Henderson could become home to Kentucky’s second national wildlife refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the preservation of a 24,000-acre site.
The Green River area of Henderson County is valued for its habitat for fish and wildlife and recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing. The area would become known as the Green River National Wildlife Refuge. The land is located south of Evansville, Indiana near the confluence of the Green and Ohio Rivers.
Michael Johnson manages the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Benton, which is currently the only national refuge in Kentucky. He says preserving the Henderson property will be a long-term effort that may take decades to complete.
"Especially as it relates to waterfowl," Johnson explained. "The area has historically supported large populations of wintering waterfowl, and that would be a high priority for the refuge, along with the public recreation opportunities it could provide."
A public meeting will take place on August 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Preston Arts Center in Henderson.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a public comment period through August 30. An environmental assessment and other documents are available at www.fws.gov/southeast/national-wildlife-refuges/green-river-national-wildlife-refuge/.
