One
of Kentucky’s newest public lands is the 811-acre Marietta Booth tract in
Fleming County. Acquired by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Resources last August, the former tobacco and cattle farm is located less than
two miles north of the Clay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Carlisle.
The
new tract borders Fleming Creek, a major tributary of the Licking River. The
Marietta Booth area consists of rolling hills, mixed second growth hardwood
timber and open ridge-top fields. The relatively flat ridge tops provide for
easy walking and beautiful vistas of the Licking River valley, but folks will
want to be in good shape before tackling the hills.
Previous
farming created a mosaic of large grassland fields and smaller crop fields
above wooded slopes. Dominant trees include white oak, red oak, hickory, red
cedar, hackberry, black cherry and Osage orange. Some beech and sycamore occur
on the lower slopes and along the drainage areas. Wildlife managers are working
to convert the cool season grass pastures to the native warm season grasses
that will greatly benefit wildlife.
Wildlife
species found on the property include white-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum, gray
and fox squirrels, fox, coyote and many smaller furbearers and nongame mammals. Birds include game species like dove,
turkey, grouse and quail, while sharp-eyed birders may spot red-eyed vireo, yellow-billed
cuckoo, Louisiana water thrush and other songbirds.
The
area is roadless and does not contain hiking or horse trails. All-terrain
vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed on the property. The Marietta Booth tract has
some ponds too small for fishing stocking, but suitable for wildlife. Check the hunting guide for current
regulations.
Nearby
is the 4,901-acre Clay WMA, which features a boat ramp on the Licking River,
and miles of old roads, trails and maintained roads. Both Clay and Marietta
Booth WMAs are managed as one unit.
The
Marietta Booth tract of the Clay WMA is approximately 40 miles north of
Lexington. Take US 32 from Carlisle towards Flemingsburg. You will pass Cassidy
Creek Road (KY
3315) to the right, which goes to the main portion of Clay WMA. Continue until
you cross the Licking River. When you pass through the community of Cowan,
watch for signs to the Marietta Booth property on the right. For information on
hunting opportunities on this tract or any other WMA, contact the Kentucky Fish
and Wildlife information desk at 1-800-858-1549.
Art Boebinger is the public land coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.