The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB) is a high clearance 4wd route comprised of improved and unimproved county and public roads over 100 miles long centered around the scenic Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky.
Back in 2016 SFWDA started developing a strategy to allow public access to all of the DBBB trails. We have already made great strides on physical trail improvements, in addition to reclaiming trails that were illegally blocked and barricaded by residents. We also Digitally mapped this great trail, and placed maps on kiosks throughout the trail system.
The fact is we are very close to setting a new precedent on the matter with a Summary Judgment in the works now. This would be a HUGE victory for us and the OHV Community as a whole for future land access battles. It’s been a costly battle though. Our own SFWDA Grant Program has been vital to get us this far. Our current expenses on the DBBB alone in 2016 were $8,477 then in 2017 $26,006 and now in 2018 we’re already at $36,075. Our last legal bill alone was over $18,000. It’s all well worth it when we claim victory. This is why we are asking for your help. A small donation today will ensure we can finish the fight and preserve these amazing trails forever. Scroll to the bottom of this message of this link to learn more and donate now.
www.sfwda.org/dbbb
More about the DBBB.
* The DBBB is of moderate difficulty and open to licensed vehicles only. It is designed for entry level off-roading and providing a safe and rewarding driving experience.
* Historically, this area of Kentucky hosted the Jeep Jamboree for many years, as far back as 1969. In 2004, a travel management rule change by USFS closed off many of the routes and ended the organized events.
* Tourism was a huge part of the rural economy of the area and the loss of access equaled a drop in economic input both direct and indirect.
* Since the mid-2000's, a concerted effort between SFWDA members, five local counties, and USFS resulted in the DBBB. Some of the important routes previously utilized by the Jeep Jamboree are now open and drawing organized events and support.
* The DBBB was launched in 2016. SFWDA supported the development of a digital map of the DBBB which allows users to navigate these beautiful 4wd roads with smart phone technology. The DBBB Facebook page has over 3200 followers and some posts have reached 10k.
* The roads are part of the historical county transportation systems which make the right-of-ways county property and allows access to the public.
* A few recent challenges to the public access of these roads have arisen due to the increased traffic of the DBBB. None have resulted in a loss of access due to support from the counties and SFWDA's grant program, which has provided generous financial support in the form of legal fees and road maintaining resources.
* There are 50-100+ miles of expansion of the DBBB planned to meet the growing need of the OHV community for entry level experience.
* The DBBB is within 5 hours drive of the northeast megalopolis which represents 17% of the US population or roughly 50 million Americans. It is also convenient to southern states as well.
* Future financial support of the DBBB is critical to sustaining and growing these world class OHV opportunities. We have recently filed for a Summary Judgement which along with our ongoing efforts have become a considerable investment.
We are seeking additional financial resources to complete our battle for access via public roads to the DBBB. If you would please consider a donation today to help support and to preserve trail access for future generations.
