Extension
It Starts With Us
Natural Resources Management
Environment and Natural Resources Management
Jay Stone
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
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.
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
• 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
• 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
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
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
