Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (KNP) was established with the consolidation of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund, and the Kentucky Wild Rivers System into one agency. The 1976 Kentucky legislature created the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission to protect the best remaining natural areas in the state, not only to preserve our natural heritage, but also in recognition of the dependence of our well-being on healthy ecosystems. To identify those natural areas, the agency has participated in an international network of programs that monitor biodiversity. The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund was established in 1994 to provide funding for and oversee the purchase and conservation of natural areas that possess unique natural features. The Wild Rivers program was established with the Kentucky Wild Rivers Act of 1972 to protect the commonwealth's most pristine rivers from development or use which may impair the river's water quality or natural condition. The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves continues to carry out all of these functions.