The goal of the Forest Resource Utilization (FRU) program is to foster the most efficient use of Kentucky's timber resources. To accomplish this, the FRU section can supply technical assistance to individual industries, specific segments of the industry, other state and federal agencies and the general public. This assistance includes product marketing assistance, timber resource availability, manufacturing residue management and utilization, equipment analysis, mill efficiency studies, etc.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry provides the following services to the timber industry:

*  Monitors changes in the forests.
*  Strives to match wood producers and wood users.
*  Conducts wood-using industry surveys.
*  Compiles and reports data on quantities and species of wood.
*  Compiles the Primary Wood Industries of Kentucky directory.
*  Reports timber products output (TPO Report).
*  Monitors trends in timber harvesting.
*  Publishes Kentucky's "Growing Gold" newsletter.
*  Offers technical assistance to mills and loggers to help producers increase operating efficiency and promote recycling and efficient use of resources.  

2005 Timber Product Output Report for Kentucky
This report contains the findings of a 2005 survey of all primary wood-using plants in Kentucky and presents changes in product output and residue use since 2003.

2007 Kentucky Primary Wood Industries Directory
This publication provides information on primary wood industries in Kentucky.

2008 Secondary Wood Industries Directory of Kentucky
This publication provides information on the secondary wood industries in Kentucky.

* Non-Timber Products:  Timber management is essential to producing the many wood products that our society depends on; however, there are other options for income from your forest.  For more information on specialty and non-timber forest crops, click here.

* Woody Biomass and Wood Energy:  Woody biomass includes the by-products of forest management.  The trees and woody plants, including limbs, tops, needles, leaves, and other woody parts are all by-products that can be used to produce bioenergy.  For more information on woody biomass utilization, please click here.   

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