Kentucky Master Logger Program Chad F. Niman, Extension Associate Primary Forest Products Specialist University of Kentucky, Forestry Extension
What is Kentucky Master Logger? Initiated in 1992, as voluntary education. Now, Mandatory education program for all logging firms in Kentucky. Does not certify performance. Certified Master Logger Program
What are the Requirements? Every logging firm operating in Kentucky must have at least one person with the Kentucky Master Logger designation on every active logging site. Must attend the initial 3 day training. Each individual with a KML designation must take 6 hours of education, every 3 years to maintain their designation.
Where Do You Go for KML Training? KML Website: www.masterlogger.org KML trainings are provided around the state in county extension offices and other venues. Previously approved programs and webinars can count for KML CEU’s. Logger TV- Tuesday, February 6th, 2017
How Many Master Loggers Are There? Approximately 3,000 individual master loggers in the KML system. 2,500 are loggers. Logging operations in all 120 counties. 722 Wood processing facilities located in 110 of our 120 counties.
Economic Contributions to Kentucky Forest Industry Total Contributions: $14.5 Billion and 66,000 jobs.
Value of One Acre of Timber Harvested in Kentucky
Kentucky Forest Industry Economic Contribution Report https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/economic-report
Sawlog Production in 2016 Sawlog production estimated at 746,000 board feet. Growth far outpaces removals. For every tree we cut down, 2 are left to grow, and 1 dies from old age/natural causes. Kentucky remains one of the leaders in hardwood sawlog production in the U.S. Exports decreased slightly to $283 million, with barrels (new and used) and white oak lumber still the number 1 and 2 exports. Europe remains the top destination for our exports followed closely by Asia.
Annual Economic Loss Due to EAB Killing Ash Tree in Kentucky
Who Do Master Loggers Work For? Roughly half the state 49% is forested. 12.5 million acres. 78% of our 12.5 million acres of woods are privately held by small farmers and family landowners. 11% held by private corporations. The remaining is held by DOD, USFS, and state lands.
Challenges Regulations: BMP’s, Child labor, Workers Compensation, Endangered Species, etc. Small, family-owned. On average 3.1 individuals/firm. Many not structured properly from a business standpoint. Trucking and skidding are costly, so the margins can be tight. Rapid changing markets. The #1 most dangerous job in America.
How Can Extension Assist? Be a local resource to logging and sawmill facilities. Individual needs and questions can be forwarded to the Master Logger office (Mark Schuster), Dr. Jeff Stringer, or Chad Niman. Hosting 3 day programs. Hosting CEC: 6 hours -Can be one day, multiple days or multiple evenings. -Logger TV Program: February 6th, 2018.
Resources Water Maps: http://watermaps.ky.gov/forestry.html Emergency Locator: http://www.ca.uky.edu/forestry/LoggingEPLroutes /
Contacts Mark J. Schuster - KML Program Coordinator Kentucky Master Logger Program U.K. Dept of Forestry and Natural Resources 222 T. P. Cooper Bldg. Lexington, KY. 40546-0073 Phone: 859-257-6230 KML Hotline: 800-859-6006 FAX: 859-323-1031 Website: masterlogger.org Jeffrey W. Stringer, Ph.D. Interim Chair, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Professor Hardwood Silviculture and Forest Operations T.P. Cooper Bldg University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0073 859-257-5994 Chad F. Niman Primary Forest Products Specialist University of Kentucky Forestry Extension Department of Forestry and Natural Resources 214 Thomas Poe Cooper Building Lexington, KY 40546-0073 O:859-257-1360