Deep in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge—renowned for its stunning sandstone arches and world-class climbing routes—the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition is working to make rock climbing more accessible. Curtis Rogers and Jereme Ransick, two key members of that coalition, are leading the push to have Kentucky’s recreational land use law specifically permit rock climbing. It would protect private landowners from liability in case of climbers’ injuries on their property, opening more private land for climbing.

Kentucky’s recreational land use law protects landowners from liability if a person uses their property for activities like hunting, horseback riding, or picnicking. Rock climbing is not specifically cited, so many landowners have been very leery of allowing climbers access to their cliffs. This has been a real barrier because some of the better climbing locations in the state are lay on private land.

These are challenges Rogers and Ransick know all too well. They have spent countless hours bushwhacking through dense forests and scrambling up muddy hillsides to reconnoiter potential climbing routes. One such cliff, which they’ve already bolted for climbing, is owned by real estate developer Ian Teal. Teal has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Climbers’ Coalition to allow climbing on his property while he develops it into a resort. Teal would like rock climbing included in the state code because he believes it can further protect people like him from liability if someone gets hurt.

The Coalition’s efforts were well-received when it recently made its case to Kentucky lawmakers. Rogers and Ransick are now working to find a sponsor for the bill, hoping it will pass in the next legislative session in January. Their effort mirrors an increasingly broad nationwide trend that has seen similar laws enacted to protect landowners and promote rock climbing, such as in Colorado, Texas, and West Virginia.

Beyond legal protections, the amendment could boost Kentucky’s tourism industry. Rock climbing is increasingly recognized as a major draw for visitors, especially in central Appalachian regions striving to diversify their economies away from a declining industry like coal mining. Rogers, Ransick, and the Climbers’ Coalition view the proposed legal change as not only a victory for climbers but also a driver of economic growth and outdoor recreation for Kentucky.

KENTUCKY (WFIE) – On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear announced a new regional Build-Ready location in Henderson County.

The Governor says the new Build-Ready Site, located in the 4-Star Regional Industrial Park in Robards, adds to the state’s growing list of properties certified by the Cabinet for Economic Development as Build-Ready and offers the largest graded Build-Ready-certified building pad in the commonwealth at over 1.1 million square feet.

[Previous Story: $1.4 Million approved for Sandy Lee Watkins site at 4-Star Industrial Park]

It is a regional project with support from Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties.

“Our state’s Build-Ready program has grown significantly over the last several years, and I’m excited to see that momentum continue in Henderson County as we announce the largest Build-Ready site in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “One of the biggest draws to Kentucky for growing companies is our commitment to site development, and a collaboration like this in Western Kentucky is a prime example of what makes Team Kentucky great. I want to congratulate Henderson County on its new Build-Ready site and look forward to what new investment and job creation it will bring to Kentucky.”

According to a release, the site includes over 100 acres zoned for heavy industrial use. Utilities include a four-inch gas line, 10-inch sewer line and 18-inch waterline. The property includes electric service provided by Kenergy Corp. and natural gas provided by Atmos Energy Corp. and Texas Gas Transmission Corp.

The site is also serviced with fiber for telecommunications.

For more information on Build-Ready sites in Kentucky, visit CED.ky.gov/BuildReady.

You can watch the full press conference below.

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The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce are now accepting registrations for the 2025 Best Places to Work in Kentucky program. Now in its 21st year, the program continues to encourage companies in the Commonwealth to focus, measure and advance workplace environments toward excellence.

Click here to register for the survey program.

Registrations must be submitted by Friday, December 6.

Research partner Workforce Research Group will survey participating companies and reveal award winners on May 22.

Award winners will receive a final ranking at the awards ceremony scheduled for May 22, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington. Rankings and in-depth interviews with the winners will also be published in the Best Places to Work in Kentucky magazine.

Winners will be selected from three categories, small companies of 15-149 employees, medium companies of 150-499 employees and large companies consisting of more than 500 employees. Category is based on number of U.S. employees, but only Kentucky employees surveyed.

The selection process is based on an assessment of the company’s employer policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey. Workforce Research Group manages the assessment and survey based on research and list selection.

All participating companies receive survey feedback, which enables them to develop and implement strategies aimed at creating a great workplace and improving business performance.

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce