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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Fern Lake Land Acquisition
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![undefined undefined](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514022422im_/http://www.nps.gov/cuga/parkmgmt/images/Fern-Lake220.jpg) |
NPS Photo | Fern Lake |
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As a result of the Fern Lake Conservation and Recreation Act in 2001, the park was authorized to complete one of its' original goals; the protection of the Fern Lake Watershed. The 4,500 acre area provides both a scenic view from the park's most visited point, the Pinnacle Overlook, and also provides clean drinking water to the nearby city of Middlesboro, Kentucky. The protection of the watershed was a "win-win" for everyone in the Tri-State area, and work immediately began to actually purchase the lands.
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![Park Ranger marks boundary near Fern Lake Park Ranger marks boundary near Fern Lake](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514022422im_/http://www.nps.gov/cuga/parkmgmt/images/boundary-brad-150.jpg) |
NPS Photo | Park Ranger marks boundary near Fern Lake |
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The first two phases (1,850 acres) were completed in the Spring of 2008, and involved the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) purchasing the land from Ataya Hardwoods, and then transferring the land to the National Park Service using money from the land and Water Conservation Fund. Phase III (1,266 acres encompassing the headwaters) will be finalized in January of 2009 through a similar, cooperative effort with Molpus Woodlands Group, and a fourth phase involving 905 acres from Molpus will be completed when funding becomes available.
map of fern lake land acquisition
The result is the permanent protection of the watershed for the public, and the addition of a new portion of the park for visitor to explore.
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![President Richard Nixon President Richard Nixon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514022422im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CUGA_hn1htwzg.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Vice President Richard Nixon visited Cumberland Gap on July 3, 1959 to commemorate the formal dedication of the park which took place the following day. While at the park he visited the scenic Pinnacle Overlook and attended festivities in the nearby town of Middlesboro, Kentucky.
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Last Updated: February 20, 2009 at 17:46 EST |