The Friends of Barren River Lake need you, but more importantly, Barren River Lake needs you, too. Members of the “Friends of Barren River Lake” are dedicated to improving the outdoor recreation and educational opportunities in the Barren River Lake area through local partnerships and outreach programs.

Friends of Barren River Lake, Inc., a not-for-profit membership organization, partners with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Commonwealth of Kentucky, county and local governments, area tourist commissions, businesses and private individuals. Working in cooperation with one another in the management and conservation of 20,000 acres of public land in and around Barren River Lake is an effective way to continually offer extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, and biking and other recreational activities.

The Friends of Barren River Lake was first chartered in 1987 as the Barren River Regional Water Safety Council. Since changing its name in 2007 to the Friends of Barren River Lake, Inc., the group achieved non-profit status and broadened its goals and direction. The group is now actively involved, not only in water safety initiatives, but also in promoting environmental stewardship through supporting efforts to restore, preserve, and protect the local natural and cultural resources in and around Barren River Lake.

You can make a difference by becoming a member of the Friends of Barren River Lake, Inc.  and offering your unique skills as a supporter, liaison, committee member, chairperson, or fundraiser. Every member is a volunteer. 

Your contribution of time or money will help provide improved services and facilities for visitors and will improve trails and public facilities. Your support of the “Friends of Barren River Lake” will provide water safety educational materials and interpretive activities for all who enjoy the lake year round.

The Friends’ Vision Statement is “Communication, Education, and Conservation.” Through communication, the group provides a common meeting ground and forum on lake issues for input from the public and stakeholders; facilitates communication between the public and managing agencies of Barren River Lake; provides presentations for civic and business meetings to promote water safety programs; and holds public awareness campaigns about water safety.

Hand-in-hand with communication is education as the Friends work to improve recreational safety in and around the Barren River Lake area. The distribution of literature informs visitors and local stakeholders about recreational opportunities available and works with the State Park to carry out many of the programs offered there.

Last, but not least, is conservation. To allow future generations an opportunity to enjoy the lake and its surroundings, the Friends’ organization works to protect and enhance the lake and its surrounding area to continue to provide a quality public outdoor recreation experience that serves the needs of present and future generations. Please join in our efforts to protect Barren River Lake.  For more information contact Ann Stewart at 270-579-1737.