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Post by Trix on May 9, 2018 3:52:25 GMT -5
Lemont Man Survives After Falling More Than 50 Feet Rock Climbing By Vince Gerasole May 8, 2018 at 6:27 pm CHICAGO (CBS) – An adventurous climb turned tragic for a Lemont man. He fell over 50 feet from the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, suffering injuries that threatened his ability to walk. CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole reports the man is finally home and on his feet again, thanks to the help of his family and friends. Seamus Hehir says climbing is more than a sport to him, but late last month, his passion led to injuries that placed doubt as to whether he would ever be able to walk again. Hehir says he never would have thought it was possible, saying, “I don’t know why I’m the exception, but I am glad I am.” The avid rock climber’s equipment gave way while scaling Kentucky’s Red River Gorge with a friend. Hehir plummeted five stories. “As I was falling, I fell outward across this boulder,” recalled Hehir. A few inches marked the difference between life and death. “I glanced it off my back, grazed the back of my head, and hit the boulder,” said Hehir. Hehir fractured his back and neck and suffered severe head lacerations. Doctors placed two titanium rods in his spine. “Not too many people come back from that,” said Hehir’s cousin, Brendan Hehir, who says the two are like brothers. Brendan and Seamus both traveled to Kentucky, but weren’t together on the day of the fall. Brendan says he was a fixture at Seamus’s Kentucky bedside and organized an online fundraiser to pay the mounting medical bills. The Hehir’s raised $45,000 to help pay medical expenses. “I get pretty emotional knowing that many people are reaching out,” said Hehir. Hehir is recovering with family in Lemont. Doctors say, with patience, he should make a full recovery. Seamus Hehir says he hopes to return to the mental highs of rock climbing after he fully recovers. “It’s been inspiring. You can see things you didn’t know you were capable of doing,” said Seamus. “Things like walking again.” Video Link: chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/05/08/lemont-man-survives-after-falling-50-feet-rock-climbing/
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Post by Trix on Apr 5, 2018 4:57:26 GMT -5
There have been issues with using drones in the RRG, chiefly the noise they generate. But we are unaware of hard rules regarding their use at this time. A call to the the Rangers at the Gladie Center should prove helpful: 606-663-8100 We would be very interested in what you might discover as well. There is no denying the awesome views that drones can capture, bringing new life to frequently visited areas.
Gladie Visitor Center 3451 Sky Bridge Road Hwy 715, Stanton, KY 40380 Hours: 9AM - 5PM Phone: (606) 663-8100
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Post by Trix on Mar 7, 2018 8:23:56 GMT -5
Man dies after falling from cliff in Red River Gorge By WYMT Staff | Posted: Wed 7:15 AM, Mar 07, 2018 (WYMT)- A man is dead after falling from a cliff. Wolfe County Search and Rescue received a call Tuesday evening about a man who was under the influence on top of Whistling Arch in Red River Gorge. He was camping with two of his friends. By the time crews reached the top, the man's friends said they weren't sure where he was. After looking at the top and base of the cliff, search crews found the man dead, 150 feet below the top of the cliff line. We do not know the name of the man who died. In a Facebook post, Wolfe County Search and Rescue reminded campers that it is not safe to camp at the top of a cliff while under the influence. Powell and Menifee County search and rescue teams also assisted with the recovery efforts. www.wymt.com/content/news/Man-dies-after-falling-from-cliff-in-Red-River-Gorge-476096423.html
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Post by Trix on Mar 6, 2018 23:48:10 GMT -5
Rescue Crews: Hikers Be Wary in Cold, Wet Conditions Posted: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST Updated: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST POWELL COUNTY, KY (Lex 18 ) Rescue squads at the Red River Gorge say they've been busy over the last few weeks, and weather may very well be part of the reason. Don't let the "road closed" signs fool you, the hiking trails are open, and busy for early March. You don't have to remind Lisa Johnson of Powell County Search and Rescue. She and her squad members have been in the area several times since the beginning of last week. "We've had two lost, last night we had two lost, and Saturday we had three lost," Johnson said. Looking back at the different rescues, Johnson noticed many had one of two things in common. "They underestimate the weather and themselves," Johnson said. "They think, well I can go and hike and be out in two hours." Johnson said that's often not the case and, with cold temperatures and rain in the forecast, her team is urging people to not take any chances. "I think if you are a beginner you need to use your common sense. 'I'm not a good hiker, I don't know this area, I'll wait until the weather is nice,'" Johnson said. "Plus, you'll have more hikers out there if something happens." If you do decide to go hiking in the wet conditions, Johnson said it's important to always be prepared. She suggests hikers always bring a whistle and a flashlight in case anything were to happen on the trail. "You've got to remember it's slippery, trees, rocks, mud, limbs, and you also have to remember, when it's rainy, trees fall," She said. At the Red River Gorge, the breathtaking views will always be there. In fact, if you ask the rescue squads, they may be a little prettier and less dangerous in the sunlight. www.lex18.com/story/37664361/rescue-crews-hikers-be-wary-in-cold-wet-conditions
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Post by Trix on Mar 6, 2018 23:46:47 GMT -5
Hikers and Dog Rescued After Getting Lost In Gorge Posted: Mar 06, 2018 5:28 AM EST Updated: Mar 06, 2018 7:57 AM EST POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)-- Two hikers and their dog are safe after being rescued in Red River Gorge late Monday night. According to search and rescue, around 7 p.m. the two realized they were lost and their phone batteries were low so they called for help. Their phones died and they had no flashlights or gear. However, with the help of the fire department and rescue teams from other counties, the couple was found around 11 p.m. near Nada Tunnel Road. Neither was injured. www.lex18.com/story/37654986/hikers-dog-rescued-after-getting-lost-in-gorge
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Post by Trix on Mar 6, 2018 7:26:45 GMT -5
This whistle helped rescuers find 3 lost hikers in Powell County Posted: Mon 4:25 PM, Mar 05, 2018 Updated: Mon 5:36 PM, Mar 05, 2018 POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - It's something many hikers don't think about, but three hikers at the Red River Gorge in Powell County had a tool which helped rescuers locate them. Adam Burinston/Twitter Whether your new to hiking or even an avid hiker, Lisa Johnson with Powell County Search and Rescue says there is one item every hiker should have on them anytime they hit the trails. That item is a whistle. "It not only saves time for us, but your time, your voice, and you don't get as thirsty," Johnson said. The whistle proved beneficial for three University of Kentucky students Saturday, as it helped rescuers find them when they got lost at Natural Bridge State Park. "When [the rescuers] blew their whistles, right away the girls blew their whistles right back because we could identify them right away where they were at," Johnson said, "That saved us probably a good hour to two hours." Powell County Search and Rescue is using this story to help promote more hikers to have a whistle on hand, as crews are trained to listen for specific signals. "You blow three times, that means you're in distress, then wait and count to ten and blow three times again." If you are at Natural Bridge, the Skylift Gift Shop sells whistles. The proceeds help fund the search and rescue team. www.wkyt.com/content/news/How-this-whistle-helped-rescuers-find-3-lost-hikers-in-Powell-County-475875493.html
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Post by Trix on Nov 8, 2017 6:39:10 GMT -5
National forest waives recreation fees for Veterans Day WINCHESTER, Ky., Nov. 6, 2017 – In honor of Veterans Day, all districts of the Daniel Boone National Forest will waive recreational use fees at several locations on Saturday, November 11. The fee waivers apply to all forest visitors at designated locations. “In appreciation of our veterans, as well as those who are currently serving our great country, I am pleased that we can provide this opportunity for all citizens to come out and enjoy a free day in America’s great outdoors,” said Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen. “Our veterans and their families deserve tremendous gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. On Veterans Day especially, I hope everyone finds a chance to personally thank a military veteran for their most honorable service.” On the Cumberland Ranger District in the Cave Run Lake area, fees are waived at all boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds on Saturday. Camping is free at the White Sulphur Horse Camp, Clear Creek Campground, and Claylick Boat-in Campground. In addition, no day-use fee will be required at the White Sulphur ATV Trail or Clear Creek Shooting Range. In the Red River Gorge area, no fee permit will be required for backcountry camping on national forest lands or at the Koomer Ridge Campground. At Laurel River Lake on the London Ranger District, no fee pass is required at any boat ramp. In addition, camping fees are waived at Bee Rock Campground along the scenic Rockcastle River. On the Stearns Ranger District, no day-use fee will be required at the Natural Arch Scenic Area or at the Appletree and Keno shooting ranges. No camping fee will be required for Saturday evening at the Barren Fork Horse Camp. At the Redbird Ranger District, off-highway vehicle riders can enjoy a day of free use along the Redbird Crest Trail in Clay and Leslie counties. For more information, call 859-745-3100 or visit the national forest website at fs.usda.gov/dbnf Kimberly Bonaccorso Public Affairs Specialist Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest 859-745-3100 x107 kjbonaccorso@fs.fed.us 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.usCaring for the land and serving people
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Post by Trix on Oct 10, 2017 22:46:34 GMT -5
Funeral Service Slated For Gorge Hiker Posted: Oct 14, 2017 6:17 AM EST Updated: Oct 14, 2017 6:17 AM EST LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18)-- A funeral will be held Saturday for the hiker who fell to his death in the Red River Gorge early this week. Max Suffridge, 32, of Louisville, fell more than 200 feet Monday night while setting up camp along the cliffline in Wolfe County. A memorial service for Suffridge will be held from noon until 4 p.m. at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home on Bardstown Road. His funeral will immediately follow. www.lex18.com/story/36596166/funeral-service-slated-for-gorge-hiker--------------- --------------- Man found dead after fall in the Red River Gorge By WKYT News Staff Posted: Tue 4:41 AM, Oct 10, 2017 Updated: Tue 5:37 PM, Oct 10, 2017 SLADE, Ky. (WKYT) - Officials have found the body of a man who fell in the Red River Gorge Tuesday morning. Crews say friends of Max Suffridge called for help around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Those friends told officials they were setting up camp for the night and realized Suffridge was missing. Officials estimate he fell about 230 feet off a cliff. The chief of Wolfe County Search and Rescue says it's the largest drop they have ever worked. "We’re guessing that cliff is somewhere between 220 and 240 feet in height, one of the biggest cliffs I’ve personally been over here," said John May with Wolfe County Search and Rescue. Crews found Suffridge's body around 10:00 a.m., but it took four and a half hours to recover it. He was from Louisville. Friends say he was in his late 20's. After Suffridge fell, officials say one of his friends tried to rescue him. While climbing down, that friend got his hair and climbing gear caught on something. He had to cut his hair to free himself, then fell about 20 feet. Officials say that's when he climbed back to the top and called for help. Read more with Video: www.wkyt.com/content/news/Search-for-missing-hiker-in-the-Red-River-Gorge-450200793.html
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Post by Trix on Oct 10, 2017 22:42:17 GMT -5
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 White-haired Goldenrod, Solidago albopilosa, a major rarity back from the brink A large sandstone overhand forms an impressive cliff deep in the Red River Gorge of Kentucky, part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This is a beautiful area, full of stunning scenery and interesting flora and fauna. I made my first foray here in the early 1990's. It was a one-day whirlwind trip to study one of the rarest goldenrods known, the White-haired Goldenrod, Solidago albopilosa. At that time, the plant had just been listed as Federally Threatened - among the rarest of the rare. Thus, some research money was available to study this poorly known plant, and I was along with a researcher who was contracted to do work with the goldenrod. That day sped by, and I had long wanted to return and spend more time in the gorge. Fast forward to fall 2013 and a return trip. This expedition was a bit late for seeing the goldenrod at peak bloom, and the mission targets were different, mostly nocturnal creatures. We scored big on all fronts, and it made me want to return again. After all, the Red River Gorge is only about four hours from my home in Columbus, and that's next to nothing. So, finally, I got a chance to return in the first weekend of September 2017 and resolved to revisit and photograph the White-haired Goldenrod. The timing was pretty good and the plants were starting to bloom well. As an expected plus, there was a virtual goldmine of other flora and fauna to see, as well as scores of beautiful landscapes. I still haven't finished curating all of those photos. Read more with photos here: jimmccormac.blogspot.com/2017/10/white-haired-goldenrod-solidago.html
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Post by Trix on Sept 13, 2017 4:37:16 GMT -5
Chimney Top Overlook Will Be Closed During Graffiti Removal Posted: Sep 12, 2017 8:43 PM EST Updated: Sep 12, 2017 8:43 PM EST (LEX 18) On Saturday, September 16, the trail to the Chimney Top Overlook in the Red River Gorge will be closed to visitors as graffiti is removed from a rock feature. The U.S. Forest Service announced that the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team and Forest Service volunteers will be removing the graffiti from the rock surface using gas-powered water/sandblasting equipment. For the safety of these workers and the visitors, the trail will be closed as the work is ongoing. The estimated time for closure is 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. www.lex18.com/story/36351578/chimney-top-overlook-will-be-closed-during-graffiti-removal------------------------------- ------------------------------- Wolfe County Search and Rescue cleans up graffiti in Red River Gorge Posted: Sat 3:40 PM, Sep 16, 2017 WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Chimney Top Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Red River Gorge. It's that popularity that has also led to some issues. Saturday one local search and rescue crew did something about them. "Chimney Top, it's kind of a iconic location in the Red River Gorge," said John May with Wolfe County Search and Rescue. "A lot of visitors come here, and graffiti on the other side of this railing could entice someone to come out and try to repeat that." Rescuers had planned a day of training, but they also used a high pressure blaster to remove graffiti that had built up over the last few years. They worked with the Forest Service, who trucked out four hundred gallons of water for the operation. The cleanup only took a few minutes, but the crew didn't leave, using the day to practice rescues at an area they know too well. "We've been over this three times in the past two years for fatalities, so we anticipate having to do that again unfortunately in the near future," May said. May said this won't be their last graffiti removal project. He said their next plan is to clean up Sky Bridge, which he says has more graffiti than what they dealt with today. Forest Service workers tell us they often work with volunteers, such as the Red River Gorge Trail Crew, to keep trash and graffiti to a minimum. www.wymt.com/content/news/Wolfe-County-Search-and-Rescue-cleans-up-graffiti-in-Red-River-Gorge-444882973.html
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Post by Trix on Sept 7, 2017 22:00:29 GMT -5
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Wayna Adams 859-745-3138 Living Archaeology Weekend 2017 Reviving our cultural past WINCHESTER, Ky., Sept. 5, 2017 – The 29th annual Living Archaeology Weekend will once again bring Kentucky’s cultural past back to life. The event takes place in the scenic Red River Gorge, where skilled artisans will demonstrate the crafts, technologies and daily lives of Native Americans and early pioneers who once inhabited this region’s rugged landscape. All of the event presentations are based upon archaeological discoveries in the Red River Gorge. Some prehistoric crafts to be featured are flint knapping, hide tanning, spear throwing and native cooking. Other crafts will include the making of ceramic pottery, stone axes, cane baskets and cordage. To represent the history of early settlers, craftspeople will set up at the historic Gladie cabin to exhibit the spinning of wool, pioneer cooking, grinding corn, growing heirloom seeds, and blacksmithing. Local folk musicians will perform live music throughout the day. “Professional archaeologists and heritage preservation groups recognize this event as an opportunity to share this area’s rich history and native past with the general public,” said Wayna Adams, Forest Archaeologist with the Daniel Boone National Forest. Two members of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma will be at the event to present their traditional game of stickball and Cherokee marbles. They will also conduct storytelling and share information about the Cherokee language. The Cherokee tribe once populated Kentucky and surrounding states. The Cherokee Nation tribal members value the opportunity to return to their ancestral homelands and talk about the modern Cherokee culture with local residents. On Friday, September 15 the program demonstrations are for preregistered school groups only, primarily targeting fifth grade curriculum. “About 1,000 students from 19 schools are scheduled to attend. The students will participate in hands-on activities that provide real-life experience to what they have learned in their classroom textbooks,” said Adams. On Saturday, September 16 the event is open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase from the American Veterans Post 67 from Clay City. The U.S. Forest Service presents this special event in partnership with the Kentucky Organization of Professional Archaeologists and the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, which is jointly administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council and the University of Kentucky’s Department of Anthropology. All exhibits and activities will take place outdoors behind the Gladie Visitor Center. For more information, go to livingarchaeologyweekend.org Kimberly Bonaccorso Public Affairs Specialist Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest p: 859-745-3100 x107 kjbonaccorso@fs.fed.us 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.us
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Post by Trix on Sept 5, 2017 6:44:27 GMT -5
Labor Day hiker rescued in Red River Gorge by Tom Kenny 9-04-17 10:02pm STANTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A woman hiking in the Red River Gorge on Labor Day was rescued after calling 911 for help, according to Powell County Search & Rescue. Crews say the call came in to Auxier Ridge Trail around 1:35 p.m. They say a woman had jumped over to Haystack Rock and realized getting back safely may not have been possible, so she called for help. Crews say Billy Ginter was hiking in the Gorge when the call came in and that Billy Wilcox came to help. A harness and a left side maneuver and rope was used to bring the woman to safety, according to crews. Everyone was safe by 4:00 p.m., according to rescue crews. www.wtvq.com/2017/09/04/labor-day-hiker-rescued-red-river-gorge/
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Post by Trix on Aug 31, 2017 23:25:23 GMT -5
Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service Waives Campground Fees on National Forests U.S. Forest Service Southern Regional Office 1720 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Web: www.fs.usda.gov/R8ATLANTA (August 31, 2017) – The Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service is immediately waiving fees and making all campgrounds available for individuals displaced by the recent flooding in Texas and other states. Like several areas along the Gulf Coast, many National Forests were impacted by the recent storm. Some of the region’s campgrounds are closed due to the flooding. Please call ahead or check websites to determine what is open and available. Also, individuals requesting campsites need to check in with campground hosts at each site. For more information on campgrounds in the Southern Region, please visit the respective forest’s website: National Forests and Grasslands in Texas – (936) 639-8501 Kisatchie National Forest – (318) 473-7160 National Forests in Mississippi – (601) 965-1600 National Forests in Alabama – (334) 832-4470 National Forests in Florida – (850) 523-8500 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests – (770) 297-3000 Ouachita National Forest – (501) 321-5202 Ozark-St. Francis National Forests – (479) 964-7200 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – (800) 525-7077 Daniel Boone National Forest – (859) 745-3100 Cherokee National Forest – (423) 476-9700 National Forests in North Carolina – (828) 257-4200 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests – (803) 561-4000 George Washington and Jefferson National Forests – (540) 265-5100 ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
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Post by Trix on Jul 25, 2017 19:34:23 GMT -5
For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Bonaccorso 859-745-3100 Ban on ginseng harvest extended on national forest lands WINCHESTER, Ky., July 25, 2017 – In an effort to reestablish wild ginseng populations on national forest lands, a ban prohibiting ginseng harvest in the Daniel Boone National Forest has been extended through the 2017 harvest season. “Due to years of noticeable ginseng decline across the forest, we suspended the issuance of ginseng collection permits last year as a proactive approach to turn this trend around,” said Forest Supervisor Dan Olsen. “Some recovery time is needed for a healthy number of ginseng plants to return on the forest landscape.” Much of ginseng’s decline is attributed to illegal harvest methods. Overharvesting, out-of-season collection, the taking of mature plants without planting the seed for future crops, and the taking of all or most plants from a population are some of the contributing factors. “Forest Service biologists have observed decreasing ginseng populations for several years now, and it finally reached a point that harvest needed to be managed more closely,” said botanist David Taylor. “The demand for ginseng in the herbal medicine market seems to be increasing, but the supply cannot keep up with the demand.” In wild ginseng’s population range, Kentucky ranks at the top in ginseng harvests. Other states with high collection rates include West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. To provide for future crops, wild ginseng collectors in Kentucky are required by law to plant seeds from harvested plants within 50 feet of the harvest location. The plants collected must be at least five years old and have three or more leaves. “The illegal harvest and poaching of ginseng is a problem across southern Appalachia, and in some areas, the species has completely disappeared,” said Taylor. On national forest lands, anyone removing wild ginseng plant or its parts without a permit or outside of the legal harvest season is considered theft. Penalties for poaching may include a fine up to $5,000 or 6-month sentence in federal prison, or both. The Kentucky state regulations for ginseng are different from the rules that apply in the Daniel Boone National Forest. For more information, visit the state website at www.kyagr.com/marketing/ginseng.html and the DBNF website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/dbnf/passes-permits/forestproducts. Kimberly Bonaccorso Public Affairs Specialist Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest 859-745-3100 x107 kjbonaccorso@fs.fed.us 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 www.fs.fed.us
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Post by Trix on Jul 14, 2017 13:39:14 GMT -5
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