Archive for May, 2009

KWOA VP, Henry Duncan, Named Kentucky Tree Farmer of the Year

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Source: KFIA press release

J. Henry Duncan from Versailles, Kentucky was recently honored as the 2008 Kentucky Tree Farmer of the Year at the Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) 44th Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY. James Morris with the Kentucky Division of Forestry in Madisonville, KY nominated Duncan for the award.

In addition to a plaque recognizing his achievement, a gift certificate in the value

of $350 was presented to Duncan on behalf of the National Tree Farm Program sponsor Stihl Incorporated. Duncan was selected from a number of nominations submitted from throughout Kentucky to the state Tree Farm Committee.

Mr. Duncan ‘s 150-acre tree farm is located in Logan County, Kentucky and is managed for a wide range of benefits including timber production, wildlife and recreation. The farm has been certified as a tree farm since 1985 and has been improved every year since entering the program. Improvements on the farm include timber harvesting, timber stand improvement, tree planting and maintenance of all boundaries and roads. The management of the tree farm has improved wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities on the property.

Mr. Duncan has taken an active role in forest management on his property and has encouraged others to practice good forest management and stewardship. Duncan’s farm was used for a Field Day in 2006 for inner-city youth, city council, parents and leaders from Russellville. His farm is always open for educational uses. Duncan is a member of the Kentucky Water Watch Program and is currently Vice President of the Kentucky Woodland Owners Association. He is also a Certified Forest Steward and past Tom Wallace Farm Forestry Award winner.

The Kentucky Tree Farm Committee is sponsored by the Kentucky Forest Industries Association which is the statewide trade association dedicated to serving and promoting the forest products industry of Kentucky. Founded in 1965, it has over 800 members in the areas of primary and secondary wood industry, supplier and service industries, wholesale, loggers and landowners. The Tree Farm Committee oversees the program in Kentucky and is part of the National Tree Farm Program that promotes sound forest management through sustainable forestry. For more information about the association or how you can become a certified tree farmer contact Bob Bauer at 502/695-3979.

http://www.kytreefarm.org/Press%20Release.08tfofyear.pdf

Joe and Doris Ball, KWOA past president, host a wildflower tour in their woodlands

Monday, May 4th, 2009

By Henry Duncan, KWOA Vice President

Joe and Doris hosted a tour and picnic in their woods south of Somerset on Saturday, April 25th… and a tour it was! Joe owns and operates about 1800 + acres of timberland covering most of a mountain on the border of the KY and Tennessee State line. About 35 of us were treated to some of the most scenic and educational information that could be imagined on that bright sunny Saturday afternoon.

 

Waterfall on Joe Ball farm

Waterfall on Joe Ball farm

Joe has constructed miles of roadway throughout the woods that take you past large waterfalls, towering bluffs, tilting rock formations and beautiful managed woodland. The wildflowers were gorgeous. Joe and his family have constructed a framed shelter on top of the mountain around where several families camped and we enjoyed a BBQ picnic.

Joe and some help harvest and market most of the timber himself. The woodland is managed in a very sustainable fashion.

In addition to several family members and neighbors attending, Doris and Carroll Tichenor, woodland owners in Butler County, Cliff and Barbara Taylor, KWOA members and woodland owners in Boyle ad Casey Counties, and Henry Duncan, KWOA Vice President and woodland owner in Logan County participated in this annual event.

Another attraction near Joe’s farm is Pall Mall, Tennessee junction. This is home of Sgt. Alvin C. York the WW! Medal of Honor recipient. The state has a park for the public to enjoy and study Sgt. York’s life and accomplishments.

Thanks to the Joe Ball family for their good works and in sharing this with others.