Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program
 

General Program

-         Program will expand existing Public Dove Field Access Program, and create CREP Hunter Access Program and Landowner Fishing Access Program.

-         Hunting opportunities for the public for deer, dove, turkey and small game will be increased.

-         Fishing opportunities for the public through new access to private lands containing streams, ponds, lakes and boat ramps will be increased.

-         Wildlife viewing and other recreational activities for the public will be increased.

-         Participating private landowners will be compensated annually for allowing the public to use their land for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

-         KDFWR can not do any construction.

-         Program is committed to keeping areas free of trash and litter.

CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) Hunter Access

-         Program strives to make at least 10,000 acres of the Green River CREP available to hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing through access agreements.

-         Program will use funding to establish access agreements for hunting and wildlife viewing and will provide incentives to encourage landowners to select higher quality and better management activities to improve habitat.

-         Depending on type of Mid-Contract Management Option, landowners may receive incentive payments ranging from $13 - $42 per acre.

-         The CREP Hunter Program will begin with letters being sent to all participants.

Dove Field Access

-         Program strives to increase the number of fields currently enrolled by 25 through increased payment and adding more fields.

-         Program will provide up to $10,000 for a 40-acre dove field depending on land and access quality, and type of crop planted.

-         Program will begin with private land biologists contacting known landowners. 

Landowner Fishing Access

-         Program will initially improve stream access along priority areas including Elkhorn Creek, Lake Cumberland tailwater, and Green River.

-         Program strives to enroll a minimum of 15 stream bank fishing access sites, 10 boat ramp sites, and 10 lake/pond sites by July 2011.

-         Highest priority will initially be given to those with land adjacent to “high quality” fishing areas.

-         Initially, landowners in priority areas will be contacted by Department personnel, however, all private lands across the state are eligible for the program.

-         Highest ranking stream access sites may receive compensation up to $2,500 and additional compensation may be added based on specific needs of the site.

-         Highest ranking boat ramp access sites may receive compensation up to $1,500.

-         Highest ranking private lake/pond access sites may receive compensation up to $2,000.

Miscellaneous

-         The Department has received $651,000 for the first year (3 year program) to administer the program and provide compensation to private landowners involved in the program.

-         Compensation provided on an annual basis.

-         Voluntary enrollment.

-         Mutually agreed upon terms set by both the private landowner and KDFWR will accommodate landowner’s special needs and requirements.

-         Access areas will be marked with signs and directions to locations will be made available to the public.

-         Landowners enrolling for multiple years up front will receive bonus payments.

-         Informational materials will include brochure, fact sheet and details on KDFWR web page.

-         Applications for specific access programs will be graded based on specific criteria set by the Department.

-         Preference will be based on amount of land provided, ease of access (parking & terrain), number of restrictions and other pertinent information.

-         This program is in its infancy and it is hoped it will continue for many years, allowing us to expand the number of hunting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities for the public.

-         Department will continually evaluate the program and make improvement as necessary.

-         Department will hire a coordinator and two seasonal positions as well as utilize existing staff as necessary.

-         Staff will concentrate on meeting the needs of the private landowners enrolled in the program (signage and litter removal) as well as the public using these areas.

-         Interested landowners should contact the Department for more information at 502-564-7109 ext. 4457 or fw.publicaccess@ky.gov