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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 

ActivitiesDetails 
Day useFrom legal sunrise to legal sunset.
PhotographyIn areas open to the public; day use only.
BicyclesBicycle 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.

PicnickingIn areas open to the public; day use only.
Wildlife observationIn areas open to the public; day use only.
Exercise and meditationIn areas open to the public; day use only.
Scientific researchBy Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis.
Release of rehabilitated wildlifeBy Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis.
Firewood cuttingBy 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 vehiclesPermitted on open graveled roadways.
Non-motorized boatingPermitted 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 useFrom legal sunset to legal sunrise.
HuntingCurrently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved. 
FishingCurrently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved.
LitteringIncludes bio-degradable waste such as grass cuttings, tree removal debris, etc.
CampingNot permitted.
FiresNot permitted.
CeremoniesIncludes weddings, birthdays gatherings, etc.
TrappingNot permitted.
Discarding any fish, wildlife, or other animal carcassesNot 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 firearmsNot permitted.
Release of animals and/or plantsNot permitted. This includes wildlife and domesticated animals.
Taking of fish, wildlife, and/or plantsIncludes cutting trees and brush
SpotlightingNo 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 wildlifeIncluding distributing any feed, salt or other minerals.
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)Any unlicensed vehicle is prohibited on all refuge property.
DogwalkingIncludes running or training of dogs and all other pets.
BeekeepingNot permitted.
Competitive racesNot 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