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Writer's pictureM.R. Grigsby

Rockcastle River Wildlife Management Area opens.

Updated: Apr 24, 2023


Photo Tommy Baker (C) 2023


With a new announcement in the Spring 2023 issue of Kentucky Afield Magazine. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife announces opening over 2,924 acres of reclaimed coal and natural gas mining areas to outdoor enthusiasts in Rockcastle County/Pulaski County.


This project has been funded under Governor Andy Beshear’s Better Kentucky Plan. The plan provided for over $25 million under the USGOV's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to plug abandoned or “orphan” oil and gas wells across the Commonwealth. This program has plugged 18 wells on the (2) two tracts. This reclamation effort will now allow hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts access to the entire 2,924-acre WMA.


If you are in the area and want to stay local, The Harrican Lakehouse is beautiful and within 2 miles of the area. You will not find a more convenient location or comfortable lodging this close to the WMA.


Directions to get there: From Somerset, take KY 80 East. After traveling approximately 10 miles, turn right onto KY 1675 in the community of Stab. Go a little more than 5 miles and turn left onto Acorn-Ano Rd. to the area. Drive approximately 1 2/3 miles to the boundary.


Please check the Rockastle WMA page on the department website at fw.ky.gov for more source information on this area. Entrance GPS coordinates Latitude N 37.1154, Longitude W -84.3509. No ATVs, camping, horseback riding, or rock climbing is allowed on the WMA. The area is open under statewide regulations for all game species. Upland Bird and Rabbit Hunters MUST check in/out at Kiosks using HangTag. Available on the KDFWL website.


Map: (C) 2023 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Frankfort, KY

References:



McCleelln, L (Spring 2023). Rockcastle River WMA. Kentucky Afield Magazine. Vol 79. No. 1. Frankfort: KY.Afield@ky..gov.

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