A public meeting was held on March 30, 2006 at the Knott County Public Library. Nearly 50 ATV enthusiasts, horseback riders and those interested in wildlife viewing were in attendance and the community was well represented.

Overall response to the project was very enthusiastic. Local newspapers and radio stations are keeping the public informed and engaged.

On March 31, 2006 active participants in each of the proposed activities attended a workshop on mapping existing and potential trails.

Bill Owens (ERA) and Kevin Howard (Summit Engineering) discuss the trails with a local citizen.
Rick Russell (BWSC Engineering) works with those in the community to map out existing trail locations.

STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES EXPRESS INTEREST IN THE PROJECT
Kentucky Secretary of Commerce George Ward talked at length with Judge Thompson on the initiative and three officials from the Governor's Office have visited the site. Secretary Nighbert and the Governor were both sent letters on the initiative and encouraged to visit.

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resource (KDFWR) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are also important stakeholders. Their input will be invaluable in determining how best to take advantage of opportunities presented by Knott County's elk population. Preliminary meetings were held and both expressed a strong interest.

Proposed site of wildlife viewing stand
Elk

WMTH CORPORATION PO BOX 51153 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 PHONE (270) 781-6858 FAX 781-2949