State wildlife officials will temporarily close portions of three wildlife management areas in Martin and Pike counties this month to carry out a large-scale habitat improvement effort targeting invasive plant species.
The closures will occur during a two-day window, either May 4-8 or May 11-15, depending on weather conditions, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Crews plan to treat roughly 2,000 acres across the Legacy, Pocahontas and RH Group wildlife management areas, focusing on sericea lespedeza and autumn olive, invasive plants that crowd out native vegetation and diminish habitat quality. Officials say the work will improve grasslands and expand forage for elk.
The agency is monitoring forecasts to determine the optimal treatment window and may adjust the schedule if conditions are not suitable. Staff will be on-site during operations, and some roads may close temporarily, though most areas will remain open.
The three properties — all located on or near reclaimed mine lands in Martin and Pike counties — include a mix of grass, scrub and timber. Active mining may still be underway in some areas. Officials advise visitors to use caution on haul roads, stay clear of heavy equipment and highwall mines, and yield to all mining traffic.
Legacy properties are open to hunting of all game animals. Hunters should refer to the tract descriptions for elk-hunting specifics. Damage to trees, including screw-in steps, and baiting or hunting over bait are prohibited.
The North Martin County, Tug Fork-Martin and South Martin-Pike tracts include reclaimed surface mine land with grass, scrub and timber. All lie within Elk Hunting Units 6 or 7, with U.S. 119 dividing Unit 6 (north and west) from Unit 7 (south and east) on the South Martin-Pike tract.
Much of the acreage is managed as the Tug Fork Regulated Area. The remaining sections are open without additional restrictions to hunters selected for the applicable elk units. Drawn elk hunters may apply to hunt these properties through the Elk Hunting Unit and Regulated Area drawing. Contact Scott Freidhof at 606-783-8634.
Pocahontas consists primarily of reclaimed surface-mined and forested land. Foot travel only off area mine roads or behind locked gates. Active mining practices are underway on some portions of the property. Use caution when traveling and always give mining equipment and large trucks the right of way.
The RH Group property, also within Units 6 and 7, is open for spring turkey and squirrel hunting under state regulations. Hunters must obtain a waiver before entering the property by submitting a form to [email protected] and carrying the approved document while on-site.
Firearms are allowed for most game, though deer hunting is limited to archery.
Prohibited activities include commercial guiding, camping, ATV use, horseback riding, fishing, night hunting, baiting, livestock production and the use of screw-in steps or tree stands that damage trees.
Invasive plants have established footholds in Kentucky’s fields and forests, threatening native plants and animals. Officials said preventing new introductions, further spread and additional impacts of invasive species is critical. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers resources for landowners. Learn more at Nuisance Species Plans – Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife.