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Photo: Kentucky Department Fish and Wildlife
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has opened more land for public use.
The properties are in Gallatin, Nicholas, Owen, Pulaski and Wayne counties.
Rockcastle River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in eastern Pulaski County is the largest of the new WMAs and will offer hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers outstanding recreational opportunities.
The WMA abuts the Daniel Boone National Forest to the south and east. Two areas will remain closed while abandoned gas wells are being permanently sealed along Acorn-Ano Road and Buren Turner Road. No admittance signs, orange flagging and orange paint will mark the off-limits areas.
Visitors to Rockcastle River WMA will find it primarily forested. About 30 percent of the area is open land. Several ponds ranging from half an acre to almost 6 acres are scattered across the property. Daily creel limits on the WMA are 10 bluegill or other sunfish, four catfish, 15 crappie and one bass longer than 15 inches.
Rockcastle River WMA is not listed in the current Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide. It will be open for hunting under statewide regulations for squirrel and other game with some exceptions. The modern gun deer season will be open for two consecutive days starting the second Saturday in November. The area will be closed for all muzzleloader deer, grouse and bobwhite quail seasons.
No general fund tax dollars were used in the project.
- Meadow Creek WMA in Wayne County is another new offering in the Southeast Region.
The property is off KY 1619 about 20 minutes northeast of Monticello. The terrain is flat and much of the property is planted with new trees but there are mature woods along the property’s western edge.
Meadow Creek WMA is open for hunting under statewide regulations except the early muzzleloader deer and modern gun deer season are closed.
- Stephens Creek WMA in Gallatin County and a tract at John A. Kleber WMA add more opportunity in the Bluegrass Region.
Stephens Creek WMA is named after the creek that runs along its eastern boundary.
The area is mostly forested and features steep hillsides with some open ridgetops. Offering good populations of deer, turkey and squirrel, it will be open for hunting under statewide regulations, except the modern gun deer and October muzzleloader deer seasons are closed.
No general fund tax dollars were used for the project.
Conveniently situated just off U.S. 127 in southwest Owen County, the tract blends rolling hills and steep wooded hillsides. Cedar stands are interspersed with mixed hardwoods. There are some ridgetop fields and creek bottoms along Gills Branch.
Hunting regulations for the tract will match those in place for the rest of Kleber WMA.
The area boasts a robust deer population, so hunters can expect good deer hunting as well as opportunities for wild turkey. An abundance of oak and hickory trees should lend itself to plenty of enjoyable squirrel hunting. Parking areas are on County Line East Road and Gills Branch Road just off U.S. 127 about 15 minutes north of Frankfort.
- Clay WMA expands with the opening of the Kingsolver tract in Nicholas County. The tract is northeast of Carlisle and about 4 miles by car from the main unit of Clay WMA.
The Kingsolver tract is mostly forested but it also features some open-land habitat. Forested areas will be managed for a mixture of growth stages and beneficial composition with an emphasis on invasive species management. The open land habitat will be managed as early successional old-field habitat.
Hunting regulations for the tract will match those in place for the main tract of Clay WMA. However, it will be open during quota fox hunts and the pheasant hunt.
To reach the Kingsolver tract from Carlisle, follow KY 36 east for 1.5 miles then turn left on Scrubgrass Creek Road. Follow Scrubgrass Creek Road for about 1 mile. From Flemingsburg, follow KY 32 west for about 11 miles. Turn left onto Scrubgrass Creek Road. The property starts ½-mile on the left.
Maps and additional information for these areas and other public lands are available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov. Click on the “Maps” tab on the department’s homepage and select “Wildlife Management Areas/Public Hunting Areas” from the list of links.
The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) has created a video that alerts deaf and hard of hearing citizens on how to watch the August 21 solar eclipse safely. According to KCDHH Executive Director Virginia L. Moore, the video has received national attention, receiving over 57,000 views on Facebook and 1,400 shares.
“This is an exciting time for all of Kentucky’s citizens,” said Moore. “We just want to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing citizens are well informed about this event and take all necessary precautions to protect their vision as they enjoy this historic eclipse.”
During the video, a narrator provides information on the eclipse and instructions on viewing it safely in American Sign Language.
“We don’t want to damage the sense (eyesight) that we rely so heavily on,” the narrator says. “With that in mind, you should know that there are special solar glasses that will protect your eyes while you view the solar eclipse. You can find these glasses in various local stores.”
The video goes on to explain how to identify if the solar eclipse viewing glasses are genuine, and how to identify if they have been damaged.
You can view the post on the KCDHH Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KCDHH/ or go to the website, www.kcdhh.ky.gov/, click on the “Vlog” tab and watch the Solar Eclipse 2017 video.
From decreasing the amount of garbage put into the landfill to increasing the number of electric TARC buses and beginning work on recommendations in a groundbreaking urban heat study, Louisville Metro Government and its partners have made important environmental strides in the past year, according to the city’s annual Sustain Louisville progress report.
The report, released today, summarizes achievements that occurred in 2016 and updates the public on projects that are planned or underway.
“We continue to make progress on our sustainability goals, and I commend Metro agencies, business owners, faith leaders, residents and individuals for their efforts to make Louisville a more sustainable city,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “But we have much more work to do to become a city that is healthier, cleaner and more attractive for visitors and businesses, as well as for residents.”
Two key city actions on sustainability in 2016 were signing onto the Global Covenant of Mayors, in which Louisville joins cities around the world in committing to reduce contributions to climate change and plan for its impacts; and the release of Louisville’s Urban Heat Management Study, the country’s most comprehensive urban heat study to date, which provides a framework for developing urban heat management strategies.
The Sustain Louisville plan, developed with input from the community and was released in March 2013, presents a comprehensive approach to accelerate city-wide sustainability accomplishments. Focus areas include energy, environment, transportation, economy, community and engagement.
Other 2016 successes in the fourth-year progress report include:
- Louisville Metro Government was selected to participate in the global 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) program. As a member of 100RC, Louisville will gain access to tools, funding, technical expertise and other resources to build and improve the city’s capacity to respond to shocks, such as weather events, and ongoing stresses, such as poverty and inequities.
- TreesLouisville, a non-profit organization, launched a One Million Dollar Challenge Grant, with the goal of planting more trees on private property.
- Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance that enabled the Office of Sustainability to establish an Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) program. The EPAD program is a unique financing vehicle for renewable energy, energy efficiency and water conservation projects.
- Louisville Metro Government implemented new policies that pause most mowing by city crews on Air Quality Alert days to help avoid the contribution to ozone made by power mowers.
- Metro Parks established a new initiative to convert 300 acres of mowed turf to more sustainable management practices by 2025. Metro Parks increased the acres of land under active management over 70 percent from 2014 to 2016, which means that 404 acres in Jefferson County are being actively restored to healthy ecological standards.
- Transit Authority of River City (TARC) introduced six new zero emission electric buses, for a total of 15 in the TARC fleet. Twelve new clean-diesel buses were also added to the fleet in 2016.
- An effort was completed to retime and coordinate traffic signals on six corridors to reduce delays, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. As a result, drivers saved $1,480,963 by not using 658,206 gallons of gasoline.
Since Sustain Louisville’s release in 2013, progress has been made on several goals, including increasing landfill diversion rates. Diversion rates for all sectors citywide have increased from 48 percent between 2008 and 2011, to nearly 53 percent between 2013 and 2016. Louisville’s urban bike network has increased by nearly 100 miles of bike lanes and shared lane miles since 2013.
The purchase of local food by institutions has increased from $150,000 in 2011 to $1.1 million in 2016. MSD has continued to implement programs and projects with a goal to provide safe, clean waterways in Louisville Metro, and has been able to help remove seven impairment parameters on stream or Ohio River segments on the Kentucky Division of Water’s impairment list since 2010.
Sustain Louisville has evolved since its release, now featuring 17 goals and over 80 initiatives.
“The Office of Sustainability and its partners have been laying the groundwork for several major projects over the past few years, and I’m proud that they came to fruition in 2016,” said Maria Koetter, Director, Office of Sustainability. “The Urban Heat Management Study was completed and will help us effectively reduce temperatures citywide; Metro Council allocated funding for a greenhouse gas inventory and for developing a plan to help mitigate climate change impacts; and the Division of Community Forestry, along with many partners, used the 2015 Tree Canopy Assessment findings to make progress on increasing our tree canopy. I look forward to continuing work with our partners to help achieve even more success in the year ahead.”
To view the full progress report, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/sustain-louisville
As a way to start a new school year off right, Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) and 1st Neighborhood Place will host Back to School Fest 2017 on Saturday, August 12th.
“It is important that children be ready to learn and have the tools they need in order to get off on the right foot this year,” says Shanklin. “This event will not only help with school supplies but it will be a chance for parents to get information about the new school year and have some fun.”
The Back to School Fest 2017 will be held at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1501 Rangeland Road from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Joining the Councilwoman and 1st Neighborhood Place is the Family Resource and Youth Service Centers of the Jefferson County Public Schools.
Some 1200 backpacks containing school supplies will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. A parent or adult must be with the child to receive a backpack. Councilwoman Shanklin and several Metro Council members provided funding for the backpacks and supplies.
Louisville Metro Police and the Okolona Fire Department will be on hand with local churches to provide fun activities. There will be a clothing giveaway and free hot dogs for everyone who attends.
For more information about the Back to School Fest 2017, contact the Thomas Jefferson Youth Services Center at 502-313-4541.
JCPS Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio provided additional guidance to our school principals on August 8 regarding the solar eclipse later this month.
Here are the highlights:
- All JCPS middle and high schools will have a delayed dismissal the day of the eclipse, Monday, August 21. The dismissal time for these schools, including all special schools and alternative schools, will be 2:41 p.m. This is a delay of 21 minutes past the regular dismissal time of 2:20 p.m.
- Elementary schools will have an on-time dismissal, but parents should know that their child may be delayed when arriving home that afternoon due to traffic. This is especially true for students whose transportation may run through a depot.
- Students and teachers may participate in instructional activities regarding the eclipse if proper safety protocols are followed. Each school should develop a plan and communicate that plan to the appropriate assistant superintendent. The plan should include which classes are going outside for instruction and the safety protocols being followed to ensure student and staff safety.
- Each student involved in outside instructional activities must complete a permission form that will be provided by the school.
- Additionally, all non-eclipse outdoor activities (e.g., recess, physical education) between 12:30 and 3 p.m. should be moved indoors.
If parents are requesting an excused absence to attend the eclipse, an educational enhancement form must be submitted by Friday, August 18. Normally, these forms would be due on August 16, but we are providing two extra days because August 16 is the first day of school. Each school should have forms to provide parents and information about additional student obligations, if required by your school’s School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council.
A link to the district form is available here: http://bit.ly/2vM2j22.
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) is inviting everyone to come out to the Annual Community Unity and Back To School Festival on Saturday, August 12th in Algonquin Park for some great summer fun. It will be a fun filled afternoon and evening for the entire family and a way to help kids get ready to go back to school.
“I am very pleased that the community once again sees Algonquin Park as an important place for all the neighborhoods in the area. The individuals who love the community stepped up to be lifeguards so the Algonquin Pool could be opened when all the other pools were opened and the pool would not open late,” says Woolridge. “As a way of saying thank you, we want to have a little fun and help children in need have a good start to the new school year.
The Annual Community Unity and Back To School Festival will get underway from 1:00pm to 8:00pm in Algonquin Park located at Cypress and Burwell Streets.
There will be a Back to School Back Pack and School Supply giveaway starting at 2:00pm. 500 back packs will be given away while they last. The backpacks will include rulers, notebooks, folders, pencil pouch, glue stick and more supplies.
All children must be accompanied by an adult to receive a backpack and supplies.
The festival will also feature food from Mack Bar-B-Que and free hot dogs beginning at 2:00pm until they are gone, compliments of Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge.
There will be music from Eddie Abraham 4:00pm to 5:30pm and the very popular Unlimited Band 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Metro Parks will be on hand providing inflatables, face painting, balloons and other activities for the kids.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, kick back and enjoy a great summer day in Algonquin Park.
“This is truly a community event with a purpose: making sure our children are ready for school and helping our families. We also want the community to have a chance to enjoy themselves with a little fun in Algonquin Park which is such a great asset to the community,” says Woolridge. “I hope everyone will come out and join us.”
For more information about the Annual Community Unity and Back To School Festival, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s office at 574-1103.
For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will pass over the U.S. from one coast to the other. Where will you experience this historic event? How about the infield at Churchill Downs Racetrack!
The Kentucky Derby Museum is offering a Solar Eclipse Viewing Tour on Monday, August 21st from 1-3p.m. We’ll provide guests with free eclipse viewing glasses and an ideal location for one of the best views of the eclipse in Louisville at the optimal viewing time.
Learn more about Eclipse, an 18th Century, undefeated Thoroughbred racehorse who became a very successful sire and today appears in the pedigree of most modern Thoroughbreds. He also lends his name to the Eclipse Awards, one of the highest honors bestowed in Thoroughbred racing and racing media coverage.
A Behind the Scenes Tour of Churchill Downs and general admission to the Museum is also included, giving guests time to explore two floors of interact exhibits and take in a viewing of the 360° movie, The Greatest Race.
Tickets for the Solar Eclipse Viewing Tour are $50 per person. Kids under 5 are free. For more information and to secure your spot, visit here.
