Land Between The Lakes

The Land Between The Lakes (LBL) is a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area located on a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. LBL is a great place to explore with several hundreds of miles of country roads and hiking trails. There are several developed campgrounds including Hillman Ferry, Piney, Energy Lake, and Wranglers. Visitors to LBL can enjoy the Nature Station, Elk & Bison Prairie, Planetarium, Homeplace 1850s, Turkey Bay OHV Area, and Hematite Lake.

Land Between The Lakes Latest News

Summer Drag Boat Races Return to LBL

GOLDEN POND, KY – The Kentucky Drag Boat Association invites visitors to come to Kentucky Lake, at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, to kick off the 2013 season. Kentucky Drag Boat Association’s summer racing series will take place at Pisgah Bay on the north end of LBL.

Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets to Birmingham Ferry and enjoy an exciting day of racing. Racing events are scheduled for June 1-2, July 6-7, and August 3-4 from 10am to 5pm. Time trials will be held on Saturday and final races will take place on Sunday. There is a spectator fee of $5 per person; children under 12 are free.

The heart-pounding events feature blown-alcohol boats, hydros and jet-powered boats, and flat-bottom racers skimming the water at speeds exceeding 150 mph.

"The Kentucky Drag Boat Association summer races are a fun regional tradition," said Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Specialist at LBL. "It is a great event for spectators and adds an exciting, high speed element to all the other great outdoor recreation opportunities around the region."

For more information contact Kentucky Drag Boat Association by calling 1-800-732-0088 or visit www.kdba.net.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to review the official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl or @LandBtwnLakes.

Summer Events at Land Between The Lakes

GOLDEN POND, KY – Are you looking for adventure this summer? Come outside and play in America’s Great Outdoors! Plan your vacation to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area and help celebrate its 50th birthday!

Woodlands Nature Station (NS), The Homeplace (HP), and the Golden Pond Planetarium all offer a variety of daily programs about nature, history, and the universe. There are Special Events throughout the summer that only happen once a year. Sometimes special guests like Smokey Bear even make an appearance--be sure to bring your camera! So load the RV or pack the tent, bring the bikes or fuel up the boat, and celebrate summer at Land Between The Lakes!

Additional information is available on the Calendar of Events at www.lbl.org for these special summer events:

May

25-27 ~ River Days (NS)
25-26 ~ Traditional Chair Making (HP)

June

1 ~ Children’s Day on the Farm (HP)
15 ~ 50th Anniversary Celebration (Golden Pond Visitor Center);10am-2pm
15-16 ~ The Pickin’ Party (HP); 10am-7pm
15 ~ 50th Anniversary Wildlife Celebration (NS); 10am-4pm

July

4 ~ Independence Day Celebration (HP); 1-4pm
13 ~ Cool and Crawly Critters Day (NS); 10am-4pm

August

2-4 ~ Hummingbird Weekend (NS)
31-& Sept 1 ~ Homeplace Trades Fair (HP)

Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory

Laser Music Shows: May 24-August 31; Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 5:30pm and 7pm; Additional shows Saturdays at 8pm on June 1 & 29; July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24 (All seats $7)
Planetarium Shows and Star Parties: Saturdays at 8pm on May 25; June 8, 15, & 22; July 6 & 20; August 3, 17, & 31 ($5 ages 12 & up, $3 ages 5-12)

Nature Station Staff-led Canoe/Kayak Trips (reservation and fee required)

May 24 & 26; June 8 & 22; July 5, 6, & 27; August 24 & 31; September 1

Special Populations Fishing Tournament Returns to LBL

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area hosts the annual Special Populations Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 1, at Honker Lake off Road 135. Registration for the free tournament begins at 8:30am, and fishing is from 9am until 12pm.

The tournament, in its 36th year, is sponsored by Kentucky Lake Bass Club, and is designed to develop the fishing skills of children and adults who are physically and/or mentally challenged. Pre-registration is preferred to make sure adequate supplies are on-hand. For more information call 270-924-2046.

“This is a fun day for the volunteers, parents, caregivers, and especially the anglers,” commented Bob Strode with Kentucky Lake Bass Club. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this special event!” Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest string of fish.

Celebrate National Trails Day at LBL
Attend Grand Opening of the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail June 1st

GOLDEN POND, KY -- It’s time to slip on your hiking boots or grab your bike and get out on your favorite trails at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area to celebrate the 21st Annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, and celebrate the official opening of the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail.

“Trails are a great way to enjoy America’s Great Outdoors,” commented Kyle Varel, Assistant Trails Manager at LBL. “Land Between The Lakes offers hikers, bikers, and riders, both four-legged and four-wheeled, hundreds of miles of scenic trails.”

Join in the celebration by biking or hiking a section of the 11-mile Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail that runs east to west across LBL. Trail staff will be available at the Golden Pond Visitor Center from 8am-12pm to introduce you to all the new trailheads along this route and answer any questions. “The new LBL Trails bracelets will also be available for purchase at the Visitor Center. These bracelets are made from parachute cord, cost $10, and proceeds support trail maintenance and enhancement projects,” explained Emily Schmadeke, Friends of LBL Volunteer Coordinator.

Another opportunity to support your local trails is to log some volunteer hours and help clean up the trails along the way. “Volunteers are very important to public lands, and we welcome anyone who is interested. This is a wonderful way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and learn more about LBL and other volunteer opportunities that are available here,” added Schmadeke.

Visitors can also celebrate National Trails Day by joining Woodland’s Nature Station staff for a ½ mile bird walk around Empire Point in the new Woodlands Nature Watch Area. In addition, The Homeplace will be hosting Children’s Day on the farm. Let the kids experience what chores were like in the 1850s.

Additional volunteer opportunities at Land Between The Lakes include the Adopt-A-Trail Program. For volunteers who have an interest in equestrian trail riding at LBL, there are several trails now available for adoption! For more information about Volunteering or National Trails Day, contact Emily Schmadeke at 800-455-5897 or 270-924-2007, or Kyle Varel at 270-924-2031, or email lblinfo@fs.fed.us.

Turkey Bay Trails Spring Clean-Up Day

Turkey Bay, Fenton Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed

GOLDEN POND, KY – Spring has arrived and so has another volunteer clean-up day at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area! Join us Saturday, April 13, and help clean up Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area trails.

Participants ride free the day of the clean-up, and everyone is welcome to attend. Priorities for the day include boundary tree planting, Turkey Trot trail maintenance, and picking up litter on the trails. “This is a great time to bring the family, your OHVs of choice, a picnic lunch, and help support Ride 4 Keeps,” said Kyle Varel, Turkey Bay Assistant Manager.

Sign-up is at the gatehouse at 9:30am. For more information on how to participate in this event, contact Kyle at 270-924-2031. LBL offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the season. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Emily Schmadeke, Volunteer Coordinator, at 270-924-2007.

1850’s Country Wedding Celebration at The Homeplace

GOLDEN POND, KY – Celebrate an 1850’s wedding at The Homeplace Living History Farm on Saturday, March 30. The wedding ceremony and celebration will take place from 1-3pm and is included with Homeplace admission. The Homeplace is located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Visitors get to participate in the wedding just like friends of the couple getting married.

This event brings to life an 1850’s country wedding, including customs, traditions, games, and festivities of the era with interpreters dressed in period clothing. “Weddings were major social events for a community during the 1850s," stated Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator for The Homeplace. “Everyone becomes involved in the celebration as guests of the farm family. They can play traditional wedding games, listen to music from the 19th Century, and share in wedding cake and cider. It’s a lot of fun!”

In addition, Geraldine Ann Marshall, the author of, The Homeplace History and Receipt Book: History, Folklore, and Recipes from Life on an Upper Southern Farm a Decade before The Civil War, will be on hand from 10am - 4pm for a book signing. The cookbook is available at all gift shops in Land Between The Lakes, as well as national retail outlets. Funds help support LBL’s interpretive programs.

Land Between The Lakes Re-Opens Wildlife Refuges

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will re-open Rushing Bay, Duncan Bay, Duncan Lake, Smith Bay, Fulton/Honker Bay, Honker Lake Refuge, Long Creek Waterfowl Refuge, and portions of Energy Lake on March 16. Hematite Lake will also be open March 16 for bank fishing only.

"These areas are closed November 1 through March 15, primarily as waterfowl and eagle refuges. We appreciate public cooperation in protecting these important areas for wildlife," said Steve Bloemer, LBL’s Wildlife Program Manager. "The majority of wintering eagles and waterfowl will have begun migrating back north by early to mid-March, permitting the refuges to be re-opened."

Eagle Scout Reduces Mosquito Population at Hematite Lake

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area recently benefited from a local Eagle Scout project. John DeNeve, of Boy Scout Troop 200 from Paducah, built a total of six bat roosting boxes at Hematite Lake and the nearby Observation Pond.

John has been working on his project since October of 2012, and completed it on February 23, 2013. He led a team of eight, Daniel DeNeve, Mark DeNeve, Bryan DeNeve, Evan Culbertson, David Gerle, Brandon Gerle, Noah DeWeese, and Anthony Miliano to build and install the bat boxes at Hematite Lake. The bat boxes, which can house about 50 bats each, will provide a daytime roosting place for bats during the spring and summer.

Woodlands Nature Station School Program Coordinator, Aviva Yasgur, helped coordinate the Eagle Scout Project. She said, “This project will be very beneficial to Land Between The Lakes. Bats are our most significant predator of night insects like mosquitoes. One single little brown bat is able to eat up to 1000 mosquitoes per night, a fact that any outdoor enthusiast can appreciate!”

The following links will take you directly to the photos included in this news release, along with captions and additional LBL photos for downloading: http://flic.kr/p/dY4ciJ and http://flic.kr/p/dY4bb3

Land Between The Lakes Facilities Re-open for 2013 Season

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area begins its 2013 operations on Friday, March 1, by opening several popular visitor attractions.

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations open their doors March 1, along with Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds. The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday during March, then open seven days a week beginning April 1.

The Homeplace and Nature Station also have new operating hours of 10am-5pm. North & South Welcome Stations, along with the Golden Pond Visitor Center, are open 9am-5pm with the exception of extended hours, 10am-7pm, on Fridays, May 17-Sep 2.

The Elk & Bison Prairie remains open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round. The Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium, Wranglers Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area remain open year-round as well.

New for 2013 at Land Between The Lakes is the opening of two new nature viewing sites within the Woodlands Nature Watch Area located east of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, near Nature Station and Taylor Bay. “Empire Point and Bobcat Point are now available for wildlife viewing,” stated Darrin Samborski, Environment Education Specialist at LBL. “Both locations offer views of the water and the opportunity to get out and explore. Each season brings something different. You will find waterfowl and eagles in the winter, migratory songbirds from spring through fall, plus deer, turkey, and many other species that can be seen year-round. These areas are for day-use only and offer a “park and walk” experience, so bring your cameras and binoculars.”

Golden Pond Planetarium provides a full-dome viewing experience complete with state-of-the-art digital multimedia equipment. Visit www.lbl.org or call 270-924-2237 for show schedule. Come join us for an exciting glimpse of the night skies filled with celestial objects, constellations, and more!

LBL’s Spring Calendar of Events is full of a variety of fun programs for visitors of all ages and interests. The popular Discount Package, which offers approximately a 30% discount on Continued admission to multiple attractions, and the LBL Fun Card, a discount opportunity that primarily benefits area residents and others who frequent the area, are available again this year. The LBL Fun Card does not expire and provides your choice of 10 admissions to The Homeplace, Nature Station, Planetarium, or a combination of all three.

Land Between The Lakes honors the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access and Senior Passes as well as the new Military Pass. With the Access and Senior Passes, a 50% discount is offered to the card holder for basic campsites and general admission to The Homeplace, Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium. The Military Pass offers active duty military service members or their spouse and three additional guests free general admission to The Homeplace, Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium.

Deadline Nears for LBL Quota Turkey Hunt Applications

GOLDEN POND, KY – The application period for the spring turkey-hunting season at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) is drawing to a close. The deadline for hunters to apply online for a quota permit is February 28, 2013. Hunters will be selected for the available quota permits by computer drawing.

Three quota hunts in both Kentucky and Tennessee during the first portion of the season require a prior application. In Kentucky, quota hunts include a two-day youth hunt for hunters (under age 16 on the Kentucky portion of LBL) March 30-31, a two-day hunt April 9-10, and a two-day hunt April 13-14. In Tennessee, quota hunts include a two-day youth hunt (for hunters 6-16 years old on the Tennessee portion) April 6-7, a two-day hunt April 9-10, and a two-day hunt April 13-14. No hunting is permitted between these dates.

Hunters can apply online at http://www.lbl.org/Hunting.html February 1-28. Applicants can check the website beginning March 18, to see if they were drawn. The Quota Hunt application fee will remain $5 for an online application. LBL’s Hunter Use Permit cost will increase to $25 and the Hunter Use/Backcountry Camping Combo will increase to $35 March 1.

The non-quota hunting season, which does not require a prior application, is one 14-day hunt, April 15-28 in Kentucky, and two 7-day hunts April 15-21 and April 22-28 in Tennessee.

Hunters may continue to use the 2012 Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) available on the website until the 2013 MVUM is posted. Printed copies are also available at the Golden Pond Visitor Center. Licensed motorized vehicles are only permitted on roads identified on the MVUM and on the LBL Recreation Map. Hunters will want to be sure to refer to the MVUM when scouting and hunting on LBL.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to review the official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl or @LandBtwnLakes.

Budget Reduction Brings Changes to Land Between The Lakes

GOLDEN POND, KY – Those visiting Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area in 2013 will see a few changes. Thanks to public involvement, LBL has been able to create an effective budget reduction strategy.

Some changes visitors can expect are slight fee increases in Day-Use Facility admission, OHV and Equestrian Permits, Hunting and Backcountry Camping Permits, as well as Camping Shelters and horse stall rentals. The Elk & Bison Prairie and basic camping fees have remained the same. However, amenities such as electricity at campsites increased. Birmingham Ferry and Smith Bay, which historically charged a nightly camping fee, were converted to Backcountry Camping areas allowing more opportunities to use a Backcountry Camping Permit. For a complete list of price changes for 2013, visit www.lbl.org under Alerts and Notices.

“We want to make sure visitors to Land Between The Lakes know the same recreational opportunities exist across the property,” says Brian Beisel, Acting Area Supervisor. “The changes implemented this season are necessary to remain financially responsible in this time of reduced funding. We intend to preserve the overall mission of Land Between The Lakes by providing quality programs, services, and opportunities to the public.”

Two new nature viewing sites within the 8,500-acre Woodlands Nature Watch Area provide increased opportunities to explore the forest. The Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail is a new addition to the family of multi-use trails in LBL. This bike and hike trail, located along US68/KY80, is a combination of asphalt and compacted stone surfaces with gentle grades making it perfect for family outings. This new trail map, along with other LBL maps, can be obtained at the Golden Pond Visitor Center or online at http://lbl.org/VCMaps.html.

LBL Hosts 3rd Annual Sustainable Tourism Business Seminar February 23

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) will host a business seminar on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Business owners interested in improving their current business strategies, and/or doing business with the federal government, are encouraged to attend. The seminar will be held at the Golden Pond Visitor Center from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Registration is $15 and includes lunch. Reservations can be made until February 21st, by calling the Golden Pond Visitor Center at 270-924-2233. For questions or additional information, call 270-924-2000, or visit www.lbl.org and click on Alerts & Notices.

"At Land Between The Lakes, we understand how important small businesses are to the local economy. To give back to our communities, we want to provide business owners with tools they can use to improve their current business strategies, as well as opportunities that exist for those interested in doing business with LBL," said LBL Business Performance Manager, Scott Turner.

Topics presented at the seminar will include the importance of strategic planning, sustainable tourism, using green products to save money, web and social media presence, and how to do business with the federal government. Presenters include the president of Ruby Falls and experts from Murray State University Small Business Development Center, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Kentucky Lake Productions.

New Recreation Opportunities at Land Between The Lakes

GOLDEN POND, KY – Do you have cabin fever? Warmer weather is just around the corner! With the help of the public, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area has made some changes that offer a few more opportunities for outdoor recreation in 2013. Now there are even more places to use a Backcountry Camping Permit. A weekend of camping will cost less at Smith Bay and Birmingham Ferry Campgrounds since they have been converted to Backcountry Camping Areas.

“We want our visitors to know the same range of recreational opportunities still exist at LBL. There is something for everyone. Some areas have been closed or repurposed to align ourselves with our budget reduction requirements. In a few areas, fees have been increased. Public comment played an integral part in the decisions that were made. These choices were difficult to make, but the actions will help Land Between The Lakes continue to provide quality programs and services to our customers by operating more efficiently,” said Brian Beisel, Acting Area Supervisor at Land Between The Lakes.

Another new recreational opportunity is the opening of 8,500 acres to day-use, known as the Northern Nature Watch Area. This area is located east of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway near Woodlands Nature Station and Taylor Bay, just off of Mulberry Flat Road (FS RD 135). This area is teaming with wildlife viewing opportunities by land and by water so bring binoculars and a camera!

Rushing Creek and Jones Creek Campgrounds have been closed to camping and vehicles due to budget reductions in maintenance as well as reduced visitation. However, Jones Creek Boat Ramp will remain open. The 2013 season will begin on March 1. Be sure to visit the official website at www.lbl.org under Alerts and Notices for a full list of fee changes and other new information.

LBL Offers "Fort Henry 151st Anniversary Program"

GOLDEN POND, KY – Visit Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area to get outdoors and learn more about the American Civil War. The popular Fort Henry Anniversary Program will take place on Saturday, February 9th from 1-3pm. Come learn about the construction, the battle, and the legacy of Fort Henry during the event’s 151st Anniversary with invited historian, Susan “Ski” Witzofsky.

Meet at The Homeplace, a living history farm in the TN portion of LBL.

Interpretive center and gift shop will be open for this program; Farm site will be closed
Doors open at 12:30pm; theater program begins at 1pm
$4/adults and $2/children
Registration and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

In February of 1862, “Between the Rivers” was bracing for war. Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry with Federal forces moving up the Tennessee River. Following the program, visitors may wish to take the self-guided tour of the Fort Henry Area; directions will be provided upon request.

Upcoming Temporary Forest Service Road Closure

GOLDEN POND, KY – Forest Service Road 134 (Energy Lake Dam) will be closed from January 22 through February 8, 2013, for maintenance. Crews will be installing fiber optic lines and conduit in the road to improve communications on the Forest. Access to fishing and both boat ramps at Energy Lake Dam will be unavailable during this time. Temporary barricades will be in place. This information, along with other updates, can be found under Alerts & Notices on the official LBL website at www.lbl.org.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy. Additional LBL information can be found on the website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on www.Twitter.com/LBLScreechOwl or www.Twitter.com/LandBtwnLakes.

LBL Announces Winter Eagle Viewing Trips

GOLDEN POND, KY – Bundle up in your favorite sweater, come outdoors, and experience the enchanting sights on a bald eagle viewing trip, presented again at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Van trips and river cruises will be offered.

Several opportunities are available to participate in eagle viewing trips during January and February. LBL guides take visitors to the best wildlife viewing hot spots on the 170,000-acre National Recreation Area. Visitors will most likely see migratory bald eagles, gulls, and other waterfowl, as well as native wildlife species, such as deer and turkey. Enjoy viewing the eagles December through February. Van trips meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center unless otherwise indicated. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear shoes suitable for moderate walking, and don’t forget to bring binoculars and field guides.

Back by popular demand, LBL hosts a weekend of river cruises January 19-21, including a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day cruise January 21, for up close views of eagles from the water. Despite cold temperatures that usually keep people indoors, bald eagles thrive in winter conditions. What better way to view bald eagles than by relaxing on a river cruise in the comforts of the spacious and beautifully appointed CQ Princess? The 96-foot luxury yacht offers wonderful views from both outside on deck and indoors where it’s toasty warm!

Reservations and full deposits are required for all trips. Because eagle excursions are very popular, early reservations are encouraged. Gift certificates are available.

“LBL is a major wintering spot for bald eagles from northern areas such as Michigan and Canada,” stated Carrie Szwed, Nature Station Public Programs Coordinator. “Due to excellent coordination between state and federal agencies in past years to restore eagle habitats and populations, we have seen tremendous increases in eagles wintering and nesting in this area."

LBL “No Hunting” Zones Open to Archery Deer Hunting

GOLDEN POND, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will open certain areas typically marked as “No Hunting” zones for archery deer hunting. Hunters are encouraged to harvest antlerless deer in these areas to reduce deer populations.

Kentucky areas will be open to archery hunting from December 1 through January 21, including Hillman Ferry and Energy Lake campgrounds. Tennessee areas will be open to archery hunting from December 1 through January 6 and include Brandon Spring Group Center and the South Nature Watch Demonstration Area across the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway from South Welcome Station, in the eastern portion of Hunt Area 16. Piney campground will remain closed this winter due to construction of new shower buildings. Hunting is not allowed within 150 yards of developed facilities. Maintenance staff will continue working throughout the winter in facilities; caution is advised when hunting in these areas.

Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, and Piney campgrounds will close for the season on November 30. Camping will be available at Wranglers Campground, at Self-Service Camping Areas (formerly Lake Access Areas), and in the backcountry with the purchase of a Backcountry Camping Permit.

All deer hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase an LBL Hunter Use Permit. Hunters must possess a hunting license and big game tag appropriate for the state portion of LBL on which they hunt.

LBL Small Game Hunting Seasons Begin

GOLDEN POND, KY – Small game hunting seasons open at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area beginning December 1, 2012. Small game hunting offers great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during winter months.

All hunters (age 16 and older) must have an LBL Hunter Use Permit, an appropriate state license, and observe LBL rules and applicable state laws regarding hunting zones and safety precautions.

Details concerning dates of the hunting seasons, bag limits, and other hunting information can be found in the LBL Small Game & Waterfowl Hunting Information sheet available at the Golden Pond Visitor Center (year-round), North & South Welcome Stations (open Weds-Sun during Nov. and closed for the season beginning Dec. 1), by calling 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000, or on the Internet at www.lbl.org, click on See & Do, then Hunting. Small game hunters who hunt with dogs should be aware of information regarding LBL's mid-January trapping season, also included in that publication.

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional LBL information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Follow LBL on www.Twitter.com/LBLScreechOwl or www.Twitter.com/LandBtwnLakes.

LBL’s Golden Pond Planetarium Offers Holiday Shows

GOLDEN POND, KY – Looking for a fun, family holiday outing? Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with two new shows at the Golden Pond Planetarium at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

The planetarium offers shows daily from November 23 to December 23. Season of Light traces celestial reasons behind many of our holiday traditions that involve light–yule logs, lighted trees, luminaries, and Menorahs. The Star of Bethlehem offers a live interpretive program that guides audiences on the discovery of the “star” that brought the wise men to the Christ child those many years ago and what to expect in our skies this Christmas season.

Returning this year is the ever popular Laser Holidays. Enjoy many of your favorite holiday songs while lasers dance to music from Bing Cosby to Burl Ives and many others.

“For our new programs we’re including some astronomy education on popular winter constellations,” explained Ross Workman, Planetarium Manager. “We will discover why we have seasons and learn more about the earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun.”

Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 ages 13 and up; $2 ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under. Laser Light Music Shows are $6. Groups of 10 or more may schedule shows at other times and receive group rates. Please call 270-924-2020 for more information. Shows and times are as follows:

Daily Planetarium & Holiday Shows Mon-Fri, 10am, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4pm
Sat-Sun, 10 & 11am, 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4pm
Laser Light Music Shows Sat, Dec. 1 & 8, 5:30pm
Evening Holiday Show Sat, Dec. 15, 5:30pm

LBL Offers Free Cedar Christmas Trees

GOLDEN POND, KY – Beginning December 1, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is again providing the opportunity for people to come outdoors in search of their very own cedar Christmas tree by offering free Christmas tree permits.

The permit, valid December 1-24, entitles a family to cut one cedar tree at no charge. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained from the LBL Administrative Office, 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, and at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday. On December 24, Christmas Eve, the Administrative Office will tentatively close early to allow staff to spend time with their families. Visitors are encouraged to obtain permits before noon.

"Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition. Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree,” suggested Forester, Dennis Wilson. “The cedar tree program also helps LBL by maintaining open lands and promoting diverse wildlife habitat.”

Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in LBL except areas within sight of US68/KY80 or Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, cemeteries, the Nature Watch Demonstration Areas, campgrounds, lawns, or other mowed areas.

Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines when using a cut tree in their home at Christmas.

Choose a fresh tree. If the needles are brown and fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents or wood stoves.
Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while you are asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow color, and excessive needle dropping.

Note: ExploreKentuckyLake.com is not the official site of the Land Between The Lakes. You can access their official site here.

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