"Recreational Trails Development a Boost to Eastern Kentucky's Economy"
by: Karen Weber 

5 April 2011

            
        
            Spot-lighting  Eastern Kentucky's natural resources and potentials, a recent gathering of thirty outdoor-recreation enthusiasts and elected officials, met to discuss ideas and strategies for advancing Adventure-Tourism opportunities in the region.  Organized by prominent Carter County horseman and owner of  Smokey Valley Ventures, LLC,  Dr. Robert Coleman, in conjunction with state park and tourism officials, hosted the Eastern Kentucky Trails Conference at Carter Caves State Park lodge.  Stormy conditions outside the meeting room were in sharp contrast to the cooperation of participants determined to find common grounds and so move  shared visions closer to reality.  Attendees agreed that developing sustainable, interconnecting trails throughout the region would benefit not only eastern KY counties, but essentially fuel a state wide revival wherein recreational attractions could be  enjoyed by responsible and conservation-minded uses of our state parks , national forests.  Projections are that in so doing, local commerce would also be revitalized.

            
           In attendance was Kentucky's 1st Lady, Jane Beshear, a dedicated supporter of recreational trails  throughout the state.  Also in attendance were: 

Senator Robin Webb (District 18), Representative Jill York (House Distr. 96 - Lewis and Carter counties), Judge Exec. J.D. Trimball from Menifee County, and Judge Exec. for Lewis County, Thomas Massie.  Planners and hosts of well known Kentucky tourism events, along with trail-users from hiking, cycling, and horseback-riding groups contributed to the dialogue.  Among them were:  Kirk Collier (President of The Rough Riders Saddle Club), Patrick Collins (Board Member of the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority), and Steve Barbour (Executive Director for The Sheltowee Trace Association & The Jenny Wiley Trail Conference).

           

            Topics of discussion included initiatives to restore, oversee, and promote the development of specific trails such as the Sheltowee Trace, the Jenny Wiley, the Simon Kenton, and the Michael Tygart Trails.  Elaborating on extensive trail systems already existing in state parks and national forests of Kentucky, it was acknowledged that interconnecting trails would create a unique state-line-to-state-line system attracting out-of-state adventure seekers, as well as native Kentuckians.  This kind of magnet would then become a favorable host for private businesses extending their services to visitors.

             Concerns from land owners where trails might cross private property provoked extensive comments.  Suggestions were made that land owners might be more cooperative if some form of liability coverage was offered for trail right-of-ways.   They might also specify which user groups they would or would not prefer crossing their property. It was agreed that educating the public on the economic advantages and long term benefits of providing recreational trails for different user groups would be helpful. 

 

            Everyone agreed this could not be just another meeting without follow-thru. Kentucky's "Unbridled Spirit" proclamation challenges every Kentuckian to do something, however large or small, to breathe new life into such projects.   As a word of encouragement, Steve Barbour of The Sheltowee Trace Association offered:  "Out on the trail you come to realize you can do a lot more with a little than you ever thought possible.  When volunteers with the will to  'get 'r done'  come together and accomplish even small tasks, there's a great feeling of accomplishment, especially when you know others will benefit down the road....or rather, on the trail and beyond".  Volunteers with the Sheltowee Trace Association are a  'boots to the ground'  gang,  according to Barbour.  Judge Executive Thomas Massie of Lewis County added that he looks at trail development from "an ecumenical" stand-point.  Developing all kinds of recreational trails and opportunities is an economic asset we can't afford to neglect.  And as Judge Exec. J.D. Trimball of Menefee County reminded everyone present: "Our Kentucky state flag motto says it all: 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall'."

            
            Cheered on by 1st Lady Jane Beshear, followed by the expressed interest and support of Senate and House officials Robin Webb and Jill York, the "stars aligning" afternoon came to a conclusion as participants headed out to see the newly finished Carter Caves Horse Camp accommodations. Just the thing everyone needed to see--a vision fulfilled--for those who still dare to dream, believe, and put their hands to the plow....or shovel and weed-whacker, as the case may be.

 

To learn more about this and other projects intended to provide recreational opportunities within our state and region go to:  GetOutKY.com or SheltoweeTrace.org

 

(Karen Weber is a free-lance writer and scenic photographer living in Lewis County, KY)

 

 

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