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Eastern Kentucky is poised for an ecotourism boom but a new resort sparks debate
A proposed project on the edge of the protected Red River Gorge highlights community tensions and possible solutions.
On the eastern lip of Daniel Boone National Forest, the federally protected Red River Gorge Geological Area attracts tourists eager to kayak, hike, climb, and experience the region’s unique ecology. But the local community is debating how best to develop more tourism infrastructure.Photograph by RM USA / Alamy Stock Photo
ByAustyn Gaffney
Email
In late spring, the Red River Gorge Geological Area undergoes a transformation: cadaverous winter trees turn a lush green, mayapples scatter across the forest floor, and rhododendrons and mountain laurels sprinkle deep ravines with white and pink flowers.
The Associated Press
In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service in November 2020, is the Skybridge, a popular sandstone arch in Kentucky s Red River Gorge. Investors are obtaining land for development of a private, upscale resort near Kentucky s Red River Gorge, a nonprofit group said, but with significant local opposition the project is far from a done deal. Red River Economic Development announced Wednesday, March 31, 2021, that private investors signed a contract to buy 891 acres near Slade, Ky., for about $2.25 million, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. (U.S. Forest Service via AP, File)
LEXINGTON, Ky. Investors are obtaining land for development of a private, upscale resort near Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, a nonprofit group said, but with significant local opposition the project is far from a done deal. Red River Economic Development announced Wednesday that private investors signed a contract to buy 891 acres near Slade for about $2.25 million. The
Associated Press
LEXINGTON Investors are obtaining land for development of a private, upscale resort near Kentucky s Red River Gorge, a nonprofit group said, but with significant local opposition the project is far from a done deal.
Red River Economic Development announced Wednesday that private investors signed a contract to buy 891 acres (360 hectares) near Slade for about $2.25 million, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. The land is currently privately owned by entrepreneur Ian Teal.
There is significant local opposition to resort development of the land outside the borders of the Red River Gorge, one of Appalachia s most beloved natural attractions.
The sandstone arches and towering cliffs in the 42,000-acre geological area southeast of Lexington has long attracted hundreds of thousands of hikers, rock-climbers, kayakers and campers each year.