Harlan County is comprised of 259,784 acres of forest land in which 93% is privately owned.  Kentucky’s timber industry depends on Certified Master Loggers to keep the timber economy strong.   Kentucky Master Logger certification allows the loggers to work with landowners and saw mills to get the product to market.  Without the certification, those loggers can’t perform their jobs and meet the objectives of the industry.  

The Master Logger must receive six hours of continuing education credits, every three years to keep their certification.  Therefore, the Harlan County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent worked with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Kentucky Master Logger office to hold a one day session for Kentucky Master Loggers to receive their much needed continuing education credits.  Seven Kentucky Master Loggers attended the session and received updates within the industry, as well as safety topics. These continuing education credits will allow those 7 loggers from 7 different companies to continue to provide timber to the industry.  Also, with the session being close to home, it cut down on travel time and expensed for their continuing education.