Environmental lawyer Sanders says fill out an online survey and help shape forestry policy in Kentucky.

There were 25 million acres of forestland in Kentucky when those of European descent started spilling through the Cumberland Gap and drifting down the Ohio River. In 1912, the Kentucky Legislature formed the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The initial emphasis for the division was to reduce the severity of wildfires in the state. Now the division's expanded mission is to protect and enhance the forest resources of the commonwealth through a public informed of the environmental and economic importance of these resources.

Today, Kentucky has 11.9 million acres of forestland, of which 87 percent is privately owned. Tell the state how important the forests are to you!! Visit http://www.forestry.ky.gov/ to fill out a quick survey.

According to Leah MacSwords, "the survey will help us prioritize the issues facing rural and urban forests.” Ms. MacSwords, is the director of the Division of Forestry. She added, “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

• and the necessity of forests in providing clean water, clean air, healthy soils and wildlife habitat.