Response to Storm-Related Damages

The past several years have been hard on Kentuckians as severe storms have affected us all. It has also been hard on our woodlands owners as storm-related losses mount. Whether winter ice storm, or unfathomable tornado outbreaks, we are here to help guide you to resources and assistance.

The initial damage to trees and their value caused by ice and wind storms is obvious and can be significant. However, these storms can also lead to long-term continued reduction in the health and value of trees that survive—loss that may go unnoticed for many years. Understanding how this loss of value occurs is important to those woodland owners who own storm-damaged timber.

It is important to remind landowners to take extreme caution when entering any wooded areas full of storm-related hazards from downed powerlines and trees, storm debris, and widow-makers (loose branches and hung-up stems high in the canopy). On this site are links to publications on safety in the woods, timber salvage decisions, and managing your woodlands following severe storm damage. We will continue developing materials related to our response to the tornado damage across the Commonwealth.