Kentucky Division of Forestry

06/09/2026

Pineville Branch's Nick Valentine, Tony Smith, Tacoma Smith and Hunter Clark accompanied Smokey Bear as he visited the Union Boys and Girls Club of Appalachia. The kids heard Smokey's message of fire prevention and spent time meeting Smokey and getting some of his special Smokey Bear Hugs.

06/02/2026

Today, Brandon Howard, SGSF Chair and Kentucky State Forester kicked off our Annual Meeting in Fort Myers, Florida. "Across our region, we are seeing a changing landscape for forest products markets, mill closures in many communities, shifting land use patterns, increasing development pressure, and growing wildfire complexity," said Howard. "So when we talk about building a new economic era, we are also talking about protecting the long-term future of working forests across the South and the South’s unique and successful culture of collaborative land management across ownership boundaries... Over the next few days, I encourage all of you to take advantage of the conversations, partnerships, and expertise gathered in this room. Because the future of southern forestry is not something that will simply happen to us. It is something we must actively help shape."

Kentucky Division of Forestry, Florida Forest Service

06/02/2026

Pineville Branch's Nick Valentine and Paul Borntraeger along with Smokey Bear joined other first responders at the Clay County Days Kickoff Parade. We are grateful for all the support we receive from the community in the battle against wildfires. Clay County Tourism

06/01/2026

The Kentucky Division of Forestry recently presented the Tree City USA flag to members of Trees Wilmore in recognition of the community's ongoing commitment to trees and community forestry. Under the leadership of Chair Howard Snyder, a long-time advocate for trees and community forestry, Trees Wilmore has become a strong voice for the many benefits trees provide to their community. This dedicated volunteer organization conducts multiple tree planting projects each year, promotes tree stewardship, and works to increase awareness of the value of a healthy community forest.
This recognition is also the result of a strong partnership between Trees Wilmore, City of Wilmore, Kentucky and Wilmore Parks & Recreation. Working together, these organizations continue to make Wilmore a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place to live.
Tree City USA is a free recognition program sponsored in Kentucky by the Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Arbor Day Foundation. Communities interested in learning more about becoming a Tree City USA community are encouraged to contact Jack Baggett of the Kentucky Division of Forestry at [email protected].

06/01/2026

Morehead Branch and Fire Section staff joined other exhibitors at the 2026 Bigfoot Festival in Stanton Saturday. We aren't 100% sure of the existence of Big Foot but it was a beautiful day to share the division's message of fire prevention and forest sustainability.

05/29/2026

Take your woodland knowledge beyond the screen and into real-world action by attending the in-person events offered through the 2026 Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course (WOSC). After building your foundation through engaging online sessions, WOSC invites you to step into the field—where concepts become practice. Register now for the WOSC at https://wosc.mgcafe.uky.edu/2026-wosc

05/26/2026

Pineville Branch and Smokey Bear took part in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival parade Saturday. We are very appreciative of the community's support for the division's efforts to prevent and control wildfires.

05/26/2026

Owning woodland can be a point of pride in Kentucky. It can also raise many questions. Who do you call if invasive plants are moving in? How do you improve habitat for wildlife? What steps make sense if you want to cut timber someday or if you want to leave the land in good shape for your family?

A University of Kentucky effort coined Every Acre Counts is working to make those first steps easier, connecting people to the groups that are already providing services to woodland owners across the state.

Developed by UK Forestry and the Kentucky Division of Forestry, the program will help coordinate and support current statewide efforts to engage woodland owners through partnerships with external organizations. This program will focus on new woodland owners and those without a forest management plan, with the goal of facilitating active management on more Kentucky acres.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nWoTfP

05/20/2026

The Division of Forestry is looking to hire a Forestry Program Specialist for Urban and Community Forestry. Information on the requirements for the position and how to apply can be found at: https://kypersonnelcabinet.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/49/home/requisition/78382?c=kypersonnelcabinet&referralToken=zvEi4a6x5UWKHEtMcXN-mA
May 30, 2026 is the deadline for applications.

Forestry Program Specialist31152103

05/19/2026

Its summer so that means interns. Campbellsville intern Luke Hesson hit the ground running by facilitating the Tree Measurement portion of the State Envirothon Competition at the State FFA Camp in Hardinsburg. Kentucky Division of Conservation