Red River Gorge 8K Kentucky
This is the story of Joe Bowen, who once gave the speech in favor of damming this river and spent the rest of his life glad he lost. The Red River Gorge is proof that people can change their minds about wild places. Stick around for his words.
The Red River in Kentucky was slated to be dammed in the early 60s and young landowner Joe Bowen supported it. He even gave the speech in favor of the dam against Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas and the Sierra Club.
Not anymore. “In 75 years of living, I’ve changed my attitude about this wild river. The river is ours. So if it’s ours, then it’s also our responsibility. I want my great grandchildren to see what I have seen.”
In 1993, the Red River received Wild & Scenic River Designation. Watch Your Rivers Need You for the story of Joe Bowen and the magic of the Red River, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
