Project Title: Ohio River Islands in the Metro Louisville Area
Overview: The CEEEM Ohio River Summer Research Project will document and describe the eight Ohio River islands in the Metro Louisville region:
18-Mile Island
12-Mile Island
6-Mile Island
Tow Head Island
Shippingport Island
Goose Island
Lewis and Clark Island
Sand Island
Purpose: To develop a comprehensive natural and cultural history document and interpretive materials for the eight Ohio River islands, fostering education and engagement with these unique local resources.
Background and Connections to Current Initiatives
This project builds on past and ongoing initiatives, including:
U of L Envirome Institute’s 2023 Preliminary Research for a future update and expansion of the Master Plan
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2018 Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area Master Plan
Terrain 360 Interpretive Maps
2021 Story Map: The Louisville 50: Westport to West Point
· CEEEM’s StoryMaps Ohio River Way (2024) and Photos David Wicks & John Nation
Courier Journal 2024 article: Ohio River Islands Near Louisville: History and How to Visit
Stakeholders: Key stakeholders and collaborators include:
US Fish and Wildlife Service: Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Island Ownership and Access
Ownership and access to the islands include:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Shippingport, Goose, Lewis and Clark, and Sand Islands – open to the public, dawn to dusk.
Woodland Farm: 18-Mile Island – access pending permission.
Metro Louisville & Oldham County: 12-Mile Island – publicly accessible.
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission: 6-Mile Island – publicly accessible, dawn to dusk.
Nugent Sand Company: Tow Head Island – access pending permission.
Access Plan: River City Paddle Sports will facilitate voyageur canoe field trips.
Data Collection: For each island, the research team will gather:
Flora and Fauna Survey: Using iNaturalist, create an umbrella project with individual pages for each island.
Geographic Overview: Map each island, highlighting ecological, historical, and recreational resources. Paddle routes will be developed based on nearby public boat ramps.
Island Stories: Collect and synthesize stories from literature reviews and interviews with local residents.
Ownership History: Document current ownership, land manager contact information, and a 200-year chain of ownership.
Deliverables
GIS Story Map and other interactive visuals: Detailed map of the eight Ohio River islands and explore the options for video and virtual reality
Stakeholder Contact List: Enhanced and updated for ongoing collaboration.
Kentucky State Blue Water Trail Description: Including paddle routes and access points.
Contact Information: For more details, please contact:
Dr. David Wicks
dwicks1@gmail.com | David.Wicks@louisville.edu
502-671-3595 (cell)