USDA, NRCS, Kentucky Partner to Manage Lands and Waters

Friday, August 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have signed an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to strengthen their commitment to collaboratively manage lands and waters throughout the state. This shared stewardship agreement involves multiple agencies, including the USDA Forest Service, NRCS, Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Under this agreement, the parties will work together:

To identify land management priorities.

Mitigate ecological health risks and natural catastrophes.

Protect and enhance water quality and quantity.

Improve air quality and conserve energy.

Assist communities in planning for and reducing wildfire risks.

Maintain and enhance the economic benefits and values of forests.

Protect, conserve, and enhance wildlife and fish habitat.

Kentucky is now the 13th state in the South and the final state in the nation to sign such an agreement, strengthening partnerships within the state to increase the scope and scale of critical forest treatments that support communities and improve forest conditions.

The agreement can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/shared-stewardship, and it was signed at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Several cabinet secretaries and commissioners from the Kentucky agencies involved have expressed their support and commitment to this shared stewardship agreement. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable and economically healthy practices.

This shared stewardship agreement showcases the USDA's dedication to working with states and private entities using the best available science to manage and enhance lands across the country, and it demonstrates the commitment to protecting and preserving Kentucky's natural resources.