins and cottages and a retail outlet. The paper also points to privately owned land near the Slade intersection off of The Mountain Parkway as a possible location for the resort.
Read More:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Oct 16, 2019 21:58:07 GMT -5
A 900-acre ‘destination resort’ at Red River Gorge? Officials should move very slowly. By Linda Blackford October 16, 2019 03:34 PM
A plan to develop a ‘destination resort’ near the Red River Gorge could be a game-changer for the post-coal economy of Eastern Kentucky, but one of our state’s greatest natural jewels is also at stake. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is behind the still-developing plans for the 900-acre project, complete with convention space, private cabins, a water feature, a themed village and even some gambling options — that would be built near the Red River Gorge as a tourist attraction and gateway to Eastern Kentucky. The Chamber has long been looking at ways to rejuvenate Eastern Kentucky as coal slowly disappears. The Chamber formed a non-profit group, the Red River Economic Development LLC headed by four bank chairmen and three county judge-executives who represent the Gorge area. According to documents, RRED has an option on 891 acres close to the Slade exit off the Mountain Parkway, close to the Natural Bridge State Park, owned by businessman Ian Teal. Read more here: www.kentucky.com/opinion/linda-blackford/article236318058.html
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Sept 2, 2019 8:33:56 GMT -5
Crews urge caution at Red River Gorge during Labor Day By Shelby Lofton Posted: Sun 10:44 PM, Sep 01, 2019 Updated: Sun 11:57 PM, Sep 01, 2019
STANTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Wolfe County Search and Rescue is warning the public to come prepared and hike safely at Red River Gorge this Labor Day.
Yesterday, crews were called to three separate rescues in a matter of hours, including one where a climber fell more than 50 feet.
Steven Frederick is a rock climber from Illinois. He encourages everyone to get outside, but always be aware of the surroundings.
"Make sure the rope is well kept, making sure all your quick draws and other gear is good and there's no cuts in the rope or anything like that," he said.
He advises beginners to bring a partner to hike with, pack snacks and plenty of water, read all of the signs and leave the wildlife alone.
"We actually just came across four baby rattlesnakes and a wasp digging a hole," Frederick said.
Video & Story:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on Jul 29, 2019 4:51:46 GMT -5
Search & Rescue Crew helps fall victim at Red River Gorge By WKYT News Staff Posted: Sun 12:20 PM, Jul 28, 2019 Updated: Mon 12:22 AM, Jul 29, 2019
STANTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A woman is safe after a fall at the Red River Gorge Sunday.
RedSTAR Wilderness EMS say the woman fell about 20 feet at the Auxier Ridge Trail. RedSTAR Wilderness EMS say the call came in around 11 a.m. They say the woman fell about 20 feet at the Auxier Ridge Trail. "Our agency got a report of a hiker who fell approximately 20 feet near Courthouse Rock," said David Fifer, a Wilderness Paramedic with RedSTAR. She is being treated at an area hospital for moderate injuries. "It was about a three-hour carry out when it was all said and done," said Fifer. Search and rescue teams say when there are more people out on the trails at Red River Gorge, there's a higher chance for medical emergencies. "Many times it's someone who has like twisted an ankle or becomes a little bit overheated or a little bit exhausted on the trail." For missions like this, the people rescued may also need immediate medical attention. For years, it's something crews couldn't do until the people were rescued from the trails. Now, a new group of medical professionals is diving straight in with rescue crews. "RedSTAR stands for Red River Gorge Special Treatment Access and Rescue. and what that name really conveys is that we're the only wilderness advanced life support team in the red river gorge," said Fifer. It's full of nurses, doctors, EMTs and paramedics who are also trained in search and rescue skills. "Sometimes people need more treatments. They need things that only a licensed paramedic or licensed nurse working for a regulated healthcare provider can do." RedSTAR is the first of its kind in Kentucky. "I think every county in Kentucky should have something like this. It's hard to find a county in Kentucky that doesn't have wilderness areas where people hunt, fish, paddle, or hike."
Video Link:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 31, 2019 12:54:51 GMT -5
The Story of Brook Trout in the Red River Gorge
Chad joins fisheries biologists as they are backpacking brook trout into Parched Corn Creek at the Red River Gorge. We learn about what it takes for this fish…
Direct Video Link:
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 24, 2019 8:11:44 GMT -5
Art Lander’s Outdoors: New book is first to highlight the unique diversity of Red River Gorge watershed May 24th, 2019
Red River Gorge National Geological Area, a unique natural area in Daniel Boone National Forest, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to east-central Kentucky. They come to hike its demanding trails, fish in its pristine streams, camp, rock climb, or just take in the rugged beauty of its sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls and natural bridges. The Red River Gorge National Geological Area, which encompasses about 29,000 acres, includes the 13,379-acre Clifty Wilderness, a roadless area in the heart of the Gorge. The region’s remarkable variety of ecological zones support diverse plant and animal life, with remote pockets of soaring old growth timber. While books about day-hiking, backpacking, sport climbing, and other recreational activities in the area are readily available, Dan and Judy Dourson’s Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin, recently published by University Press of Kentucky, is the first book of its kind on the Gorge and the Red River watershed. The 488-page, 6 x 9-inch paperback ($39.95), is richly illustrated with 815 color photographs, one map, and 68 line drawings, and is much more that a field guide for species indentification. Chapters by contributors provide concise background information on the region’s prehistory, cultural history, geology, ecoregions, and habitats in the Red River basin. The first inhabitants of Red River Gorge were native peoples who arrived as continental glaciers were retreating, about 13,000 years ago. They were hunters and gatherers. The first white Europeans to explore the region were John Finley, and Daniel Boone, in the late 1760s and early 1770s. The focus of the book is the incredible diversity of both common and rare flora of this unique ecosystem. Over 1,500 species are currently known to exist in the watershed. Rare and endangered species are highlighted, accompanied by high-quality color photographs. Other, often ignored, non-flowering plant groups such as green algae, fungi, slime molds, lichens, and mosses are also included in the book, and there’s a section on flowering woody vines, shrubs, and small trees. Wildflowers and Ferns of Red River Gorge and the Greater Red River Basin is the most comprehensive guide to one of Kentucky’s most well-known natural areas, and a reference book that every naturalist — amateur or professional — should own. Dan Dourson is a wildlife biologist who worked with the U.S. Forest Service specializing in non-game management in Red River Gorge. Judy Dourson is an educator, researcher, field technician, and editor of the books they co-authored.
|
|
|
Post by Trix on May 8, 2019 8:50:50 GMT -5
Warmer weather leads to new warnings for Red River Gorge hikers By Adam Burniston Posted: Tue 7:29 PM, May 07, 2019 Updated: Tue 7:45 PM, May 07, 2019
POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - In the past three days Powell County Search and Rescue teams have responded to three separate calls for hikers who needed help in the Red River Gorge.
And as we get closer to summer, rescuers expect those numbers to go up. That’s why they want to warn hikers about the importance of taking plenty of water with them on hikes.
"Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” said Lisa Johnson of Powell County Search and Rescue. “I can't express it enough. Your body loses water when you start sweating. You're already starting to dehydrate."
Rescuers say it’s also important to know the warning signs of dehydration before it’s too late.
"Dizziness, a lot of times you're confused. The one thing that I did find out is your breath, your breath will start feeling drying your tongue from the saliva dehydrating, and you'll get a bad taste in your mouth and that's one of your biggest signs of dehydration,” Johnson said.
Along with the perils of dehydration, Johnson says it’s important to be aware of snakes and insects that come out this time of the year.
"Snakes are really bad. I've already had two people tell me they've seen snakes out, and we're talking copperheads. This is copperhead country,” said Johnson.
Another important tip from rescuers is to take a whistle with you on any hike you go on so people can hear you easier if you get lost or hurt.
|
|