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[RCKT_RCCN]

Wanted to give everyone a heads up, saw from KyAfield that the DBNF is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss future management actions in the Red River Gorge on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, from 5:00-6:30 pm EST.

https://www.wtvq.com/2020/10/29/public-comment-sought-on-future-of-red-river-gorge-area/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/home/?cid=FSEPRD835636

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[Captain Blue]

Thank you for posting this!

[RCKT_RCCN]

You're welcome! I'm definitely going to watch the virtual public meeting. I read through some of the 2008 report yesterday and was fascinated by all the work put into it. My biggest thought though - the forest service has a master map somewhere with a treasure trove of information! I want that map! 

More seriously, what do you all think? We've discussed the issues facing the Red many times. I wonder where this winds up. I also sincerely wonder if in about 3-5 years these numbers level off or drop when normal life resumes for many who are new comers to outdoor pursuits.

[jacksan]

I downloaded them back in 2007.
pm me for them

[Fern]

Curious if anybody has access to the map (if it is an actual thing). If anyone has any info please PM me. I have been collecting maps and data on RRG for over 25 years now.

[Captain Blue]

Is there an archived version of this online meeting? I could not attend but I would love to watch what happened.

[RCKT_RCCN]

Meeting Website where you can find a link to the recorded meeting as well as the presentations and survey:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/home/?cid=fseprd835667

[jacksan]

A summary can be found in this PDF document:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd845089.pdf

Looks like an honest effort to strike a balance between preserving access (expanding trail system, 350 total camping sites, parking, shuttle bus) while protecting the area (camping only in designated sites by reservation, limited campfires, Stop Creation of Unauthorized Trails*, Expand Day Use Only Restrictions*).  *I don't know what these last 2 items mean.

Clifty is being treated separately. I can see them largely closing it off:
Designation of campsites in the Clifty Wilderness, if implemented, will be considered based on the results of a “Wilderness Minimum Requirements Decision Guide” analysis.
Trails within the Clifty Wilderness will be considered for addition into the managed trail system based on the results of a “Wilderness Minimum Requirements Decision Guide.”

I'm for the initiative... As long as we can still do off-trail exploring!

[Bazinga]

There are already existing rules for parking, swimming & camping to regulate the amount of traffic and damage in the gorge area, but little or no enforcement. If they expect visitors to self regulate compliance nothing will change.

[Backcountry Strider]

Here's to hoping the interest in the Red will drop off significantly in the next year. I understand the need to manage the increasing number and severity of issues, but designated campsites and more established trails will really ruin the experience that made it so unique. A difficult line on which to balance.

[upfromtheashes]

Ughh.
Backcountry camping in the gorge is literally the one thing that made me fall in love with backpacking. 
How many of the 350 "designated" campsites will be places you actually want to camp?  I bet not many.