The Thanksgiving holiday has significance on many levels to folks all across the country.
Things have changed immensely since that first three day feast in 1621 which brought together Native Americans and Pilgrims to dine on deer, bass, and corn.
George Washington, in 1789, proclaimed the observation of “a day of publick thanksgiving and prayer.” Similar observations were sporadically held until a magazine editor successfully lobbied for an annual day set aside for thanksgiving.
Honest Abe Lincoln proclaimed that the annual observation would be on the last Thursday of each November beginning in 1863. (It was later changed to the fourth Thursday.)
Many traditions have been adopted in the years since, ranging from football contests to the kick-off of the Christmas shopping season (and a pretty famous parade).
Families and communities have also developed some of their own traditions for the day and the extended weekend.
One such local tradition has evolved around a gathering of outdoor motorsports enthusiasts which has become known as the Turkey Run.
The Turkey Run event attracts those enthusiasts to an area of Briery Creek Road, off KY 377, to private properties where the off-roaders tackle trails of varying difficulty on their four-wheelers, side-by-sides, and other vehicles.
While continuing the Turkey Run tradition, the day after Thanksgiving this year marks the official opening of 1806 Adventures ATV Park.
The recently organized ATV park consists of about 8,000 acres of remote southern Lewis County property near the Rowan and Carter county borders containing several miles of trails with varying challenges.
First responders and local officials recently participated in a tabletop exercise based on a scenario involving a simulated incident at 1806 Adventures ATV Park.
Jonathan Ruggles, who serves as the park’s director of operations, said the park will encompass many of those Turkey Run trails and several others.
Ruggles says entrances and parking for the property will be off Briary Creek Road (off KY 377) and Straight Fork Road (off KY 59). Permits range from a $30 two-day admission pass to a $150 one-year admission pass. Lewis County residents may purchase the annual permit for $100 through the park’s website, www.1806adventures.com.
One of the traditional trails, reportedly a challenge to conquer, has become known as Undefeated and is quite an attraction to those near and far who wish to demonstrate their superior four-wheeling abilities.
Undefeated, and some of the other traditional Turkey Run trails, are on a gas pipeline right-of-way – an easement – on private properties. Many of the owners of those properties approve of the activities while some do not.
Those who do not want Turkey Runners on their properties have posted signs so participants know where not to operate their machines. Ruggles said signs have also been placed to indicate property boundaries.
In addition to trespassing and property damage, another concern for those participating in the Turkey Running is safety.
Turkey Run Trails are remotely located. Getting emergency medical help to some of those locations could take a while. Communications are limited in those areas and trained rescue teams take time to assemble.
Lewis County Sheriff Johnny Bivens says he has been contacted by some who have asked for increased patrols in the area in an effort to enforce laws against trespassing and help ensure responsible participation by participants.
“We’ve received calls over the past several years from property owners in that area reporting trespassing, property damage, and littering,” Bivens said. “Many of the people who participate in that event travel here from other areas, and other states, and aren’t aware they may be trespassing on private property.”
Pipeline officials have also expressed safety concerns.
There is a potential hazard there underground that Turkey Runners may not be aware of: three high pressure natural gas pipelines.
Pipeline officials say increased erosion is evident in areas around the pipeline as a result of four-wheeling/ATV activities.
Erosion enhanced by traffic over the pipeline could cause the pipeline to be exposed and the protective coating damaged, resulting in rust and corrosion.
There is also the remote possibility of a pipeline rupture.
Ruggles said safety is a priority and expressed his appreciation to first-responders and local officials for their efforts in developing a plan.
He said he is working make sure approved trails in the park are marked by signage as well as appearing on an interactive app that would be available to permit holders.
Ruggles said he urges permit holders not to venture outside of the park’s boundaries and to respect adjacent property owners.
He added that although past Turkey Run participants have utilized rights-of-way for gas lines running through the property, they are not marked as trails in the park and says travel in the park is limited to marked trails.
Ruggles said release forms must be signed by all persons utilizing the park’s trail system.
Rules and regulations of the park are posted on their website and permits may also be purchased through the site.
“We want the participants to enjoy the park and the great scenery here in Lewis County,” Ruggles said. “We also want everyone to respect the rules and, most importantly, to exercise caution and be safe.”
A hearing on an application for a permit to operate a place of entertainment for 1806 Adventures, LLC. was held last week at the Lewis County Courthouse.
The permit was approved and a notice published prior to the hearing states the primary purpose of the business is to provide trail riding and primitive camping to paying customers, allowing individuals to drive their own vehicles over developed trails.
Follow the link for pipeline safety and emergency information.
https://www.enbridge.com/~/media/Enb/Documents/Brochures/Brochure_NormanWells_.pdf
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