For nearly a decade, local dignitaries in and around Land Between the Lakes have sincerely championed for the Recreation and Heritage Act — in what has long been planned to be thoughtful and cogent legislation designed to secure more federal resources for the area’s overall needs.
On Tuesday, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and 1st District Congressman James Comer announced the bill’s introduction — in what can be viewed as a colossal victory for the ancestors of that land between the rivers, the generations that have come after its occupation and redesign, those who currently steward it, and those who enjoy it in the future.
As written, the bill establishes LBL as a separate unit of the National Forest System with an independent budget. In order to ensure the U.S. Forest Service devotes the funds necessary for its upkeep and support, the act authorizes no less than $8 million each fiscal year in perpetuity. And it specifies that funds collected from miscellaneous charges and user fees at LBL will stay within LBL’s borders, in order to perform new work or any deferred maintenance.
Originally created in 1998 and 1999 as a byproduct of necessity, this legislation also changes the makeup of the existing LBL Advisory Board. It requires 13 members, and places more control over the board at the local level, as opposed to state officials or Washington DC maintaining jurisdiction and oversight. In the future, members may serve multiple terms, but not consecutively, and the board must meet at least twice a year. To increase transparency, the board must distribute notices and minutes of its meetings to the public.
Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander is one of many who had a chance to observe the behind-the-scenes creation of this bill, and he believes it shouldn’t have any issue receiving bi-partisan support on the Hill.
For years, a myriad of local community leaders have expressed concerns about the overall governing of LBL. From its comprehensive maintenance needs, to its continued surveillance for criminal activity, to its improvement and modernization.
And that’s a lot of ground to cover for the U.S. Forest Service and its officials, which in recent years has constantly required the aid of surrounding counties for tactical and law enforcement support.
For natives of Trigg County, especially, this has been a long time coming.
LBL consists of more than 170,000 acres of forest wrapped around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley — generating billions in tourism revenue since 1965. Its natural preserves harbor hundreds of local flora and fauna, while its campgrounds and fisheries remain some of the best in the country.
Comments from around the region:
“As Kentucky’s senior Senator, I see it as my responsibility to ensure the Land Between the Lakes is well-funded, well-maintained, and well-preserved for generations to come. I’ve worked with local community leaders for decades to safeguard this important Kentucky landmark and advocated consistently to support their interests at the federal level. Today’s legislation, which I introduced alongside my good friend Congressman Comer, will go a long way toward alleviating the issues faced by the Land Between the Lakes and neighboring communities. From increasing funding, to providing better oversight, to properly safeguarding the area’s heritage and natural resources, this legislation takes the best ideas from community stakeholders and will preserve LBL’s future. I look forward to leading it to passage in the United States Senate.” — Senator Mitch McConnell
“Land Between the Lakes is a crown jewel of tourism in Western Kentucky and holds historical significance for many families in the area. I’m proud to have worked with Senator McConnell and local leaders on legislation to preserve its rich tradition. Our bill takes significant action to resolve issues at LBL through targeted funding, increased transparency, and improved law enforcement practices — along with provisions to preserve the area’s natural beauty. I look forward to passing this legislation through Congress and providing a strong boost to one of Kentucky’s signature landmarks.” — Congressman James Comer
“Senator McConnell and Congressman Comer have worked together to ensure LBL will be protected and preserved for our future generations. They’ve assured local stakeholders will have a seat at the table when discussing the use of our land at LBL. Real people are about to start making decisions on the future of LBL and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential they’re going to realize there. This change in legislation will be the single most important piece of work we have accomplished at LBL regarding proper funding in years. It is a game-changer.” — Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White.
“The Friends of Land Between the Lakes greatly appreciates the efforts of Congressman Comer and Senator McConnell in restoring funds for the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area in a recently drafted US House bill. Their strong support for the area is widely known. We remember and appreciate Sen. McConnell’s successful efforts to secure funding when Land Between the Lakes was transferred from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the USDA Forest Service. We also appreciate the ongoing support of Rep. Comer at recent hearings. This effort will work hand-in-hand with the Friends of LBL’s mission to provide education and stewardship for family-oriented recreation in the National Recreation Area.” — Nan Waldrop, Incoming President of the Friends of Land Between the Lakes Board of Trustees.
“Land given to my family for service in the Revolutionary War was taken by force to create Land Between the Lakes. This was justified by a promise of what LBL would become. That promise failed. Those of us who lost our homes have worked for more than 50 years to turn LBL into what it was promised to be. This legislative change is the most promising step towards keeping the promise that was made in exchange for our cultural heritage I have ever seen.” — David Nickell, President of Between the Rivers.
