Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) introduced the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act in the Senate and House, respectively. This bill would expand Mammoth Cave National Park to protect wildlife, preserve cultural heritage, and bring more tourism to this national park in Kentucky’s Second District.
“As the world’s longest known cave system full of biodiversity and history, Mammoth Cave National Park is not only a treasure to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but also a treasure to the entire world. After discussions with Mammoth Cave National Park leadership and the local community, I introduced a bill to allow the park to acquire specific land to put cultural heritage artifacts and habitats under the care and expertise of the Mammoth Cave National Park Service. I’m proud to partner with Leader McConnell on this effort to expand Mammoth Cave National Park for National Park Service employees and volunteers to conserve and people to enjoy for generations to come,” said Guthrie.
“Kentucky is lucky to be home to an abundance of natural treasures, among them, Mammoth Cave National Park. This extensive cave network has been inspiring Kentuckians and drawing visitors from all corners of the globe for generations. Beyond its role in driving tourism to our Commonwealth, the park also plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, supporting good jobs for the people of Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Guthrie on this important initiative once again which will expand the critical habitats that the National Park Service protects and preserves in the park.”
Background:
• The legislation authorizes 980 acres of land expansion that includes the Green River watershed.
• This southern boundary expansion specifically includes the coordinates 135/177, 967 in Edmonson and Barren counties.
• The legislation allows the Mammoth Cave National Park Service to acquire critical habitat land owned by The Nature Conservancy that specialists with Mammoth Cave National Park are equipped to maintain. The Nature Conservancy is currently in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• The property includes numerous cave passages, including Coach Cave and James Cave that have prehistoric and historic artifacts that the National Park System can conserve and manage.
• Tourism to Mammoth Cave National Park created $69.2 million in economic benefits in 2021, and expansion of this land is expected to increase its economic impact on the community.