Lyon County CES

Title:

Natural Resources Management

MAP:

Environment and Natural Resources Management

Agents Involved:

Jay Stone

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Situation:

Forests, also called woodlands, cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitat. Our forests also contribute significantly to our economy with a Kentucky forest industry who employs approximately 60,000 and contributes more than $13 billion annually to the Kentucky economy. Kentucky’s forests can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management and utilization practices.

Many individuals have limited knowledge regarding forests, their value, and how to manage and sustainably utilize this vital resource.

• Sharing research based information and educational programs facilitates informed decisions regarding our forest resources leading to greater sustainability. Despite its significant economic contribution Kentucky’s Forest Industry is generally unacknowledged. Kentucky’s private forests are generally unmanaged.

• The Master Logger provides education for loggers in Kentucky. All commercial timber harvests require a Master Logger to be on-site and in charge.

Increase knowledge of natural resources and the interactions within ecosystems. Increase volunteer support for natural resource organizations.

• Enhanced forest management and utilization will improve the quality and quantity of forest resources which can benefit all Kentuckians.

Invasive species, wildfire, climate change, urban expansion, aging owners, and changing policies/regulations have a significant impact on forest management and utilization and the critical services forests provide.

Kentucky’s forest industry is subject to significant external and economic pressures largely beyond their control.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Kentucky’s trees and forests are better protected and managed

• Kentuckians have an enhanced ability to address a variety of forest health, management and utilization related issues, resulting in: increased revenue, increased forest productivity, and improved forest health

• Kentucky’s forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting in: healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Forest health,management and utilization activities/practices that support sustainable forests are implemented

• Individuals and policy makers make more informed decisions regarding managing and utilizing forest resources

• Timber harvest operations abide by all laws and regulations

• Forest industry implements more quality control and improvement

Initial Outcomes:

• Volunteers trained in Master Naturalist Program.

• Environmental, social, and economic importance of trees

• Threats facing forests and their utilization

• Laws impacting forest health, management and utilization

• Sources of forest health, management and utilization assistance management

• Forest health, management and utilization practices

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Certification hours earned

Indicator: Number of participants in logger trainings

Method: Webinars - Logger School

Timeline: Winter

Intermediate Outcome: Loggers following recommended practices

Indicator: Master Loggers on good actor list

Method: Master Logger Certification

Timeline: Year-round.

Intermediate Outcome: Active engagement with natural resource organizations

Indicator: Hours reported by volunteers

Method: Master Naturalist Certification

Timeline: Year-round.

Long-term Outcome: Improved natural resources

Indicator: Reports by participating organizations

Method: Survey organizaitons

Timeline: year-round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: General Public, Forest owners, Farmers, Loggers, Forest Industry, Volunteers, Forestry and Natural Resource Professionals, Elected officials, Community

Project or Activity: Forest walks

Content or Curriculum:Tree ID, tree health issues

Inputs: Professional forester

Date:  Fall or spring 24-25

Audience: General public, forest owners

Project or Activity: Mushroom Workshop 

Content or Curriculum: Mushroom ID, growing mushrooms

Inputs: Specialists, inoculum, logs, publications

Date: Early spring 25

Audience: Adult Volunteers

Project or Activity: Master Naturalist Program

Content or Curriculum: Master Naturalist Core Programs

Inputs: Master Naturalist information, Local agencies, LBL Nature Station Staff.

Date: Spring/Summer/Fall 24-25