Kentucky’s natural resources play an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being. 

Kentucky has over 91,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 225,000 acres of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. These water resources not only play a vital role in Kentucky’s drinking water systems, but also are imperative to our agriculture industry. Each day in Kentucky, 81 million gallons of surface water and 4 million gallons of groundwater are withdrawn for agricultural use. 

Kentucky is 48% forested and is known as having one of the most diverse hardwood species mix in the nation. Kentucky’s woodlands are vital, providing homes to a wide diversity of wildlife, protecting our water resources, and supplying clean air. In addition, the forestry sector contributed an estimated $14.6 billion in total economic contribution in 2015, and provided over 28,400 jobs in the forest industry and more than 57,000 jobs overall. 

In addition, these resources are a source of recreation for anglers, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts. A survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Census Bureau reported that 1.7 million people fished, hunted, or viewed wildlife in Kentucky in 2011. That same survey stated that $2.9 billion were spent in Kentucky on wildlife-related recreation in 2011. 

Kentucky is one of the largest coal mining states. In 2014, the Kentucky coal industry employed over 11,500 individuals, produced 77.4 million tons of coal, and contributed billions of dollars to Kentucky’s economy.

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources Program engages 4-H members in a variety of hands-on activities and experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for Kentucky's natural resources. Projects and activities are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports. For FY2019 (July 2018 – June 2019):    

• 2,000 youth reported using their skills to conserve natural resources 
• 6,584 youth reported that they can identify the natural resources in their community
• 6,818 youth reported that they have gained an understanding of the ecosystems in nature
• 1,525 youth reported that they have engaged in a community project related to natural resource conservation

A wide variety of county- and state-level 4-H natural resources programs and projects are offered across the Commonwealth, including but not limited to nature, environmental, outdoor adventure, and shooting sports clubs, forestry field days, environmental education camps, and geology, insect, and leaf collection projects.

Listed are examples of county- and state-level 4-H natural resources programs and events:

• The Harrison County 4-H Council offed a water quality program for 8^th grade science students titled Life in the Licking River. Students participated in a series of classroom and field exercises to learn about water quality parameters and how to obtain and analyze water quality data.   
• An Outdoor Survival Day Camp, a collaborative program of Grayson and Breckinridge County 4-H programs, provided youth with hands-on experience and knowledge in survival and protection in wilderness-type settings. A wide variety of topics were included, such as how to build a fire, tree identification, animal track identification, insect safety, basic first aid, and how to build a shelter.
• Each year 4-H members from across the Commonwealth gather on the University of Kentucky campus to participate in Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. At Teen Conference, 4-H’ers have the opportunity to gain six hours of instruction in a core content area of their choice led by an expert in the field. At the 2019 Teen Conference, 95 teens participated in a natural resource core content area. Topics included watershed management, water quality, forestry, waste management, and nature appreciation and preservation. Sessions were led by representatives from the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, and Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. 

References: KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; KY Division of Forestry; KY Energy and Environment Cabinet; KY Geological Survey; University of Kentucky Department of Forestry; U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.