Lexington, KY - The Kentucky River has long been an important natural resource in our region, arguably under-recognized yet teeming with adventure, recreation and tourism-based commerce. Thanks to a multi-county initiative including Jessamine, Mercer, Garrard and Madison counties, the Kentucky River Blue Way Trail has been designated to take full advantage of this waterway's potential.
The trail's 42-mile stretch of river constitutes Jessamine County's southern border from Valley View to Brooklyn. The ultimate goal is to provide proper recognition of the many dazzling aspects of the Kentucky River basin, in turn bolstering area tourism and recreational activities. The Kentucky River sits in the relative backyard of our region, rich in its combination of natural beauty, biology, geology and numerous wildlife. Known for excellent fishing, bird watching, hiking, wildflowers and indigenous vegetation it also boasts important historical sites such as Camp Nelson and High Bridge.
The Blue Way Trail, formally dedicated on May 27, is steadily on its way to revitalizing interest in the river's possibilities. Mary Kozak, Jessamine County's fiscal court special projects director, has been at the forefront of the project, along with Jessamine County Magistrate George Dean and several other local government officials and the National Park Service. The river is a hotbed for activity and cultural significance. The main objective is "to provide the best possible experience for people all along the river," according to Kozak. She emphasizes the storied natural beauty of the trail and the fascinating historical aspects of the river region. Measures have been taken to assure water quality, cleanliness and river beautification in order to enrich the area's natural composition.
"We also believe that the Blue Way Trail has the ability to stimulate commerce for all counties along the river," said Kovak. Various activities are available to river-goers, including boating, kayaking, fishing, camping and even horseback trail-riding. This will potentially serve as a boost in terms of dollars and for the invaluable family recreation niche.
"We certainly intend to promote tourism and recreation, but we also seek to educate children and young people and the public," Kozak said.
While fuel prices edge upward and the economy exacerbates challenging conditions, inexpensive travel and recreational means are necessary. The Blue Way Trail provides a perfect answer.
"Visiting the trail is perfect for folks to get outdoors and do healthy things while enjoying nature's beauty," Kosak said.
Kozak also gives credit to Dean, whom she calls an "instigator" of this initiative. Dean agreed with Kozak's notions of the trail's significance. "The Kentucky River is an important part of Jessamine County's history and geography. We want to do what we can to educate people about it - and to encourage people to enjoy it as much as possible," he said.
Garrard County and Mercer County judge executives, John Wilson and Milward Dedman respectively, both sing the praises of Kozak, Dean and other involved parties.
"We are very excited to support this project," Wilson said. "I have always believed the Kentucky River to be a national treasure."
Wilson believes that the trail will yield plenty of positives, including river cleanliness, increased tourism, kicks in local commerce and nature preservation. In the past, development along the river palisades had been proposed but was ultimately staved off due to various preservation ventures from county legislation and advocation.
"This area of the river is breathtaking and has so many birds, fish and wildlife," Wilson said, "not to mention that it remains virtually untouched."
Area merchants that offer river-based services also stand to reap benefits form the presence of the new trail. Tubing, kayaking and pontoon boat rental shops as well as restaurants and local artisan shops will be recipients of new tourism business. As Judge Wilson said, "Tourism dollars are the cleanest dollars you can bring into a community."
Madison County's Pat Banks has also been a steady advocate of the Blue Way Trail and the overall preservation of the Kentucky River with her involvement in the Kentucky Riverkeeper's Association. This organization was founded on the promise of restoring the Kentucky River to its due prominence through citizen coalitions and community support. Also a longtime visual artist, she is adamant about partaking in as many collaborative activities as possible to make the river "swimmable, fishable and drinkable." She too commends the efforts of Jessamine County on what she calls "an idea that's exploding."
Banks stresses the innate accessibility of the river, and although there are many drop spots and ramps for boating and such, there can always be more, she said. She believes that the true bottom line is to "get as many people on the water as possible," but that it should not end there.
"We have a responsibility to keep the river safe and beautiful for the next generation," she said.
All rivers are earthly treasures to behold, and the Kentucky River is no exception. With help from the Blue Way Trail efforts to organize and capitalize on the opportunities presented, it may also prove an untapped resource for tourism dollars and local economies.