Saving the Bernheim Forest

Bernheim Forest is one of the most pristine and advantageous forests in the country. It has always been not just a park, but more of a living laboratory for researchers from all over the world to come to research the captivating region in Clermont, Kentucky. The forest is 16,137 acres or more than 25 square miles and is the home to 2,100 unique species, including many endangered species like the Indiana Bat. You don’t have to be a researcher to learn and discover the beautiful forest. Over 30,000 visitors come to the forest every year to go fishing, hiking, and exploring the many events that are held in the forest. The forest is also home to some incredible art pieces like the three giants that were sculpted by the Danish artist, Thomas Dambo.

Louisville Gas & Electric, a utilities company based in Louisville, Kentucky proposed a pipeline project in the Bernheim Forest. They are currently working on a project to construct a new natural gas transmission pipeline to supply the Bullitt County. This has sent a lot of backlash in the Bernheim community because they will be building these pipelines in the Bernheim Forest.

Preservation to our forests and nature is very important to us at Patagonia. Once we identify a problem, we act. We embrace risk and act to protect and restore the stability, integrity, and beauty of the web of life. That’s why Patagonia will be donating 25,000 dollars to the Bernheim Forest to help defend its conservation easement that protects its pristine forecast against a proposed natural gas pipeline. The grant will support Bernheim’s land protection fund, which helps pay to accumulate legal fees in Bernheim’s defense against a lawsuit by Louisville Gas & Electric.

We hope that this will bring national attention and show how important it is to protect these conservation lands and this will be just the beginning of Patagonia helping forest and parks fight against companies trying to impact critical habitats and land.