The University of the Cumberlands has joined forces with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to create a new Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on university-owned land. This partnership focuses on opening up approximately 10,273 acres across Whitley and McCreary counties for public use, providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities.

Located near the university's Williamsburg campus and close to the Tennessee border, the new WMA spans three tracts in Whitley County and one in McCreary County, lying within the scenic Jellico mountain range and near the Daniel Boone National Forest. This agreement allows the University of the Cumberlands to contribute to community service by conserving land for future generations while also integrating the WMA into its academic programs.

Students from the university will have the chance to participate in wildlife habitat improvement and species conservation projects, enhancing their educational experience with real-world applications. The land, which includes both forested and reclaimed surface-mined areas, supports a variety of wildlife habitats, with hunting regulations specifying archery-only for species like deer, bear, and coyote.

This partnership not only promotes public access to natural areas but also supports conservation efforts, showcasing a model of how educational institutions can play a significant role in environmental stewardship and community engagement.