Mammoth Cave Expansion Bill Gains Support
Edmonson Judge Executive Scott Lindsey in Washington D.C. to support the Mammoth Cave National Park expansion. PHOTO | Submitted
By Jeff Jobe
Community Publisher
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A proposal to expand Mammoth Cave National Park is gaining traction in Congress, with regional leaders emphasizing both its economic impact and environmental importance.
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie recently submitted testimony before a U.S. House subcommittee in support of H.R. 3286, the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. The legislation would allow the National Park Service to acquire approximately 551 acres of land currently owned by The Nature Conservancy.
Local support for the measure was highlighted through testimony prepared by Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey, who emphasized the park’s significance to south-central Kentucky.
“Mammoth Cave is not only a natural wonder, but a major economic engine for our region,” Lindsey said.
Judge Executive Scott Lindsey with Congressman Brett Guthrie. PHOTO | Submitted
According to data presented during the hearing, the park drew nearly 750,000 visitors in 2024, generating tens of millions of dollars in spending across surrounding communities and supporting hundreds of jobs.
The proposed expansion would include land within the Green River watershed, an area known for its biodiversity and critical habitat for endangered bat species. The property also contains cave passages such as Coach and James caves, which hold both ecological and historical significance, including ties to early American saltpeter mining and Civil War-era exploration.
Supporters noted the land is already under conservation ownership, meaning no private property would be taken and no local tax revenue would be lost through the transfer.
If approved, the acquisition would be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, with proceeds supporting additional conservation efforts.
Lindsey and other regional leaders say the expansion would strengthen tourism, protect sensitive natural resources, and preserve an important part of Kentucky’s heritage for future generations.
“This investment helps ensure Mammoth Cave continues to drive economic growth while protecting what makes it special,” Lindsey said.
