Author: Brian Jeffiers
Planning Unit: Johnson County CES
Major Program: Logging Training and Professional Education
Plan of Work: Sustainable Farming
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the US Forest Service, 39 timber-related businesses operated in Johnson and Martin Counties as of 2017. However, the potential for growth in the industry is immense, with roughly 285,000 acres of forested land in the two counties. Developing this industry requires development of loggers, and the Kentucky Master logger program provides that. In the spring of 2019, four Master Loggers attended five educational programs hosted via webinar by the Johnson County Cooperative Extension Service. This provided the loggers with required continuing education to maintain their certifications and, more importantly, to make them better capable of managing their timber harvest operations. Topics included pest threats to woodlands, managing for wildlife habitat, and opportunities for Kentucky woodlot owners to receive government assistance in implementing sustainable forestry practices. All four reported that they had gained knowledge about important pests such as the emerald ash borer as well as on the cost-share options available to the woodlot owners they work with.
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