Editor’s Note: At the request of LBL representatives, the title of the article has been adjusted to reflect that this meeting is not being called for any specific purpose other than to allow for public comment.
GILBERTSVILLE – In the wake of ongoing controversy surrounding the ‘scenery management plan’ for LBL, the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is announcing that a public listening session will be held on Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center.
According to a release on the meeting, members of the public will be able to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns at this public gathering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service leadership team that manages Land Between The Lakes.
“This is an ongoing process for us to listen and gain a better understanding of public concerns,” says Jan Bush, Public Affairs Officer at Land Between The Lakes.
The plan for scenery management was first unveiled last year and was intended, according to developers, to improve visibility and create a more visually attractive space for tourists.
“We want to preserve the spirit and beauty of Land Between The Lakes for future generations to enjoy,” said LBL Customer Service Department Manager, Brian Beisel. “When implemented, the Scenery Management System Plan will touch the senses—sight, sound, smell, and touch–creating a deeper, richer emotional attachment for those who visit Land Between The Lakes.”
The plan included clear cutting, logging and controlled burns as a way to thin the dense forest. As the process got underway, a backlash to the plan erupted leaving many local residents and elected officials to question the plan – sparking the creation of a coalition and the launch of a petition to stop it.
In part, the petition asked for “A moratorium on logging and burning in Land Between the Lakes NRA until the following are met: a) Public meetings are held to review current management b) A General Accounting Office (GAO) audit be conducted to determine how funding at LBL is being used c) The Land Between the Lakes NRA management plan be revised to address public concerns and reflect more appropriate priorities.”
The petition garnered large support early on and was reinforced by information dispersed via social media in the months following. Several thousand people have already joined Facebook groups dedicated to opposing the LBL scenery management plan.
“Everyone’s ideas, concerns, and opinions matter to us,” Bush said. According to a release on the listening session, representatives say the upcoming meeting serves as part of Land Between The Lakes’ outreach to develop and strengthen relationships with members of the public willing to work together on future projects.
For more information, contact Jan Bush at 270-924-2016. Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center is just south of the main lodge on U.S. Hwy 641.