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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement following the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands’ Legislative Hearing on his Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. This hearing featured testimony from Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey, who testified to the significant economic and cultural impacts this bill would have on Kentucky’s Second District. 

“I’m grateful to the House Committee on Natural Resources for taking an important step to advance my Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act by conducting today’s legislative hearing,” said Congressman Guthrie. “My bill will not only improve the visitor experience at the Park, but it will also expand countless economic opportunities for the local communities surrounding Mammoth Cave.”

A written statement for the record, submitted by Congressman Guthrie, can be found here.

A written statement for the record, submitted by Judge Lindsey, can be found here.

Photos from today's hearing can be found here.

Background:

The Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act was introduced by Congressman Guthrie and Senator Mitch McConnell on May 8, 2025. 

This bill would give the park the ability to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land from The Nature Conservancy. This newly acquired land would enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District.

Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey’s Opening Statement as prepared for delivery:

“Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for allowing me to testify today on behalf of Congressman Brett Guthrie and his bill, H.R. 3286, the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about the importance of Mammoth Cave National Park not only to my county, Edmonson County, but to surrounding counties and the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“Officially established as a National Park in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of surveyed underground passageways and miles still unexplored. The park’s roughly 52,000 acres extend across Edmonson, Barren, and Hart counties and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities including cave tours, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

“What makes Mammoth Cave truly unique is that it operates on two levels: a rich forested landscape and river system above ground, and an extraordinary cave network below. Together, these features create one of the most remarkable natural environments in the United States.

“For generations, Mammoth Cave has served as a place of discovery for visitors, scientists, and students. The cave system preserves an incredible record of geological history while also protecting important cultural resources. Evidence of early exploration, prehistoric activity, and historic mining remains throughout the cave system. These resources make Mammoth Cave not only a natural wonder, but also a valuable site for scientific research, education, and historical preservation.

“The park is also a major economic engine for our region. Visitors from across the country and around the world travel to Kentucky not only for horse racing, bourbon, and Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, but also to explore Mammoth Cave National Park. In 2024 alone, approximately 747,000 visitors came to the park and spent an estimated $73.2 million in nearby communities. Those expenditures supported more than 880 jobs and generated nearly $100 million in economic output for the local economy.

“For rural communities like mine, those numbers matter. Tourism connected to Mammoth Cave supports local restaurants, hotels, outfitters, and small businesses throughout the region.

“The legislation before you today would help strengthen that impact while also protecting critical natural resources. H.R. 3286 would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 551 acres of land currently owned by The Nature Conservancy and incorporate it into Mammoth Cave National Park.

“This property lies within the Green River watershed, one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems in the United States. The area contains numerous cave passages, including Coach Cave and James Cave, which provide important habitat for endangered bat species. Protecting these habitats is essential for the recovery of these species and for the long-term ecological health of the region.

“Equally important, these caves contain significant cultural and archaeological resources. Evidence suggests these caves played a role in early American history through saltpeter mining during the War of 1812 and contains signatures left by Civil War soldiers who explored the cave in 1862.

“No organization is better equipped to protect these natural and cultural resources than the National Park Service and the experts at Mammoth Cave National Park.

“I also want to emphasize an important point: this acquisition involves land already owned by The Nature Conservancy. No additional private property is involved. The property is already under a conservation easement that restricts development, and because of its nonprofit ownership status, the county is not currently collecting property taxes on it. Therefore, the transfer of this land into the park will not reduce our local tax base.

“The purchase price for the property is just under $1 million and will be funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund along with National Park Service allocations. Importantly, it is my understanding that all sale proceeds received by The Nature Conservancy will be reimbursed back to the Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund to support future conservation efforts.  

“This legislation has strong support from local leaders, regional organizations, and conservation partners across Kentucky.

“As County Judge Executive, one of my priorities is supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth in our rural communities. Expanding and protecting Mammoth Cave National Park helps accomplish both goals. This investment will safeguard critical habitat, preserve irreplaceable historical resources, and expand recreational opportunities for future generations.

“Most importantly, it will continue to drive tourism and economic development for communities across south-central Kentucky.

“Thank you again, Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and members of the Subcommittee, for holding this hearing and for the opportunity to testify today. I appreciate your consideration of H.R. 3286 and look forward to answering any questions you may have.”