You can help protect Bernheim
Join the 2,655 people who have signed the petition
The proposed Interstate 65-71 Regional Connector bypassing Louisville is considering several routes that would cut directly across Bernheim. These routes may affect Highway 245 in Clermont or connect at the new interchange on I-65 and cross the Cedar Grove Wildlife Corridor. These tracts are subject to conservation easements and deed restrictions prohibiting destruction of natural features and granting of easements for non-conservation purposes such as highways. The Interstate 65-71 Regional Connector is a project that would begin in Bullitt County and cut across significant forests, streams, farmlands, and communities throughout the Salt River watershed. Alternative solutions and routes are possible which utilize existing roadways. These alternate routes provide less disturbance to natural lands, carry more traffic, cost half as much, and have the greatest safety impact based on the results of the highway study that is currently underway.
Sign the Petition to Protect Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Petition to demand a route to be chosen for the Interstate 65-71 regional connector that does not cut through Bernheim Forest.
By signing this petition, I call on The Kentucky Department of Transportation, HDR, Inc., and Bullitt County officials, to choose an alternate route for the Interstate 65-71 regional connector. I support the protection of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and am opposed to any development (pipeline, road construction) on these valuable conservation lands vital to countless plant and wildlife species, and vital to humankind providing clean air and clean water to the Greater Louisville Region.
Thank you for signing the petition
Here are proposed phone scripts to appropriate decision makers and stakeholders. Simply dial the number and read the proposed script and certainly add any additional comments you might want to make.
Thank you for supporting Bernheim.
Please click below to call:
KY Transportation Cabinet, KY Transportation Cabinet District 5 and HDR, Inc. (Firm conducting highway study)Secretary Greg Thomas
Office of the Secretary
(502) 564-5102
Deputy Secretary Paul Looney
Office of the Secretary
(502) 564-5102
Andy Barber
State Highway Engineer
(502) 564-5102
KTC District 5
Tom Hall
(502) 564-5102
Matthew Bullock, PE
(502) 564-5102
HDR, Inc. (Engineering firm conducting bypass highway study)
Robert Frazier
(502) 909-3268
Jeff Schaefer
(502) 909-3268
Jonathan West
(502) 909-3268
Recommended Script
Hello, my name is [ name ]. I’m calling to oppose the construction of an Interstate 65-71 regional connector through Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The highway threatens protected conservation land.
The route of the proposed highway cuts directly through an area that is home to federally endangered Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, Kentucky glade cress, bluff vertigo snail, and the recently discovered hidden spring snail. This project will negatively impact cave systems, springs, streams, mature forests, knobs, and rock outcroppings on which these species depend.
I stand with large forests, abundant wildlife, clean streams, clean air, wild places, kids in nature, vibrant rural communities, and Bernheim Forest. This proposed highway route will cause too much environmental harm. I urge you to pursue an alternate route that will keep this pristine large forest block intact, and protect endangered species.
Thank you for listening!
Keith Griffee
Chief Financial Officer
Bullitt County
(502) 543-2650
John Snider
Executive Director
Bullitt County Economic Development Authority
(502) 543-1200
Recommend Script
Hello, my name is [ name ]. I’m calling to oppose the construction of an Interstate 65-71 regional connector through Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The highway threatens protected conservation land, eco-tourism, and the Bourbon Trail in Bullitt County.
The proposed route of the highway cuts directly through an area that is home to federally endangered Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, Kentucky glade cress, bluff vertigo snail, and the recently discovered hidden spring snail. This project will negatively impact cave systems, springs, streams, mature forests, knobs, and rock outcroppings on which these species depend, causing too much environmental harm.
I stand with large forests, abundant wildlife, clean streams, clean air, wild places, kids in nature, vibrant rural communities, and Bernheim Forest. I urge you and your colleagues to advocate for one of Bullitt County’s greatest assets - Bernheim Forest. I ask that you urge the Department of Transportation to pursue an alternate route that will keep this pristine large forest block intact, and protect endangered species.
Thank you for listening!
Here are proposed letters addressed to appropriate decision makers and stakeholders. Simply copy and paste, add any additional comments you might want to make and your signature.
Thank you for supporting Bernheim.
Please click below to send a letter:
KY Dept. of Transportation, KY Dept. of Transportation District 5 and HDR, Inc.Secretary Greg Thomas
Office of the Secretary
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Deputy Secretary Paul Looney
Office of the Secretary
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Andy Barber
State Highway Engineer
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Kentucky Department of Transportation District 5
Tom Hall
8310 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Matthew Bullock, PE
8310 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
HDR, Inc. (Engineering firm conducting bypass highway study)
Jeff Schaefer
HDR, Inc.
401 W. Main Street
Suite 500
Louisville, KY 40202-2936
Jonathan West
HDR, Inc.
401 W. Main Street
Suite 500
Louisville, KY 40202-2936
Recommended Script:
Dear [NAME],
I strongly oppose the construction of an Interstate 65-71 regional connector through Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The highway threatens protected conservation land.
The route of the proposed highway cuts directly through an area that is home to federally endangered Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, Kentucky glade cress, bluff vertigo snail, and the recently discovered hidden spring snail. This project will negatively impact cave systems, springs, streams, mature forests, knobs, and rock outcroppings on which these species depend.
I stand with large forests, abundant wildlife, clean streams, clean air, wild places, kids in nature, vibrant rural communities, and Bernheim Forest. This proposed highway route will cause too much environmental harm. I urge you to pursue an alternate route that will keep this pristine large forest block intact, and protect endangered species.
Thank you!
[NAME]
Keith Griffee
Chief Financial Officer
Bullitt County
P.O. Box 768
300 S. Buckman St.
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
John Snider
Executive Director
Bullitt County Economic Development Authority
P.O. Box 676
162 S. Buckman St.
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Recommended Script:
Dear [NAME],
I strongly oppose the construction of an Interstate 65-71 regional connector through Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The highway threatens protected conservation land, eco-tourism, and the Bourbon Trail in Bullitt County.
The proposed route of the highway cuts directly through an area that is home to federally endangered Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, Kentucky glade cress, bluff vertigo snail, and the recently discovered hidden spring snail. This project will negatively impact cave systems, springs, streams, mature forests, knobs, and rock outcroppings on which these species depend, causing too much environmental harm.
I stand with large forests, abundant wildlife, clean streams, clean air, wild places, kids in nature, vibrant rural communities, and Bernheim Forest. I urge you and your colleagues to advocate for one of Bullitt County’s greatest assets - Bernheim Forest. I ask that you urge the Department of Transportation to pursue an alternate route that will keep this pristine large forest block intact, and protect endangered species.
Thank you!
[NAME]
Add your voice to oppose the pipeline
Return to Bernheim Under Threats Home
Ruth Hodge
I have been visiting Bernheim since I was a little girl. I am 47 years old now. It’s a family tradition. I continued the tradition by taking my children there and now, I take my 3 grandsons there. Bernheim isn’t just a forest. It’s a way of life, a tradition. It’s in my soul, in my blood, embedded in my DNA. My grandfather worked there for 20 years. My uncle also worked there. Save our forest, save our way of life, save our family traditions!
Emily Dahl
Jody Hester Parker
Shelly Givens
Save the forest.
Deborah McCorkle