The “common wealth” of Kentucky is its trees. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and metropolitan areas all derive benefits from our woodlands. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually. They provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in our efforts to ease climate change and support native diversity that ensure our planet continues to thrive.

The UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources operates through its three land-grant missions, extension, research, and teaching, to develop solutions for the critical issues facing our woodlands today and in the future.

Kentucky lies in the center of the eastern hardwood region, which means the state plays a pivotal role in supplying timber and products vital to the economies of local communities and the entire country. Locally based businesses and those operating throughout the United States and globally depend on Kentucky’s forests for the products they need. In short, what happens in Kentucky’s forests affects overall hardwood markets throughout the country and around the world.

Proper care and management of our woodlands is essential to keep our forests healthy and productive. UK Forestry Extension specialists are on the ground to provide landowners with the resources they need to be good stewards of the land. They can help owners determine their goals for their land and determine what challenges they may face in achieving those goals.

Specialists and department researchers collaborate to find solutions for those challenges. A 12-year research study in UK’s Robinson Forest resulted in the development of best management practices for the logging industry and contributed directly to water quality protection. A study has continuously collected water quality and quantity data for more than 50 years from the largest watershed in the Cumberland Plateau geographic region. The Environmental Protection Agency relies on that data, as does the Kentucky Division of Water.

UK Forestry and Natural Resources is the only 4-year forestry program in the state accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry understand the many uses of our forests and have the skills to manage them. Our undergraduates go on to work for the U.S. Forest Service in research or in managing national forests, or state agencies like the Kentucky Division of Forestry, or they can become consultants who help family forest owners on a one-by-one basis.