2026 CEEEM Summer Research: Supporting the Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority (KORRRA)

The 2026 CEEEM Summer Research project will support the work of the Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority (KORRRA), a 25-county collaboration established by the Kentucky Legislature to promote recreation, conservation, and sustainable economic development along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The project will advance KORRRA’s mission by focusing on two related research areas: community priorities for recreation development and the ecological and recreational potential of the Ohio River’s islands.

Focus Area 1 – County and Resident Perspectives

Building on the 2025 Planning Assistance to States (PAS) survey of county judges, student researchers will design and implement a follow-up study that surveys all 25 county judges and a representative sample of residents from each county. The goal is to document public priorities, barriers, and opportunities for enhancing outdoor recreation on and along the Ohio River. Results will help KORRRA and its member counties identify shared goals, prioritize investment in water and trail infrastructure, and strengthen communication between local governments, agencies, and citizens.

Focus Area 2 – Ohio River Islands as Biodiversity and Recreation Assets

The second component will assess the ecological and recreational value of the Ohio River’s islands—from 18-Mile Island to the lower river wetlands. Students will compile data on ownership, habitat types, and public accessibility, highlighting how these islands contribute to biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and low-impact recreation such as paddling, birding, and environmental education. The findings will complement KORRRA’s ongoing project inventory and demonstrate how island stewardship supports both ecological restoration and regional recreation goals.

Outcomes

By combining social science and environmental field research, this project will produce a clear picture of public priorities and natural assets within KORRRA’s 25-county region. Deliverables will include survey data summaries, an interactive StoryMap of Ohio River islands, and policy recommendations to guide KORRRA’s future planning and legislative funding efforts. The project exemplifies CEEEM’s mission to connect engineering, ecology, and community engagement through research that informs equitable and sustainable regional development.

Contact

Dr. David Wicks
dwicks1@gmail.com | David.Wicks@louisville.edu
502-671-3595 (cell)
River City Paddle Sports | Ohio River Way | Payne Hollow on the Ohio