The third week of October is designated as National Forest Products Week. For more than six decades, this tradition has honored the importance of forests and goods they produce. This year’s event spans Oct. 20-26. 

Forest products run a wide span from fuel pellets, to charcoal, poplar millwork and doors to red oak flooring, sugar maple basketball courts and maple syrup to railroad ties that support trains, people and freight. It recognizes the need for responsible land stewardship and conservation practices to ensure sustainable forest management. 

“Kentucky’s forests not only provide beauty and environmental benefits, but they also serve as a foundation for a renewable forest industry that contributes significantly to the state’s economy,” said Chad Niman, forest products specialist in the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. “Thousands of renewable products are produced because of trees and woodlands that grow back as long as we do not develop the space that they occupied.” 

In recent years, Kentucky’s forest industry has experienced significant economic growth, despite challenges posed by inflation. The industry’s economic impact in the Commonwealth surged from $13 billion in 2017 to $18.6 billion in 2022, with over 57,000 jobs. The primary driver was increasing wages in a sector that has historically struggled with a competitive pay scale and inflation’s impact on input costs.  

National Forest Products Week serves not only to raise awareness about the benefits of forest products and wood industries, but also 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,” Niman said. “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.” 

During Forest Products Week, several educational webinars and activities are planned throughout the week, as well as a cookout on UK’s campus. These include a discussion on forestry careers and a presentation on the new high school forestry curriculum “Kentucky ForestryWorks” available across Kentucky’s 120 counties.  

The curriculum, developed by the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension in collaboration with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky Forest Industries Association, provides students with insights into forestry careers and sustainable forest management. 

Niman is also teaching a specialized training, wood kiln drying workshop at the Wood Utilization Center on Oct. 22-23. The program does require pre-registration and has 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.” 

Visit http://forestry.ca.uky.edu at Martin-Gatton CAFE for information on forests, forest management, forest products and other wooded resources.  

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu   

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