Five generations preserve, improve and enjoy Clifton Taylor family tree farm
The Clifton Taylor family tree farm preserves history, improves timber, enhances wildlife habitat and provides forestry experience and recreation for family and guests. Cliff Taylor is a long-time member of KWOA and served on the Foundation board from 2010 to 2019. His son Scott now serves on the Association board. Scott and his brother Steve continue to manage the family farm.
The Taylor family tree farm is managed with an eye toward improving timber production and creating better wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
The farm totals more than 1100 acres in Casey and Boyle counties. While these tracts are nearly entirely covered with forests today, small homesteads and farms were scattered throughout the area from the mid-1800’s through the 1950’s.
The Taylors and their maternal ancestors have lived on Elk Cave and Minor’s Branch since the late 1800’s. Barbara Ellis Taylor’s ancestors have lived in the Forkland area since the late 1700’s. The farm has been owned by five family generations.
Clifton and Barbara both graduated from the University of Kentucky and earned PhDs from the University of Wisconsin. Both worked as cooperative extension agents for UK and as extension faculty at the University of Florida.
The property was certified as a tree farm in 1972 to maintain the future availability of white oak. Fig24 or:
It now provides white oak logs for Irish Distillers’ “American Oak Project,” which uses certified Kentucky white oak for its casks. Fig. 6
Clifton’s forest management activities have had assistance from the Kentucky Division of Forestry and extension and research faculty from the University of Kentucky’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources since the beginning of forest ownership. Current management assistance, since 2003, is also provided by consulting forester Chris Will and Central Kentucky Forest Management.
Tree plantings have included loblolly and white pine, locust and walnut from 1959-2012. [figure 3 and 4] Tree harvests, including salvage harvests, have been conducted on various tracts since 1964. (The salvage harvest made the mistake of letting the logs lie on the ground too long.)
Forest Stand Improvement has been conducted on various tracts from 1978 through 2017. FSI included removing undesirable/unmarketable species, mid-story control to promote advanced oak regeneration, mid-story control and cull-tree removal, and removal of invasive species. Excellent oak regeneration has resulted from these practices.
The family currently maintains 17 miles of trails that provide the ability to see more acres more quickly, conduct management activities, salvage downed/dead timber and enjoy the forest.
“Cliff has spent decades managing his property with the assistance of forestry, wildlife and other natural resource professionals, many of whom consider his woodlands a great example of what can result from proper management.” Jeff Stringer, Chair, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources."
The family has re-surveyed tracts and boundaries, planted native grasses and conducted periodic prescribed fires for wildlife enhancement. With funding from the Casey County Soil Conservation District they have implemented water quality enhancement and best management practices by incorporating contemporary engineering techniques to reduce water quality impacts in the construction of new haul roads and ATV/skid trails, stream crossings, dips and turnouts.
Adjacent landowners have been influenced and are now working with consulting services and for oak regeneration treatments.
All is not work on the Taylor farm. Two campsites, a shelter house and picnic area are used extensively for family and guest recreation.
In 2012, the Taylor family forest land was among the first privately-owned land in Kentucky to be FSC certified.
In 2005, Clifton and Barbara funded an endowment in the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources to provide support for its senior capstone course.
Clifton and Barbara established forest ownership succession trusts in 2010. (Barbara passed away in December 2012.) The trust’s goals include maintaining shared ownership in the family and continued ownership through future generations. Management objectives include continuing to be good stewards of the land and providing leadership in: managing timber for long term sustainability, enhancing the watersheds and associated streams in the watersheds, promoting wildlife habitat, providing recreation opportunities and sharing family history with future generations.
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