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Permits and Applications

​Group Visit Permit

Any​ group outings of more than 10 people on any KNP natural area, nature preserve or wild river need to apply for a permit. For more information or an application, please contact naturepreserves@ky.go​v.​

Research Permit

Research that occurs on KNP natural area, nature preserve or wild river​ must be approved and have a research permit. For more information or an application, please contact naturepreserves@ky.go​v.​​​

​​KHLCF Application

​​To apply for Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Funds, visit our KHLCF Applications page.

Wild Rivers Permit​​s

​Wild Rivers Research​​​

If you are interested in conducting scientific research or proposing a group event on a Wild RIver Corridor, you will first need a permit from KNP.  Depending on the corridor, you may also need a permit from other agencies. For a KNP application, please email us at naturepreserves@ky.gov before initiating your project or event.​

Remove a Resource

Generally, a permit is required to remove a resource such as oil or gas, to selectively harvest timber or to introduce a new agricultural use involving the removal of one-half acre or more of timber. Wild Rivers regulations at 400 KAR 4:125 specify the kinds of land-use changes that require a permit.

Utility Right of Way

Construction of any utility right of way across or within a designated Wild River corridor requires written authorization from the secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet before any construction activity is initiated. Wild Rivers regulations at 400 KAR 4:125, Section 11 detail the procedures for applying for such approval.​​

Change of Land Use

Changes of land use within a designated Wild River corridor require a Change-of-Use permit to be obtained from the Division of Water prior to beginning any construction activity.

Each Change-of-Use permit contains specific standards for protecting water quality, scenic values and other outstanding natural resources within the Wild River corridor. Regulation 400 KAR 4:140 contains performance standards and specifications for each type of land-use change.

The process of obtaining a Wild Rivers Change-of-Use permit takes several months from the time a completed application is submitted to DOW. Wild Rivers regulations at 400 KAR 4:130 detail the procedures for applying for a permit.​​

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601    

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