By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-907552.mp3
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – Forest health has been identified as the number one issue facing Kentucky's wooded landscapes, according to a new report from the state Division of Forestry.
"As far as insect and disease threats, we have concerns with the emerald ash borer that has potential impact to cause fatality of our ash trees across over the entire state as it is introduced from the north," says Stewart West with the Kentucky Division of Forestry's stewardship program. "Also in our southeast area of Kentucky is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid threat."
West says based on results of an online public survey, nearly two thousand respondents named water quality, forest fragmentation, forest management, and funding as other major issues of concern.
Kentucky will use the federally-mandated assessment as its forest strategy guide over the next five years.
View the entire report at foresty.ky.gov.