Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) protected more wildlands on Pine Mountain through a land donation in Harlan County. The 29-acre Bettie Lewis Noe addition expands Warbler Ridge Preserve to 3,195 acres and protects additional wildlands at the headwaters of the Cumberland River.
For more than 25 years, KNLT has worked to safeguard Pine Mountain, a biodiverse and climate resilient landscape that is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Throughout its history, KNLT has worked with landowners and local communities in its conservation efforts. This tract of land was generously donated by the heirs of Bettie Lewis Noe.
“On behalf of the Noe and Lewis family heirs, we are extremely pleased to donate the estate of Bettie Lewis Noe to the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust,” said Roger Noe. “KNLT will be a wonderful steward for this historic beloved property. The family members are truly appreciative of Greg Abernathy and KNLT staff for their work in bringing this donation to fruition.”
These newly protected wildlands along the south face of Pine Mountain help safeguard the headwaters of the Cumberland River, a source of drinking water for many communities and a notable aquatic system with extraordinary biodiversity. The Cumberland River watershed is home to some of the greatest temperate freshwater diversity the world, with globally notable numbers of mussels, fish, crayfish and aquatic plants.
KNLT’s Warbler Ridge Preserve connects several state lands to form nearly 8,000 acres of contiguous conservation lands. It’s also planned to be the route of a portion of the unfolding Great Eastern Trail, a contemporary to the Appalachian Trail, which makes the preserve an important addition to the regional outdoor economy.
Learn more about the Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor: KNLT.org/pmwc/
6/6/2023 – KNLT Press Release (pdf)
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cover photo: Bettie Lewis Noe Addition to Warbler Ridge Preserve ~ Derrick Lindsay, KNLT
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