Mammoth Cave expansion bill advances

EDMONSON COUNTY, Ky. — A bill to expand Mammoth Cave National Park moved forward this week with a legislative hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) praised the hearing on his Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act (H.R. 3286), saying the legislation will enhance visitor experiences and bring new economic opportunities to communities surrounding the park.

“I’m grateful to the House Committee on Natural Resources for taking an important step to advance my Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act,” Guthrie said. “This bill will expand countless economic opportunities for local communities while improving the visitor experience at the park.”

Edmonson County judge executive Scott Lindsey testified in support of the bill, highlighting both its cultural and economic impact. He noted Mammoth Cave’s 52,000 acres, which span Edmonson, Barren and Hart counties, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and support local businesses, hotels and restaurants.

In 2024, the park drew about 747,000 visitors, generating nearly $100 million in economic output for surrounding communities.

H.R. 3286 would authorize the National Park Service to acquire roughly 551 acres currently owned by The Nature Conservancy, adding it to Mammoth Cave National Park. The land includes critical habitats for endangered bats, cave systems with historical and archaeological significance, and preserves part of the Green River watershed, one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems in the U.S.

“The property is already under a conservation easement, and no private property is involved, so local taxes will not be affected,” Lindsey said. “This expansion strengthens tourism, protects natural resources, and preserves historical sites for future generations.”

The bill has gained strong support from local leaders, regional organizations, and conservation groups across Kentucky. Funding for the land acquisition would come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and National Park Service allocations, with proceeds supporting future conservation efforts.

If approved, the expansion would not only protect the park’s unique underground and forested landscapes but also boost economic growth for communities across south-central Kentucky.