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The
Licking River in Kentucky is a national treasure. The Lower Licking
River watershed’s diverse geography and a broad range of plant
and animal species make it one of the most highly valued natural habitats
in the region. In addition the Licking and some of its tributaries are
rare examples of native muskie streams.
Some 100 species of fish inhabit the are, including a number of distinctive
fish species such as the redside dace, mimic shiner, streamline chub,
slender madtom, blue sucker, paddlefish, and eastern sand, tippecanoe
and sharpnose darters. Also present are more than 50 species of mussels,
including 11 endangered species. The watershed is a have for approximately
250 species of migratory birds. In the southeast, the Licking River
Knobs contain various hardwood forested areas as well as open grassy
woodlands.
The Lower Licking River ecosystem is now part of the Nature Conservancy
project that runs along the river from Cave Run Lake Dam to the Ohio
River. Visitors who come to observe the native wildlife and scenery
are encourage to respect this environment and make donations towards
preserving it. |
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