Kentucky Fish and Wildlife celebrates 2024 accomplishments

​​​​​​​FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2025) — When someone buys a fishing or hunting license, registers their boat in Kentucky or purchases an annual Kentucky Wild membership, they’re making an important investment in c​onservation across the state.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources uses the money from these sources to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources throughout Kentucky, from Fulton County in the west to Pike County in the east and everywhere in between.

The department also works to provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife-related outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, shooting sports and wildlife viewing. These activities contribute an estimated $8.7 billion annually to Kentucky’s economy.

The department also works to provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife-related outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, shooting sports and wildlife viewing. These activities contribute an estimated $8.7 billion annually to Kentucky’s economy.

Customer investments in Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in 2024 made the following selected accomplishments possible:

Expanded Public Access and Improved Wildlife Habitats

• Opened more than 73,000 acres for public recreation by working with landowners to establish public access agreements and by purchasing land.
• Conducted prescribed burns on more than 9,400 acres to improve wildlife ha​​​​bitats and manage invasive species; and provided training for staff, partners and landowners in safe burning practices.
• Permanently protected 985 acres through conservation easements and land acquisitions via the Stream and Wetland Restoration Program to provide wildlife habitat and environmental benefits.

Educated and Inspired the Public

• Hosted more than 40,000 visitors, including approximately 11,000 school group participants, at the Salato Wildlife Education Center.
• Developed and opened the new “Healthy Hunting Grounds” exhibit at Salato, highlighting the importance of legal, regulated hunting and thriving habitats.

Enhanced Fishing Opportunities and Aquatic Habitats

• Stocked more than 4.5 million fish in Kentucky waters to sustain and enhance public fishing opportunities and restore native species.
• Enhanced fish habitats across the state:
• Added a third habitat improvement barge.
• Recycled more than 4,000 Christmas trees donated by Kentuckians to create and deploy fish cover structures in public lakes.
• Planted 1,350 bald cypress trees on Lake Barkley with help from partner groups and more than 100 individual volunteers.

Completed Capital Projects in Local Communities

• Replaced the boat ramp on the Salt River at West Point in Hardin County with a new two-lane ramp and parking for 30 vehicles with trailers.
• Built a one-lane ramp on Hinkston Creek in Bourbon County with parking for 15 vehicles with trailers.
• Installed an aluminum courtesy dock on the Little Sandy River in Greenup County.
• Added a new well and pump to flood more than 40 acres at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area in Henderson County to improve waterfowl habitat.

New Programs and Innovations

• Redesigned the Trophy Fish and Master Angler Awards programs to offer free printable certificates, patches and stickers for anglers who catch qualifying fish in Kentucky waters.
• Expanded the Experimental Commercial Fishing Methods Program to increase the harvest of invasive carp, codifying it in regulations and adding three commercial fishers.

Looking Ahead to 2025

• Partnering with county governments to plan upgrades at boating access sites, including Lake Linville, South Fork Licking River and Green River. Improvements will include extended ramps, new parking and sediment control features, with construction scheduled for this year.
• Further expanding public access for fishing, hunting and other wildlife-related recreation.
• ​Continuing large-scale fish and wildlife habitat improvements statewide to sustain populations and improve recreational opportunities.

Every dollar spent helps to conserve Kentucky’s fish and wildlife resources, supports the economy, and enhances outdoor recreation opportunities. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is proud to continue serving people and conserving fish and wildlife in the commonwealth.

​Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 2024 Highlights Video -

KDFWR 2024 Selected Accomplishments