In a recent meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court, discussions centered around the management and conservation efforts of the Lower Harris Creek Nature Preserve, a 441-acre area managed by the Friends of Lower Harris Creek. The sole employee of the organization addressed concerns regarding communication and operational challenges, emphasizing the need for improvement in these areas.

The meeting highlighted the historical context of the preserve, including a significant land acquisition in 2015 when Dr. Tom Rice agreed to sell approximately 85 acres along Lower Howard's Creek to the county for conservation purposes. The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board approved a grant for this acquisition, clarifying that the fund is not taxpayer-funded but derives its revenue from nature license plate sales and environmental fees.

A key point of contention arose regarding access to the preserve. The manager reported that access through Marksman LLC property had been complicated by previous sales of land that reduced road frontage, necessitating compliance with planning and zoning regulations. Despite claims from Marksman LLC representatives about inadequate communication and management issues, the preserve manager asserted that all necessary permissions and access protocols had been followed.

The manager also addressed allegations made by Marksman LLC representatives regarding the management of invasive species and property access. He stated that the preserve's management has not engaged in practices that would harm the ecological integrity of the area, countering claims of negligence in maintaining the property.

Additionally, the manager noted that the Friends of Lower Harris Creek operates independently of the county's financial support, relying on donations and endowment contributions for management. The meeting concluded with a call for better collaboration and communication between the involved parties to ensure the effective stewardship of the preserve and its surrounding lands.