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Below you will find an in-depth spreadsheet providing a breakdown of the projects proposed by the Stantec report. For each project below we’ve provided a description of each project and where Red River Gorge United (RRGU) stands on that project – whether we support or oppose the project.
Many of these recommended projects are simply improvements to the region’s existing resources, expansions of existing trail systems, or efforts to highlight existing local businesses. In general, RRGU supports anything that would enhance the features which currently exists in the Gorge region.
Most of the projects which we at RRGU oppose are efforts of heavy-handed “top-down” planning efforts which just did not take enough, or any, local input into account when making the decisions. This much is very clear. Most of the projects we oppose simply do not fit with the region due to scale or other factors and cannot exist without damaging or destroying the local cultural and ecological features which currently attract tourism to the region.
What is this “champion” column?
In addition to a description of the project and RRGU’s position, we’ve also provided information about who Stantec recommended as a “champion” for each project. Most of these projects, with the exception of the destination resort development (championed by RRED), are nowhere near even beginning. These are a list of recommended projects and the “champion” is the group which Stantec has designated as being responsible for seeing the project through to completion.
There are recommendations about timeframe and potential sources of funding, but it should be made clear that the vast majority of these recommended projects will NOT come along with development of this destination resort. These projects can only become reality if each “champion” or another group chooses to take on the burden of the project, apply for funding in most cases, and then guide the project to completion.
Key:
Red = RRGU Opposes this project
Gray = RRGU is Neutral on this project
Green = RRGU Supports this project
We at RRGU are not opposed to new economic development in Eastern Kentucky, provided it is in-scale with the Red River Gorge and region that surrounds it. Thoughtful new developments that do not add unbalanced stress to the already-limited resources of the region are welcomed with open arms.
However, the proposed development put forward by Red River Economic Development LLC (RRED) has a footprint too large to exist without inherent damage and disruption to the fragile economic and environmental systems that already exist. It is our belief that a concentrated and corporate-minded development of this large scale can only exist in this region at the expense of aging critical infrastructure, erosion of small-town character, degradation of natural resources, increased safety concerns, and other negative fallout resulting from over-trafficking by inexperienced visitors.
In short, the region just cannot support a development of this size and type, and we believe this project should be relocated. Learn more about the individual parts of the proposed resort here.
The recommended resort and guest experiences includes:
Learn more about the individual parts of the proposed resort here.
RRGU supports any improvements or upgrades to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. This park is a Kentucky treasure and it should be supported and well-well kept for future generations. We do, however, believe the park should continue to be a publicly-owned entity regardless of any changes that may occur to management of day-to-day operations due to addition of a public private partnership or P3 established in tandem with the proposed new destination resort.
Currently, the Park has only 35 rooms in the Hemlock Lodge and 11 cottages. The popularity of Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge in conjunction with the limited number of accommodations, keeps the park’s lodging booked consistently from May through September.
The park fills an important part of the resort market as a 3 to 3.5 star property. Adding 40 rooms and cottages will increase the area’s mild-level hotel/resort offerings and allow the Park to be financially self-sufficient. The park also needs additional recreational facilities, but space to expand is limited by the floodplain, steep slopes, and the fact that most of the park is protected as a nature preserve. The lake at Hoe Down Island is not an example of best practices in water management and quality and is in need of continued maintenance to provide a flow through the space it occupies. Removing the dam will allow for restoring the river to its natural flow, improved water management, and add up to 2.5 acres of land that could be converted to public recreational space.
Opportunities to enhance the recreational offerings in the Park include:
As the area’s only public pool, the park is an ideal location for modern water park-type features. Constructing a permanent pavilion over Hoe Down Island increases the type and number of events the Park can offer. Removing the dam also allows for restoring the stream to its natural flow and potentially reducing downstream flood impacts.
Neutral. RRGU believes this is a decision best left to the management of the individual tourism boards in each of the counties bordering the Gorge, and that only those in management positions in those organizations can speak for what is best for their specific needs. We cannot support the unification of these tourism boards based solely on the concept of saving money and making management more efficient.
From the Stantec report:
Currently the four counties (Menifee, Lee, Powell, and Wolfe) work mostly independently in marketing their counties to potential visitors; however, in limited situations they collaborate on regional marketing campaigns. Powell County has the only full-time tourism director, Lee and Wolfe county have part-time directors, and Menifee has a volunteer helping with tourism. Similarly, Menifee is the only county without a formalized tourism board and an adopted transient tax on lodging that would fund tourism marketing efforts. In addition to the Powell County Tourism Board, Stanton and Clay City have their own stand-alone tourism boards.
The proposed destination resort could add more than $500,000 per year in revenue from the transient tax on lodging collected in Powell County. The tourism directors already collaborate whenever possible, through what they call the Fellowship of the Gorge, but they all produce marketing materials and buy advertising space independently. While each county has a responsibility to its own businesses and attractions, tourists to the Gorge do not make a distinction between the counties, and most are completely unaware what county they are in.
A formalized Tourism Coalition modeled on the Fellowship, with inter-local agreements to share funding for marketing and advertising efforts will allow the tourism directors to minimize the duplication of staff time and expenses. These efficiencies will create the opportunity for higher quality, more robust, and farther-reaching marketing and advertising for the region. The Coalition could be governed by all four tourism directors and two appointees from each participating county board. With additional revenue from the transient tax they could also hire a dedicated marketing staff person serving all four counties.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
A trail from Nada Tunnel Road to Mill Creek Lake was an important piece of Slade’s Trail Town designation and has been advocated by multiple groups for many years and would provide safe bike and pedestrian access to the businesses and attractions in the Slade area. The trail will also improve connectivity to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Sheltowee Trace.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports any efforts to spotlight or highlight any existing local businesses. We do feel that this is a bit heavy-handed to suggest the entire location be converted from its current use and turned into this glossy “adventure hub” but ultimately don’t find enough negatives to cause us to not support.
The Hub should be a place for booking excursions with local outfitters for adventures in the Gorge and Eastern Kentucky. Additionally, the Hub can be the primary transportation center and offer short and long-term parking for the Gorge shuttle and for private outfitters and shuttle operators offering personalized service.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region.
A complement to the environmental and cultural educational programs and exhibits offered by the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center Visitor, a Natural Science Center in Slade would provide educational programming and exhibits focused on the geology and natural history of the Gorge. Due to the limited amount of developable space in Slade, the rest area and truck parking should be moved to a different interchange. One recommendation is the Quillen’s Chapel interchange in Wolfe County. With the Powell County Welcome Center nearby, the rest area is not essential, and the truck parking could be just as effective at a nearby interchange and would benefit from being out of the floodplain. The combination of moving these services and flood mitigation could provide space for the Natural Science Center and Adventure Hub adjacent to the Welcome Center.
RRGU believes that education is pricelessly valuable and support any efforts to make higher education more easily accessible for anyone that may seek it. One of Kentucky’s most valuable resources is its culture and any programs that aim to cultivate, enhance or feature the wonderful culture in the region will automatically be supported by RRGU and its members.
The Pine Ridge Industrial Park near Campton offers a nearly perfect location for the KY Wildlands Cultural Center and a new Wolfe County campus for Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC). KY Wildlands and HCTC have overlapping and complementary goals for their programs at Pine Ride.
First, both are planning to offer entrepreneur education and business incubation space. Second, both see the need for classroom, meeting, and performance space. A combined facility also creates the opportunity for HCTC students to gain valuable work experience while enrolled in classes in the same location. In addition to entrepreneurism, HCTC plans to add programs in nursing, emergency medical service, and hospitality/tourism. KY Wildlands is planning to offer environmental education, a gift shop for local artisan consignment, and an amphitheater.
The Center could also offer a nature walk and a hiking trail that connects to the Rock Bridge Trail, which features Creation Falls. The Pine Ridge Industrial Park also offers an easily developable space and accessible location well suited for workforce and student housing.
Key program elements and facilities:
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
Menifee County has identified a location for a horse camp at the end of Peachy Williams Road. The property is currently used by horseback riders accessing trails in the northern portion of the Gorge. Developing a horse camp with stables, water sources, restrooms, and campsites will create an ideal location for stops on overnight horseback riding trips. With a few new trail connections, riders can make a 38-mile trip to the White Sulphur Horse Camp in neighboring Bath County. About two-thirds of the route utilizes the Sheltowee Trace.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
Located just outside Frenchburg, Sam Schwartz Park is Menifee County’s flagship park with a playground, sports fields and courts, a pool, and picnic areas. Adding a trailhead and a short .8-mile trail will provide new access to the Sheltowee Trace. With parking for horse trailers, the park can become a point of departure for an overnight trip to either the Peachy Williams Horse Camp (20.5 miles) or to the White Sulphur Horse Camp (19.4 miles).
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
Lee County has been working hard to improve downtown Beattyville and develop the Beattyville Connect Trail, which will connect the downtown to the Blackrock Nature Preserve and other climbing areas in northern Lee County. From the northern end of the Beattyville Connect Trail, a 3.9-mile extension through properties mostly owned by the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition offers a connection to the Sheltowee Trace that creates a continuous trail connection from Beattyville to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Slade.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
A trail beginning at the new Kentucky River Center in Beattyville can take hikers and cyclists on a very easy 5.6-mile route along the river to Heidelberg. In addition to providing a trail experience that engages the river, this trail will create a 25-mile loop suitable for an overnight backpacking trip or a one-day mountain biking trip beginning and ending in downtown Beattyville.
RRGU opposes any forced adoption of consistent branding which has be developed by those who are not local residents or business owners and without input from local residents or business owners. However, RRGU categorically supports any efforts to raise the visibility of existing local businesses to visitors to the region. So, while we believe the concept of a unified marketing strategy and unified branding are out-of-character with the Gorge region, we do support any efforts that would further promote the region’s existing businesses and cultural highlights.
We believe any marketing strategy for the region should use the majority of its focus to promote existing businesses and further expand the existing tourism options in the Red River Gorge instead of intentionally or inadvertently over-commercializing the area by attracting business options which are out of character with the mom-and-pop feeling of the area. Any new marketing strategy should be authentic to the region, have firm connection to preservation and amplification of all existing resources, and have a deep avoidance of any exploitation of the region, plain and simple, or RRGU will not support it.
To date, the adventure tourism industry in The Gorge region has held its own with largely organic growth in lieu of a coordinated brand or fully implemented unified marketing strategies. Currently, many area businesses develop and launch their own promotional efforts, including websites, social media accounts, email serve lists, brochures, maps and signage. These efforts appear to be fairly effective in attracting customers to the specific businesses they promote, but they do not provide visitors with a full range of details about the variety of attractions and businesses that would offer further enjoyment of The Gorge.
An attempt to provide a unified online portal began in 2014 with the RedRiverGorgeGuide.com website, created as a collaborative effort of Lee, Menifee, Powell, Wolfe and Estill Counties. Building on these efforts, a unified branding and marketing strategy for the four-county Gorge area will make the region better able to market successfully to the public, convert new awareness into patronage, enhance the chances of success for local businesses, and assist the tourism directors with their marketing, while minimizing the duplication of their efforts.
Key opportunities for marketing and branding include:
RRGU adamantly OPPOSES this initiative by Red River Economic Development (RRED) to create unified and centrally-controlled brand for “The Gorge.” We also do not support the adoption of a brand and logomark which has been created by an entity which will NOT be locally-owned and which was created without first asking locals if such a brand is even wanted at all. Input was taken from locals, but it is clear that minimal input was actually considered. This is made clear from the simple fact that it was never mentioned in the brand narrative that the international rock-climber community (the current tourism base for the region) refers to the region almost exclusively as “The Red” while hikers, campers and similar enthusiasts primarily refer to the region as “The Gorge.”
This is clearly a misguided project if this huge difference in perceived names was not even mentioned whatsoever. No research was cited in the choosing of the name “The Gorge” over a different name. Locals were shown variations of a finished logo and brand, but locals were not consulted on the need for such a unified corporate-leaning brand. Clearly this is NOT a brand which represents the region in whole, and at the very least would need further study and immense refinement.
Further, ownership of the copyright for “The Gorge” brand, as it was presented in the Stantec report, seemingly would belong to RRED or the resort developers, who could conceivably charge licensing fees or royalties from use of the brand trademark. In both the Stantec report and in town hall meetings RRED management has indicated they would want local businesses and tourism groups to adopt the logo and branding, but they have made no mention of the restrictions or stipulations that would be included.
We at RRGU are not opposed to efficiency. However, we cannot support efficiency purely for the sake of efficiency, nor can we support what is clearly a hastily-created brand and logomark designed specifically to make marketing simpler. This is a lazy solution.
RRED and Stantec moved forward with creating a logo for the entire region, with minimal input from local resident, business-owner, or tourism professionals, and expects that local tourism boards as well as local businesses all adopt and use the logo for all marketing and branded materials. The logo uses “The Gorge” because the group which created the logo made the decision that “The Gorge” was the most recognizable way of referring to the area known as the Red River Gorge Geological Area.
The report and brand narrative do not mention that the international rock-climber community (the current tourism base for the region) refers to the region almost exclusively as “The Red” while hikers, campers and similar enthusiasts primarily refer to the region as “The Gorge.”
Members of the “Local Advisory Board” were shown color variations of final logo designs, but locals were never asked if such a unified brand and logomark was needed – or wanted at all. However, the complete decision-making or research process that led to this decision is unclear and unavailable to the general public.
From the Stantec report:
Why “The Gorge”? — The Red River Gorge is an international destination of interest for many climbers and avid outdoor enthusiasts. Being a global brand requires developing an identity and strategy with appeal to people from all walks of life. A recognized need exists for a unified, cohesive brand to promote The Gorge and its surrounding communities. Achieving this objective is equal parts art and science. However, in today’s fast-paced world creating an effective brand also requires simplicity. Simple brands based around core values, innovation within their space, and clear purpose win at a far greater pace than brands with outdated, complex structures. With that spirit in mind, the area known as the Red River Gorge will benefit greatly by adopting the brand, “The Gorge,” using it to promote the Gorge itself as well as the surrounding communities. The brand is intended to be used in marketing collateral, signage and wayfinding, and in individual business applications.
Suggested Brand Taglines:
The Gorge…Naturally
The Gorge: Adventure + Nature
The Gorge: A Kentucky Wildlands Adventure
The Gorge: Scenic Beauty + Wild Adventures
RRGU absolutely supports the idea of wayfinding and categorically supports any efforts to raise the visibility of existing local businesses to visitors to the region.
Many visitors are not aware of all that the Towns of the Gorge have to offer. The Gorge needs shared tourist information that highlights attractions, shops, and restaurants across the four county region. Additionally, wayfinding that routes visitors through Campton when accessing the Gorge from the southeast, through Beattyville when accessing the Gorge from the south, Clay City and Stanton when accessing the Gorge from the west, and Frenchburg when accessing the Gorge from the east will increase visibility and encourage more tourists to stop in those towns on their way to and from the Gorge.
Tourist information should also highlight places to purchase food, medicine, and camping supplies before and during Gorge adventures. Additional signage and landscaping welcoming visitors to the Gorge and Eastern Kentucky should be placed at key points around the region including the I-64/Mountain Parkway interchange, Slade interchange, Frenchburg, and the Kentucky River crossing at Beattyville
RRGU is actively taking steps to explore all options at both the county and state level to limit over-development or abuse of the land by way of zoning or other laws and ordinances. We aim to exclude any projects which we believe have footprint have such a large scale that they can only exist in this region at the expense of aging critical infrastructure, erosion of small-town character, degradation of natural resources, increased safety concerns, and other negative fallout resulting from over-trafficking by inexperienced visitors.
In short, the region just cannot support any development of the size and type being proposed by RRED, and we will actively oppose any project that is of a similar large scale.
Community and stakeholder engagement revealed a deep and strongly held desire for Slade not to be over developed and lose its authenticity. Land development controls are the most effective tool to protect against unwanted and inappropriate development. Without a Comprehensive Plan and land development code, Powell County has limited options to control development.
Options available to the county that can help protect the rural character of the area include:
While we at RRGU do not oppose any new efforts to alleviate traffic issues and overcrowded parking lots within or surrounding the Gorge, we believe that this project proposed by RRED and Stantec is poorly conceived. The Stantec report gives a short two paragraphs about the potential Red River Gorge Shuttle, and provides no information about feasibility of implementation whatsoever beyond recommending a parking location at the resort-centralized “Slade Adventure Hub”
Would this be a free or paid shuttle? There are already a number of shuttle services that operate in the Gorge, was impact to these businesses taken into account? Were these existing shuttle businesses even considered, or was this shuttle service only even included in the report because the RRED developers knew they needed an enticing solution for the large influx of new visitors that their resort is expected to bring in? It is important to note that while a shuttle of this kind could alleviate some traffic issues it would do nothing to reduce traffic on trails, and damage to trails or the natural environment is far more difficult to repair or restore than a parking lot or deteriorating road.
Parking shortages and congestion are regular occurrences in the Gorge’s geological and wilderness areas. Several organizations have advocated for shuttle service to reduce the number of vehicles parking at trailheads and waiting to drive through Nada tunnel. Currently a small number of operators offer on demand personalized shuttle service for a fee. A fixed route shuttle on the Gorge loop will give visitors the opportunity to leave their cars outside the Gorge core and decrease vehicle overcrowding.
Parking for the shuttle should be offered at as many locations on the periphery as possible. Suggested parking locations in the short-term are the Slade Transportation Hub, Gladie Visitor Center, and Skybridge Station. The shuttle should follow the loop with diversions to the Skybridge, Koomer Ridge, and Gray’s Arch trailheads. Due to the route’s 32-mile length, two shuttles offering service every 30 minutes would make the shuttle a reasonable alternative to driving a personal vehicle into the Gorge core.
A second phase of shuttle service could connect Slade and the Gorge Loop with the Towns of the Gorge and attractions and lodging in between. Opportunities presented in other sections contribute to Diverse Attractions, including the Natural Science Center, KY Wildlands Cultural Center, KY River Center, Slade Adventure Hub, Hatton Creek Artisan Center, and the Peachy Williams Horse Camp
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
Powell County recently agreed to take over management of Hollerwood Offroad Park, a 2,500-acre multi-use recreational facility with about 40 miles of OHV trails. Additional trails and uses at Hollerwood will attract more visitors for longer trips. New options in Hollerwood will include motorbike and mountain bike trails, which are underrepresented in the region, and on-site accommodations.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
A trail from Campton Lake to Creation Falls along Swift Camp Creek is an idea proposed by several groups already. This trail offers hiking access to the Geological Area and Clifty Wilderness from Campton, which relieves pressure on roads and trailheads in the Geological Area. Following Swift Camp Creek to Creation Falls and Rock Bridge allows for a relatively easy 6-mile hike (3 miles each way).
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region.
Downtown Beattyville can take advantage of its location on the banks of the Kentucky River and become a destination for water focused adventure. The Kentucky River Center can be an educational and activity center offering a variety of boating options, including being a launching point for overnight paddling trips. Visitors could rent canoes and kayaks for excursions on the Kentucky River or bikes for trips in the Beattyville Connect Trail or the proposed Heidelberg Trail. The Center could also include a boardwalk along the riverfront with a restaurant and event space. The educational spaces offer an introduction to the hydrology and biology of the Kentucky River watershed and detail its important role in the area’s history and culture.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
This multi-use path will provide visitors and residents a connection from downtown Campton and Wolfe County Community Park to the KY Wildlands Cultural Center and HCTC Campus, as well as to Campton Lake.
Safety, maintaining the overall integrity of the region, and the overall quality of life of local residents will always be top priorities for RRGU. Because of this we support this flood study, and any other studies that would improve the points mentoned above in the region.
Many homes and businesses in Slade are located in the floodplain and/or experience regular flooding. A project scoping study funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be completed to identify flood mitigation options for the Middle Fork of the Red River from the lake at Hoe Down Island all the way to Nada Tunnel Road. The study should consider the impacts and benefits of removing the dam in the Park, as well as the impacts of channels created to route the river under the Mountain Parkway
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connections to local population centers throughout the region. In this case we believe a project of this type is well within the natural character of the region and fully support such an initiative.
The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation is in the planning stage for a steam-powered passenger train ride on the CSX rail line running through Lee County. Activating the Beattyville Depot to serve as a stop on the line will allow tourists staying in the Gorge to get on the train, and allow passengers arriving from other stops to disembark and enjoy downtown Beattyville.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region.
The U.S. Forest Services operates the Gladie Visitor Center but lacks the funds to fully support and maintain the Center’s environmental and cultural education programs and exhibits. With sufficient funding, the Friends of Red River Gorge could take over responsibility for the Center, refresh the exhibits and offer environmental education programs. The Center currently has enough space for additional exhibits and an environmental classroom.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region. RRGU also supports connecting trails to local population centers throughout the region.
The Sheltowee Trace exits the Clifty Wilderness at the end of Corner Ridge Road. From this trailhead, hikers reach Gladie Creek in about 2.5 miles. A user trail connects the end of Osborne Bend Ridge Road to the Osborne Bend Loop. Developed trailheads and parking lots with wayfinding and signage from Frenchburg, KY 77, and US 460 will offer hiking access to Clifty Wilderness that does not require driving and parking on the Gorge Loop.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to enhance, feature or otherwise bring attention existing artisans, artists, and local businesses. We believe that this project specifically is a very smart way to attract and entertain the type of visitors which already come to the region and do so in a way which appropriatly spotlights existing locals and what they have to offer. It also provides options which are more outside of the Gorge and which can truly reduce crowding in the Gorge, instead of just claiming to as proposed RRED resort does.
In 2020 the Powell County Tourism Board purchased over 200 acres on Hatton Creek Road between Clay City and Stanton. Preliminary plans for the property include recreation fields and courts, amphitheater, pool, gymnasium, and an artisan center. This center would provide incubator studio and demonstration space for local artisans, as well as a marketplace for periodic art markets.
We at RRGU categorically support increases in funding for management and conservation efforts in the Red River Gorge. Anything that would bring more funding to the severely budget-limited Gorge region would be welcomed with open arms by RRGU. Since budget is currently split between the Gorge area and the much-larger Daniel Boone National Forest, and the National Forest Service is constantly having their budgets cut, the resources available to the Gorge are stretched very thin already. New money from the federal government will always be welcomed.
The Red River Gorge is sometimes referred to as the “land of designations.” The list of designations in the Gorge include the Geological Area, Clifty Wilderness, National Natural Landmark, National Archaeological District, Wild and Scenic River, and National Scenic Byway. While these designations provide varying levels of protection, they do not provide adequate federal funding or environmental protections to keep up with how the Gorge is being used. In many ways, the Gorge functions like a National Park, but the Cumberland Ranger District is not funded to operate like a National Park.
Benefits of being a National Park include:
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region.
Friends of Red River and the Kentucky Waterways Alliance are actively working to expand paddling access on the Red River. Access points currently in progress include the Clay City Park and at the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Rosslyn. The current access points at Copperhas Creek and Big Branch are on U.S. Forest Service property and in need of improvements and more accessible parking. New safe access points are needed along the river at several locations including Spaas Creek, Gladie Creek, Schoolhouse Branch and in Stanton.
RRGU categorically supports any efforts to increase the natural tourism options available in the Red River Gorge area – options which the existing class of visitors already enjoy and have come to expect from the region.
Wolfe County Tourism recently began exploring the idea of an outdoor adventure center near Campton Lake. The Center would be a place to learn basic skills and safety before embarking on a backpacking, climbing, or paddling adventure. Key features of the center could be a tree top adventure course and an indoor or covered climbing gym to provide climbing instruction and a safe place to climb on rainy days.
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