March Madness was good to woodland owners

Submitted by Karen Marshall, newsletter editor

The UK Wildcats did not survive March Madness for their NCAA championship bid. But woodlands-related legislation passed smoothly through the 2022 Kentucky legislative session. Initially conceived by Dr. Jim Corum, KWOA Director at Large (Harlan County), House Joint Resolution 41 has been 20 years in the making. HJR 41 directs the Department of Revenue and the University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources to recommend equitable property tax assessment procedures for well-managed forests. The resolution was introduced to the legislature by Representative Adam Bowling, District 87 (Bell and Harlan counties).

The resolution went before the House Agriculture Committee on March 9. Lane Boldman, Kentucky Conservation Commission, provided guidance for KWOA regarding the legislative process. Jaime Corum assisted her father in providing updates on its progress. Portia Brown, KWOA Vice President, sent special editions of the association’s Wood Post email blast urging members to contact legislators in support of the resolution. Dr. Jeff Stringer, Chairman, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, attended the committee meeting as Rep. Bowling’s guest to field questions from legislators. HJR 41 passed the committee by unanimous consent of the members present.

The resolution went before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Energy in a similar procedure on March 23.. It was favorably reported and sent to the Governor’s desk for signature. Governor Beshear signed it on April 8.

Courtesy of Jaime Corum

HJR 41 directs the Department of Revenue and the University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1, 2022, detailing their recommendations for equitable property tax assessment procedures for well-managed forests.

Thanks and congratulations to the many players who stepped to the floor to score this win for woodland owners. KWOA looks forward to reporting on its recommendations in the future.​