March 27th Meet and Greet Scheduled at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

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Date: March 20, 2015
Contact: Sula Jacobs, (606) 246-1052
Contact: Carol Borneman, (606) 246-1070

Superintendent Sula Jacobs to Introduce New Facilities Manager Robert Beech

As park neighbors and visitors immerse themselves in the long anticipated warmth by hiking the park's 85 miles of trails and reveling in the beauty of the early blossoming spring wildflowers, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs extends an invitation to all to pop in for the March 27th quarterly "Meet and Greet" at the park visitor center being held from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Jacobs promotes this as the "perfect opportunity to introduce new Facilities Manager Robert Beech who has transferred to Cumberland Gap from Florida's Biscayne National Park." According to Jacobs, "this will be Beech's first week in the park. After being oriented to Cumberland Gap's unique and expansive resources and intricate operations, I know Robert will be delighted to wind up his first week in meeting park supporters. Robert is really a hands-on person, so for him, meeting neighbors and supporters will be the icing on the cake."

Jacobs also explains that with this winter's "snowpocalypse" fresh in all minds, she and park staff will discuss proposed winter operational changes to include opening the visitor center in the winter at 9:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m. and the winter closure of the Wilderness Road Campground. Jacobs reports that "visitor center stats confirm very few visitors coming in between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Opening 60 minutes later during the winter months would provide staff with the time required to research and prepare for additional quality educational offerings to include in an already amazing docket of programs. And while the visitor center would open at 9 a.m., restrooms would be opened by 8 a.m. for those early walkers."

Jacobs elaborates that "winter operations in the campground can pose a safety concern for both visitors and employees with snow operations and tree damage. Numbers indicate that these core months are not high campground use months. In addition, by closing the campground these few months, the water systems can be winterized, saving the park money." Jacobs further articulates "that discussing topics such as these well in advance helps to insure that we understand visitors' needs and thoughts and that visitors recognize park priorities and safety concerns.We really are looking for feedback on these ideas. These changes have not been made and we are seeking public input!"

Jacobs reminds all neighbors and visitors unable to attend this gathering and all who would like to provide comments or feedback on proposed winter operational changes and other park operations can connect with her at 606-246-1052 or e-mail us.



Last updated: April 14, 2015

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