Tuesday, June 14, 2011 4:39 pm

Significant aquatic system supports an unusual diversity of fishes including several species found nowhere else in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – (June 13, 2011) – The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) has purchased a nine-acre tract in Graves County, which has now been dedicated as the eighth addition to Terrapin Creek State Nature Preserve. The dedication came during the commission’s June 9 meeting.

The newly-purchased land includes frontage on a tributary to Terrapin Creek for an addition to the 259-acre Terrapin Creek State Nature Preserve.

The tract will protect the Terrapin Creek drainage in Graves County.  It is a highly significant aquatic system that supports an unusual diversity of fishes including several species found nowhere else in Kentucky. The area is characterized by extensive wetlands, springs and spring runs unlike any other in Kentucky and is home to a broad array of plants and animals. The Commission's goal is to protect this important system from future modifications that could result in the loss of a unique Kentucky resource.

“It’s very rewarding to dedicate this addition that will increase the protection of a very special mosaic of springs and wetlands.  It’s a real achievement for the nature preserve system as the commission celebrates its 35th anniversary as an agency this year,” said KSNPC Director Don Dott.

The addition was purchased using Heritage Land Conservation Funds (HLCF), which utilizes proceeds from the sale of “Nature’s Finest” license plates.

The public can help in these efforts by purchasing a “Nature’s Finest” license plate for an additional $10 above the cost of a regular license plate and is considered a tax deductible donation to the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund.  Proceeds from the sale of “Nature’s Finest” plates goes toward purchasing natural areas in Kentucky that will be held in trust for future generations.

The mission of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission is to protect Kentucky’s natural habitat by (1) identifying, acquiring and managing natural areas that represent the best known occurrences of rare native species, natural communities and significant natural features in a statewide nature preserve system; (2) working with others to protect biological diversity; and (3) educating Kentuckians as to the value and purpose of nature preserves and biodiversity conservation.  Discover more about KNSPC through our Web site: http://naturepreserves.ky.gov