News & Stories Recent News Releases The Boone Conservancy is Organized For immediate release February 25, 2000 A group of thirty citizens interested in creating parks and preserving natural areas in Boone County has chartered a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Sherry Hempfling, lifelong resident of Boone County and staff attorney for Circuit Judge Jay Bamberger, has been elected chair of the Boone Conservancy by the membership. "Our Mission Statement makes clear that we are dedicated to the creation of parks and protection of land with unique or significant recreational, natural, scenic, historical or cultural value. We plan to work with all members of the community - landowners, farmers, businesses, developers, government, and concerned individuals - who recognize that appropriate land conservation improves the quality of life and increases economic prosperity in the County. We will pursue our mission through the voluntary acquisition of land and interests in land, in partnership with the many constituencies in the community." "We're working with Professor Bill Bryant of Thomas More College and Professor Lee Otte of Northern Kentucky University to identify unique or significant natural areas in Boone County," Ms. Hempfling added. Boone County is 246 square miles, and has approximately 42 miles of Ohio riverfront, none of which is publicly owned or parkland. Boone Cliffs, Split Rock, Dinsmore Woods, and Big Bone Lick are just a few of the natural areas in Boone County that have regional, statewide and, in the case of Big Bone Lick, national and international significance. Historically, Boone County developed as an agricultural community. Between 1830 and 1940, the County's population only increased from 9,075 to 10,820. The introduction of the Interstate Highway System and the International Airport to Boone County in the 1950's initiated a dramatic period of change. From 1950 to 2000, Boone County's population increased more than 650%. Based on projections, by 2020, Boone County will be the fourth most populous county in the Commonwealth, with over 139,000 people. As Judge-Executive Gary Moore stated, "the Boone Conservancy addresses a need that is not currently being served. We now have an organization in Boone County committed to creating parks and preserving unique or significant greenspace in our community. This mission can best be served, and will most likely enjoy success, through an effort led by area residents, who have the greatest stake in the outcome. I'd like to thank the many community residents who have stepped forward to help with this effort." Along with Sherry Hempfling, the leadership of the Conservancy includes Robert Zapp, treasurer and chair of the finance committee; Barbara Bardes, secretary; Dave Anderson, chair of the campaign committee; Dave Graham, vice-chair of the campaign committee; Randy Cochran, chair of the planning committee; Paul Hemmer, Jr., vice-chair of the planning committee; Sherrie Lou Noel, vice-chair of the finance committee, and Judge-Executive Gary W. Moore. Other Conservancy Board members include J.J. Miller, David Drees, Carol Sparks, Nancy Tretter, Bob Elliston, Russell Schwenke, Sandra Cupps, George Budig, Roger Augenstein, R.C. Durr, Joe Washington, Betty Avril, Joe Arlinghaus, Dale Huber, Kevin Canafax, Linda Conner, Dick Crist, Cathy H. Flaig, Ken Hund and Todd Ryan. The Conservancy will seek donations of land and money to create parks and preserve greenspace in Boone County. The Conservancy was granted tax-exempt status on January 5, 2000, and all donations of land or money to the Conservancy are tax deductible. Contact Sherry Hempfling, 606.689.4622 Website hosting donated by Boone County Fiscal Court

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