Fisherman's Access Trail on Shippingport Island is temporarily closed due to thefts, misuse

The Fisherman’s Access Trail located along the western bank of Shippingport Island within the Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area in Louisville, Kentucky, is temporarily closed from public access effective immediately due to ongoing improper uses of the site.

This decision has been made after careful consideration for both the safety of the public and USACE employees, protection of critical infrastructure as well as the overall environmental health of the conservation area.

The site has a long history of misuse and violations of the Title 36 CFR regulations, including destruction of government property, break-in’s, theft, offroad vehicle use, littering, unauthorized fires and camping. Additionally, drug use, prostitution and the illegal discharge of firearms have also been reported. 

Educational programs or scientific research may be granted access through a Special Activity Permit. All requests should be submitted to the Locks and Dams Natural Resource Specialist at Shippingport@usace.army.mil.

The Louisville Fire and Rescue Boat ramp located within the area was constructed in 2016 to provide quicker emergency response times to incidents in the lower Cannelton pool and will remain accessible to first responders.

USACE will re-evaluate the closure next spring to determine whether conditions allow for reopening. We understand this is not welcome news to many in the community who have enjoyed fishing on Shippingport Island over the years, but at this time it is a necessary step to ensure the safety of the public, our USACE staff, and the protection of critical infrastructure and of the National Wildlife Conservation Area.

For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District Public Affairs Office at (502) 315-6766.
 

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