In February 2018, April Russell, Glasgow's Public Works Grants Coordinator and Mayor of Glasgow, KY, Dick Doty approached us to determine the viability of Beaver Creek (a tributary of the Barren River) for kayaking and canoeing. We drafted a comprehensive project planning process that involve mapping the stream, developing an identity for the stream as a blueway trail, fundraising/grant writing to match the city's funding for the project, and hosting clean-up events.
At the onset of the project we mapped the stream, documented hazards, mileage, designed egress points, and an access trail. Our field team (Gerry Seavo James and Carolyn Sexton) then worked with the City of Glasgow Public Works, the National Park Service, VFW Post 5906, and Barren County EMA to clear a 3 mile section of the stream from the VFW Club to Glasgow’s Beaver Trail Park removing downed trees, heavy woody debris, and trash. We helped the city secure a public access easement with the VFW for the community to be able to utilize the VFW’s property for parking and access to the stream.
Using our design, VFW Post 5906 Commander James Crump lead construction of wooden steps on their property to provide egress to Beaver Creek. In May 2018 we worked the City of Glasgow to host the first ever Beaver Creak Blueway Trail public clean-up day. Community volunteers in canoes and on land assisted collecting over 1500 lbs of trash from stream.
Highlights
Since 2018 there has been 3 public community stream clean-up days facilitated by April Russell of the City of Glasgow.
Free parking for paddlers is available at both ends of the blueway trail at VFW Post 5906 and Beaver Creek Park.
We worked with Corbin, KY based graphic artist, Jordan Jung to design the branding identity for the trail.
Vince Carman of KyMBA Lincoln Trails provided planning support for access trail at VFW Post 5906.
