Clay County CES

County Emphasis:

Building a resilient Clay County

Concentration 1:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

Kentucky is fortunate to possess a rich diversity of natural resources—including expansive forests, abundant waterways, and thriving wildlife—that play a vital role in the state’s environmental and economic health. The forest sector alone contributes approximately $13 billion to Kentucky’s economy annually and supports over 28,000 jobs. Beyond economic value, these natural resources support sustainability by providing flood mitigation, water quality protection, carbon storage, biodiversity preservation, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Despite these environmental strengths, many Kentucky communities face persistent economic challenges. A disproportionate 39% of Kentuckians live in economically distressed areas, compared to just 15% nationally. As the cost of living continues to rise, many households struggle to financially sustain a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive, while many farms struggle to stay economically viable. Economic instability, limited employment opportunities, rising production costs, and increasing expenses for housing, groceries, and healthcare contribute to widespread financial insecurity.

Financial security is foundational to community resilience. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial well-being of Kentuckians through education and engagement. CES offers programming that promotes financial literacy, family resource management, and small business development helping individuals and families become more economically resilient and sustainable. According to the 2023 Community Needs Assessment, "Building Financial Literacy and Resource Management Skills" was identified as one of the top 10 priority issues reported by Kentuckians, alongside "Efforts that Support Local and Small Businesses" in community and economic development.

Kentucky youth are not immune to the effects of economic uncertainty. Shifts in the job market and agriculture, combined with rising costs, impact family stability and limit opportunities. Yet, growth in industries like tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts, which generated over $10 billion in 2023, presents a path forward. 4-H youth development programs support this by building essential life skills in leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and career exploration. In 2023, 80% of 4-H participants reported gaining clarity on career options, while 95% identified new personal strengths.

For Kentucky to build a future that is both environmentally sustainable and economically stable, efforts must be integrated and community-focused. That includes fostering natural resource stewardship, promoting environmental education, and supporting financial empowerment for individuals, families, and small businesses. This holistic approach strengthens not only Kentucky’s ecosystems and local economies, but also the long-term health and resilience of its people.

 

County Situation:

Clay County is rich in natural resources—over 85% forested—with abundant waterways and wildlife that offer environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. These assets contribute to long-term sustainability through flood mitigation, water protection, carbon storage, and biodiversity.

Despite these strengths, Clay County faces critical challenges. Thirty-five percent of residents live in poverty, the unemployment rate stands at 7% and the community has endured six federally declared floods since 2020—highlighting vulnerabilities on both social and environmental fronts.

Economic strain remains a major concern. The median household income is just $37,888, and a staggering 45.2% of Clay Countians have debt in collections—pointing to widespread financial insecurity. Limited access to jobs, financial literacy resources, and wealth-building opportunities exacerbates these challenges and hinders long-term stability for individuals and families.

These interrelated issues call for integrated efforts focused on sustainability, natural resource conservation, wildlife management, and community resilience. Equally important are initiatives that enhance financial security and economic well-being. Programs that provide education in budgeting, credit management, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness can empower residents to take control of their financial futures and contribute more fully to the local economy.

For a stronger, more resilient future, Clay County must continue investing in holistic strategies that connect environmental stewardship with economic opportunity and financial empowerment—creating a path toward sustainable growth and improved quality of life for all residents.                                                                                                                                

Long-Term Outcomes:

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). 

 

Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.?

 

Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future

 

Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all agricultural production methods and species.

 

The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

 

Increased support networks

 

Increased financial literacy skills

 

Cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into communities

 

Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing

 

Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.)

 

Increase the number of Woodland owners that participate in economic incentives programs adopting sustainable forestry, water conservation, and soil management practices. 

 

Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency in agricultural production and natural resource conservation.

 

Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills

 

Increased access to community financial resources

 

Initial Outcomes:

Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.     Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance.   Increase skills related to efficient production and conservation methods   Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.   Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.   Improved financial literacy knowledge

 

Evaluation:

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.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Administered at end of program year/club year

 

Outcome	Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.)
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation
Outcome	Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
Indicator	Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension programming with others.
Method	Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation
Timeline	Timeline: after program participation
Outcome	Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
Indicator	Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.
Method	partners surveys, local reports
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues
Indicator	Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.  Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.  Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.
Method	Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains)
Timeline	At program

 

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

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices
Indicator	Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications
Method	Post-program test
Timeline	After program participation or online

 

Outcome	Early identification of species and or disease for potential outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with species and disease identification and management. Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices
Indicator	Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications
Method	Post-program test
Timeline	After program participation or online

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Environmental Field Day, 4-H Natural Resource & Environmental Sciences Academy, Enrichment Programs
Content or Curriculum	Water, Entomology, Forestry, Wildlife; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based
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.
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

 

Audience	Families and Individuals
Project or Activity	Developing Sustainability Practices and Strengthening Resilience
Content or Curriculum	It’s Your Reality; Recovering Your Finances; Estate Planning; Clay County Extension Homemaker Clubs; Building Social Connections; Heritage Crafts and Craft Marketing; Creating Welcoming Communities; Community Resource Awareness; Food As Medicine Clay County Fiscal Court Project; Nutritional programming (Food Safety, Food Preservation, Eating on a Budget); Home Energy Management; Environmental Field Day
Inputs	Publications; Programmatic materials; Community partners; Volunteers; Homemaker Leader Lessons; Moneywise Newsletter; Community Coalitions
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	IPM and Pesticide Programs
Content or Curriculum	Educational materials and program delivery
Inputs	UK and subject matter Specialists
Date(s)	As needed, spring and/or fall

 

Audience	Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity	BQCA trainings
Content or Curriculum	State BQCA videos and chute-side trainings
Inputs
Date(s)	As needed, spring and/or fall

Audience	Loggers
Project or Activity	Master Logger Program
Content or Curriculum	Master Logger Curriculum
Inputs	Coordination with Kentucky Master Logger Program, Michael Ammerman and Beth Williams
Date(s)	As needed

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	Pest and disease identification
Content or Curriculum	Clinical diagnoses and trainings
Inputs	Diagnostic labs and services
Date(s)	As needed

 

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	Woodland Owners Short Course
Content or Curriculum	Range of speakers representing different topics and important agencies, webinar and field components
Inputs	Developed in partnership with Billy Thomas, meeting local community needs and partners.
Date(s)	As needed

Evaluation:

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.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Administered at end of program year/club year

 

Outcome	Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.)
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation
Outcome	Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
Indicator	Number of participants who reported experiencing stronger ties to their community as a result of participating in Extension programming with others.
Method	Method: pre- and post- surveys from program participation
Timeline	Timeline: after program participation
Outcome	Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
Indicator	Number of new collaborative networks, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives developed to address local challenges as a result of Extension-supported programs.
Method	partners surveys, local reports
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues
Indicator	Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.  Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.  Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.
Method	Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains)
Timeline	At program

 

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

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices
Indicator	Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications
Method	Post-program test
Timeline	After program participation or online

 

Outcome	Early identification of species and or disease for potential outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with species and disease identification and management. Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices
Indicator	Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications
Method	Post-program test
Timeline	After program participation or online