Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) is proud to announce the establishment of the Limestone Gap Preserve on Pine Mountain. The 204-acre preserve is on the north face of the mountain and safeguards the viewshed of the City of Pineville.
KNLT worked with two local families, the Reese family and Roan family, to acquire two adjacent tracts of land on the edge of Pineville. Limestone Gap Preserve is adjacent to Pine Mountain State Resort Park and more than 13,000 acres of existing conservation lands adding to the overall connectivity along the mountain.
“For more than a century, our family has called this place home. Since 1899, each generation has shared a deep commitment to caring for the land and giving back to the community that has shaped our lives. Partnering with Kentucky Natural Lands Trust to protect this property feels like a natural extension of that legacy. We are proud to know that this land will remain wild, healthy, and accessible for the benefit of both nature and people. Just as our family has always invested in the wellbeing of this community, we look forward to continuing that tradition in new ways, honoring the past while protecting the future.” ~ Katherine Reese
“I’ve been blessed to live at the base of Pine Mountain all my life. I’m a coal miner. God didn’t put any coal on Pine Mountain, at least none that could be mined. I believe there was a reason for that. I’m thankful for KNLT and the mission they are on.” ~ Robert Roan
Limestone Gap Preserve protects forested habitat at the headwaters of the Cumberland River. The new preserve is within the Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor, one of the most biodiverse temperate regions on Earth. These newly protected wildlands safeguard a major forest migratory bird route and are within known summer and swarming habitat for the endangered northern long-eared bats and known summer habit for endangered Indiana bats.
We’re grateful for the support of individual donors, foundations, and partners for making this project possible, including:
• Appalachia Rising, a Re:wild sponsored initiative, which 1) connects organizations and networks that foster equity and respect Appalachian culture; 2) protects natural landscapes to promote and restore biodiversity; and 3) advances nature-based solutions that build climate resilience and address the climate crisis;
• Atira Conservation, a nonprofit foundation that collaborates with land trusts, conservation organizations and private landowners across the U.S. to safeguard natural spaces for wildlife, for people and for the future of our planet.
• The Imperiled Bat Conservation Bat Fund (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Field Office), which has helped protect more than 47,000 acres of important bat and forest habitat in Kentucky;
About Kentucky Natural Lands Trust
KNLT is a nationally accredited nonprofit working to protect biodiverse and climate resilient landscapes in ways that benefit communities. Through partnerships with individuals, nonprofits, government agencies and businesses, KNLT has protected more than 60,000 acres of wildlands throughout Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Projects like these would not be possible without the support of our donors! Join our movement and give today: DONATE NOW
For more information on how you can help KNLT protect wildlands, sign up now to receive our monthly newsletter. SUBSCRIBE
Cover photo: Limestone Gap Preserve ~ Ted Wathen, Kentucky Documentary Photographic Project
Black-throated blue warbler ~ Jeremy Hynes, Creative Commons
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