The grant will support Bernheim’s land protection fund, which helps pay accumulating legal fees in Bernheim’s defense against a lawsuit by Louisville Gas & Electric.
By Bernheim
Source: WLKY
July 10, 2020
CLERMONT, Ky. —
A massive outdoor brand has awarded a grant to Bernheim Forest to help in a fight against a proposed natural gas pipeline.
Officials for the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest announced Friday that Patagonia had given the forest in Clermont a $25,000 grant to “help defend its conservation easement that protects its pristine forecast against a proposed natural gas pipeline.”
According to administrations, Quest Outdoors, an early supporter of the #SaveBernheim effort, helped secure the Patagonia grant.
“We hope partnering with Bernheim will help make a change and bring national attention to the necessity of protecting conservation lands,” said Meghan Wolf, Patagonia’s environmental activism manager.
According to Bernheim officials, the natural gas pipeline by LG&E would cut directly through the forest’s Cedar Grove Wildlife Corridor, which is protected by a conservation easement and deed restrictions prohibiting destruction of forests, streams and springs.
Officials said the proposed pipeline route would permanently impact several springs, streams and critical habitats for endangered species.
“Bernheim looks forward to working alongside Patagonia, Quest Outdoors, and our community to protect our critical wildlife corridor, safeguard all conservation easements, private landowner rights, regional biodiversity, and our future as an organization that connects people with nature,” said Dr. Mark Wourms, Bernheim executive director.