Kentucky Woodlands E-News
March 2016 
UK Forestry Logo  
For those who own, care for, and depend on Kentucky's Woodlands

Extension Calendar
April 2, 2016
Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop 
Cliffty Falls State Park
Click here for more information.

April 5 - 7, 2016
Kentucky Forest Industries Association Annual Meeting
Louisville

Click here for more information.

June 17-19, 2016
Kentucky Master Woodland Stewards Program
Robinson Forest
Click here for more information.

July 16, 2016
Central Woodland Owners Short Course
Henry County Extension Office

Click here for more information.

July 30, 2016
East Woodland Owners Short Course
UK Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability in Breathitt County

Click here for more information.

August 13, 2016
West Woodland Owners Short Course
UK Princeton Research Center in Caldwell County
Click here for more information.
Kentucky Woodlands Magazine
Click the photo to read the latest edition of the KY Woodlands
Magazine.

Visit Our Sites
Like us on Facebook  View our videos on YouTube 
 
Quick Links

UK Forestry Extension 
UK Forestry 

What is Extension? 

UK Forestry Blog 

 

Find your local extension office  

 

Ky Woodlands E-News
Kentucky Woodlands E-News is published by the University of Kentucky Forestry Extension group. This periodic E-News will share up-to-date information about programs and other items of interest to woodland owners, the wood industry, and those that want to learn more about the amazing woodland resource in Kentucky.
Thank You!
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Kentucky Woodlands E-News. Please feel free to forward this to others who might find this information useful by clicking the Forward email link below. Please add [email protected] to your contact list so that your spam/block features won't prevent you from receiving this e-mail.
Who We Are...
 
UK Forestry Logo
 
 
2015 Forestry Economic Impact Report
The impact of the Kentucky forest and wood industry was estimated to have a direct economic impact of $9.1 billion on Kentucky's economy in 2015 based on the findings of a recent report developed by the UK Department of Forestry extension team and UK Agricultural Economics. When direct, indirect, and induced impacts are considered the total Kentucky forest and wood industry impact rises to an estimated 62,445 jobs and $14.6 billion. Further analysis shows that on average each acre of woodland harvested in 2015 was responsible for producing $23,965 in direct revenues and a total economic contribution of $39,743. Delivered log prices remained stable in 2015 while increased prices were paid for stave logs used for barrel production continuing a recent trend. This report highlights the importance of the economic contribution of the forestry sector to both rural and urban Kentucky in 2015. To learn more please click here.
Kentucky Master Woodland Stewards Application Available
We are currently accepting applications for the Kentucky Master Woodland Stewards Program. This is the second year of the program which is a joint-partnership between UK Forestry Extension and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The goal of the program is to provide interested woodland owners with more advanced woodland management skills and to create forestry ambassadors across the Commonwealth. Following the training, participants, called Kentucky Master Woodland Stewards, agree to return to their communities and serve as ambassadors of sustainable woodland and wildlife management, contributing to education and outreach efforts. Space is limited so if this is an opportunity you are interested in please complete and submit the application by May 13. The training school will be held from June 17, 2016 to June 19, 2016 at UK's historic Robinson Forest. Selected applicants will be notified by May 20. To complete an online application or for more information about this unique opportunity please click here or contact Billy Thomas ([email protected]) at 859.257.9153.
Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop: April 2
Ohio River Valley Woodland & Wildlife WorkshopThis workshop is designed to provide you with forestry and wildlife related educational opportunities to help you get the most out of your property. This one day workshop will have 15 different educational sessions for you to choose from. The workshop is brought to you by the Cooperative Extension Services of Purdue University, The Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky. Don't miss out on this workshop! Click this link for more information and to register.
2016 Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course Dates and Locations Announced
The dates and locations for the 2016 Woodland Owners Short Course (WOSC) have been established. Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us this summer at one or more of the following:
  • Central WOSC, July 16, Henry County Extension Office and a nearby farm
  • East WOSC, July 30, UK Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability in Breathitt County
  • West WOSC, August 13, UK Princeton Research Center in Caldwell County
Regional planning committees are currently working on the detailed agendas for each of the programs.

If you have suggestions for subject matter you think we should cover at the WOSC, please send them to Billy Thomas at [email protected] as soon as possible. Brochures and registration for the 2016 WOSC will be available in early April by clicking here.
UK Forestry Extension Welcomes Two New Team Members: Dr. Matthew Springer and Laurie Taylor Thomas  
The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry is proud to announce the appointment of two new extension employees: Dr. Matthew Springer and Laurie Taylor Thomas.
  
Dr. Matthew Springer is our new wildlife extension faculty and has wildlife management experience in Pennsylvania and most recently southern Illinois. Matt will be handling wildlife and habitat issues in Kentucky and is replacing the late Dr. Thomas Barnes. You can reach him via email at [email protected].


Laurie Taylor Thomas is our newest Extension Associate. Laurie was with Extension a number of years ago and has returned filling the position left vacant from Doug McLaren's retirement. Laurie will handle and coordinate our youth educational programming including 4-H as well as some general forestry programs. You can reach her via email at [email protected].
Kentucky Forest Leadership Program
June 6 - 10, 2016 -- Jabez, KY
The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program is designed for high school students to experience first-hand forestry and forestry related subjects. The program gives students the chance to "learn how to think" not what to think. This year the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program, in addition to the traditional Forestry program, is offering an Entomology and Wildlife option. So if a student wants to learn about Kentucky's forests, but is seriously interested in insects or wildlife they will get the opportunity to experience a concentrated program in entomology or wildlife while also learning about the forest. The program helps youth develop life-long learning skills based on observation, action and evaluation. For more information click here or contact Laurie Thomas at [email protected] or 859.257-2703.
Kentucky Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) are Changing
A number of changes are being made to the Kentucky Forestry BMPs that will take effect in 2017. These changes are based primarily on a Streamside Management Zone study conducted by forestry researchers at the University of Kentucky's Robinson Forest as well as through 15 years of experience with logging BMP inspections. Highlights of the forestry BMP changes, effective January 1, 2017, include adjustments to the following: streamside management zones, stream crossings, temporary BMPs, revegetation of seeded areas, and logger discretion. Stay tuned for an upcoming article in Kentucky Woodlands Magazine which will cover these changes in depth.
Reminder: Tax Tips for Woodland Owners 
If you have not already reviewed U.S. Forest Service specialist Linda Wang's Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the 2015 Tax Year annual bulletin you can do so by clicking here. 

For additional information regarding timber taxes, please visit www.timbertax.org