03-23-2010, 11:13 AM
FRANKFORT, Ky.. - Many outdoor enthusiasts are not aware of the variety of opportunities offered by state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources primarily for wildlife habitat conservation and hunting, these areas are often overlooked by Kentuckians who enjoy recreating in the great outdoors.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife manages 79 WMAs encompassing more than 540,000 acres of land in the state. "While every WMA is managed slightly different - depending on factors such as location, habitat and topography - we strive to provide an ample amount of outdoor opportunity in addition to hunting and fishing," said Wildlife Division Director Karen Waldrop. "These other activities include horseback riding, hiking, wildlife watching, wildlife photography, canoeing, kayaking, target shooting, and skeet and trap shooting, to name a few."
Horseback riding, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular on some of Kentucky 's WMAs. Designated horseback riding trails of varying length are currently found on 12 WMAs, providing 183 miles of riding opportunity.
In addition to the designated horseback riding trails, equestrian enthusiasts can benefit from more than 500 miles of riding opportunity in the form of unpaved access roads and unpaved county roads on numerous WMAs throughout the state. For instance, Peabody WMA, a 46,768-acre area in Ohio , Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties, contains more than 200 miles of unpaved horseback riding opportunity. "Any WMA access road open to vehicular traffic is open to horseback riding," added Waldrop.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also issues hundreds of "Special Event Group Permits" for groups of 10 or more individuals wishing to conduct a recreational event on a particular WMA. Examples of WMA-compatible events include dog field trial competitions, Boy Scout outings, local horse club rides and geo-caching events. Last May, the Harlan County Tourist and Convention Commission sponsored a special event on Cranks Creek WMA. The "Ride the Ridge at Cranks Creek" horseback ride to the top of Stone Mountain was a successful and well-attended event.
The outdoor opportunities provided on state WMAs continue to support and enhance Governor Steve Beshear's Adventure Tourism initiative. To find out more about horseback riding and other recreational opportunity on WMAs, contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549, or go to the department's website at fw.ky.gov
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Contact:<br />
Mark Cramer<br />
1-800-858-1549, ext. 4484
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife manages 79 WMAs encompassing more than 540,000 acres of land in the state. "While every WMA is managed slightly different - depending on factors such as location, habitat and topography - we strive to provide an ample amount of outdoor opportunity in addition to hunting and fishing," said Wildlife Division Director Karen Waldrop. "These other activities include horseback riding, hiking, wildlife watching, wildlife photography, canoeing, kayaking, target shooting, and skeet and trap shooting, to name a few."
Horseback riding, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular on some of Kentucky 's WMAs. Designated horseback riding trails of varying length are currently found on 12 WMAs, providing 183 miles of riding opportunity.
In addition to the designated horseback riding trails, equestrian enthusiasts can benefit from more than 500 miles of riding opportunity in the form of unpaved access roads and unpaved county roads on numerous WMAs throughout the state. For instance, Peabody WMA, a 46,768-acre area in Ohio , Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties, contains more than 200 miles of unpaved horseback riding opportunity. "Any WMA access road open to vehicular traffic is open to horseback riding," added Waldrop.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife also issues hundreds of "Special Event Group Permits" for groups of 10 or more individuals wishing to conduct a recreational event on a particular WMA. Examples of WMA-compatible events include dog field trial competitions, Boy Scout outings, local horse club rides and geo-caching events. Last May, the Harlan County Tourist and Convention Commission sponsored a special event on Cranks Creek WMA. The "Ride the Ridge at Cranks Creek" horseback ride to the top of Stone Mountain was a successful and well-attended event.
The outdoor opportunities provided on state WMAs continue to support and enhance Governor Steve Beshear's Adventure Tourism initiative. To find out more about horseback riding and other recreational opportunity on WMAs, contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549, or go to the department's website at fw.ky.gov
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Contact:<br />
Mark Cramer<br />
1-800-858-1549, ext. 4484