Safety awareness urged for Turkey Run participants
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 public thanks-giving 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.
One of those 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.
Many of the trails, including Undefeated, 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.
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 pressured 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.
Bivens suggests that anyone who may be planning to travel to the area with a four-wheeler in tow to have express permission from the owners of the property they will be on.
“Except for the county roadway, all property in that area is privately owned,” Bivens said.
Follow the link for pipeline safety and emergency information.
https://www.enbridge.com/~/media/Enb/Documents/Brochures/Brochure_NormanWells_.pdf
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