New Public Lands Open in Northeast Kentucky

On April 12, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife opened 323 acres for public use in Lewis County. The land, known as Old Trace Creek Wildlife Management Area, surrounds a stream that the agency is currently restoring.

The agency’s Stream Team Program purchased the private property and plans to restore it back to its original flow, contour and meander, according to Nathan Gregory, Northeast Region coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The area is open to hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife observing, but does not allow high-impact uses such as ATVs or horseback riding. The dense upland hardwood forests provide habitat for species like turkey, squirrel, deer, rabbit and grouse.

Access to the area is free, but proper licenses and certifications are required for hunting or fishing on the property. — By Shelby Jones