About KRTA
The birth of the Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority came from the demand of Kentuckians and visitors alike for a place to ride, hike and recreate in the Bluegrass state.
To meet these demands, Governor Ernie Fletcher created the KRTA, attached to the KY Department of Tourism, through Executive Order in December, 2005. Governor Fletcher charged the KRTA with the task of planning and implementing programs to expand tourism opportunities for these off-road trail activities.
After the Executive Order was ratified in the 2006 legislative session (KRS 148.795), 13 board members representing a wide array of state agencies, community leaders and user groups were appointed to serve on the KRTA board.
The KRTA board works diligently to fulfill its charge by focusing on: increasing land access for recreational trails, promoting trail education, and promoting the trail opportunities that Kentucky offers. The KRTA board has developed an ever-evolving strategic plan to help implement these goals and objectives.
KRTA Board Members
Virginia (Ginny) L. Grulke, Chair - Kentucky Horse Council
Marcheta Sparrow, Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet
Joe Prather - Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Jon Gassett, Ph.D. - Kentucky Department of Fish & WIldlife Resources
J. Michael Brown - Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
Robert D. Vance - Public Protection Cabinet
Richie Farmer - Department of Agriculture
L.M. (Mike) Caudill - League of Kentucky Sportsmen
Alvin J. Cox - Kentucky Motorcycle Association
Malcolm Winsper - Kentucky Motorcycle Association
Carolyn C. Belcher - Kentucky County Judge/Executives Association
David L. Campbell - Kentucky Farm Bureau - Western Kentucky
Ronald D. Cardwell - ATV Associations - Western
Walter Preston McLain - ATV Association - Eastern
J. Patrick Collins - Kentucky Bicycling Organization
Dennis E. Crowley - Kentucky Trails Association
E. Lee Davis - Kentucky Horse Council
Jerry P. Hancock - Trail Riding Equestrians in Kentucky
Charles Oran Little - Kentucky Farm Bureau - Eastern Kentucky
Kim L. Nelson - Western Kentucky Coal Association
Dexter Brian Patton, III - Coal Industry - Eastern Kentucky
Sandy Runyon - Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts
Jenny Beshear Sewell - Public at-Large