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Dr. Ronald P. Rogers CHIROPRACTOR Support for your body's natural healing capabilities 270-384-5554 Click here for details 
  
Columbia Gas Dept. GAS LEAK or GAS SMELL Contact Numbers 24 hrs/ 365 days 270-384-2006 or 9-1-1 Call before you dig 
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Green River Reflections: Part II, Through the Looking Glass This is the second in a planned monthly series of articles by Dr Richard "Richie" Kessler of Campbellsville University. Richie is a Green County native, and is related to the Kesslers of the Portland area of Adair County. The first article in the series is Green River Reflections: Green River - Our Sense of Place By Richard K. Kessler Forever Green, Inc. and Campbellsville University An unfortunate consequence of unsustainable land use has often been erosion and excessive sediment deposition into the Green River. This result is often recognized today as old timers reflect on the disappearance of deep pools in the Green and its tributaries. Sediments that have deposited in some of the pools of these aquatic arteries are akin to cholesterol building in one's circulatory system. This excess sediment alters habitat and degrades the river for humans and wildlife alike. The River has not only transported sediment but has also long served as a source of transportation for people and goods whether agricultural products downstream or steamboats up the Green bringing visitors to famous Mammoth Cave via a series of locks and dams. Historical records indicate that in 1821 one warehouse alone shipped over 500 hogsheads of tobacco down the Green on flat bottom boats! Flat bottom cable ferries were a common site all along the river providing what must have at times seemed like a harrowing passage to the other side. Operators would charge a small fee or accepted barter in exchange for this valuable service. Today the river and its vast network of surface tributaries transports fishermen, squirrel hunters, kayakers and canoeists. When not prevented by dams, the river for centuries provided a transportation route for numerous migratory species to complete their life cycles including lampreys, suckers and freshwater eels. Humans continue to exploit the River and its associated lands but the balance between agricultural production and natural resource production and conservation is perhaps more balanced than ever. Farmers have begun implementing best management practices which protect water quality. Many forest owners choose to manage forests with sound stewardship not only insuring a steady crop of trees for future generations but also ensuring a functional landscape and clean water benefits for the same future generations. True sustainability also requires the industrialist, developer and city planner follow the lead of the conservationist farmer and forest manager. Project location, design and implementation must all make use of the best available knowledge regarding sustainable development practices so that degradation of our river is minimized. As we eye the future we must also be willing to look back and learn from our past. Can we have it all? Can we grow and prosper economically while maintaining truly livable communities with a clean and healthy Green River running through them? It is a difficult but fair question and one that will most likely be answered by our children and grandchildren from whom we are only borrowing these resources. One thing is certain- no community will be considered fully livable with a polluted Green River running through it. As important decisions are made regarding "smart" versus "dumb" growth and development, the River must always be part of the discussion and must, at least occasionally, win. But be sure that if future generations are able to realize the same benefits that this crown-jewel of Kentucky's rivers has provided to us and our ancestors they may have you to thank! Forever Green, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the awareness and appreciation of the upper Green River through education and the promotion of sound stewardship practices. To learn more visit greenriveroflife.org. This story was posted on 2018-02-15 12:58:32
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