After 4 years and multiple organizational transitions, the Audubon Wetlands in Henderson County have finally been absorbed into Kentucky’s John James Audubon State Park.
Six private individuals purchased the land in 2011 with the end goal of adding the property to the state park. With the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund, the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund purchased the 650 acre property for the park system.
Outgoing state parks department commissioner Elaine Walker says this project has been a highlight of her career.
“I have never been part of a more unique public-private partnership than the Audubon Wetlands, private individuals, Friends of Audubon, The federal government through U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the National Resource Conservation Service. All of these individuals and groups have come together to make this a reality,” Walker said.
Walker says the wetlands offer expanded recreation opportunities for the state park.
“We are eventually hoping to put some camouflage buoys up so people can actually take a kayak out along that area and view some… there’s an eagle’s nest and there are blue heron. It will probably be one of the finest birding areas in this area of the nation,” Walker said.
Robbie Williams helped to purchase the land originally and is a member of Friends of Audubon. Williams says FOA has already built a 750 foot wheelchair accessible boardwalk through the wetlands.
“One of our partners, Will Esche, is quadriplegic and has single handedly educated us about the need for ‘accessible outdoors.’ In fact, Will guided a trail clearing crew through heavy brush - all done with GPS from his wheelchair in a custom off-road cart. We are more than pleased with the property purchase and that all of the various conservation easements are finalized, and this historic park addition is complete,” said Williams.
Walker says the park needs to expand trails and signage and add roads and parking before the wetlands can open to the public. The Finance Cabinet also needs to review the deal before the deed can be transferred.
