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WASHINGTON - Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement after meeting with the Honorable Thomas Tidwell, Chief of the United States Forest Service, and Mr. Doug Crandall, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the United States Forest Service. Congressman Barr requested this meeting in order to discuss the Forest Service’s proposed Cave Run Non-motorized Trails Initiative and the Sand Lick Fork Watershed Restoration Project.
“Today, I was pleased to meet with Chief Tidwell to register my serious concerns with two of the Forest Service’s projects underway in my district. In this meeting, I conveyed concerns brought to my attention by constituents in Bath County and Menifee County regarding the Forest Service’s proposed Cave Run Non-motorized Trails Initiative, specifically that each of the four Forest Service proposals either prohibit or limit the future use of trails currently enjoyed by and available to horseback riders. As we discussed the situation, I emphasized to Chief Tidwell that such restrictions to riders would largely threaten and deter equine-related tourism in the area, revenue from which is vital to the economic stability of these rural counties. I am encouraged that Chief Tidwell agrees that we need to find a mutually beneficial solution that would maintain the current levels of access for so many riders who enjoy these trails.
“Chief Tidwell and I also discussed the Sand Lick Fork Watershed Restoration Project. In my letter requesting this meeting, I emphasized to Chief Tidwell that several of the project’s proposed closures would negatively impact our ability to attract tourism to the Sixth District. I specifically explained to Chief Tidwell that action items in the project would be barriers to local tourism and recreation, particularly those that decommission or limit use of off-highway vehicle roads. We discussed the extraordinary efforts made by county leadership to promote local tourism, which in turn brings jobs to their communities and business to local restaurants and hotels. I was glad when Chief Tidwell acknowledged the importance of taking a closer look at these proposed closures that would negatively impact these local economies at a time when they can least afford it.
“I appreciate Chief Tidwell’s willingness to work with us on these important issues and I am encouraged that the Chief is going to take a closer look at both of these situations. I look forward to continuing to work with the Forest Service to find mutually beneficial solutions that will safeguard local tourism and recreation, which is vital to the economic stability of the Sixth District.”
On Wednesday, Congressman Barr will be continuing this conversation with Mr. Frank Beum, the Forest Supervisor of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and Ms. Marie Walker, the Public Affairs Officer for the Daniel Boone National Forest.