The Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor is an ecologically significant and climate resilient landscape within Central Appalachia. Featuring some of the most biodiverse temperate forests on the planet, Pine Mountain is home to thousands of plant and animal species, more than 200 of which are considered rare or endangered. Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) is focused on safeguarding this corridor. With support from Atira Conservation in December 2024, KNLT acquired an additional 204 acres on the north face of Pine Mountain. Originally referred to as the Reese-Roan tracts (the selling landowner family names), the newly protected wildlands in Bell County, Kentucky, near Pineville will be named Limestone Gap Preserve.

Protecting the wildlands of Limestone Gap Preserve is vital to safeguarding headwater streams of the Cumberland River, a notable aquatic system with extraordinary biodiversity. The streams and rivers of this region are the most biodiverse temperate freshwater ecosystem in the world and are part of the Mississippi River Watershed, the fourth largest watershed in the world.

Limestone Gap Preserve is adjacent to 13,000+ acres of state conservation lands, including Kentucky’s first state park: Pine Mountain State Resort Park (PMSRP). The proximity and north-facing orientation of the preserve, sloping down the mountain towards Pineville, make this a prime location for developing a hiking trail from the town directly into the PMSRP. Currently, the park is only reachable by vehicle, which is a barrier to access for many local community members. KNLT is in conversation with local landowners and government leaders to explore this promising opportunity.

• Property Cost: $400,0000
• Atira Conservation Funding: $10,000