Lewis County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability & Natural Resources

Concentration 1:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce. The situation is

exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity.

Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives.

However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the December 2021 tornado in Western Kentucky and the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability.

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources.

Youth Focus

Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs.

County Situation:

Three of the top 15 issues in Lewis County according to the 2023 Extension Community Assessment are: Sustainability of family farms, strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry, and market support for locally grown and produced foods. The community also rates preserving/managing agricultural lands and dealing with climate variation as top issues for the Agriculture and Natural Resources area. As for Youth Development Needs, the community rates promoting youth agriculture and natural resource literacy as a top issue. The comments of the assessment also mention practical education on habitat protection/restoration; watershed (or stream) protection; dumping and littering; pesticide use and pollinator production; recycling and sustainability; floodplain protection and drainage issues; support for organic (or sustainable) and low chemical farming; training on farmland preservation; and education on off-grid living and home gardening. Working with the Lewis County Extension Council, the Lewis County Extension Agents developed a Plan of Work to address these issues in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

• Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature)). 
• Forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting?in?healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue? 
• Wildlife habitat is increased and improved. 
• The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved. 

Youth

• Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.??? 
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced natural resources practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the natural resources community.? 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

• New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.) 
• Actively install and use resource monitoring technology to assist in data-driven decision to monitor their forest’s health forest health, water resources, and land usage.  
• Increase the number of Woodland owners that participate in economic incentives programs adopting sustainable forestry, water conservation, and soil management practices.  
• Implement climate resilience strategies to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, sustainable water management, and adapting wildlife management to preserve biodiversity under changing climate conditions. 

Youth

• Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.?? 
• Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.?? 
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.??? 
• Youth will communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

• Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.  
• Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.  
• Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance. 
• Develop emergency preparedness and response strategies focusing on preserving their Woodlands and mitigating immediate damage from events such as floods and tornadoes. 

Youth

• Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.??? 
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.???? 
• Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Youth will set goals to become good stewards of natural resources.?? 
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.? 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:

Youth

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity 

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Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

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Outcome: Long-Term 

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: IPM and Pesticide Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery 

Inputs: UK and subject matter Specialists 

Dates:

Audience: General public 

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification 

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings  

Inputs: Diagnostic labs and services 

Dates:

 

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports Program 

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Shooting Sports Training Curriculum? 

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.??? 

• Accredited volunteers in 4-H Shooting Sports.??? 

• Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.??? 

• Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.??? 

• Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.??? 

• Engagement of staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.

Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)? 

 

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources Programs (e.g., 4-H Forestry Field Days, 4-H Senior 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, 4-H Wildlife Challenge) 

Content or Curriculum: Forestry, Wildlife, Entomology, Water; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources? 

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.??? 

• Accredited volunteers in natural resources.??? 

• Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.??? 

• Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.??? 

• Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.??? 

• Engagement of staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.? 

Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:

Youth

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity 

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Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

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Outcome: Long-Term 

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study. 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year