Kentucky River Basin

Welcome to the Watershed Watch page for the Kentucky River Basin!  

Volunteers samplers have been actively monitoring streams throughout this basin since 1997 and are proud of their efforts to help track and improve water quality.  Sampling data has been used to support a variety of water improvement and protection projects through community support and various funding sources.  

Learn more about past and continuing efforts below!

General Info

The Kentucky River Authority has been supporting Watershed Watch sampling activities in the basin for 20+ years.  Sampling activities in the Kentucky River Basin are coordinated and evaluated by the basin's Steering Committee, which meets every other month.  If you are interested in being part of this committee, please contact the current chairperson, Alice Jones.

To see a detailed map of the Kentucky River Basin, click here.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Wild & Scenic Red River Fest
Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, 2024 at Clay City Park
Join us in beautiful Clay City on May 18-19 for live music, a fun float on the Red River, vendors, environmental education, rock climbing, cornhole tournament, and more!  There is also a pre-party on May 17 at Sky Bridge Station featuring a new Red River short documentary and live music!

Kentucky River Basin Team
This group of stakeholders from across the basin includes representatives from universities, government agencies, private industry, and local grassroots organizations. The Team meets twice each year in-person to discuss water quality issues and provide guidance and collaborative support for water-related projects.
If you are interested in joining the Kentucky River Basin Team, please email Andrea Drayer, Kentucky River Basin Coordinator, at andrea.drayer@uky.edu. 

Kentucky River Authority Watershed Grants
Since 2003, the Kentucky River Authority has provided funding support for this mini-grant program to enable water quality improvement efforts throughout the basin. Watershed grants from the Kentucky River Authority have provided much-needed funding assistance for local efforts to improve water quality conditions throughout the Kentucky River Basin. Further, the projects funded by the grants help inspire community interest, education, and enthusiasm for continuing watershed initiatives.

Applications for the next round of Kentucky River Authority Watershed Grants will be accepted in the fall of 2024. Contact andrea.drayer@uky.edu if you are interested in applying.

Approximate grant timeline:

Kentucky River Basin Contact Info

Kentucky River Basin Sampling Contact: Alice Jones

Kentucky River Basin Coordinator: Andrea Drayer

Steering Committee Members:

Doug Curl

John Delfino

Steve Evans, Vice-Chair

Elizabeth Fox

Hank Graddy

Alice Jones, Chair

Malissa McAlister

Mary Miller, Treasurer

JoAnn Palmer

Mary Rossano

Maggie Schommer

Jerry Weisenfluh

Brett Werner

Pamla Wood