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Department of Parks
Big Bone Lick State Park Honored By Boone County Conservation District
UNION, Ky. – Big Bone Lick State Park was recently honored by the Boone County Conservation District for efforts to preserve natural resources.
The park near Union was given the “Cooperator of the Year” Award on Oct. 19. The award is part of a state and nation-wide program sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts and Tennessee Valley Authority. The program seeks to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the conservation of our natural resources.
The award is given in recognition of the efforts made by the staff of Big Bone Lick State Park and the Kentucky State Parks to conserve and protect “this priceless piece of our heritage.”
“We’ve been fortunate to have some excellent partners help us work to preserve Big Bone Lick State Park as a treasure for Kentucky,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “One of those partners that has been especially helpful is the Northern Kentucky University Center for Applied Ecology.”
Big Bone Lick is known for its many fossils and prehistoric remains that were discovered in 1739 and shown around the world. Notable Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin personally examined the fossils, many of which are on display today at Big Bone Lick interpretive center. The scientific community recognizes the site as the "Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology."
Big Bone Lick, which covers 547 acres, became a state park in 1960.
State Park Naturalist Carey Tichenor said the local conservation district has a long history of working to protect the park and provide educational opportunities. The park has an interpretive center, campground, gift shop, small fishing lake, hiking trails, picnic areas, miniature golf and a bison herd.
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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
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