The Kentucky Master Logger program is a comprehensive state-wide education and training program for timber harvesting professionals. Kentucky Master Loggers feed the 13.87 billion dollar forest industry in Kentucky. The Kentucky Master Logger Program is headquartered in the Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program. Since its inception in the fall of 1992, the Program has provided over 224 three-day introductory training programs to 7,731 loggers and 500 plus continuing education programs.

            There are over 150 active master loggers in Owsley County and the surrounding area. In February 2025, Owsley County hosted a master logger six hour continuing education program that included 14 three-day and three one-day participants.  By hosting this training, Owsley County has made substantial contributions to the forest industry and will have a huge environmental impact on the surrounding area. It can be estimated that this training will provide almost 1.2 million dollars to the economy (Delivered Price) and will have an indirect impact of over 4 million dollars. It will also provide income to 29 landowners while employing 38 people. 

            Hosting this Master Logger program has made substantial contributions to the surrounding environment. This program provides one whole day on state-mandated BMPs (Best Management Practices) designed to protect all streams within Kentucky. It can be estimated that this program protected over five perennial and 14 intermitted streams, with 19 streams protected within the surrounding area. From this, it can be reasonably estimated that this education will sustainably increase the environmental sustainability of logging within the region.

            Lastly, this program focuses heavily on safety, which will save lives and limit the number of injuries that can be prevented while logging. The program provides an education that includes meeting OSHA regulations, Chainsaw safety, and Proper PPE, and it exposes participants to directional felling (the safest means when cutting timber). It is estimated that over 70 percent of participants will now comply with safety regulations after being exposed to these regulations.