This page provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the regulation and administration of conservation in Kentucky. It includes information on key conservation policies, the agencies responsible for overseeing them, and guidance on who to contact when facing conservation-related issues or concerns.
Conservation in Kentucky
Does Kentucky regulate conservation issues?
Yes! Kentucky has 121 conservation districts throughout the Commonwealth and provides individualized help to each area and each program within the area. These districts exist for the express purpose of helping local landowners and users with soil and water problems, identifying and implementing solutions to conservation issues, and coordinating monies to support these programs. Read more here: https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Conservation/Pages/default.aspx.
I have a conservation issue. Who can I contact?
Kentucky’s regulation of conservation is very localized. For issues with conservation in your area, you can contact your county’s local soil and water conservation district. Each district has a field representative who is able to be contacted via email. Visit this website.
Who decides what areas are conserved and preserved?
The Office of Kentucky Nature Reserves has the final say on what natural areas are to be preserved by the office.
What types of areas are preserved by the Commonwealth of Kentucky?
The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves preserves many different types of nature in the Commonwealth. For example, the office maintains the preservation of several of Eastern Kentucky’s rivers to preserve the unique aesthetic and ecological features of these waters. The Kentucky River basin is also preserved through maintenance by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves.
Who is in charge of the state parks?
The Department of Parks, which is led by the Commissioner of Parks, is chiefly responsible for state parks. The current Kentucky Commissioner of Parks is Russ Meyer. Information about the 49 state parks in Kentucky can be found at https://parks.ky.gov/.
Local parks are run by the cities and counties in which they are located. Many cities/counties have a department and/or director of parks and recreation that manages locally-based parks. As an example, Bowling Green’s Parks & Recreation department is showcased here: https://www.bgky.org/bgpr.
What statutes regulate conservation?
Conservation is largely regulated at the local level so their authorizing statutes are not voluminous. Title XII of the Kentucky Revised Statutes is entitled Conservation and State Development and houses nearly all of the statutory provisions pertaining to conservation, including natural resources, forestry, fish and wildlife, and geology and water resources, among many others.
What administrative regulations regulate conservation?
Since there is little statutory law pertaining to conservation, there is a significantly more amount of regulations pertaining to conservation. Title 400 discusses the Energy and Environment Cabinet; Title 401 speaks to the Department for Environmental Protection; Title 402 and 405 discuss the Department for Natural Resources; Title 416 is about the Soil and Water Conservation Commission; Title 418 pertains to the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board; and Title 420 discusses the responsibilities of the Kentucky River Authority.