Kentucky has many natural resources, but our forests present one of our greatest opportunities. For instance, our forests provide both economic opportunity (both timber and non-timber forest products) as well as ecosystem services (wildlife habitat, clean water, carbon sequestration, etc.). The forest resource is particularly important to Clay County citizens, because approximately 85% of the county land base is covered by forest. Despite this opportunity, many Kentucky landowners – Clay Countians being no exception – do not proactively manage their forests.

There are indications that at least some landowners may be changing this approach, however. A group of Clay County landowners recently partnered with the Clay County Cooperative Extension Service to form a local Woodland Owners Association. Individuals at these inaugural meetings own approximately 4,000 acres of Clay County forestland, with an average management tenure of 26 years. Discussion from group members indicated that the vast majority of group members are interested in improved timber management and improved forest health, with varying levels of interest in recreational management and development of alternative forest enterprises. Ongoing education was a top priority for all members.

This group is still young, but it has already begun to pay dividends. This Association was the first introduction to Cooperative Extension for several members, and approximately 20% of attendees from the first meeting scheduled follow-up visits with the Ag and Natural Resources Agent to discuss land management in more detail. Additionally, group members have already collaborated to plan an upcoming field day that will provide attendees with hands-on instruction in maple syrup production, edible mushroom cultivation, and management for forest stand improvement.