Friends of Green River National Wildlife Refuge
Established in November of 2019, Green River is the 568th National Wildlife Refuge in the nation, and the second refuge managed in Kentucky. This newly established refuge currently totals only a small number of acers. It is located in Henderson, Kentucky, near the confluence of the Ohio and Green rivers. Because of its location near the two rivers, the area is historically known for bottomland hardwood forest. This important habitat helps support migrating waterfowl, songbirds, fish, and other wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified a 53,000-acre Conservation Partnership Area, from which the Service will assemble 24,000 acres of land through donation and acquisition from willing sellers to create the refuge. This is a long-term conservation effort that may take decades to complete. The number of willing sellers and availability of funding will determine the timeline for completing land acquisition. Once established, the refuge can provide recreational opportunities for visitors, including hunting and fishing.
What We Do:
While this is a newly established refuge, we have numerous goals for Green River National Wildlife Refuge that include:
- Establish a second national wildlife refuge fully located in Kentucky to support fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation;
- Protect and manage wetlands and bottomland forest habitat to support waterfowl, migratory birds, and threatened and endangered species;
- Provide high-quality hunting and sport fishing;
- Provide opportunities for public use and environmental education and interpretation;
- Collaborate with partners to protect and enhance biodiversity and water quality within the Ohio River and Green River watersheds, benefiting people and wildlife; and
- Ensure healthy wildlife populations for the benefit of Kentuckians and all Americans.
Creating Green River National Wildlife Refuge and meeting these goals is a long-term conservation effort that may take decades to complete. The number of willing sellers and availability of funding will determine the timeline for completing land acquisition. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will buy land from willing sellers only.
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMEBERS
President:
Chase Fulcher
Vice President:
Ben Burnley
Secretary:
Mike Morton
Treasurer:
Connie Morton
Media Coordinator:
David E. Meyers
Board Members:
Alan Taylor
Bill Gentry
Gian Miller
Chuck Bauer
Others:
Jule McCellan
Billy Boyle