Natural Resources and Environmental SciencesPlan of Work

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Lewis County CES

Title:
Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
MAP:
Natural Resources
Agents Involved:
Philip Konopka, Sherrill Bentley,
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Natural Resources
Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Kentucky Trees and 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

Intermediate Outcomes:

-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

Initial Outcomes:

-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


Evaluation:

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 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 2024

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 2021

Initial Outcome:Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship

Indicator: Survey for self reporting

Method: Survey Monkey

Timeline:  Spring 2022

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 2024

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 through Survey Monkey

Timeline:  Fall 2022

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 2023

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Private land owners

Project or Activity: Woodland Owner Series and Master Logger Continuing Education classes

Content or Curriculum:  Woodland Owner Series and Master Logger continuing Education classes

Inputs:  Agent time, UK specialist, KY Division of Forestry, Extension Office facilities, computer, projector, curriculum

Date:  Fall 2021-Fall 2024


Audience:  Lewis County 4th Graders

Project or Activity:  Environmental 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 2024





Success Stories

Pesticide Program

Author: Philip Konopka

Major Program: Chemical Management

For the last several years the Lewis County ANR Agent and the Fleming County ANR Agent have teamed up to offer a training for pesticide professionals. This day offered an opportunity to receive CEUs. These CEUs meant that professionals in our area, that held a Commercial Kentucky Pesticide License, could receive training and not have to travel outside the area.  Enough CEU hours were offered each year, so that the professionals could meet their recertification needs by attending this traini

Full Story
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