kentucky’s forests - fort thomas independent schools · 2012kentucky’s forests forests are more...

2012

Ke n tu c ky ’ s Fo r e s ts

2 0 1 2 C o n s e r v a t i o n W r i t i n g a n d J i m C l a y p o o l A r t C o n t e s t sSponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and

Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts

Kentucky’s Forests2012

Forests are more than “just a bunch of trees”. They are complex communities that support a rich variety of plants and animals – over 750 wildlife species and over 1,800 different kinds of plants. They protect fragile soils from erosion, purify water and even, by reducing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, improve air quality.

Forests cover 47 percent of Kentucky’s land area – some 12 million acres. They provide employment for more than 35,000 Kentuckians, and wood industries add an estimated $8.5 billion to Kentucky’s economy each year.

The forest is made up of a series of levels of life, arranged from the tops of the trees to the ground on which they grow. Each level constitutes a habitat where different species of plants and animals live. Altogether, the parts of the forest and the plants and the animals living in them make up the complex ecosystem we call, simply, a “forest.”

The top level, called the canopy, is formed by the crowns – the leafy tops – of the tallest trees. This is where photosynthesis – using sunlight to manufacture food the tree can use – is carried on most actively. It’s also the home of thousands of insects. These in turn attract thousands of insect-eating birds. Squirrels are also active in the canopy because seeds and nuts are plentiful there.

The next level is the understory. It’s made up of small trees pushing upward toward the light. It has its own population of animals, birds and insects that find the feeding conditions to their liking.

The next layer, considered part of the understory, is called the shrub/herb layer and is composed of many kinds of shrubs, low-lying wildflowers, grasses, ferns, mosses and vines, which offer still different nesting and feeding opportunities. This is the home of many of our songbirds that rely on the berries and seeds of shrubs for food and living here are also mice, insects, snakes and toads.

At the bottom is the forest floor where accumulations of autumn leaves, twigs, branches and even whole trees lie until they’re turned into humus – a rich, absorbent, brown or black layer of soil – by weather and the activity of the fungi, millipedes, ants and other insects.

What is a Forest?

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1912 Creation of the Board of Forestry By the early 1900’s, Kentucky’s forests had been over-harvested, cleared for agriculture and charred by wildfires. In response to the depleting resource, the Kentucky General Assembly empowered a new Board of Agriculture, Forestry and Irrigation to act as a forestry

commission for the state in 1906. By 1912, the Assembly also passed a law to adopt the recommendations of a U.S. Forest Service Report to create a dedicated Board of Forestry.

1913 First Fire Protection AssociationUnder the guidance of the Board of Forestry, the first Fire Protection Association was organized in 1913 in Harlan County. Landowners paid a yearly one-cent-per-acre forest protection tax and by 1915, the area of protection encompassed 200,000 acres and extended to neighboring counties.

1914 First Tree NurseriesTwo state-owned tree nurseries were established in 1914 to raise tree seedlings and create state forest reserves. The first and largest nursery was located at the fairgrounds in Louisville and a smaller nursery was created in Frankfort. These nurseries were later replaced by the John P. Rhody Nursery and the Morgan County Nursery. KDF’s nurseries today are capable of growing three to four million seedlings annually.

1919 First State ForestIn 1919, the Board of Forestry acquired its first state-owned forest. The property – located in Harlan County on the south side of Pine Mountain – was deeded to the Commonwealth by the Kentenia-Cartron Corporation and subsequently named Kentenia State Forest. The initial tracts of land at Kentenia totaled 3,624 acres. Today, KDF owns and manages nine state forest properties across the state encompassing over 43,000 acres.

1933 Civilian Conservation Corp Comes to KentuckyThe Great Depression of the 1930s, as devastating as it was to the nation, had a positive impact on forestry. One of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). From 1933 to 1942, CCC camps were established in every state, including Kentucky. Among other duties, the young men in these camps worked to reclaim forests by erecting fire towers, fighting forest fires and planting trees. CCC markers, like the one located near Cumberland Falls, can be found throughout Kentucky.

This year officially marks the centennial anniversary of the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF). Originally known as the Board of Forestry as established in 1912 by the Kentucky General Assembly, KDF is the oldest state forestry agency in the South. From assisting landowners to suppressing wildfires, KDF has been the backbone of forest conservation in Kentucky for the last 100 years. As we navigate the future, however, KDF foresters and rangers will need to prioritize projects and focus on critical areas in our state. Given that Kentucky has over 12 million acres of forestland, this will be a daunting task for generations to come. So, let’s rejoice in the accomplishments of our past, but let us not forget to lend a hand in conserving our forest resources today. After all, it’s our legacy to the future!

Kentucky’s ForestryCentennial

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1944 Smokey Bear’s Birthday Smokey Bear, a mascot of the United States Forest Service, was created in 1944 as an advertising campaign of the Ad Council and the National Association of State Foresters to educate the public about the dangers of forest fires. The living symbol of Smokey Bear was an American black bear cub that survived the Capitan Gap fire in New Mexico in the spring of 1950. Smokey Bear has been the basis for KDF’s fire prevention education program in schools throughout the state since the 1950s.

1948 General Assembly Enacts Laws for Forest Management The Kentucky General Assembly enacted laws in 1948 that provided for guidance in forest management. These laws serve as the foundation for the Kentucky Forest Stewardship program that provides technical assistance to public and private landowners for the purpose of sustaining forest resources.

1964 Arbor Day in Kentucky Designated as the First Friday in AprilAlthough the Kentucky General Assembly established Arbor Day in our state in 1896 as a day set aside for recognizing the importance of trees, the actual day changed several times until the 1960’s. At KDF’s request, in 1964, Kentucky Legislature designated the first Friday of April as Arbor Day in Kentucky.

1970 Fire Towers Give Way to Aerial Detection The 70s brought changes to the way the division located forest fires. Fire towers that were traditionally used were retired from service and the division began using aerial detection to spot fires. This method has proven very effective in locating and suppressing wildfires.

1980 Kentucky Establishes an Urban & Community Forestry ProgramIn the 80s, urban

sprawl and a shift in the state’s population from rural to urban areas created the need to practice urban forestry. As a result, the division established a program to provide technical assistance and funding to address the importance of urban trees for their social, environmental and economic benefits.

1990 Forest Management Makes Strides In 1990, the division’s forest management program—a program that provides technical assistance to landowners— was upgraded to encompass the federal Forest Stewardship Program. In 1993, the National Woodland Owners Association honored the division’s Forest Stewardship Program as the finest in the United States.

1998 Kentucky Forest Conservation Act Two years after the creation of the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act (KFCA) in 1998, the division became responsible for inspecting commercial timber harvesting operations. In accordance

with KFCA regulations, a master logger must be on site and in charge of all commercial timber harvests and they must ensure that best management practices are being used to reduce and prevent nonpoint source water pollution.

2012 KDF Today and TomorrowKDF celebrates a rich history in forestry. Historically, the division has enforced forest fire protection laws, provided fire suppression on private land, conducted fire prevention activities, maintained a tree seedling program and provided technical assistance to private landowners. In more recent years, the division has taken on community and urban forestry programs, timber harvesting inspections, forest health assessments and environmental education. Our state is fortunate to have a forest resource that remains productive and diverse, and with proper management, our forests will continue to provide economic and environmental benefits for hundreds of years to come.

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Promoting ForestryConservation districts are located in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. They

assist landowners in developing conservation plans and provide technical assistance for best management practices that protect the soil and water resources. These practices are designed to reduce soil erosion and impact the amount of silt or contaminants that enter ponds, lakes and streams. Common forestry best management practices are identified below.

RevegetationRevegetation means establishing a vegetative cover to stabilize the soil

and reduce damage to downstream areas from sediment and runoff that result from the harvest of trees. Revegatation is accomplished by sowing grass on erodible or severely eroded areas, such as logging roads, skid trails, or log landings, as soon as possible.

Proper FertilizationThis practice concerns minimizing impacts to water quality while applying

specific chemicals to the soil to favor increased growth of vegetation. This practice induces desirable vegetation to achieve maximum growth practices for site conditions, while managing the fertilizer in such a way as to protect the quality of nearby water bodies. Proper fertilization is achieved by:• Using only the amount of fertilizer necessary. • Staying away from bodies of water or land immediately next to them. • Avoid using fertilizer within 30 feet of sinkholes.

Streamside Management ZonesStreamside management zones (SMZs) are buffer strips of a width

consisting of the existing native vegetation, including trees, both deciduous and evergreen, and shrubs along the stream area. SMZs serve many important functions, and are of special importance in controlling and filtering sediment from forestry operations, promoting and sustaining wildlife and fish populations, and maintaining water quality. The SMZ not only acts as a buffer between land activities and sensitive aquatic ecosystems, but it also usually supports high diversity in animal and plant populations, valuable habitat, and multiple recreational uses.

Putting together an Envirothon TeamThe Kentucky Association of Conservation District and the Kentucky Envirothon Committee offer the opportunity for high school students to participate in the Envirothon. The Envirothon competition tests students’ knowledge on aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current environmental issue.Plans are being made for the 2013 Envirothon that will take place in the spring. For more information about Envirothon, visit www.envirothon.org/ or conservation.ky.gov/Pages/Envirothon.aspx.

Fun FactsPaperIn the United States, paper makes up 29% of municipal solid waste, more

than any other material Americans throw away.

Benefits of paper recycling include:

• Saves landfill space

• Extends fiber supply

• Reduces energy and water consumption

• Contributes to carbon sequestration

In 2007, the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) reported that

about 37% of the raw materials used at US paper mills was recovered paper.

Paper recipe: pioneerthinking.com/crafts/crafts-basics/makingpaper.html

Reclaimed timber

Timber recycling is the process of turning waste timber into usable

products. Recycled timber can come in two forms: Reclaimed or recycled

and salvaged. Reclaimed or recycled timber is wood that has been

previously used in construction and that is now being carefully dismantled

and prepared for reuse. Salvaged wood has not been previously cut into

lumber or used for construction. Most of salvaged material is still in log

form and was harvested many years ago. Both salvaged and reclaimed

timber can be used in new construction of buildings, furniture and art.

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The crown of the tree

is made up of the leaves and

branches.

The cambium is a layer or zone of cells, one cell thick, inside the

inner bark. The cambium produces both the xylem and phloem cells. This is where

diameter growth occurs and where rings and inner bark are formed.

The trunk of the tree supports the crown and

serves as a highway for food made in the leaves to travel

to the roots and for water and nutrients from the roots to travel

to the leaves.

The roots of the tree support the trunk and crown and

also anchor the tree in the soil. They serve as a storage facility during the

winter for the food produced by the leaves during the growing season. The roots also absorb water and nutrients from the soil for

use by the tree.

The heartwood of the tree develops as the tree gets

older. Its old sapwood that no longer carries sap gives the trunk support

and stiffness. In many kinds of trees, the heartwood is darker color than the sapwood, since its water-carrying tubes get clogged up.

The bark layer protects the

tree from insects and disease, excessive heat

and cold and other injuries.

In the xylem (sapwood) layer, tree sap (water plus nitrogen

and mineral nutrients) is carried back up from the roots to the leaves. Sapwood gives a tree its strength. In the phloem

(inner bark) layer, sugar that’s made in the leaves or needles is carried down to the branches, trunks and roots, where it’s converted into the food (starch) the tree needs for growth.

What is a Tree?A tree is a woody plant that’s usually more than 10-feet tall and has one main stem. Although trees come in different shapes and sizes, most have the

same basic parts. Each of these parts, from the highest leaves in the crown to the tiny root hairs buried in the soil, plays an important role in the tree’s func-tion and survival.

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Matching Leaves to Trees

The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, is made of white oak. It was first launched in 1797!

The shells of black walnut have many uses including an abrasive cleaning agent for

jet engines, filler for dynamite, a filter agent in smoke-stacks, and a flour-like

carrying agent for insecticides. The wood is highly prized for cabinets,

furniture, musical instruments, paneling, gunstocks, and

other fancy wood products.

The wood of the Eastern red cedar is used to make chests and repel moths in closets.

Elk and deer use the current season’s growth

of red maple as a source of winter food, but the leaves can be toxic to horses.

Tool handles and baseball bats are often made from green ash wood, because the wood is known for being hard and strong.

Hickory wood is often used for smoking cured meats and for cooking barbeque, as the burning of hickory wood adds a pleasant flavor to the meat.

The tulip poplar is the state tree of Kentucky. It is actually not

a member of the poplar family – instead, it is a

member of the magnolia family.

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1631Mayflower

Compact was

established

1776

United States

Declaration of

Independence

1789George Washington

becomes first President of United States

1792Kentucky becomes the 15th state on June 1

1804Lewis and

Clark begin their expedition across North America

1861Abraham Lincoln,

born in Kentucky,

becomes 16th

President of United

States

1865University of

Kentucky founded in Lexington

1944Conservation writing contest was established

1960Hawaii becomes the 50th state

Tree Ring TimelineTree rings (growth rings or annual rings) can be seen in a horizontal cross section cut through the truck of a tree. In general, a tree is marked by a

growth ring each year. Tree rings provide a timeline to the past! The inner rings are the oldest; the outer rings are the youngest.

1875First Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs

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Healthy S treamsRiparian Zones&

The area of plant growth along streams is known as the riparian zone. The word “riparian” comes from the Latin ripa for river bank. Riparian areas, also called “buffers,” are strips of vegetation that include trees, bushes and other plants. These areas are attractive additions to residential neighborhoods and urban areas and provide important habitat for wildlife. More importantly, these plants provide an important barrier between the stream and anything that might flow into it, including all kinds of pollution.

Unfortunately, some people destroy riparian buffers unnecessarily through lack of knowledge. Real estate developers may clear plants for better views; road builders occasionally bury buffers beneath highways; engineers sometimes construct culverts, stream channels and retaining walls over buffers; farmers might plow down to the stream bank; and homeowners and timber harvesters periodically clear trees right to the water line.

Landowners, local governments, farmers, conservation organizations and volunteers can all help restore and protect the riparian buffers

which in turn restore and protect the quality of our streams.

Native plants in the riparian zone have multiple jobs:

• Help maintain cool water temperatures by providing shade.

• Provide habitat and a travel corridor for wildlife.

• Provide food resources for the aquatic ecosystem in the form of leaves, branches and insects.

• Stabilize banks by rooting into soil. Roots hold bank soil together and tree stems protect banks by deflecting the cutting action of waves, ice, boat wakes and stormwater runoff.

• Filter out chemicals and nutrients that run off from neighboring yards and landscapes.

• Filter and stabilize sediment carried from construction sites.

• Supply large woody debris to the channel to help maintain channel form and improve complexity of in-stream habitat.

• Limit downstream flooding.• Provide natural environment for recreation,

such as fishing, canoeing, hiking and bird watching.

Restoring riparian buffersBuffers can take many forms and can be

used in rural, suburban and urban areas alike. To be most effective, riparian areas should include native vegetation. Native plants require less maintenance and are better suited to native birds, butterflies and wildlife. Buffers should be as wide as possible and as tall as the stream is wide.

Creating a riparian zone does not have to be expensive. Simply ignore your stream bank by creating a no-mow zone and see what happens. Birds, squirrels, wind, water and wandering roots from nearby plants will find their way to your stream bank, delivering your future forest in the form of seeds, nuts, berries and roots. You can also choose to help your riparian buffer along by planting new native trees, bushes and grasses.

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What’s Global Climate Change? Our world is always changing. Look out your window long enough and you might see the weather change. Look even longer and you'll see the seasons

change. The Earth's climate is changing too, but in ways that you can't easily see. One of the reasons the Earth is getting warmer is because the burning of fossil fuels has added heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere – these gases are called greenhouse gases. They exist naturally in the atmosphere, where they help keep the Earth warm enough for plants and animals to live. As the world’s population has grown, many factors have contributed to the climate changes we are seeing around the world—on land, in the oceans and in the atmosphere – and these changes are affecting people, plants and animals in many ways. These changes are happening because the Earth's air, water and land are all linked to the climate. The Earth's climate has changed before, and will continue to change in the future. Finding ways to minimize our impact on the environment will be important for generations to come.

Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a certain place over many years. One of the most important trends that scientists look at is the average temperature of the Earth, which has been increasing for many years. Rising global temperatures leads to stronger hurricanes, melting glaciers, changing forest compositions and the loss of wildlife habitats. This means a change in one place can lead to other changes somewhere else. For example, when air temperatures rise, the oceans absorb more heat from the atmosphere and become warmer. Warmer oceans, in turn, can cause stronger storms.

These warming temperatures also allow more southerly plant species that would not normally live through our winters to grow and thrive here. One significant side effect to this is that the warmer temperatures optimize

growing conditions for many exotic, invasive plant species. These plant species have no natural controls, so once they get started they can fully take over a forest, often killing out any native plants. This can result in a complete change in forest composition and, unlike some animals, trees can’t just get up and move when the temperature gets too hot or other conditions change!

The diagram above shows how rising global temperatures can lead to a variety of other changes.

In Kentucky, most plants and animals live in areas with very specific climate

conditions, such as temperature and rainfall patterns that enable them

to thrive. Any change in the climate can affect the plants and animals

living there, as well as the makeup of the entire ecosystem. It alters

the life cycles of the plants causing many to grow and bloom earlier;

disrupting pollination cycle and fruit production.

Climate vs. Weather• Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a place over many

years (usually at least 30 years). For example, the climate in Minneapolis is cold and snowy in the winter, while Miami's climate is hot and humid. The average climate around the world is called global climate.• Weather is a specific event or condition that happens over a period of

hours or days. For example, a thunderstorm, a snowstorm, and today's temperature all describe the weather.Here's an easy way to remember the difference between weather and climate:

Climate helps you decide what clothes to buy and weather helps you decide

what clothes to wear each day.

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Swamps of Kentucky

Tupelo swamp near Paducah, KY

Does Kentucky have swamps? Many folks would say no, but they’d be wrong! Swamps are simply forested wetlands. These areas provide critical ecosystem services including carbon storage, fish breeding areas, flood control, water purification and wildlife habitat. Even though over 80% of wetlands in Kentucky have been filled in over the years, some swamps still survive. In Kentucky, forested wetlands are composed mainly of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatic). Swamps such as these are generally found in the far southwest portions of the Commonwealth. However, wetland areas can be found all over the state. You can see if your county has any wetlands by viewing a county map at ukcc.uky.edu/maps and looking for wetlands symbols. These areas host many important species of fish and other animals, like beavers, turtles and bald eagles. Get out and see some of these critters and their habitat by visiting a Kentucky swamp near you!

In Your Own BackyardCan you grow a forest in your backyard? Few of us have the ability to

grow more than a few trees, shrubs or wildflowers in our backyard, so it is especially important to choose wisely when selecting what to plant. Most importantly, if you want to attract wildlife, plant natives because that’s what Kentucky’s wildlife needs for good nutrition and good cover.

Some other things to consider:• A diversity of plants provides a diversity of foods (nectar, seeds,

berries, nuts, leaves) and attracts a greater diversity of wildlife. • Native perennials provide consistent food and shelter year after year.• Build on existing habitat. For example, in shade create a forest or

woodland habitat garden; in the sun, a prairie or glade habitat garden; and in wet areas, a wetland or water garden.

• To accommodate changes in our climate, choose plants suitable for your current vegetative zone rather than relying on old information concerning what can grow.

• Wildlife needs clean water just like you do.

Here’s what you might expect to see visiting some common native plants:• Tulip tree – bees, hummingbirds, fritillary butterfly caterpillars,

songbirds• Elderberry, wild cherry and mulberry – orioles, mockingbirds, small

mammals, turtles, ants• Trees with natural cavities or loose bark – amphibians, flying

squirrels, chickadees, bluebirds, barn swallows, bats• Fallen logs and wood piles – wrens, raccoons, foxes, amphibians,

box turtles and other reptiles, insects• Wildflowers – butterflies, moths, bees, birds, small mammals

Keep a record of what visits and when. If you don’t get visits, then research the species you want to attract and make a plan for their habitat requirements.

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What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a way of making production on a farm more sustainable. Most farmers grow crops that are planted and harvested in one growing season, like corn and soybeans. By planting trees on their farms, farmers could have additional crops such as fruit or nuts. The crop could be produced every year without replanting but could also keep the soil from eroding and add leaves to enrich the soil.

There are five agroforestry practices. There are four practices that require planting by the farmers in areas where trees do not currently grow and the other is a way for farmers to manage their forests in order to produce an annual crop.

Alley CroppingAlley cropping is the technique of planting trees so that other crops can grow in between the rows. Often the trees used in alley cropping are nut producers such as black walnut or pecan trees, but fruit and conifer trees could also be used. In the alley between the trees, certain crops and forages can be grown. As the trees grow, the type of crop may have to be changed due to the increase of shade.

Silvopasture

Foresters do not like having cattle or other animals

running in the forests, but this practice is designed

to mix trees and livestock. Silvopasture is a way

to get three products from one area: the trees, the

grass and the animals. The relationship between

the three products creates an ideal atmosphere:

the trees provide shade for the animals and

protect the soil from erosion and the animals

provide fertilizer for the trees and grass. The

farmer will need to protect any newly planted trees

from the animals. Many different tree and animal

combinations can be used.

WindbreaksIn western Kentucky, the land is flatter and strong winds can come from the west or south, damaging the crops. Windbreaks are rows of trees planted in a way to slow down much of the wind. The windbreaks need to be planted so that the wind is broken at all times of the year, so conifers or evergreens are necessary. The next row should be deciduous trees that grow more quickly. The last row should be shrubs providing leaves and branches closer to the ground. Windbreaks should be between 3-5 rows. The rows should be planted so there are no holes in the middle for wind to pass through and should also be tall enough to get the most benefit over the land. The trees should not be so tight that they block the wind, but should slow the wind.

Forest Farming

This type of agroforestry deals with a

forest that is already present. Farmers can grow

crops that can be harvested every year, like hen of

the woods, shiitake, and morels. Medicinal plants can

also be grown, such as ginseng, goldenseal and black

cohosh, which are all native to Kentucky. Other types

of forest farming include bee hives, arts and crafts

from broken limbs and maple syrup.

Riparian buffer strips

Riparian buffer strips are built near streams and

designed to protect the water of the streams from

fertilizer and pesticide runoff as well as keeping the

waters cool. The riparian area should be composed

of the three types of plants separated into rows.

The first section, closest to the stream, is made up

of trees that are used to being near water, such as

willows, sycamores and birches. The second section

should be shrubs, such as dogwood or berry bushes.

The third section should be native grasses such as

prairie grass, eastern gamagrass and little and big

bluestem. All sections should be equal in width and

no trees from the first section should be cut.

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If you’re looking for a challenging career that positively impacts Planet Earth daily; requires flexibility, creativity and a sense of humor; allows you to thrive on diversity because every day is a new adventure; is both physically and mentally demanding with work indoors and outdoors, with people and nature, creat-ing environments where people can relax; is a fun job that asks and answers “what if?” questions and finds solutions; and lets you keep growing and learning in an emerging industry, then check out these careers or contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at www.forestry.ky.gov .

Accountant Appraiser Consulting Arborist Forest Geneticist Broker Christmas Tree Farmer

Community Educator

Cooperative Extension Specialist Environmental Consultant/Ecologist School Teacher Executive Director

Forest Pathologist/Entomologist Forester Fund Raiser/Resource Developer

GIS P rofessional/Technician Grant Administrator Grant Writer Groundskeeper Landscaper Lawyer

Lobbyist Lumber Harvester Nature Photographer Nursery Owner/Manager Park P lanner

Park Supervisor Professor Research Scientist Salesperson Silvicultur is t Social Forester (Naturalist)

Soil Scientist Agroforester

Transportation Engineer Tree Nursery Grower Tree Service Urban Forester Urban Planner

Utility Arborist/Forester Wildland Fire Wildland Restoration Special ist

ForestryRelated Careers

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7. The top three writing entries and/or artworks from you school must be submitted to your local county conservation district by December 1, 2012.

8. The official entry form must be completed and secured to the back of your entry.

POINT SYSTEM FOR WRITING• 20 points - Purpose/Audience (establishes and maintains a purpose,

communicates with audience, employs a suitable voice and/or tone)

• 20 points - Organization (logical order, coherence, transition organizational signals)

• 30 points - Idea Development/Support (degree to which writer provides thoughtful, detailed support to develop main idea(s) including evidence of research), Factual Accuracy

• 30 points - Correctness (spelling, punctuation, capitalization), Language (word choice, usage), Sentences (varied in structure and length, constructed effectively, complete and correct),

POINT SYSTEM FOR ARTWORK• 50 points - Purpose/Audience (appropriate communication style

to reach audience, establishes and maintains a purpose, holds to subject in community)

• 25 points - Theme clearly conveyed at a glance

• 25 points - Language/Correctness (word choice, usage, spelling, punctuation, capitalization)

HELPFUL HINTS• Keep entry simple and sincere.

• Be creative and original. Avoid plagiarism by using original words and ideas. Plagiarism is defined as the act of stealing and passing off the words of another as your own without crediting the source.

• Consider an area of forestry that is important to you, your family and your community.

• Draw from your personal interests or experiences.

• Writing entry should take the form of transactive.

• Think about forestry issues in your community, be it farm, subdivision or city block.

• DO NOT use the “Kentucky’s Forests: Branching Out” document as your only source.

• Interview people in your community about changes in forestry issues.

• Find ways to conserve and improve forestry habitat in your community. TAKE ACTION!

The 2012 Conservation Writing Contest is designed for Kentucky students grades 6-12, and the Jim Claypool Conservation Art Contest is for students 1-5.

State WinnersFirst - $250 check; Second - $150 check; Third - $50 check

Regional Winners$50 check

County Level Winners$25 check* State and Regional winners will receive a personalized plaque and certificate. County winners that win regional or state awards will only receive one check for the top prize.

RULES1. All Kentucky students grades 6-12 are eligible to compete in the writing contest. Only students through grade 5 may compete in the art contest. Previous winners of the first-place state awards are not eligible to enter that same contest.

2. A student may not enter both the Jim Claypool Conservation Art Contest and the Conservation Writing Contest during the same contest.

3. An entry must be created by one and only one student. Any entry submitted by more than one student will be disqualified.

4. All entries become the property of the contest sponsors. The decisions of the judges at all levels of competition are final.

5. WRITING: entry may not exceed 1,000 words and must be written in ink or typed on one side of paper only. No photographs or artwork may be included with the written work. It is suggested that the written entry take the form of transactive writing (from the perspective of an informed writer to a less informed reader) and may be in the form of a letter, feature article, editorial or speech. It should persuade the reader to take action toward good forest practices. The work should be from the student author and avoid plagiarism from this source or other sources. Sources should be cited.

6. ARTWORK: shall be 9”x12”. Any thickness or color of art board may be used. Art paper may be used, but must be pasted onto art board or cardboard before submitting for competition. NO plywood will be accepted. Artwork may be rendered in any medium: pencil, ink, charcoal, crayon, oil, etc., but it must be flat art. 3-D art is unacceptable; however, collages, photographs or other art pasted onto your board will be accepted as long as it is flat art pasted securely to the poster board. An art entry may take the form of a poster, newspaper advertisement or editorial cartoon, making sure that whatever form is used the artwork conveys a message at a glance that persuades its viewers to take action toward good forestry practices.

The Division of Conservation acknowledges and thanks the following organizations and agencies for their support:

Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation; Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts; Division of Forestry; Energy and Environment Cabinet; Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; Division of Water; Department of Education; United States Natural Resources Conservation Service

2 0 1 2 C o n s e r v a t i o n W r i t i n g a n d J i m C l a y p o o l A r t C o n t e s t s

Name (Miss, Mr) ______________________________________

Home Address _______________________________________

City ______________________________Zip ________________

Home Phone ( ) ____________________________________

Age ____________________ Grade ____ Teacher ____________

County ______________________________________________

School ______________________________________________

School Address _______________________________________

City ______________________________Zip ________________

School Phone ( ) ____________________________________

I hereby certify that I have read the rules and helpful hints and this entry is the original work of:

____________________________________________________Student Signature

____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature (required)

____________________________________________________ Teacher or Principal’s Signature (required)

2 0 1 2 C o n te s t E n t r y Fo r m



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