FRANKFORT, Ky. — A recent study conducted by extension specialists in the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Forestry found the forestry industry in eastern Kentucky has the potential to grow and create an even greater economic impact.

The study is part of the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) initiative and, specifically, found the forestry sector could provide “about $1.5 billion in additional direct economic contributions and result in 7,498 jobs. If induced and indirect contributions are factored in, the economic contributions could rise as high as an additional $2.3 billion.”

Those are big numbers, sustainable and based on what the forests in that region of 54 SOAR counties could produce on a long-term basis, said Jeff Stringer, UK extension professor and lead investigator for the analysis.

“That’s something that is truly important because a lot of industries can come and go, but the forests are there, they’re a renewable resource and if we manage them right, we can produce long-term sustainable economic contributions,” he said.

This area in eastern Kentucky already has an existing forest industry base in place producing a number of timber products. “Our analysis basically provided for an increase and expansion in those industries, as well as looking at others that could come in and utilize both the forest resource that is not being utilized now and also further process some of the lumber that is produced in the region.”

Stringer added new industries could use low-grade, degraded material or logging residues that are currently not being used. A good example would be eco-power, something that has been talked about and would use the logging residues of harvesting efforts to produce energy.

Another example of a new industry would be a furniture parts manufacturing plant that could use the lumber in the area where goods are being produced.

“You could help on both ends of the spectrum, from the standpoint of better utilization of what is being harvested now and material in the woods that is not being harvested, while increasing the amount of value-added (products) that we have from better use of the primary lumber that is being produced in the region,” he said.

He noted that taking a good look at how the forestry industry could expand has not really been done to this point, but with declines in other regional industries such as coal mining, much attention is on it now because of initiatives like SOAR. This program began in late 2013 and was launched by Gov. Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) as a way to develop and put into action new strategies in Kentucky’s Appalachia area, because of downturns in the coal industry.

The forestry industry is a natural fit for this region, which is home to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Many counties in the area are comprised of as much as 80 percent forestland and most of that, with the exception of the national forest, is privately owned.

Stringer said timber harvesting is allowed in the national forest for production purposes as well as environmental, like improving wildlife habitat, as is also the case with private land.

But educating landowners on the benefits of harvesting, especially for environmental reasons, is a good step in expanding the timber business.

“In order to capture and use the forest potential long term, it has to be done right,” said Stringer. “We do have situations where if the woods are managed correctly, you can help the health of the forest and you can help with the long-term sustainability.”

In order to take full advantage of any potential of the forest, the woods can’t be ignored on issues such as invasive species and an aging forest. “You have to be active in monitoring the forest and managing it to make sure objectives are maximized. That includes economic revenue,” explained Stringer.

He noted  there are forest areas in eastern Kentucky that need to be left alone to allow nature to do its work but generally, expanding the current forest industry would help not only that sector but the overall economy in the region.

The complete report can be seen at www.ukforestry.org