All commercial loggers must be in compliance with the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act (KFCA).  KFCA is a law that regulates timber harvesting and the use of best management practices (BMPs) to help protect water quality.  The specifics of the statute are written in KRS 149.330 - 149.355 and the highlights of the act include the following:

• A Kentucky Master Logger (KML) must be on-site and in charge of every commercial logging operation (excluding horse loggers).
• Kentucky's best management practices must be used on every commercial logging operation (including horse loggers).
• The Kentucky Division of Forestry is the primary agency responsible for inspecting logging operations and enforcing compliance with the KML program and BMP requirements.
• Loggers must complete the three-day KML program in order to receive their KML designation card.  They must also complete six hours of continuing education courses every three years. Those failing to fulfill the continuing education requirements will lose their master logger status. 

The cost for all three programs is $85.  The training includes discussion and demonstration of best management practices (BMPs) for logging, forest ecology, chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment and directional felling techniques. KML three-day program registration form

The Division of Forestry, along with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and the Kentucky Forest Industries Association, provide the leadership, direction and instruction for the program.  Visit the official master logger Web page for a complete list of upcoming classes.

People wanting to maintain their designation as a Kentucky master logger will need to complete six hours of continuing education over a three-year period following the issuance of their designation card.  Kentucky recognizes equivalent training from other states.

For information about reciprocity agreements, click here.  Kentucky law requires that a Kentucky master logger is on-site and in charge of commercial logging operations in Kentucky.  If you are working with a logger from out-of-state and he/she attended a logger education program there, they may be eligible to apply for Kentucky master logger status.

Kentucky currently has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.  Logger/operators who have completed equivalent training need to complete a reciprocity application.

Reciprocity will be considered for loggers who have had appropriate training in chainsaw safety and directional felling, best management practices for water quality protection, and adult CPR and first aid.  The logger will need to send a copy of the printable form above, a $50 check and proof of his/her attendance or graduation from the appropriate logger education course.

READ AND PAY STRICT ATTENTION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEMPORARY CARD before submitting the form for a temporary status.  Temporary Kentucky Master Logger Form

A person who wishes to be designated a Kentucky temporary master logger shall:
 
1. Submit a Kentucky Temporary Master Logger Form (KML-7) and pay the $50 application fee.

2. Submit a KML three-day program registration form along with the program fee.  The applicant must register for a program to be held within four months from the application date.

3. The applicant may also register for a reciprocal program in another state as long as it falls within the four-month period.  Proof of their registration is required.

4. The Kentucky temporary master logger designation will expire in four months from the date of issuance and no renewal shall be issued.

5. A person can receive only one Kentucky temporary master logger designation in his/her lifetime.

6. The logger or operator of a timber harvesting operation who uses a Kentucky temporary master logger shall, prior to beginning harvest, notify the appropriate local district office of the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) of each operation on which the temporary master logger will be on-site and in charge.

7. The temporary master logger designation can be revoked if the logger or operator fails to notify KDF, or if harvesting has already started on the operation before notification. List of Current Temporary Master Loggers.

To view the official KRS 149.342 designation, click here.

Kentucky LogJam
Quarterly newsletter providing environmental, safety and professional information to Kentucky's loggers and foresters.

A Logger's Guide to the Forest Conservation Act
This brochure provides information for commercial timber harvesters.

Landowner's Guide to Kentucky Forest Conservation Act
Defines various best management practices that can be used on timber harvesting operations.

Timber Harvesting Equipment Brochure
Illustrates and defines the roles of various timber harvesting equipment for easy reference.

To request a KML information packet, contact Mark Shuster, the KML program coordinator.