DBNF Receives Funding from Great American Outdoors Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service recently announced it will invest $540,000 to support deferred maintenance across the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF). The funding for this investment, as well as the more than $12.5 million previously allocated to the Forest for similar projects, comes from the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF).
The LRF was established by the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act to support projects that reduce deferred maintenance, improve critical infrastructure and expand access to national public lands. A portion of the recently allocated funds will be used to update existing amenities at recreation facilities like Barren Fork Horse Camp and Bell Farm Horse Camp on the Stearns Ranger District in McCreary County. Picnic tables, grills, serving tables and lantern posts will be replaced with new, fully accessible items. Funds will also support repairs to legacy trail bridges across the Forest.
According to Stearns District Ranger Tim Reed, there are plans to replace features at several locations throughout the District. Although new replacement items such as picnic tables, grills, etc. will be similar to those now in existence, there will be a concentrated effort to improve accessibility.
Reed noted the Stearns District is now in the process of purchasing the materials and supplies and anticipates beginning implementation next spring. The Stearns Ranger District is partnering with Pine Knot Job Corp for construction of the new picnic tables.
“Our employees work really hard to ensure our recreation facilities are maintained at a high level,” Reed commented. “With this LRF investment, we will be able to provide a better experience for our visitors. We are really excited about this opportunity to help keep the recreation facilities offered on our National Forest in top condition.”
For additional information about the Forest Service implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Forest Service photo by Laurie Smith
Picnic table, firepit, and lantern pole at a previously updated campsite at Great Meadows Campground, McCreary County.
