Yatesville Lake New Attractions and Activities Information for 2019
Last year an estimated 500,00 people traveled to the beautiful and fun Yatesville Lake State Park. The Army Corp of Engineers Park Ranger, Logan White and Resource Manager, Kayla Price, who replaced former employee, John McGinn, took the time to answer questions and provide information from the management of the lake to some of the newest attractions.
Logan White
“The previous ranger here was Kayla Price who is now the Resource Manager, I have been a park ranger for 3 years and 2 months. I split the summer last year between Grayson Lake and Dewey Lake so before coming to Yatesville those were the only Army Corps projects I have worked. I actually moved to Greenup County in September after living in Huntington for 6 years while attending Marshall University and I am originally from Sissonville, WV which is just north of Charleston. A few responsibilities I have include dam operation and maintenance, ensuring public safety and communication/public outreach. I would like everyone to come out and enjoy the lake safely and in accordance with State and Federal regulations. If you are going to be out on the lake or near any type of water body you should learn to swim, wear your lifejacket on the water and do not consume alcohol. ”
Thank You
Logan White
Kayla Price
“I’m a Johnson County native, and a Johnson Central High School graduate. After that, I got a bachelor’s in Forestry form the University of Kentucky.
I started with USACE while I was in college in 2013 as the summer ranger here at Yatesville. I got my first full time, Ranger position at Dewey Lake in 2015. I came back to Yatesville last year in March, and got the Resource Manager’s position last October.
I love this project, and I plan to be here for years. Yatesville has so much potential, and the Lawrence County community is dedicated to seeing the lake reach that potential. While I’m here, my goals are to be a transparent public servant, open up communication between our stakeholders and do my part to make this lake safe and successful.”
The lake sits on 20,000 acres of beautiful land in Lawrence County, Ky. Open all year the official season kicks off Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Since starting in 1992 it has received many awards and commendations for their well known fishing, bass tournaments, golf courses and overall cleanliness and healthy waterways.
There’s plenty to do such as camping, renting cabins, picnic shelters, boating, hiking, golf courses, nature walks, bird watching, and specialty held events. Bringing in a lot of visitors is the popular Legend Outfitters “The Cove” under new management will now have water inflatable rides, new concession stand, picnic shelters, along with kayak rentals and a beach area that offers something for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for the lake maintenance, budget, dam operations, and are available to provide many resources for accessing the lake.
Park Ranger White has a program where teachers can schedule a tour for their classroom such as the upcoming one for LEE and providing lessons in water safety. Lawrence County Sheriff, Chuck Jackson, added extra safety by including patrol to the Park.
Lawrence County Judge/Executive means to use the facility for local business and entertainment to go with other activities going on.
“Yatesville Lake is a tremendous asset to Lawrence County. The county plans to utilize the lake to enhance the quality of recreation for our citizens as well as bringing tourism into this area. The county looks forward to working with the Army Corps of Engineers in helping to develop the full potential of Yatesville Lake. The Lawrence County Fiscal Court is working on plans to incorporate more events and activities for Yatesville Lake. The development of Yatesville Lake is a vital part of Lawrence County’s future.”
The next event coming up is the 9th Annual Kids Fishing Day, June 8, from 9am – 12pm and lunch will be provided after. For more information about upcoming events and park information see Recreation.gov for Ky. Park Manager, Missy Kennedy information or call The Army Corp of Engineers Information Office at 606-686-2412. Their business hours are 7:30am – 4:00pm. Also see Lawrence County Commission of Tourism.
Do you need more park rangers? I would love working the lake.