Some Things To Look Out For

Green River Ferry 

Site near Old Dam on Green River

Eighteen Wheeler headed toward Ferry

Boat SAR

     The Green River Ferry at Mammoth Cave connects the northern and southern portions of the park. The Green River roughly cuts the park in half. It runs from the Northeast corner to the Western portion of park boundary. The park's visitors use the river to canoe, kayak, and camp. Mammoth Cave allowed its river users to bring alcohol and personal floatation devices were optional, until this year. I've learned that almost all search and rescue incidents had a direct correlation with the consumption of alcohol (imagine that!). I've obviously only known the river as it is now, but apparently it has gone through an evolution within the last year. There was a Lock and Dam system taken out and has yielded a completely different river to locals and regular visitors. The Law Enforcement Rangers are tasked with making sure that no alcohol on the river sticks in the minds of visitors. I've seen a handful of tickets for alcohol violations issued to people after an overturned boat SAR incident.

     Ferry Operators have their hands full carrying traffic back and forth as well as being on the lookout for kayaks and canoes down river. The ferry boat can hold a maximum of three vehicles. Traffic problems arise when GPS units navigate visitors and even eighteen wheelers on a route right over the ferry. The ramp toward the Ferry is the major take-out and pick-up spot for canoe delivery companies. This area and its adjacent parking lot and trail heads are a close ride from the ranger station and have potential for building a variety of cases.

   

Roadway Copperhead

Trail SAR

     If you are hiking on trails, setting up camp, or even walking the pavement it's wise to be on the lookout for snakes. Mammoth Cave is a Biosphere Reserve because of its 53,000 surface area of land and many different species of wildlife. Park bounds house the Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake, both of which are venomous.