Another Step Toward Sustainable Recreation

Another Step Toward Sustainable Recreation

Dear Friends, Over the course of many years and with public involvement, we have temporarily closed a few facilities to help make Land Between the Lakes more financially sustainable. These temporary closures were part of the 2012 Budget Reduction meetings, where you helped the Forest Service develop a plan to deal with reductions in the budget. This is one more step toward sustainable recreation. So what does this mean? In several locations, structures and unused wells still exist. This adds $730,000 to our deferred maintenance backlog. Removal of the remaining structures will begin soon and will help to provide safer…
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Expected crowds delay opening of Elk and Bison Prairie on eclipse day

Expected crowds delay opening of Elk and Bison Prairie on eclipse day

What we said... Yes, we said the Elk & Bison Prairie would be open for viewing on eclipse day, Monday, August 21, 2017. A year ago, this sounded like a good idea. Due to the increased estimation of how many people will be here, we had to rethink this. Public safety is the key.... The Elk & Bison Prairie will open at 3pm on eclipse day. Here’s why… No restrooms or a public source of water. Designed only as a drive-thru, the prairie is not appropriate for all-day visitors, who must stay within ten feet of their vehicles at all…
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Total Solar Eclipse: What to expect on August 21, 2017?

Total Solar Eclipse: What to expect on August 21, 2017?

Where will you be August 21, 2017? The Great American Eclipse will pass through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area on August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon and hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Western Kentucky, as nearby Hopkinsville is the closest city to the point of greatest totality. What to expect? We are anticipating over 50,000 visitors at Land Between the Lakes. All campsites which can be reserved have been booked and most local lodging is full. Basic and self-service camping are still available. Please get your permits online before you…
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Birmingham Ferry Decision

Birmingham Ferry Decision

Tina Tilley, Area Supervisor at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, has made a final decision on storm damage in the Birmingham Ferry and Cravens Bay areas. Storm damaged trees within 75 feet of existing roads and recreation infrastructure will be cut and left on the ground. No commercial logging will occur. “This decision is based on relevant science and in collaboration with concerned citizens,” says Tilley. “We will be cutting damaged trees and laying them flat on the ground, improving safety for visitors who use the areas. Once areas within the 75 foot corridor are complete, firewood permits…
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Winter Storm Road Repair Update

Winter Storm Road Repair Update

An update on roads brought to you by Jeff Laird, Customer Service Manager Roads throughout Land Between The Lakes were hit hard with damage following the winter storms and flood from December 2015 and January 2016. Most roads have been cleared of debris and trees that were brought down during the storms. Culverts have been cleaned at several locations to allow water to flow under, instead of over, roads. Road grading has been planned across Land Between The Lakes and will be completed later in the spring when roads dry out. Grading more severely damaged roads in the northern half of Land…
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Volunteering – All in a Day’s Work

Volunteering – All in a Day’s Work

Submitted by Brian Truskey, Communications apprentice at Land Between The Lakes How important are volunteers at Land Between The Lakes? While driving on the north end of Land Between The Lakes, volunteer Richard Marlar noticed a vehicle stuck in a ditch. The man inside the vehicle had been trapped there overnight, without his medication. Richard recognized the danger, called law enforcement, and stayed with the man until help arrived. Without his aid, the man may have been stuck there even longer. “Volunteers like Richard give so much to Land Between The Lakes, and ask nothing in return,” says Gary Hawkins,…
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