There are approximately 59 million maple trees within Kentucky’s extremely dense forest.   The availability of these trees are beginning to show signs of a new enterprise across the state to help drive economic growth for farmers, foresters and landowners.  Maple syrup production has a long history, but in 2016, the Harlan and Letcher County Agriculture and Natural Resources agents worked with maple syrup producers to develop a Kentucky Maple Syrup School. The following year, that same group of individuals came together to develop the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association.  Since that time, more, up-to-date information has been delivered to clientele that have an interest in maple syrup and maple syrup products.  This has brought about more maple syrup producers.  Due to efforts from the group, 2019 yielded success to have maple syrup as an entry at the Kentucky State Fair.  During that event, 12 bottles of maple syrup were judged on their quality.  From the growth of the maple industry in Kentucky, the Kentucky Maple Syrup Association with help from County Extension Agents and the Department of Forestry held the inaugural 2020 Kentucky Maple Day in February, where maple syrup producers open their businesses for tours.  A Harlan County producer said "the Maple Day allowed me to introduce people to the other things I do on the farm."