The forests of Kentucky are a diverse and beautiful ecosystem, dominated by two main forest types: oak/hickory and oak/pine. Even though hardwood species dominate in the state, (including walnut, oak, maple, cherry, hickory and yellow-poplar), there are considerably large areas of natural and commercial pine forests across the state. Common pine species include Virginia, pitch, loblolly and eastern white pine.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry's forest health program focuses on identifying and monitoring for potential insect, disease, invasive and exotic plant problems that threaten our forestlands.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock woolly adelgid surveys were completed in the Northeastern, Eastern, Kentucky River and Southeastern districts. The adelgid was found in 30+ sites in Bell, Grayson, Harlan, Leslie, Letcher and Oldham counties.  The infestations in Grayson and Oldham counties were fairly isolated and were eradicated by the landowner.  Predatory beetles were released on Kentucky Ridge State Forest, located in Bell County, and were strategically placed in several significantly infested locations with more to be released in spring 2008.  

Hemlock woolly adelgid periodic surveys will begin again in the northeastern, eastern and southeastern regions of the state in late December and conclude in April 2008.   

Please click here for the hemlock woolly adelgid distribution map for surveyed and infested sites.

Emerald Ash Borer

In the spring of 2007, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in Hamilton County, Ohio, about four miles north of the Kentucky border. Currently the entire states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are under federal quarantines that restrict the movement of ash trees, branches, logs and firewood out of those states. Kentucky is cooperating with the (USDA-PPQ) personnel to enforce this federal quarantine. 

EAB Quarantine Fact Sheet

The lumber industry in Kentucky has been very supportive of the measures designed to restrict the accidental movement of EAB into the state. Firewood movement has been a major factor in the spread of EAB; thus, the Kentucky state parks have banned firewood from quarantined areas. The Kentucky Forest Health Task Force produced a firewood poster that will be displayed at all state and federal parks, campgrounds and various other sites across the state. 

Currently, the only available technique for early detection of EAB is the use of trap trees. Trap trees are ash trees that are intentionally wounded by girdling and then removing a four-to-eight-inch band of bark and phloem around the trunk of the tree. These stressed trees release volatiles, thus making them attractive to EAB. Sticky bands of plastic are placed on either side of the girdled section to capture the beetles. After a year, the tree is cut down and dissected to determine if larval galleries are present.  Monitoring and trapping sites were set up in 35 location across the state.  The ash trees selected for monitoring at the 35 locations are currently being removed and dissected to check for any larval galleries.

How Can You Help?

You can help by becoming familiar with the symptoms of these pests and diseases and by reporting suspected infestations or diseased trees to the division. Contact the district office that serves your area.