Extension
It Starts With Us
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Natural Resources
Philip Konopka, Sherrill Bentley,
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Woodlands cover about 48% of Kentucky and of the 48% most is privately owned. Lewis County is heavily covered with timber and forestry is a major industry in Lewis County. These forest provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitats. Our forest also contribute significantly to the economy. The forestry industry employees over 60,000 and contributes $13 billion annually to Kentucky's economy. Kentucky's forest can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management and utilization practices.
The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy which is defined as the ability to recognize the components of healthy, natural, and man made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them. Through 4-H environmental education Lewis County youth will increase understanding and appreciation for natural resource and the forest industry in the county.
-Kentucky Trees are better protected and managed
-Kentucky Forest Eco systems and economic values are enhanced resulting in healthier forest, improved water quality, and increased revenue
-Youth will be environmentally literate
-Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration
-Timber harvest operations abide by all laws and regulations
-Forest health management and utilization activities/practices that support sustainable forest are implemented
-Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life
-Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources
-Changes and awareness and understanding of: threats facing forest and their utilization, forest health, management, and utilization practices
-Changes and awareness of sources of forest health, management and utilization assistance management
-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content and environmental sustainability and stewardship
Initial Outcome:-Changes and awareness and understanding of threats facing forest and their utilization, forest health, management, and utilization practices
Indicator: Participants in webinars and workshops will learn how land owners can improve their timber stand and continuing education classes for Master Loggers will teach them how to minimize the environmental impact from timber harvest
Method: Webinars and workshops
Timeline: Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Initial Outcome:-Changes and awareness of sources of forest health, management, and utilization assistance management
Indicator: Participants will learn what threatens their timber stand and how to correct the issue
Method: Webinars and workshops
Timeline: Fall 2023
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content
Indicator: Youth complete the Environmental camp project
Method: Survey
Timeline: Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship
Indicator: Youth attend Environmental Camp
Method: Survey
Timeline: Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Timber harvest operations abide by all laws and regulations
Indicator: Master Logger bad actor list
Method: Check list to make sure that Master Loggers in Lewis County aren't on list
Timeline: Fall 2023
Intermediate Outcome: Forest health management and utilization activities/practices that support sustainable forest are implemented
Indicator: Land owners develop a stewardship plan
Method: Written Plan observed
Timeline: Winter 2024
Intermediate Outcome:-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content and environmental sustainability and stewardship
Indicator: Common Measures survey
Method: Survey
Timeline: Fall 2023
Long-term Outcome: Land owners control invasive species and implement Timber Stand Improvement Practices for a healthier woodland
Indicator: The timber will be more valuable and a better habitat for wildlife
Method: Observation and Testimonial
Timeline: Spring 2024
Long-term Outcome: Youth will be environmentally literate and make informed decisions, take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection and restoration
Indicator: Ability to answer survey questions about the environment and their actions
Method: Survey
Timeline: Spring 2024
Audience: Private land owners
Project or Activity: Woodland Owner Series
Content or Curriculum: Woodland Owner Series
Inputs: Agent time, UK specialist, KY Division of Forestry, Extension Office facilities, computer, projector, curriculum
Date: Fall 2023-Fall 2024
Audience: Private land owners
Project or Activity: Master Logger Continuing Education classes
Content or Curriculum: Master Logger continuing Education classes
Inputs: Agent time, UK specialist, KY Division of Forestry, Extension Office facilities, computer, projector, curriculum
Date: Fall 2023-Fall 2024
Audience: Lewis County Central 4th Graders
Project or Activity: Environmental Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: Project Wet, UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agent time, 4-H camp facilities, teachers, program assistant, Lewis County School buses, demonstration supplies for classes, 4-H curriculum
Date: Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Audience: Garrison Elementary 4th graders
Project or Activity: Environmental Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: Project Wet, UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agent time, 4-H camp facilities, teachers, program assistant, Lewis County School buses, demonstration supplies for classes, 4-H curriculum
Date: Fall 2023-24
Audience: Tollesboro Elementary and Laurel Elementary 4th Graders
Project or Activity: Environmental Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: Project Wet, UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agent time, 4-H camp facilities, teachers, program assistant, Lewis County School buses, demonstration supplies for classes, 4-H curriculum
Date: Fall 2023-24
Author: Kennedy Perkins
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
There are many youth in our county that are unaware of the importance of Agriculture. Philip Konopka, our previous agent, was an advocate for agriculture especially, when it involved the youth of Lewis County. Philip was a great man and even better educator so in order to keep his legacy alive, the Buffalo Trace Agents decided to target the youth of our county. The field day took place at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds on April 19th, 2024, where all Lewis County 3rd graders were
Author: Kennedy Perkins
Major Program: Chemical Management
For the last year our producers here in Lewis County have had to go to other counties to receive educational components, especially those seeking their Private Pesticide Applicator Certification. This year I was able to host a training course here in Lewis County at our office. This certification allows individuals to purchase restricted use pesticides such as atrazine, liberty, and many more. These individuals were able to read and understand labeling information, how to apply pesticides a
