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The tables below provide general guidance on initial use of these lands by the public. The Service intends to add other public uses, including hunting and fishing, once required planning (including rulemaking and public involvement) is completed and more land is acquired. For additional info please contact the refuge office.

Permitted Activities 

Activities

Details 

Day use

From legal sunrise to legal sunset.

Photography

In areas open to the public; day use only.

Bicycles

Bicycle riding is permitted on refuge graveled roads or improved trails owned and maintained by the refuge while engaged in wildlife related activities only; use is daylight hours only. Bicycles are not permitted off these secondary access routes for any purpose. Some areas/trails may only be open seasonally.

Horses and mules

Horseback riding is permitted on refuge graveled roads or improved trails owned and maintained by the refuge while engaged in wildlife related activities only; use is daylight hours only. Horses and mules are not permitted off these secondary access routes for any purpose. Some areas/trails may only be open seasonally.

 

Picnicking

In areas open to the public; day use only.

Wildlife observation

In areas open to the public; day use only.

Exercise and meditation

In areas open to the public; day use only.

Scientific research

By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Release of rehabilitated wildlife

By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Firewood cutting

By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Possession, transportation,
or carrying firearms

Must comply with all provisions of state and local law.

Licensed vehicles

Permitted on open graveled roadways.

Non-motorized boating

Permitted when engaged in wildlife observation; day use only.

 

General Refuge Regulations

All Refuge specific regulations apply to public use on the Green River NWR.

The regulations listed below include but are not limited to the federal regulations governing public use set forth in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Kentucky State Regulations and Refuge specific regulations. The following regulations are representative of some of the more common prohibited activities.

Prohibited Activities   

Activities 

Details

Night use

From legal sunset to legal sunrise.

Hunting

Currently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved. 

Fishing

Currently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved.

Littering

Includes bio-degradable waste such as grass cuttings, tree removal debris, etc.

Camping

Not permitted.

Fires

Not permitted.

Ceremonies

Includes weddings, birthdays gatherings, etc.

Trapping

Not permitted.

Discarding any fish, wildlife, or other animal carcasses

Not permitted.

Searching and/or removal of any object of antiquity

Including arrowheads, pottery or other artifacts.

 

Target practice with any weapon or non-hunting discharge of firearms

Not permitted.

Release of animals and/or plants

Not permitted. This includes wildlife and domesticated animals.

Taking of fish, wildlife, and/or plants

Includes cutting trees and brush

Spotlighting

No unauthorized person shall use or direct the rays of a spotlight or other artificial light, or automotive headlights for the purpose of spotting, locating or taking any animal within the boundaries of the refuge or along right-of-way for public or private roads within the refuge.

Feeding wildlife

Including distributing any feed, salt or other minerals.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

Any unlicensed vehicle is prohibited on all refuge property.

Dogwalking

Includes running or training of dogs and all other pets.

Beekeeping

Not permitted.

Competitive races

Not permitted.

 

Other Facilities in the Complex

Kentucky has two National Wildlife Refuges that are managed and located fully in the state. Both conserve and manage natural resources for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is located in three of Kentucky's counties: Marshall, McCracken, and Graves. It was established in 1998, and currently consists of approximately 9,500 acres.

Locations

Green River National Wildlife Refuge
8029 Green River Road 2Henderson,KY42420
Green River NWR Administrative Office
91 US Highway 641 NorthP.O. Box 89Benton,KY42025