Kentucky Forestry Survey

What do you think we should do with Kentucky's forests? The state Division of Forestry wants to know.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is encouraging citizens to complete an online survey to determine the trends and threats to Kentucky’s forest resources. The survey will complement a statewide forest resource assessment and action plan currently being developed by KDF to help guide the future of Kentucky’s forests.

“The survey will help us prioritize the issues facing rural and urban forests”, said Leah MacSwords, Division of Forestry director. “Natural resource agencies, governments, groups and citizens who share a concern for Kentucky’s forests will benefit from the assessment; therefore, participation from all of these groups is crucial in determining major forestry issues in Kentucky.”

The online survey will allow the public to provide different viewpoints regarding various forestry related issues and the importance of these issues. Some of the concerns already identified by KDF include the need for proper forest management, reduction of wildfires, and the prevention of destructive insects, diseases and invasive plant species.

Other forestry related issues for Kentuckians to consider include:
· the role of forests in sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases;
· the potential for forests to improve our economy by diversifying Kentucky’s forest products industry;
· the possibility of using forests as an alternative and renewable source of energy;
· the need to prevent forest fragmentation and improve land-use planning;
· the importance of forests in providing social benefits such as outdoor recreation and aesthetics;
· and the necessity of forests in providing clean water, clean air, healthy soils and wildlife habitat.

To "participate in the survey and to provide your input regarding the economic and environmental importance of Kentucky’s forests," click here to take the survey.