​Laurel wilt is caused by a fungus that is spread by the wood-boring ambrosia beetle, both are considered exotic, invasive species. Mainly affecting redbay laurel, sassafras, spicebush and avocado trees, it is beginning to make further encroachment into the Bluegrass State.

​As some of you may have noticed, we are experiencing an issue with browning oak trees in the northern region of the state. The culprit has been identified as the oak lace bug. This native insect has been feasting away at our Chinkapin Oaks causing them to bronze or in the worst cases, bleach. If anyone has seen this type of damage in other areas/counties, please let Alexandria Blevins, Forest Health Specialist , Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) know by calling (502) 382-1720. Your help is greatly appreciated and many thanks in advance! Please see the pest alert attached here.

KDF's two nurseries grow over 40 species of native trees. You can now purchase seedlings, which will be delivered between January-April of next year. While we have plenty of seedlings right now, be sure to place your order early in the season to take advantage of the best availability of species. Visit our website to download an order form: https://eec.ky.gov/.../state-nuseries.../Pages/default.aspx. PDF Order form here.

The KWOA is saddened at the death of Robert Gossett of Fleming County. Bob was a graduate of the University of Kentucky, a military veteran, a woodland owner, treasurer and member of the KWOA board of directors, community leader and devoted family man.

​From fiber and medicine to food and drinking water, many tree species have something to offer us through all four seasons. Get to know these fifteen common genera through this gallery of useful survival trees.

https://edition.popsci.com/s/trees-learn-identify-40998df2ad2045b7

The KWOA board has responded to an on-line survey put forward by the Commissioner of Agriculture by about the future of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. Our responses focus on the value of sustainable forestry practices on family farms in terms of Ag Diversification and On-Farm Water Quality in planning for the future. Individuals may also take the survey. The deadline is August 31 and your can complete the survey here Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund Opportunity to Submit Stakeholder Input Survey (surveymonkey.com). KWOA response is here…

Forests cover nearly half the state of Kentucky and are the foundation of a forest sector that is a major economic force in the Commonwealth. This webpage contains the latest Kentucky forest sector economic contribution estimates, prior estimates, links to data sources and methods, as well as additional information related to the economic importance of Kentucky’s forest resources.

NWOA posted this article from The Connecticut Mirror: ctmirror.org/2021/05/01/some-worry-wind-and-solar-will-gobble-up-forests-and-farms/

If you have been remodeling you already know the price of lumber has skyrocketed. KWOA continues to watch for more news, especially from the perspective of the woodland owner and the overall impact on sustainable woodland management practices. Two articles that look at the impact of climate change and the prognosis for sawmills:

• NWOA posted this article reflecting on the relationship between climate change and the lumber shortage: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/04/climate-origins-massive-lumber-shortage/618727/www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/04/climate-origins-massive-lumber-shortage/618727/
• This Wall Street Journal article is reflects the prognosis for sawmills and the impact on home buyers, DIY projects, and renters: Lumber Prices Break New Records   or  www.wsj.com/articles/record-lumber-prices-lift-sawmills-while-homeowners-do-it-yourselfers-pay-up-11620034201