Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board awards Boone County $292,000

BURLINGTON, Ky. (April 17, 2007) – The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board today awarded the Boone County Fiscal Court $292,000 for the purchase of land surrounding a portion of Gunpowder Creek.

The property was purchased from the Kenton County Airport Board.  The acreage purchased is on both sides of Gunpowder Creek and includes approximately three-quarters of a mile of Gunpowder Creek, a significant perennial stream in northern Kentucky. 

“This project illustrates the value of the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund as this acquisition along Gunpowder Creek conserves valuable land in a rapidly developing area,” said Dr. William Martin, chairman of the fund board.  “The preservation of this property will be increasingly valued as a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature in the years to come.”

Development of the property is the responsibility of the Boone County Fiscal Court, which intends to focus on natural resource protection, restoration and enhancement and to permit public access where appropriate.  Also planned are walking trails and opportunities for passive recreation such as hiking, nature study and picnicking. 

“We are pleased to accept this grant from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund on behalf of the residents of Boone County,” said Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore.  “The grant allows the county to acquire a unique geological and historically significant piece of property for environmental protection and passive recreation.”

Heritage Land funds are received from the sale of nature license plates, the state portion of the unmined minerals tax and environmental fines. 

Twenty-eight thousand acres across Kentucky have been purchased and/or protected using Heritage Land funds since the program began in 1995.

“It is fitting to announce this project during Kentucky’s observance of Earth Week,” said Teresa J. Hill, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  “The protection of Gunpowder Creek and the land surrounding it will benefit many generations to come.”