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Kentucky’s forests protect water quality, provide recreational opportunities and are one of the most biologically diverse temperate regions in the world.
Based on the August 2007 price of carbon, $3.65 per ton, Kentucky’s private woodland owners could be receiving over $43 million annually for carbon storage.
89% of Kentucky’s forestland is owned by private landowners in small plots averaging 26 acres.
47% of Kentucky is forested— 11.9 million acres.
On average Kentucky loses about one square mile per week of forest (pdf) to other uses such as roads, mining and urban development.
Timber is estimated to generate $4.5 billion annually in economic impacts in the state.
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 forest opportunities initiative
MACED's Forest Opportunities Initiative (FOI) helps private forest landowners practice sustainable forestry
by providing education, financial assistance and new income options. The FOI focuses on encouraging sustainably managed forests as the basis for providing real opportunity for private forest landowners in Kentucky.
When forest landowners practice sustainable forestry, they encourage the growth of forests with high quality timber that also work to filter water, control erosion and improve air quality. Such forests also provide a place of rest, recreation and nourishment for humans and wildlife.
Sustainable forestry benefits landowners and the land by increasing the long-term viability and quality of the forest while providing a source of sustainable income to the landowner.
The FOI offers the following benefits to forest landowners:
• increased knowledge and practice of sustainable forest management;
• tools and assistance to improve economic and ecologic forest health;
• revenue options emphasizing carbon credits and selectively harvested wood products;
• and increased financial return from timber harvesting over time.
MACED's FOI uniquely links the global issue of climate change to local economic development in Kentucky and Central Appalachia. Private forest landowners who practice sustainable forestry can now connect to a new source of income available through carbon storage credits . This allows local individuals and communities to protect and better maintain a healthy environment while achieving greater financial stability.
See the Forest Carbon Credits page for more information about this exciting new opportunity.
Our Forests
Eastern Kentucky’s forests are some of the most ecologically diverse in the world. Ferns, mushrooms, migrating songbirds and a wide range of tree species all add up to create a forest ecosystem that is unique in its complex beauty and resources.
Most of eastern Kentucky is distinguished as being part of the Cumberland plateau – an area of rolling steep mountains deeply dissected by valleys and numerous streams, creeks and springs. The forests of this area are known as mixed mesophytic — referring to the wide range of tree species that grow in this middle zone. Forest communities in this region often support more than 30 canopy tree species at a single site. In all, the mixed mesophytic forest harbors 80 woody species in its canopy and understory. It is thought that this area is actually the seedbed that reseeded the whole continent after the last ice age.
 Kentucky's rivers, streams and springs provide important habitat for snails, mussels, darters and fresh water fish. These water bodies often adjoin forestland forming areas known as riparian forests. These areas require special appreciation and protection, as they filter pollutants and debris from our water and reduce sedimentation and erosion of our waterways. The shade provided from the riparian forest tree canopy regulates stream temperature, allowing numerous fish, mussels and salamanders to thrive in these areas.
See the Kentucky Forest Landowner's Handbook for more information about how to protect riparian areas.
MACED’s Approach To Sustainable Forestry
Since 1979 MACED has been involved in forestry-related issues in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. We have invested millions of dollars to support value-added wood processing businesses, developed resources to support good forestry practices and provided tools to help landowners and communities better manage forest land.
Eastern Kentucky’s forests are important individual and community assets that provide vital sources of clean air, water, recreation and wildlife habitat. MACED believes that with careful stewardship and targeted investment, Kentucky’s forests can provide a sustainable income to private forest landowners through selective timber harvests, ecosystem services such as carbon storage and non-timber forest products while protecting the benefits of healthy forests.
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