By Blake Jackson
The third week of October, October 20-26, marks National Forest Products Week. This annual tradition honors the significance of forests and the valuable products they yield.
From fuel pellets and charcoal to lumber, flooring, and maple syrup, forest products play a vital role in our daily lives.
Kentucky's forest industry has witnessed substantial economic growth in recent years, despite inflationary challenges. The industry's economic impact surged from $13 billion in 2017 to $18.6 billion in 2022, creating over 57,000 jobs. This growth is attributed to increased wages, addressing a historical competitiveness issue in the sector.
National Forest Products Week aims to raise awareness about the benefits of forest products and promote sustainable forestry practices.
“We spend time during Tree Week celebrating living forests and their importance, and then we transition into Forest Products Week, where we focus on how these resources are essential for sustaining our daily lives,” Chad Niman, forest products specialist in the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. “It’s a balance of appreciating the multitude of great things that trees offer while ensuring we’re making the most out of these resources in a sustainable way and keeping a focus on forest health.”
To commemorate National Forest Products Week, several educational activities are planned throughout the week, including webinars and a campus cookout.
One notable highlight is a discussion on forestry careers and the introduction of the new high school forestry curriculum, "Kentucky ForestryWorks."
Developed by the University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension in collaboration with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky Forest Industries Association, this curriculum provides students with valuable insights into forestry careers and sustainable forest management.
Niman is also conducting a specialized training program, a wood kiln drying workshop, at the Wood Utilization Center on October 22-23. This program requires pre-registration and a fee.
“National Forest Products Week reminds us of the many ways forest products from construction materials to everyday items impact our lives,” Niman said. “As Kentucky’s forest sector continues to thrive, the celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices and the ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Kentucky, Education