Portion of West Kentucky WMA "A Tracts" closed to public access

Public access to a portion of the "A Tracts" at West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in McCracken County will close following a recent land use decision involving property owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Recently, the DOE identified a portion of Tract 1A and Tract 7A, located along the eastern boundary of the WMA, for transfer to support local economic development. In response to this change, 545.66 acres have been removed from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Recreational Use License Agreement with DOE, effective June 30, 2025.

Public access remains available on 1,208 acres still under license with the DOE and 1,481 acres under agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Additionally, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources owns 2,503 acres at West Kentucky WMA, most of which were acquired through donations from the U.S. government.

In total, West Kentucky WMA continues to offer 5,192 acres of diverse habitats and 12 ponds, providing a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and the DOE originally entered into a license agreement in the 1950s, granting public recreational use — including hunting, fishing and wildlife observation — on the DOE-owned portions of West Kentucky WMA. This decades-long partnership has provided valuable outdoor opportunities for the public and supported conservation efforts in the region.

Visitors are encouraged to review the updated boundaries of the "A Tracts," as the transferred portions will be closed to public access beginning July 1, 2025. New boundary signage has been installed, and updated maps are available online at the West Kentucky WMA webpage.

Under WMA partnership agreements, landowners retain property ownership while allowing public use for outdoor recreation. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife manages these properties by providing conservation guidance, enforcing regulations through patrols by game wardens, and implementing habitat and wildlife management practices in coordination with landowners. These partnerships expand public access and help conserve Kentucky's native wildlife and habitats.

To locate other public lands available nearby, visit the Wildlife Management Area & Public Lands Search webpage on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website (fw.ky.gov).