Agreement Narrative: Agreement for recipient to complete EQIP eligible forest management plans to landowners in the southeastern part of KY.
Primary Funder: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Kentucky (NRCS-KY)
Location: Eastern Kentucky (Barbourville, Kentucky)
Innovation: The main objectives of this agreement are to increase the numbers of private landowners with forest management plans in the southeastern part of Kentucky. Increasing the availability of young forest habitat is an important conservation action necessary for reversing the decline of multiple at-risk wildlife in the region, including ruffed grouse, American woodcock, golden-winged warbler, and Appalachian cottontail. The goal is to reverse downward population trends through active forest management by providing eligible landowners with a forest management plan detailing practices and NRCS cost-share funding opportunities to benefit forest wildlife in the Appalachian region of southeast Kentucky.
Impact: Generally, in the southeastern part of KY, the average size of private forestland will fall in the 101- 250 acres range. For estimation purposes on this agreement, KY NRCS anticipates approximately 44, 101-250 forest management plans will be completed by RGS & AWS.
Partners and Chapter Contributions: We will collaborate closely with NRCS-KY and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources field staff on implementation. Contracts will be awarded to local and regional logging contractors and service work contractors.
A specific logo is not needed to recognize funders or partners.
Deliverables:
- Targeted 605 private forest landowners in Kentucky via a direct mailer as outreach for technical assistance.
- Led or participated in 2 education and outreach events to promote active forest management and connect with private landowners for technical assistance.
- Provided technical assistance to XX private forest landowners in Kentucky, including initial site visits.
- Completed 2 forest management plans across 162 acres for private landowners in the priority buffer surrounding our dynamic forest restoration block focal area at Kentucky Ridge State Forest WMA.
