KENTUCKY RIDGE STATE FOREST
KENTUCKY RIDGE STATE FOREST
Kentucky Ridge State Forest consists of 15,251 acres and was acquired by lease in 1930, as part of the Land Use and Resettlement Program. The lease was sustained until 1954 when the property was deeded by the U.S. government to the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest contains Pine Mountain State Resort Park on Pine Mountain and is located on the south side of Pine Mountain and the north side of Log Mountain, encompassing Little Clear Creek Valley. The forest also contains Chenoa Lake, the Division of Forestry's Chenoa Service Center and Bell County Forestry Camp.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest is managed for sustainable timber production. The forest is open to public hunting and fishing, subject to state fish and game regulations, and is available for primitive camping, hiking and picnicking.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest, also known as Kentucky Ridge State Forest State Nature Preserve, is located in Rowan County, Kentucky, United States. Here is a brief history of the forest:
1. Acquisition: The land for Kentucky Ridge State Forest was acquired by the Kentucky Division of Forestry in the early 1970s. The state forest was initially established to protect and manage the natural resources found within its boundaries.
2. Ecological Significance: The forest is recognized for its ecological significance and unique natural features. It is situated on the northeastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau region, where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. This results in a diverse landscape with a variety of plant and animal species.
3. State Nature Preserve Designation: In 1992, a portion of Kentucky Ridge State Forest was designated as a State Nature Preserve. This designation provides higher protection and stricter regulations to safeguard the sensitive ecological systems found within the preserve.
4. Forest Management: Kentucky Ridge State Forest is managed by the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The primary focus of management activities includes promoting sustainable forestry practices, maintaining forest health, and protecting the ecological integrity of the area.
5. Recreation Opportunities: The forest offers various recreational opportunities for visitors. These include hiking, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. Managed deer hunts are also organized in the forest as part of the state's wildlife management efforts.
6. Conservation Efforts: The forest serves as a habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including some that are rare or threatened. Efforts are made to conserve and protect these species through responsible management practices and collaboration with conservation organizations.
Kentucky Ridge State Forest continues to be a valuable natural resource in Kentucky, providing recreational opportunities for visitors while preserving and protecting its unique ecological features.