Here’s a new way to support those who rescue Kentucky hikers that highlights the beatu Red River Gorge

CAMPTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Hikers and campers enjoying the Red River Gorge from across the nation are rescued many times a year. No matter the scale of the rescue operation, the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART) does not charge patients for their services.

Kentucky’s first license plate featuring the Red River Gorge will be available to order on Friday, with a portion of the sales and renewals going to support the rescue team, which has sponsored the plate.

“We are so excited to see the license plate go on sale because it promotes an area Kentuckians and many others love, and the proceeds will support our mission to save lives,” said John May, chief of WCSART. “This has been a dream for years to pay for life-saving equipment and medical supplies.”

The artwork for the Red River Gorge, depicting the scenic view of Sky Bridge, was made by rescue team member Kevin Osbourn, according to a news release. His painting for the plate, called “Red River Gorge: Archway to Heaven,” hung in the state Capitol rotunda during the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival.

During historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky in 2022, WCSART volunteer crews reportedly rescued over 100 people of all ages. In July, crews rescued a hiker who had been missing for 14 days .

“As we like to say, our team goes where others can’t and saves lives,” May said.

The specialty plate will cost $44, with $10 of each sale going to support WCSART, officials said. When you get a new specialty plate, your regular-issue plate must be turned in to the local county clerk.

A full list of Kentucky specialty license plates can be found here . For more info about WCSART, visit the rescue team’s website .

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