Issue for Decision:



The islands of the Ohio River are ideal areas to develop further recreational and educational experiences for tourists and citizens of Louisville.

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Background Information:

 

Twenty-three islands of the Ohio River (including two in Kentucky, Manchester 1 Island and Manchester 2 island) are part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Reserve, which exists between mile 36 and 305 of the Ohio River. (Louisville is at mile marker 603.) These islands are home to many species of mussels, birds, and mammals. Currently, they are open to the public for wildlife observation, educational programs and limited fishing and hunting.

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There are four islands in the Ohio River close to Louisville: Shippingport Island, Towhead Island, Six Mile Island, and Twelve Mile Island. Presently, Shippingport Island is owned and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, Six Mile Island is a nature preserve, Twelve Mile Island is owned by Metro Louisville and Oldham County and is mostly used for recreational activities such as boating, hunting and fishing, and Nugent Sand Company uses the Indiana-facing side of Towhead Island to park their barges on.

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Recommendation:



Our recommendation is to make the Ohio River Islands more accessible to tourists and the citizens of Louisville. In the short term, adding a small observatory space near Towhead Island would allow people view and learn about the Ohio River Islands as they explore the waterfront. The area would have three main features: benches, mounted binoculars, and a set of three information signs. Guests can sit on the benches and view the island from afar or look through the binoculars for a closer view. One of the signs would describe the several bird species found on the island so that people can identify them with the binoculars. The other two signs would discuss historical events that occurred along the Ohio River and environmental treats that the Ohio River and its islands currently face. The goal of this project is to generate interest and respect for the Ohio River Islands.



In the long term, we recommend that Towhead Island and Twelve Mile Island become a part of the Six Mile Island State Nature Preserve or the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Reserve. Ultimately, the goal of this recommendation is to provide a unique recreational facility that fosters knowledge of and respect for the ecosystems of the Ohio River Islands.

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Additional Considerations:

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The observatories can be built at no cost to the city by collaborating with local Boy Scout troops. Building the binoculars and signs would make ideal Eagle Scout projects. Additionally, this partnership would get local youth involved with and interested in outdoor activities along the waterfront.