15
Jul 11
KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
In order to protect the park’s natural resources, promote visitor safety, and assure quality outdoor experiences for all, certain activities are restricted or prohibited within Kentucky State Parks. These restrictions and prohibitions are based on Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS - state law), Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR), Kentucky Department of Parks Policy and Kentucky State Nature Preserve Regulations. The Kentucky State Park System is a state agency mandated to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public while protecting the states natural, cultural, and historic resources. Please help protect your parks by becoming familiar with these laws and regulations.
KENTUCKY REVISED STATUTES (KRS)
Writing On or Defacing Park Property/Natural Rock Formations/Trees KRS 512.040
(1) A person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when: (a) having no right to do so or any reasonable ground to believe that he has such right, he intentionally or wantonly defaces, destroys or damages any property.
Entering Rock Shelters
KRS 164.720
(1) No person shall explore, excavate, appropriate or remove from land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any state agency or any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the Commonwealth, any archaeological site or object of antiquity without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Anthropology upon the recommendation of the agency owning or having control of the land upon which the same is situated.
Damaging Caves
KRS 433.873
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, without the express, prior, written permission of the owner, to willfully and knowingly break, break off, crack, carve upon, write, burn, or otherwise mark upon, remove, or in any manner destroy, disturb, deface, mark or harm the surfaces of any cave or any material which may be found therein, notwithstanding whether such material is attached or broken.
Archaeological Sites & Artifacts
KRS 164.715
No person shall willfully injure, destroy or deface any archaeological site or object of antiquity situated on lands owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any state agency or any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the Commonwealth.
Injuring Wildlife
KRS 148.029
(1) All areas controlled by the Department of Parks and designated as camping, hiking or other family oriented recreation areas are designated wildlife sanctuaries for the purpose of affording protection to the wildlife thereon as natural, integrated, interrelated, ecological communities.
(2) No unauthorized person shall enter a wildlife sanctuary and take, damage, injure, kill, destroy or unduly disturb the wildlife therein.
Hunting
KRS 148.029, 301 KAR 2:178
Hunting is not permitted within any state park boundaries, unless the need arises to conduct a limited quota hunt for resource management purposes. All state and federal wildlife laws will be enforced.
Injuring or Removing Plants
KRS 433.750
A person who picks, pulls, digs, tears up, cuts, breaks, burns or otherwise damages any tree, shrub, flower, vine, bush or turf upon any land set aside, dedicated or maintained by this state as a public park or as a refuge or sanctuary for wild animals, birds or fish, without having first obtained permission in writing of the superintendent or custodian of the park, refuge or sanctuary shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $300.
Gathering of Firewood on Park Property (prohibited) KRS 433.750 (See above - Injuring or Removing Plants)
Littering
KRS 512.070
(1) A person is guilty of criminal littering when he: (a) drops or permits to drop on a highway any destructive or injurious material and does not immediately remove it; or (b) knowingly places or throws litter on any public or private property without permission
Restrictions on Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles
KRS 189.515
(3) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public property unless the government agency responsible for the property has approved the use of all-terrain vehicles.
Pets
KRS 258.215, 304 KAR 1:040
All dogs shall bear proper identification and are to be properly restrained (on a leash). Pets are not permitted on Park Trails that are on dedicated State Nature Preserves.
Unlawfully Posting Advertisements
KRS 512.080
(1) A person is guilty of unlawfully posting advertisements when, having no right to do so or any reasonable ground to believe he has such a right, he posts, paints or otherwise affixes to the property of another person or to public property any advertisement, poster, notice or other matter.
KENTUCKY ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS (KAR)
Swimming
304 KAR 1:020
(1) No person shall swim, bathe, or otherwise enter any water owned by, or leased to, or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, or enter any waters from any shores of lands owned by, or leased to, or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, unless they are within a swimming area designated by the Department of Parks.
Commercial Activities 304 KAR 1:030
(1) No person, corporation, or other entity shall conduct or engage in any form of trade, business, or other commercial activity, nor perform any type of service for consideration within the boundaries of any lands owned by, leased to or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, without obtaining the prior written consent of the Department of Parks and such consent shall not be withheld on a discriminatory basis.
Metal Detectors 304 KAR 1:050
Section 1: Except as provided in Section 2 of this administrative regulation, the use of metal detectors shall be prohibited in all Kentucky State Parks.
Section 2: Park personnel, law enforcement personnel, and utilities may use metal detectors.
STATE PARK POLICIES
(Activities Requiring Permits or Written Permission from Park Officials)
Rappelling and Rock Climbing Park Policy Memo 05-01
The sport of rappelling and rock climbing with ropes, carabiners or any other means, are prohibited anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks without prior written permission of the Commissioner of Parks.
Horseback Riding Park Policy Memo 05-02
Horseback riding with privately owned horses in the state parks shall only be permitted in areas designated by the Commissioner of Parks. This policy does not apply to licensed, concession operated horseback riding facilities. All concession agreements shall be secured in accordance with established procurement policy.
Cave Exploration/Accessibility (permit required)
Park Policy Memo 05-04
Note: Contact the Park Naturalist Office for more information.
The sport of cave exploration hereinafter shall require the following:
1. Either a supervised guided tour by a designated Department of Parks employee or;
2. A permit issued by the Park Manager (or their designee) at the facility before any park guest may have access to, or otherwise explores any cave on state park land and facilities. The Park Manager (or their designee) shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether the requesting party is sufficiently trained and/or experienced to have access to, or explore the cave site(s) at the Park facility where permission is requested for unguided cave access/exploration. The Park Manager shall require persons who seek permission for unguided cave access/exploration to execute a waiver of liability in favor of the Department of Parks and its agency, officers and employees to excuse it from loss, injury or damage to persons desiring unguided cave access/exploration. All other access to, or exploration of, State Park caves is strictly forbidden unless such activity occurs under the supervision of a State Park employee acting as tour guide.
Scientific Collecting Plants, Animals or Geological Materials Park Policy Memo 05-05
All collecting of plants, animals and geological materials for any purpose, including scientific is prohibited, unless written approval is obtained from the Commissioner of Parks. No other permission, written or verbal, is acceptable. All requests should be forwarded to the State Naturalist for review and recommendation to the Commissioner of Parks. To insure the protection of species and to organize serious scientific investigations of the parks natural environment, a written permit will either be issued or denied depending on purposes, materials to be collected, others collecting in same area, species on endangered lists, etc. The written scientific collection permit will contain all the necessary information, including expiration date, for the inspecting officer at the park. This permit can be verified against a file copy with the Department of Parks.
Hunted Game Brought onto State Parks Park Policy Memo 05-07
Any wildlife or game taken by legal means under state hunting laws, with the exception of fish taken in lawful, noncommercial fishing activity, and brought onto land under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Department of Parks, is to be concealed from view. It is prohibited for game to be hung from trees, supported, field dressed or otherwise displayed within State Park boundaries.
Feeding of Wildlife Park Policy Memo 05-08
The feeding of wildlife on lands managed by the Department of Parks is prohibited for park visitors and park personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, animals such as deer, bear, raccoons, geese, foxes, skunks and wild ducks. This policy also includes the dumping of leftover food waste from park food service facilities by park staff to feed wildlife. This does not prohibit or include the use of birdseed for bird feeders or mineral blocks at certain, designated wildlife observation areas.
Geocaching Park Policy Memo 05-10
Many parks contain fragile habitats that can be damaged by foot traffic or have hazardous areas such as cliffs or sinkholes that may pose a danger to visitors. These rules should be followed when considering the placement of a geocache on a state park. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the cache by park staff.
1. Geocachers must contact the park prior to their visit to obtain permission to place a geocache, and inquire about possible designated and/or off limits areas.
2. Only virtual caches are allowed at the following parks, which have dedicated state nature preserves. Nothing physical can be placed on these properties. This is for the purpose of coinciding with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission’s geocaching policy. John James Audubon, Blue Licks, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, Kingdom Come, Natural Bridge & Pine Mountain.
3. Activities must be confined directly to the trail, and refrain from having to get off the trail to place or hunt caches. Caches shall be placed no more than arm’s length off park trails. Do not access fragile areas, such as rock houses, caves, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites. Avoid areas closed to the public, or deemed unsafe.
4. Follow all trail rules; park trails close at dark.
5. Don't interfere/detract from the park experiences of others by placing caches in high use areas.
6. Adhere to all other land use rules and posted information.
7. Report any incidents, problems, or violations to the appropriate park staff.
8. Encourage fellow cachers to observe this policy.
RESTRICTED ACTIVITY
Fishing Regulations Check with each park on designated areas. All Federal and State fishing laws apply.
ACTIVITIES SOMETIMES RESTRICTED
Building Fires
During periods of extreme forest fire danger (posted when in effect), fires of any type may be prohibited. Normally, cooking fires are permitted in any of the park’s grills, or in suitable private grills. No ground fires are permitted at any time outside designated camping areas without prior permission from park officials.
Hiking
Park hiking trails may be closed on rare occasions when forest fire danger is extremely high (posted when in effect). Otherwise, hiking trails are open for day hiking only.
TRAIL REGULATIONS
(You are responsible for your actions while utilizing park trails; read regulations at each park you visit.)
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITIED:
• Defacing rock formations or trees
• Hunting and trapping
• Disturbing, capturing or killing any animal
• Picking, digging, trampling flowers or removing any plant material
• Collecting specimens (plant or animal)
• Building fires or backcountry camping
• Rock climbing or rappelling
• Riding ATV’s or horses
• Hiking off-trail or accessing wilderness areas where no trails exist
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Littering
STATE NATURE PRESERVE REGULATIONS
Kentucky State Nature Preserves are established to protect rare, threatened, or endangered species and preserve areas of high natural integrity. Several of the Kentucky State Parks have dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve Areas. Therefore, in addition to the laws and regulations governing the Kentucky State Parks System, the following regulations are enforced within these parks. By observing these rules, you will be helping to protect Kentucky's natural heritage.
Management, use, and protection of Nature Preserves 400 KAR 2:090
(RELATES TO KRS 146.410, 146.440 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 146.465, 146.475, 146.485, 224)
Check State Nature Preserves website below for additional information.
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED:
• Off-trail hiking
• Shortcutting existing trails
• Horses or bicycles
• Climbing/rappelling
• Motorized vehicles
• Possession of drugs or alcohol
• Possession of firearms
• Collecting, hunting and trapping
• Camping, picnicking, building fires
• Pets running at large
These rules are established by 400 KAR 2:090. Any person in violation of this regulation may be liable for a civil penalty and possible criminal prosecution as provided for in KRS 224. For more detailed information on nature preserve regulations, go to: http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/
In order to protect the park’s natural resources, promote visitor safety, and assure quality outdoor experiences for all, certain activities are restricted or prohibited within Kentucky State Parks. These restrictions and prohibitions are based on Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS - state law), Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR), Kentucky Department of Parks Policy and Kentucky State Nature Preserve Regulations. The Kentucky State Park System is a state agency mandated to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public while protecting the states natural, cultural, and historic resources. Please help protect your parks by becoming familiar with these laws and regulations.
KENTUCKY REVISED STATUTES (KRS)
Writing On or Defacing Park Property/Natural Rock Formations/Trees KRS 512.040
(1) A person is guilty of criminal mischief in the third degree when: (a) having no right to do so or any reasonable ground to believe that he has such right, he intentionally or wantonly defaces, destroys or damages any property.
Entering Rock Shelters
KRS 164.720
(1) No person shall explore, excavate, appropriate or remove from land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any state agency or any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the Commonwealth, any archaeological site or object of antiquity without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Anthropology upon the recommendation of the agency owning or having control of the land upon which the same is situated.
Damaging Caves
KRS 433.873
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, without the express, prior, written permission of the owner, to willfully and knowingly break, break off, crack, carve upon, write, burn, or otherwise mark upon, remove, or in any manner destroy, disturb, deface, mark or harm the surfaces of any cave or any material which may be found therein, notwithstanding whether such material is attached or broken.
Archaeological Sites & Artifacts
KRS 164.715
No person shall willfully injure, destroy or deface any archaeological site or object of antiquity situated on lands owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any state agency or any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the Commonwealth.
Injuring Wildlife
KRS 148.029
(1) All areas controlled by the Department of Parks and designated as camping, hiking or other family oriented recreation areas are designated wildlife sanctuaries for the purpose of affording protection to the wildlife thereon as natural, integrated, interrelated, ecological communities.
(2) No unauthorized person shall enter a wildlife sanctuary and take, damage, injure, kill, destroy or unduly disturb the wildlife therein.
Hunting
KRS 148.029, 301 KAR 2:178
Hunting is not permitted within any state park boundaries, unless the need arises to conduct a limited quota hunt for resource management purposes. All state and federal wildlife laws will be enforced.
Injuring or Removing Plants
KRS 433.750
A person who picks, pulls, digs, tears up, cuts, breaks, burns or otherwise damages any tree, shrub, flower, vine, bush or turf upon any land set aside, dedicated or maintained by this state as a public park or as a refuge or sanctuary for wild animals, birds or fish, without having first obtained permission in writing of the superintendent or custodian of the park, refuge or sanctuary shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $300.
Gathering of Firewood on Park Property (prohibited) KRS 433.750 (See above - Injuring or Removing Plants)
Littering
KRS 512.070
(1) A person is guilty of criminal littering when he: (a) drops or permits to drop on a highway any destructive or injurious material and does not immediately remove it; or (b) knowingly places or throws litter on any public or private property without permission
Restrictions on Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles
KRS 189.515
(3) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public property unless the government agency responsible for the property has approved the use of all-terrain vehicles.
Pets
KRS 258.215, 304 KAR 1:040
All dogs shall bear proper identification and are to be properly restrained (on a leash). Pets are not permitted on Park Trails that are on dedicated State Nature Preserves.
Unlawfully Posting Advertisements
KRS 512.080
(1) A person is guilty of unlawfully posting advertisements when, having no right to do so or any reasonable ground to believe he has such a right, he posts, paints or otherwise affixes to the property of another person or to public property any advertisement, poster, notice or other matter.
KENTUCKY ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS (KAR)
Swimming
304 KAR 1:020
(1) No person shall swim, bathe, or otherwise enter any water owned by, or leased to, or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, or enter any waters from any shores of lands owned by, or leased to, or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, unless they are within a swimming area designated by the Department of Parks.
Commercial Activities 304 KAR 1:030
(1) No person, corporation, or other entity shall conduct or engage in any form of trade, business, or other commercial activity, nor perform any type of service for consideration within the boundaries of any lands owned by, leased to or under the control of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, without obtaining the prior written consent of the Department of Parks and such consent shall not be withheld on a discriminatory basis.
Metal Detectors 304 KAR 1:050
Section 1: Except as provided in Section 2 of this administrative regulation, the use of metal detectors shall be prohibited in all Kentucky State Parks.
Section 2: Park personnel, law enforcement personnel, and utilities may use metal detectors.
STATE PARK POLICIES
(Activities Requiring Permits or Written Permission from Park Officials)
Rappelling and Rock Climbing Park Policy Memo 05-01
The sport of rappelling and rock climbing with ropes, carabiners or any other means, are prohibited anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks without prior written permission of the Commissioner of Parks.
Horseback Riding Park Policy Memo 05-02
Horseback riding with privately owned horses in the state parks shall only be permitted in areas designated by the Commissioner of Parks. This policy does not apply to licensed, concession operated horseback riding facilities. All concession agreements shall be secured in accordance with established procurement policy.
Cave Exploration/Accessibility (permit required)
Park Policy Memo 05-04
Note: Contact the Park Naturalist Office for more information.
The sport of cave exploration hereinafter shall require the following:
1. Either a supervised guided tour by a designated Department of Parks employee or;
2. A permit issued by the Park Manager (or their designee) at the facility before any park guest may have access to, or otherwise explores any cave on state park land and facilities. The Park Manager (or their designee) shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether the requesting party is sufficiently trained and/or experienced to have access to, or explore the cave site(s) at the Park facility where permission is requested for unguided cave access/exploration. The Park Manager shall require persons who seek permission for unguided cave access/exploration to execute a waiver of liability in favor of the Department of Parks and its agency, officers and employees to excuse it from loss, injury or damage to persons desiring unguided cave access/exploration. All other access to, or exploration of, State Park caves is strictly forbidden unless such activity occurs under the supervision of a State Park employee acting as tour guide.
Scientific Collecting Plants, Animals or Geological Materials Park Policy Memo 05-05
All collecting of plants, animals and geological materials for any purpose, including scientific is prohibited, unless written approval is obtained from the Commissioner of Parks. No other permission, written or verbal, is acceptable. All requests should be forwarded to the State Naturalist for review and recommendation to the Commissioner of Parks. To insure the protection of species and to organize serious scientific investigations of the parks natural environment, a written permit will either be issued or denied depending on purposes, materials to be collected, others collecting in same area, species on endangered lists, etc. The written scientific collection permit will contain all the necessary information, including expiration date, for the inspecting officer at the park. This permit can be verified against a file copy with the Department of Parks.
Hunted Game Brought onto State Parks Park Policy Memo 05-07
Any wildlife or game taken by legal means under state hunting laws, with the exception of fish taken in lawful, noncommercial fishing activity, and brought onto land under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Department of Parks, is to be concealed from view. It is prohibited for game to be hung from trees, supported, field dressed or otherwise displayed within State Park boundaries.
Feeding of Wildlife Park Policy Memo 05-08
The feeding of wildlife on lands managed by the Department of Parks is prohibited for park visitors and park personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, animals such as deer, bear, raccoons, geese, foxes, skunks and wild ducks. This policy also includes the dumping of leftover food waste from park food service facilities by park staff to feed wildlife. This does not prohibit or include the use of birdseed for bird feeders or mineral blocks at certain, designated wildlife observation areas.
Geocaching Park Policy Memo 05-10
Many parks contain fragile habitats that can be damaged by foot traffic or have hazardous areas such as cliffs or sinkholes that may pose a danger to visitors. These rules should be followed when considering the placement of a geocache on a state park. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the cache by park staff.
1. Geocachers must contact the park prior to their visit to obtain permission to place a geocache, and inquire about possible designated and/or off limits areas.
2. Only virtual caches are allowed at the following parks, which have dedicated state nature preserves. Nothing physical can be placed on these properties. This is for the purpose of coinciding with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission’s geocaching policy. John James Audubon, Blue Licks, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, Kingdom Come, Natural Bridge & Pine Mountain.
3. Activities must be confined directly to the trail, and refrain from having to get off the trail to place or hunt caches. Caches shall be placed no more than arm’s length off park trails. Do not access fragile areas, such as rock houses, caves, bogs, wetlands, steep slopes, historic structures, and other sensitive sites. Avoid areas closed to the public, or deemed unsafe.
4. Follow all trail rules; park trails close at dark.
5. Don't interfere/detract from the park experiences of others by placing caches in high use areas.
6. Adhere to all other land use rules and posted information.
7. Report any incidents, problems, or violations to the appropriate park staff.
8. Encourage fellow cachers to observe this policy.
RESTRICTED ACTIVITY
Fishing Regulations Check with each park on designated areas. All Federal and State fishing laws apply.
ACTIVITIES SOMETIMES RESTRICTED
Building Fires
During periods of extreme forest fire danger (posted when in effect), fires of any type may be prohibited. Normally, cooking fires are permitted in any of the park’s grills, or in suitable private grills. No ground fires are permitted at any time outside designated camping areas without prior permission from park officials.
Hiking
Park hiking trails may be closed on rare occasions when forest fire danger is extremely high (posted when in effect). Otherwise, hiking trails are open for day hiking only.
TRAIL REGULATIONS
(You are responsible for your actions while utilizing park trails; read regulations at each park you visit.)
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITIED:
• Defacing rock formations or trees
• Hunting and trapping
• Disturbing, capturing or killing any animal
• Picking, digging, trampling flowers or removing any plant material
• Collecting specimens (plant or animal)
• Building fires or backcountry camping
• Rock climbing or rappelling
• Riding ATV’s or horses
• Hiking off-trail or accessing wilderness areas where no trails exist
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Littering
STATE NATURE PRESERVE REGULATIONS
Kentucky State Nature Preserves are established to protect rare, threatened, or endangered species and preserve areas of high natural integrity. Several of the Kentucky State Parks have dedicated Kentucky State Nature Preserve Areas. Therefore, in addition to the laws and regulations governing the Kentucky State Parks System, the following regulations are enforced within these parks. By observing these rules, you will be helping to protect Kentucky's natural heritage.
Management, use, and protection of Nature Preserves 400 KAR 2:090
(RELATES TO KRS 146.410, 146.440 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 146.465, 146.475, 146.485, 224)
Check State Nature Preserves website below for additional information.
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED:
• Off-trail hiking
• Shortcutting existing trails
• Horses or bicycles
• Climbing/rappelling
• Motorized vehicles
• Possession of drugs or alcohol
• Possession of firearms
• Collecting, hunting and trapping
• Camping, picnicking, building fires
• Pets running at large
These rules are established by 400 KAR 2:090. Any person in violation of this regulation may be liable for a civil penalty and possible criminal prosecution as provided for in KRS 224. For more detailed information on nature preserve regulations, go to: http://www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/