►
Description
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:55
Approval of Minutes 02:04
Introduction of Guest 02:24
Update on the acquisition of conservation easements made pursuant to 2023 Regular Session SB 241 02:45
Update from the Kentucky Forest Products Industry 46:53
A
A
A
C
Thank
you,
Mr
chairman.
Let
us
pray
father.
We
thank
you
today,
God
for
your
goodness
and
mercy,
and
we
thank
you
for
this
wonderful
day
that
you
gave
us
Lord
I,
ask
you
to
give
the
wisdom
Lord
to
all
the
men
and
women,
that's
here
on
this
Council
God,
to
make
the
right
decisions
not
only
for
you,
but
also
for
our
people
back
home,
and
we
just
thank
you
Lord.
We
ask
you
to
bless
our
leadership
and
we
thank
you.
God
for
their
Direction
in
Jesus
name,
amen,.
E
F
G
H
H
H
A
Presid
and
co-chair
gu
pres,
you
have
all
right.
We
have
a
quorum.
So
at
this
time,
I'd
like
a
motion
for
the
approval
of
our
minutes
motion,
is
second
all
those
in
favor.
The
sign
of
I
I
oppose
likewise
the
motion's
carry
at
this
time.
Do
we
have
any
of
our
members
that
have
special
guests
or
have
any
comments
or
statements?
They
would
like
all
right.
A
A
A
A
Well,
very
good:
we
are
very
proud
to
have
you
all
in
front
of
our
committee.
You
have
an
incredible
story
to
tell
it's
been
quite
a
journey
I'm,
looking
at
all
the
stuff
that
the
members
of
this
body
and
others
have
have
helped
to
push
this
along
and
I
think
this
is
a
historical
Benchmark
for
the
state
of
Kentucky
and
at
this
time,
I'll
go
ahead
and
turn
it
over
to
you,
commissioner,
and
you
can
kind
of
bring
us
up
to
date
and
talk
a
little
bit
about
this
historic
project.
J
And
my
update
is
a
good
one.
Let
me
get
straight
to
the
point.
Thanks
to
the
work
the
general
assembly
did
in
2022
and
2023.
The
partners
here
today
have
gone
from
early
discussions
on
the
opportunities
with
this
property
to
being
within
just
a
couple
of
months
of
closing
on
a
permanent
conservation,
Recreation
and
Public
Access
easement
on
more
than
54,000
acres
in
Bell,
Knox
and
Leslie
counties.
The
nature
conserves
Cumberland
Forest
project
spans
253,000
Acres
across
Kentucky,
Tennessee
and
Virginia,
and
it's
one
of
the
largest
land
deals
in
our
organization's
history.
J
This
would
allow
them
to
better
conserve
and
manage
wildlife
habitat
to
allow
Public,
Access
and
spur
economic
activity
associated
with
Hunting
Fishing,
Wildlife
watching
and
other
outdoor
recreational
Pursuits.
All
in
perpetuity
encouraged
by
this
support
from
the
Kentucky
General
Assembly
The,
Nature
Conservancy,
has
worked
in
strong
partnership
with
the
department
and
with
Rocky
Mountain
Elk
Foundation
and
want
I
I
want
to
thank
our
partners
for
being
here
today
in
February,
I
came
before
the
Senate
natural
resources
and
energy
committee
and
highlighted
some
concerns.
J
I
had
that
we
had
with
some
of
the
pace
of
due
diligence
that
was
being
conducted
on
the
easement
after
that
committee
meeting
s241
was
introduced
and
it
has
made
all
the
difference:
s
SP
241
became
law
directing
Kentucky
fish
and
wildlife
to
acquire
the
easement
and
provided
the
appropriate
author
authorities
to
do
so.
Items
of
due
diligence
that
had
been
stalled
are
now
now
progressing
very
well.
Almost
immediately
the
department
submitted
an
amended
Grant
request
for
the
federal
Pitman
Robertson
funding
and
selected
the
surveyor.
J
This
surveying
firm
was
also
tasked
with
the
Baseline
report
and
environmental
assessment,
both
of
which
are
now
in
progress,
and
just
this
summer
the
land
contract
was
signed
by
both
parties.
The
title
work
has
been
completed.
A
closing
attorney
was
engaged
to
set
up
an
escrow
account.
The
easement
has
been
prepared
and
plans
for
communications
and
outreach
are
all
underway.
J
All
the
parties
are
committed
to
closing
this
deal
by
the
end
of
the
calendar
year
and
we're
optimistic
that
it
could
happen
as
soon
as
November
I'll
note
that
the
survey
may
not
be
completed
until
2026.
Our
plan,
which
was
allowed
for
specifically
in
s241,
is
for
each
party
to
Escrow
funds
to
reconcile
the
purchase
price
based
on
acreage
once
that
survey
is
completed.
This
is
the
same
strategy
that
our
Tennessee
colleagues
used
and
we're
so
appreciative
that
the
Kentucky
General
Assembly
provided
the
same
pathway
for
our
project
again
on
behalf
of
TNC.
J
I
cannot
overstate
how
appreciative
we
are
for
your
support.
We
recognize
the
difficult
decisions
you
all
face
and
wisely
investing
our
state
revenue
and
thank
you
for
your
continued
support.
I'm
happy
to
answer
any
questions
and
look
forward
to
celebrating
with
you
all
in
Eastern
Kentucky
soon.
Thank.
G
G
This
truly
is
a
historic
conservation
achievement
that
we're
pulling
off
with
the
assistance
of
the
legislature
so
as
k,
Ians
I'm
sure
that
each
of
us
in
here
have
great
memories
of
spending
time
Outdoors,
whether
that's
hiking,
Hunting,
Fishing
whatever
it
is
that
our
time
that
we
like
to
spend
making
memories
with
friends
and
family
are.
But
the
one
thing
that
we
have
to
remember
is
in
order
to
be
able
to
make
those
memories
whatever
that
Pastime
may
be.
We
have
to
have
access
to
the
land
itself.
G
We
have
to
have
the
access
to
the
land
for
our
people
to
be
able
to
go
out
and
make
those
memories,
and
for
that
reason,
this
permanent
Public
Access,
that's
going
to
be
acquired
through
this
project
is
so
important.
I
would
like
to
speak
first
of
all,
the
two
things
for
the
people
who
live
in
the
communities
around
the
TAA
conservation,
easement,
so
Lesley,
County,
Knox,
County
and
Bell
County
we're
talking
about
a
huge
quality
of
life
increase
if
you
have
any
any
desire
whatsoever
ever
to
pursue
outdoor
recreation.
G
If
you
have
any
love
for
natural
beauty,
if
you
have
any
love
for
seeing
the
land
conserved,
this
is
the
first
time
in
your
life
for
those
community
members
that
they're
going
to
be
able
to
say
that
that
is
available
to
them
into
perpetuity,
and
this
is
again
just
a
huge
quality
of
life
increase
for
the
folks
who
live
around
this
property
kind
of
the
second
part
of
that
is,
if
we
think
about
about
beyond
the
local
community.
We
know
that
Kentucky
is
a
destination
state
for
outdoor
recreation.
It's
becoming
more.
G
So
with
each
year,
just
speaking
simply
to
hunting
for
a
minute,
we
know
that
people
are
coming
here
from
all
across
the
United
States
each
year
to
recreate
to
hunt
to
enjoy
what
we
already
have
in
our
backyards
and
when
they're
coming
in
the
thing
to
realize
when
they're
coming
into
our
community
they're
spending
money.
Here,
this
is
Local
Economic
Development
outdoor
recreation
is
Local.
Economic
Development
when
folks
are
coming
in
to
hunt
on
this
property.
G
That
now
has
permanent
Public
Access
they're,
going
to
be
staying
in
the
hotels
in
Middlesboro
they're,
going
to
be
filling
up.
The
gas
tank
down
in
Barberville
they're
going
to
be
eating
at
the
restaurants
in
hiding
they're,
going
to
be
spending
money
and
making
a
positive
economic
impact
in
these
communities-
and
this
is
important
to
me
specifically
talking
to
you,
because
I
am
from
there
born
and
raised
in
East.
Kentucky
grew
up
in
Lesley.
G
G
The
ability
to
have
permanent
Recreation
on
the
property,
also
the
ability
to
conserve
the
property.
But
the
thing
to
realize
is
because
this
is
a
conservation
easement.
The
property
itself
is
going
to
be
standing
private
ownership.
That
means
it's
going
to
be
staying
on
the
tax
rols.
Those
of
us
everybody
in
this
room
understands
how
important
it
is
to
maintain
those
local
property
tax
roles
and
when
we
think
about
our
rural
counties,
we
really
understand
how
important
that
is
so
by
this
55,000
Acres
staying
in
private
ownership.
G
The
last
thing
I
would
like
to
leave
you
with
in
thinking
about
the
deal
structure
itself
and
how
a
conservation
easement
for
this
property
is
a
great
great
match
is
thinking
about
the
traditional
business
opportunities
that
have
been
sued
on
this
property.
So
I've
been
talking
a
lot
about
growing
the
recreational
economy,
but
we
know
that
some
of
our
traditional
natural
resource
economies
are
also
very
much
tied
to
this
property.
So
thinking
just
about
Timber
Harvest,
to
pull
one
example
out.
If
we
think
about
Timber
Harvest,
it
isn't
just
the
loggers,
it's
the
loggers.
G
It's
the
truck
drivers.
It's
the
equipment!
Dealers,
it's
the
guys
at
the
saw
mill,
it's
the
hardwood
plant,
the
hardwood
floring
plant,
it's
the
restaurants
that
are
feeding
the
crews
that
do
all
this
work.
It
really
is
a
huge
ecosystem,
that's
driven
by
Forest
management
and
this
property
by
the
terms
of
this
easement.
The
land
owners
are
going
to
still
be
able
to
pursue
Forest
management
and
sustainable
Timber
Harvest
going
forward.
This
is
huge
for
our
local
communities
in
that
area
and
not
just
these
local
communities,
but
the
entire
and
the
entire
state.
G
So
we
know
that
we
don't
have
a
bourbon
industry
without
White
Oak
staves,
and
you
just
think
about
the
entire
web
that
we
have
with
this:
the
economic
web
from
the
sustainable
management
of
the
natural
resources
on
this
property.
It's
huge
and
speaking
to
you
personally,
as
somebody
who
helped
put
myself
through
college
working
at
a
Saw
Mill
and
who
comes
from
a
family
full
of
loggers
and
saers
and
coal
miners.
I
can
tell
you
right
now.
G
I'm
Mighty
proud
to
be
sitting
here
and
to
know
that
we're
going
to
be
able
to
pursue
these
traditional
business
opportunities
on
this
property
while
at
the
same
time
growing
that
Recreation
economy,
so
in
closing,
really
all
I
want
to
say
is.
Thank
you
all
for
the
part
that
you've
played
in
this
I
know
that
this
is
the
first
time
a
deal
of
this
type
and
of
this
scale
has
been
attempted
in
the
state
of
Kentucky
and
I
know
that
it
would
not
have
happened
without
the
support
of
this
committee
and
the
legislature
in
general.
G
I
Mr
chair,
thank
you
for
allowing
us
to
give
this
update
and
I
can
tell
you
I'm
sitting
with
two
partners,
and
this
is
this
is
like
chain
and
without
a
link
in
that
chain.
You
can't
do
this
stuff,
so
here
with
the
general
assembly
with
Partners,
we
have
a
historic
conservation
easement
the
model
for
for
the
future
of
Kentucky.
So,
let's
think
about
what,
if
we're
in
Agland,
we
could
do
this
again.
We
could
do
this
in
Agland
and
we
could
continue
to
farm.
I
That's
that's
one
of
the
chief
complaints
I've
received
from
the
legislature
losing
farmable
land,
but
we
could
provide
Public
Access.
So
this
is
the
future
and
I
can
tell
you.
Tennessee
and
Virginia
did
this
before
us,
and
so
we
had
a
model
to
go
on.
Tnc
has
been
fantastic
in
this
partnership,
but
we
had
two
failed
attempts
with
this
project
just
just
because
of
politics,
but
two
failed
attempts
to
try
to
acquire
this
property,
and
so
this
is
not
partisan
and
thank
you
thank
you,
Senator
web,
for,
for
what
you
did
last
session.
I
I
know
it
didn't,
it
didn't
come
easy
for
you,
but
thanks
to
so
many
of
the
members
in
the
general
assembly.
Thank
you,
representative
bowling
for
the
hours
of
conversation
that
we
had
I
even
hate
to
mention
names,
but
almost
every
single
person
in
this
room
had
conversations
with
to
be
able
to
make
this
happen.
So
so
this
is
historic
stuff.
I
When
we
talk
about
the
elk
Zone,
this
is
something
I
think
that's
interesting.
So
many
kentuckians
don't
know
that
we
have
elk,
but
we're
25
years
into
an
elk
restoration
program.
The
significance
of
this
restoration.
Couldn't
it
couldn't
be
done
today,
the
zonic
disease
and
other
issues.
We
could
not
move
move
elk
into
Kentucky
today,
and
so
huge
Thanks
goes
out
to
people
that
had
the
fortitude
and
the
guts
to
make
it
happen.
I
I
Yeah
and
and
again
it's
hard
because
there's
there's
hundreds
and
hundreds
of
people
that
played
a
significant
role
from
legislators
and
Mayors
and
and
but
here's
here's
what
I
say.
We
have
4
million
acres
and
16
counties
of
elk
Zone,
and
that
sounds
that
sounds
like
a
lot
of
land,
it's
bigger
than
Yellowstone.
As
a
matter
of
fact,
however,
we
have
access
problems
in
Eastern
Kentucky.
I
I
This
is
54,000
Acres,
continuous
track
of
huntable
lands
for
Elk,
deer,
turkey
and
a
multitude
of
species,
and
then
just
to
the
north
of
this
property.
You've
got
the
Appalachian
Wildlife
Center,
which
is
now
called
Boon
Ridge,
that
property
will
open
someday
and
when
that
property
does
open,
that's
going
to
be
another
tourist
attraction
for
Southeast,
Kentucky
I
think
we
Overlook
the
significance
of
our
natural
resources,
our
wildlife
and
what
we
have
in
Kentucky
I
believe
we're
first
place.
I
I,
truly
believe
that
and
we
have
every
year
we
have
more
people
that
come
to
Kentucky
to
enjoy
our
Outdoors,
we're
not
nearly
as
crowded
as
our
surrounding
states.
So
there's
just
a
lot
of
good
things,
but
but
I
want
to
say
this
to
the
committee
today,
I
think
the
most
important
thing
that
we
have
to
think
about
in
every
state.
We
experience
habitat
loss
and
it
puts
us
in
a
push
and
a
pull.
I
So
when
Ford
comes
to
town
we
celebrate
and
when
Amazon
comes
to
town
we
celebrate
and
when
any
other
manufacturer
comes
to
town
we
celebrate
and
when
the
American
Family
builds
a
new
home
we
celebrate.
But
what
do
we
do?
We
pour
black
top.
We
get
zero
turn
mowers
and
we
stripe
our
yards
up.
We
turn
that
into
aesthetic
eye
appeal
properties
that
aren't
necessarily
conducive
to
Fish
and
Wildlife
Resources,
and
so
I.
Just
say
this
to
you
all
today:
we're
5%
public
land
in
Kentucky
about
5%,
fairly
normal
in
the
East
95%
private
property.
I
So
our
potential
is
in
private
property.
Our
biggest
biggest
potential
is
in
private
property,
but
when
we
lose
habitat
because
of
expansion
and
it's
coming
because
we're
not
crowded,
it
doesn't
cost
as
much
to
live
here
and
we're
right
to
work
state
and
there's
a
multitude
of
things
that
that
you
all
can
celebrate
up
there.
I
People
are
building
in
Kentucky
and
they
want
to
be
here
and
with
that
we're
going
to
experience
losses,
we're
not
going
to
have
grown
up
hay
Fields,
we're
not
going
to
have
the
pasture
lands,
we're
not
going
to
have
the
places
that
fish
and
wildlife
live
and
reproduce
like.
We
once
had.
That's
not
all
bad
news.
I'm
I'm,
not
here
to
say
that,
but
I
just
want
you
to
think
about
your
community.
Maybe
it's
the
street
level
on.
I
It
looks
a
lot
different
where
I'm
from
and
I'm
from
Eastern
rural
Kentucky
there's
a
I
have
a
lot
of
neighbors
subdivisions
and
so
we've
lost.
We
have
lost
key
habitat
and
that's
going
to
continue
to
come.
But
I
only
say
this,
because
when
you
get
calls
from
your
constituents
and
they're
going
to
say
it's
not
like
it
used
to
be
in
the
good
old
days,
it's
because
of
multitude
of
things
that
happen
change
happens.
Black
top
BL
top
gets
paved,
people
move
into
your
community
and
we
call
that
growth
and
development.
I
They
want
to
utilize
that
property
in
a
certain
way
they're
going
to
own
it,
but
we're
going
to
get
to
hunt
we're
going
to
get
to
fish
on
it
for
generations
to
come,
and
so
all
this
to
say,
I
love,
fishing,
Wildlife,
I,
love
what
we
can
accomplish
and
we
work
together.
We
can.
We
can
spread
good
news
about
it
and
and
again
it's
an
honor.
It's
a
privilege-
and
thank
you
all
for
calling
me
to
be
here
today.
A
A
Remember
asking
you
what
happens
if
we
don't
go
through
with
this
and
basically
another
state
purchases,
it
and
I
said:
walk
me
through
this
I'd
have
to
go
over
into
lesie
County,
where
I
live
and
if
I
want
to
hun
I'd,
have
to
get
a
permit
or
paperwork
or
pay
a
tag
to
another
state
to
be
able
to
get
on
our
property
in
Kentucky
and
I.
Don't
think
that's
going
to
go
over
very
well
and
I.
A
Anybody
could
have
purchased
it,
but
all
this
group
stayed
the
course,
and
all
you
did
was
ask
us
for
help
and
that's
what
this
is
time
and
time
and
session
after
session.
We
and
the
Senate
and
the
house
had
to
keep
filing
bills
to
to
make
this
happen,
because
we
had
people
that
weren't
doing
their
job
and
risk
an
incredible
historic
project
like
that,
and
that's
why
people
get
frustrated
with
their
government
is
when
it
does
stuff
like
this.
A
But
I
will
tell
you
you
look
at
these
faces
up
here
in
this
committee
and
all
those
that
made
this
happen.
It
shows
you
what
government
can
do
when
we
decide
to
put
the
people
in
the
interest
of
a
good
project
first
and
so
I
congratulate
at
you
all
you're
close
I
think
you've
got
about
six
weeks
before
this
is
wrapped
up.
This
is
truly
a
win
for
Kentucky.
A
It's
a
historical
achievement,
I
I'm
thankful
to
the
Conservancy
for
not
throwing
in
the
towel
and
selling
it
to
somebody
else
and
staying
the
course
until
Kentucky
got
our
stuff
in
order
for
you,
but
I
appreciate
the
leadership
that
that
you've
had
commissioner
storm
and
I
wanted
people
to
know
that
this
we
almost
lost
this
project
three
times
to
get
it
to
where
it
is
at
the
point
now
and
you
never
lost
faith
or
woried
from
it.
So
I
want
to
thank
you.
I
have
some
questions
here.
H
Thank
you,
Mr
chair,
thanks,
guys,
folks
for
being
here,
I'm
very
happy
to
support
that
legislation
and
for
a
couple
of
reasons,
number
one
rich
for
one
I
had
a
call
even
this
morning
in
Louisville,
as
my
district
is
in
Louisville
about
people
concerned
about
a
neighborhood
development,
that's
taken
down
too
much
too
many
trees
and
and
too
much
of
an
area.
So
we
even
have
those
issues
in
Louisville.
H
As
many
of
you
know,
many
here
in
Frankfurt
were
trying
trying
to
move
toward
a
consumptive
based
tax
structure
and
I
have
been
saying
over
and
over
Mr
chair
in
the
house
that
we
we
really
need
to
focus
on
things
that
will
increase
nonresident
tax
revenues,
because
if
we
increase
non-resident
tax
revenues,
then
we
can
support
ourselves
a
lot
better
to
lower
the
burden
on
residents
and
I.
Think
this
is
one
of
those
projects
in
southeast
Kentucky
that
can
do
that.
H
I
only
have
one
hand
and
five
fingers,
but
I
could
tell
you
I,
don't
have
enough
fingers
on
my
hand
to
tell
you
how
often
I
get
a
call
from
my
constituents
and
people
from
Louisville
talking
about
hey.
Can
you
do
something
about
an
elk
tag
and
I
have
to
tell
them
the
bad
news?
Look
I,
I,
don't
get
involved
with
elk
tags,
I
can't
get
involved
with
elk
tags,
but
so
my
question
is,
as
many
probably
know
on
on
in
in
this
committee,
that
the
elk
population
is
doing
very
well.
H
I
Well,
I'll
put
this
in
perspective
that
that
is
a
great
question
and
something
that
we
do
need
to
touch
on.
So
if
we
have
let
we
have
a
a
survey
that
suggests
we
have
10,000
elk
in
Eastern
Kentucky
and
that's
4
million
acres,
and
you
can
divide
that
up,
and
so,
let's,
let's
take
that,
let's
take
that
down
to
a
million
acres
and
2500
animals.
You
continue
to
chop
that
down
into
small
segments.
I
We
have
a
lot
of
room
for
growth
with
Kentucky
zeler
and
so
on
a
track
land
in
Eastern
Kentucky.
You
could
probably
expect
on
a
small
piece
of
land.
You
probably
see
a
white
tailed
deer
on
it,
probably
see
a
turkey
probably
see
a
lot
of
different
wildli
on
it,
but
not
necessarily
elk
because
they're
a
herd
animal,
and
so,
if
you
see
an
elk,
you
may
see
a
lot
of
elk,
but
Cinder
Turner
will
tell
you.
I
Think
one
of
the
cool
things
about
about
my
job
is:
we
can
look
at
the
future.
So
it's
not
always
about
us
and
I
wish
that
a
lot
of
folks
and
especially
elderly,
that
have
supported
our
agency,
they
bought
a
license.
They
apply
for
the
oak
drawing
most
every
year.
I
wish
we
could
give
them
a
tag.
I
actually
wish.
We
could
pull
that
one
out
of
the
pocket
and
you
could.
I
You
could
give
some
of
those
folks
because
they're
the
foundation
of
conservation,
they're,
the
ones
they're,
the
ones
that
build
us
up
and
had
the
fortitude
to
have
what
we
have
and
so
I'm,
not
giving
a
great
answer
except
I
have
confidence
that
there'll
be
opportunity
in
the
future
that
we
probably
can't
see.
We
do
intend
to
keep
that
elk
Zone
in
16
counties
by
regulation.
I
If
you,
if
you
you
know,
if
you'd
like
to
talk
about
it
or
some
constituents,
would
I
had
a
I
had
a
fellow
that
called
me
up,
and
he
just
recently
had
a
heart
attack
and,
and
anyway,
he
couldn't
hunt
this
year
and
I
wish
I
could
hit
the
stop
button
and
and
and
help
him
out
so
25
years
in.
We
have
some
things
that
we
need
to
work
on,
but
I
like
where
we're
going.
Thank.
A
K
Thank
you,
Mr
chairman
and
I
want
to
compliment
Heather
I
know:
we've
had
multiple
other
projects
across
the
state
with
the
with
your
group
and,
and
you
all
been
very
receptive,
so
I
just
want
to
publicly.
Thank
you
all
for
that.
I
do
have
a
question
for
Mr
bowling.
Do
you
see
any
help
or
hindrance
to
the
elk
population
of
you?
Practicing
your
square
dancing.
G
B
Thank
you,
Mr,
chair.
First
of
all,
thank
you
all
for
your
work
on
this
I
I.
It's
been
great
to
work
with
you
all
on
this
project.
Obviously
it's
in
my
home
county
of
Bell
County,
the
the
large
majority
of
the
acreages,
so
I
I
appreciate
you.
All's
help
and
certainly
Senator
Webb's
help
on
this.
Her
leadership
on
this
wouldn't
be
here
today
talking
about
this
and
how
far
along
this
project
is
without
her.
So
thank
you.
B
Senator
Webb
question
is
so
two
months
from
now
we
close
on
the
property
you
all
have
fish
and
wildlife
has
the
rights.
What
does
management
look
like
from
from
that
point
and
then
moving
forward
to
where
that
is
opened
up
to
where
you
know,
people
are
able
to
hunt
it.
People
are
able
to
get
on
it
and
and
enjoy
various
forms
of
recreation.
I
So
that's
another
good
question,
and,
and
probably
something
I
should
should
have
pointed
out
here
in
the
presentation-
I'll
try
to
be
simple.
For
the
sake
of
time,
the
property
is
open
through
a
hunter
access
agreement,
and
so
with
h,
co-management,
I
think
it'll
be
at
least
moderately
managed
from
the
forest
side
of
it,
but
the
the
opportunity
will
continue
and
the
main
thing
with
this
project
is.
This
is
a
Perpetual
opportunity,
54,000
acres
and
a
4
million
acre
elk
Zone.
B
L
L
We
worked
on
projects
during
my
tenure
here,
but
you
all
have
really
hung
in
there
and
got
to
give
some
thanks
to
my
former
colleague
in
Tennessee
senator
Mike
Bell
who's
chair,
Sportsman's
caucus
there
and
Sportsman's
caucus
here
for
for
helping
helping
us
hang
in
there
and
and
keep
Kentucky
in
in
the
in
the
mix
and
Rich
you
and
your
crew
always
been
there
for
backup
and
and
the
way
you've
worked
and
educated
our
members.
We
we
appreciate
that.
L
We
appreciate
that
personal
contact
and
the
education
you
provided
for
our
members
on
these
issues,
but
I
got
to
get
a
little
sentimental,
it's
Brandon's
fault
or
senator's
Chairman's
fault.
You
know,
25
years
ago,
I
was
on
a
coal
job
for
a
that.
A
company
had
I
used
to
represent
with
my
dad,
who
was
on
The
Fish
Wildlife
Commission,
on
a
coal
site
where
Brandon's
dad
worked
and
I
had
worked
with
him,
and
I
saw
those
little
wobbly
legs
roll
out
of
that
crate
and
I'm
telling
you
it
to
this
day.
L
It's
it's
in
my
brain,
I'll,
never
get
that
out
and
and
to
see
how
far
we've
come
and
that
I'm
able
to
just
play
a
small
part
in
the
continuation,
my
dad's,
Legacy
and
again,
big
part
of
my
life.
It's
what
I've
always
done,
and
you
know
having
to
hunt
in
Montana
and
having
to
hunt
in
Idaho
and
and
pursue
those
majestic
creatures
and
then
have
them
in
East
Kentucky.
That
was
my
second
home
as
representative
fug
get
knows
in
in
the
hazard
area.
L
But
you
know
it's
just
we
deserve
that
in
East
Kentucky,
our
people
deserve
it.
Our
Sportsmen
and
women
deserve
it.
They
pay
for
it
and
I'm
just
glad
for
this
return
on
our
investment
as
Sportsmen
and
women,
in
an
agency
that,
in
my
opinions,
best
in
the
nation
and
the
Envy
of
the
nation.
So
thank
you.
A
All
and
and
the
funny
thing
is
Senator
Webb-
is
that
from
those
days
back
there
on
that
job-
and
you
saw
those
El
to
you,
saving
this
is
is
kind
of
I.
Don't
I
think
that
distinction
is
very,
very
important
that
we
were
struggling
with
this
project,
and
so
it
is
funny
how
that
stuff
connects
sometimes
down
here,
but
job
well
done
and
with
a
lot
of
good
help.
We
have
we've
had
one
other
person
join
us,
but
Senator
Southworth,
you're
next
and
then
we'll
have
Senator
Turner.
F
Thank
you,
Mr
chairman
my
question
as
I'm
a
little
bit
notorious
for
going
into
the
weeds
we're
talking
here
about
you
know,
imagine
yourself
out
in
the
forest,
honey
and
Elk,
but
we
also
really.
The
point
of
this
whole
thing
was
the
progress
that
we've
made
and
I'm
curious
to
find
out,
because
I
have
a
lot
of
concern
about
you
know,
oversight
and
so
I'm
curious,
because
we
changed
in
this
last
iteration,
which
apparently
is
what's
really
pushed
us
over
the
edge.
F
I
So
the
simple
answer
to
that
would
be:
we
faced
one
blockade
after
another,
even
were
laughed
at
by
the
finance
cabinet
treated
like
we
weren't
a
state
agency
and
we've
continued
to
receive
that
type
of
treatment.
We
just
want
to
be
able
to
function
as
a
state
agency
and
I
haven't
been
vocal
about
it.
But
I
have
I,
have
tried
to
operate
in
an
efficient
manner
and
to
say
we're,
persecuted
and
we've
been
persecuted.
Is
an
understatement.
I
I,
don't
know
why
I
don't
know
why
it
became
that
petty,
but
we
still
have
the
checks
and
balances
we
just
couldn't
get
signatures
and
yes
and
thumbs
up
on
projects
and
very
your
main
stuff,
and
so
that's
why
I
guess
that's
why
it
came
to
this.
The
oversight
still
exist
and
and
I
can
tell
you,
we
just
celebrated
a
clean
audit.
It
was
our
first
procurement
audit
in
the
history
of
of
our
agency
and
so
I'm
very
thankful
for
that.
I
L
I
can
follow
up
to
that
and
I
may
not
be
as
diplomatic
as
the
commissioner,
because
I
sat
in
on
several
meetings
at
my
invit
well.
First
of
all,
they
wouldn't
talk
to
me.
I'll
just
be
honest.
You'all
heard
me
say
this
in
committee
before,
but
it's
a
little
refresher
for
for
you
new
members.
They
wouldn't
communicate
with
me.
I
tried
every
method
of
communication,
sort
of
smok
signals.
L
Okay
and
then
I
did
have
a
couple
meetings
to
go
over
some
of
these
Provisions
because
believe
me,
I,
didn't
like
to
for
agency
resources
to
have
to
do
these
things.
But
then
you,
you
know
it's
a
balancing
act.
You
stand
to
lose
a
historic
project
for
no
reason.
Nobody
could
tell
me
what
the
problem
was
with
this
project.
L
I,
you
know
I'm
an
attorney
which
is
a
blessing
and
sometimes
a
curse,
but
I
could
look
at
the
statutes
and
and
say
you
know
you
all
they're
not
being
followed
in
regard
to
this
state
agency
and
that's
why
we
did
it
and
that's
why
I
asked
for
y
all's
help
in
doing
it
it.
It
was
an
anomaly
I've
been
here
25
years,
I've
been
an
agency
lawyer
before
and
it
was
an
anomaly
to
me
to
have
such
trouble
and
lack
of
communication.
L
You
know
and
lack
of
reasoning
why
we
couldn't
complete
this
Pro
project.
This
agency
stepped
out
of
its
zone
so
to
speak
and
they've
done
it
successfully
as
you've
just
heard
and
I
had
theut.
Most
confidence
in
them
didn't
think
it'd
be
perfect.
It's
gone
better
than
I
thought,
but
we
had
no
choice,
but
this
agency
was
put
in
that
position.
They
stepped
up,
they
did
their
job.
They
got
this
project,
I
appreciate
it
and
if
I've
not
gotten
any
feedback,
I
think
I
would
have
gotten
some
feedback
from
them.
M
Bandon,
thank
you
Mr
chairman,
just
a
quick
suggestion.
First
of
all,
you
know:
I've
been
suppored
of
this
project.
I
think
based
on
my
involvement,
but
a
quick
suggestion.
I,
don't
know
that
a
lot
of
people
know
this,
but
we
have
a
lot
of
of
men
and
women
in
Kentucky.
That's
involved
in
Pioneer
weapons,
specifically
I'm
thinking
about
flint,
lock
rifles.
Anybody
ever
heard
of
the
Kentucky
core
long
Riflemen
and
they're
spread
out
all
over
this
state.
M
M
They
hunt
with
their
flint
lock
rifles,
some
of
them
even
wear
their
primitive
Garb
when
they're
doing
so,
but
I
mean
maybe
not
during
elk
season,
because
I
understand
that
we're
limited,
but
it
be
nice
if
we
had
enough
elk
to
designated
area
to
where
you
can
only
hunt
them
with
primitive
weapons
as
well,
but
for
the
remaining
game
for
certain
Seasons
make
it
primitive
weapon
for
deer.
For
turkey,
we
have
an
annual
squirrel
hunt
at
cavon
Lake
in
the
pineer
weapons
area.
Yes,
we
shoot
squirrels
with
flint,
lock
rifles.
M
Many
don't
know
that
the
gun
that
male
Gibson
carried
on
the
Patriot
in
the
movie
was
built
right
here
in
Kentucky.
The
tomahawk
he
used
was
built
right
here
in
Kentucky,
so
just
just
an
idea
to
throw
out
with
this
54,000
Acres
of
something
that
may
be
able
to
be
utilized
as
well
and
and
I
think
it
would
be
a
bring
some
good
positive,
more
positive
attention
to
it.
Thank
you.
Mr.
A
N
Thank
you
m
Mr,
chairman
I'd,
like
be
short,
but
thank
the
whole
group
sitting
out
there
for
what
all
they've
done.
I
would
especially
like
to
thank
Senator
Robin
sitting
down
here
that
what
she
undertook
to
jump
in
this
thing
to
force
the
the
cabinet
I
couldn't
understand
why
the
governor
just
didn't,
call
him
and
say
get
this
done.
You
got
these
millions
of
dollars
project
out
here.
It's
just
going
to
incorporate
to
the
300.
N
They're
all
way,
all
way
back
to
Bob's
Creek,
which
is
about
25
30
miles
fromwhere
through
the
mountains
so
they're
spreading,
and
that
will
expand
the
ability
of
them
to
hunt.
Whenever
somebody
you
were
asking
the
question
about
the
numbers,
so
I
appreciate
this
whole
committee
standing
up
and
saying
through
this
bill
to
get
this
thing
done
and
force
that
kind
Finance
cabinet
to
really
come
to
the
table
and
take
care
of
this
with
your
all's
leadership
sitting
out
there
and
members
of
this
committee
and
the
whole
bodies.
Thank
you.
Mr
chairman.
O
J
I
I
O
All
these
changing
things-
that's
happened
over
the
years
has
been
brought
to
my
attention.
I
want
to
make
sure
we're
still
on
the
same
page.
I
understand
the
hunting
aspect
to
we
wouldn't
want
Hunters
out
there.
At
the
same
time,
anybody
any
accidents
but
I
want
to
make
sure
we
were
still
clear
on
on
what
we
discussed.
A
Mr,
chairman
and
I
think
that's
a
critical
point,
because
we
have
a
lot
of
elderly
family
members
and
people
with
disabilities
still
like
that
H
having
these
the
ability
of
accessing
the
property
through
a
side
by
side,
so
they
can
still
enjoy
the
same
experience
as
we
are
as
obviously
not
only
is
it
part
of
federal
policy
with
the
Ada
it's
in
import
of
our
policy
as
kentuckians.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
everybody
gets
the
same
access
to
it
all
right,
so
I
see
no
other
questions
here.
A
We
certainly
present
welcome
your
presentation,
look
forward
to
having
this
thing
concluded
and
like
to
thank
each
of
you
for
coming
in
front
of
our
committee.
At
this
time
we
will
go
ahead
as
everybody
takes
their
seat
and
ask
Bob
Bower
to
come
up
and
sit
down
and
Bob
just
take
your
seat
just
even
though
I've
called
your
name.
I
just
introduced
yourself
for
our
records
and
we'll
turn
it
over
to.
E
You,
okay,
sorry
I'd,
like
thank
chairman
Smith
and
chairman
gu,
and
the
committee
just
wanted
to
give
you
a
brief
update
on
the
Forest
Products
industry
before
I.
Do
that
I
would
like
to
mention
that
we
have
some
members
of
our
young
leaders
class
here
with
me
that
are
here
in
the
back.
We've
started
that
program.
If
you
could
stand
up.
E
Committee,
we
appreciate
them
coming
there
from
different
aspects
of
the
industry.
Actually,
if
you
take
a
portion
of
those,
probably
80%
of
all
the
barrels
that
are
here
in
the
Commonwealth
are
coming
from
those
companies.
So
that's
a
pretty
big
thing
and
I'll
talk
a
little
a
little
bit
about
the
white
oak
deal
and
what
we're
doing
doing
with
it
at
the
national
level,
but
the
force
Industries
Association.
We
represent
the
wide
range
of
the
industry.
Sawmill
logging,
a
secondary
industry,
also
forestry
land
owners,
just
the
whole
gamut.
E
So
the
is
you
have
some
information
in
your
packet
and,
as
you
can
see,
the
industry's
employs
over
27,000
a
$1
13
billion
impact
a
year.
So
it's
a
large
industry
that
is
throughout
the
Commonwealth,
so
you
know
we
we
they
do
a
lot
of
different
things
out
there,
and
so
we
tried
to
represent
them
and
and
work
with
them.
One
thing
I'll
mention
the
is
the
master
logger
program
that
was
actually
done
here.
20
four
years
ago
is,
is
a
very
big
success
story.
E
The
division
of
Forestry,
the
UK
Forestry,
Department
and
KFA
are
in
that
legislation
is
Partners.
So
we
work
together
make
adjustments.
You
all
have
made
some
adjustments
with
that
legislation,
but
it
works
very
well.
You
know
all
of
our
loggers
are
trained
now
they
have
to
have
a
master
logger
on
site,
they're
inspected
by
division
of
Forestry,
to
follow
best
management
practices
and
and
water
quality,
and
that's
worked
very
well.
Less
than
1%
of
people
have
had
any
kind
issue
as
far
as
fines
or
bad
actor
type
things.
E
So
we
we
that's
worked
extremely
well.
We
also
with
our
new
partnership
with
all
the
white
oak
going
on
independent
Stave
is
actually
the
last
two
and
a
half
years.
Anybody
that's
went
through
our
loggers
with
that
state
program
has
covered
their
costs,
so
that's
helped
to
get
more
loggers
into
the
field
and
and
do
things
to
to
help
our
industry
couple
of
other
things
that
we're
involved
with
one
of
the
biggest
issues
that
the
industry
faces
is
labor,
as
you've
probably
heard
that
from
a
lot
of
Industries.
E
So
we
have
started
a
partnership
that
will
start
this
next
year
with
Alabama
and
another
another
few
States
called
forestry,
Works
they've
seen
a
lot
of
success
there.
So
we're
partnering
with
the
Alabama
Forestry
Association
University
of
Kentucky
division
of
Forestry
and
have
received
some
funding
to
help
reach
out
to
some
of
the
younger
and
even
high
school
kids.
E
To
talk
about
forestry
issues,
we're
going
to
be
putting
together
video
of
the
different
jobs,
all
those
type
of
things,
so
we're
really
excited
they're
at
a
point
in
Alabama,
where
they're
actually
seeing
can
record
people
from
that
program
that
are
going
into
the
industry.
So
we
think
that'll
be
a
really
good
partnership
and
and
we'll
see
additional
funding
in
other
states
doing
that.
So
we're
really
trying
to
address
that
labor
issue.
You
know
through
through
these.
These
programs
there's
also
an
American
hardwood
promotion
program.
E
You
may
or
may
not
have
heard
of
that,
but
it's
getting
ready
to
you'll
start
seeing
it
on
through
chip
and
joean
gains
on
those
networks.
What,
a
lot
of
funding
has
come
from
associations
members,
probably
over
$50,000,
raised
from
our
members
here
in
Kentucky
into
this
program,
and
it's
it's
a
long
range
program
to
show
the
benefits
of
real
American
hardwood
and
you
know,
which
is
what
the
majority
of
our
members
produce.
So
you
know
we're
really
excited
about
that.
E
E
You
may
hear
more
about
that
and
you
know
when
you
make
that
choice
be
sure
and
by
that
Kentucky
hardwood,
if,
if
you
have
a
have
a
chance
to
do
that,
the
other
thing
in
your
packet
just
to
update
you
is,
is
the
the
white
oak
initiative.
So
we've
talked
about
U,
the
the
bourbon.
You
see
all
the
warehouses
coming
up.
You
know
all
those
barrels
are
made
from
from
White
Oak,
so
you
know
obviously
there's
more
demand
for
that.
E
That's
been
a
good
thing
as
far
as
our
Industries
you've
seen
some
new
stav
Mills
new
Barrel
plant
and
Morehead.
A
lot
of
things
going
on
the
bourbon
industry
has
has
exploded.
So
as
that
started
to
happen
that
our
Association
University
of
Kentucky,
we
talked
with
some
people
at
the
national
level.
So
this
initiative
is
a
point
where
things
are
stopping
starting
to
on
the
ground.
They've
formed
a
they've
done
a
large
conservation
plan
nationally
for
where
these
White
Oaks
grow.
E
So
what
they've
basically
found
is
that
we
have
a
good
supply
of
white
oak
from
the
inventories.
The
concern
is,
we
don't
see
as
many
of
those
smaller
White
Oaks.
So
the
concern
is
to
make
sure
that,
when
they're
managing
their
Forest
that
these
White
Oaks
come
up,
it's
it's
not
as
easy
as
just
going
out
there
and
cutting
a
tree
and
let
it
come
up
and
the
acorns
are
there.
What
with
white
oak,
you
have
to
have
trees
of
a
certain
size
in
there
or
the
the
maples.
E
The
trees
that
can
grow
in
shade
will
outgrow
that
so
we're
looking
at
education
for
land
owners.
We've
already
started
to
do
programs
for
loggers
to
make
sure
that,
when
you're
doing
that
harvesting
you
allow
room
or
or
ensure
that
that
white
oak
will
be
in
that
mix
and
that's
true
with
all
the
Oaks
really
so
so
you
know
it's
it's
at
a
point.
There's.
E
Actually
their
national
meeting
is
next
week
in
DC,
there's
going
to
be
some
Hill
visits,
so
they're,
looking
at
making
sure
that
these
cost
share
programs
and
things
include
the
ability
to
help
land
owners
manage
that,
and
it's
a
a
positive
thing
in
that
the
the
price
being
paid
for
those
white
oak
logs
are
probably
triple
what
they
were
four
or
five
years
ago.
So
that
makes
it
more
important
to
land
owners
more
important
to
Industry
and
puts
more
money
into
the
economy.
E
You
know,
as
far
as
other
concerns
you
know,
I
will
mention
the
the
Partnerships
we've
talked
here
about
that,
and
it's
it's
great
to
hear
that
part
of
that
land.
You
know
they'll
still
be
active
management
on
there.
We
just
had
our
large
outdoor
equipment
show
the
Kentucky
wood
Expo
had
3,000
people
there,
they
sold
a
lot
of
equipment,
but
we
had
a
lot
of
kids
there,
but
fish
and
wildlife
was
there
exhibiting
talking
about
that.
E
They
just
spoke
at
our
annual
meeting
this
past
year
about
all
the
number
of
areas
where
obviously
Timber
management
is
going
on
to
help
the
wildlife
that
also
provides
H
products
for
the
local
economy.
So
you
know
we
have
a
great
partnership
with
with
that
and
we're
happy
about
that,
and
I've
mentioned
University
cucky
division
of
Forestry
all
these
other
things.
E
So
so
we
feel
lucky
that
our
industry
has
has
a
lot
of
Partners
here
and
we
have
worked
well
together
in
the
past
and
and
the
future,
but
U
the
as
far
as
the
future.
What's
what's
concerns?
You
know,
of
course,
concern.
I've
mentioned
the
labor
issue,
we're
trying
to
address
that,
and
you
know
markets
aren't
the
best.
So
that's
always
a
concern,
but
one
thing
that
there
is
some
worry
about,
especially
in
the
eastern
part
of
the
state
is
they've.
E
There's
been
a
loss
of
down
in
North
Carolina
Tennessee,
some
large
paper
mills
that
have
went
out
of
business,
so
the
market
for
some
of
that
lower
grade
wood
is
sort
of
slowing
down.
So
you
know
the
you
have
to
have
that
market
to
get
rid
of
your
low
grade
to
make
the
good
trees
grow.
So
you
know
we
are
looking
at
that.
I
know,
there's
an
an
economic
development
project
or
two
that
we're
hoping
may
help
that
if,
if
they
come
to
fruition,
so
so
we
are
looking
at
that.
E
As
far
as
other
things,
you
know
we're
just
trying
to
keep
these
guys
in
business
and
running
and
and
feel
good
about,
what's
happening
in
the
forest
and
and
the
management
and
Partnerships
that
are
going
on.
We,
the
only
other
issue
that
we're
looking
at
is.
We
do
have
a
little
issue.
We've
just
realized
that
our
storm
water
renewals
on
our
Mills,
the
cost
May
triple
but
I'm
in
the
process
of
trying
to
work
through
that
and
make
sure
that's
not
a
not
an
issue
for
the
industry.
E
30
years
since
storm
water's
come
in
actually
I've
in
the
last
three
years
have
put
10
people
in
their
storm
water
program
because
I'm
the
guy
they
call
to
to
help
them
get
under
compliance.
So
so
that's
worked
very
well
and
we
just
hope
that
partnership
ship
continues.
So
with
that
I
appreciate
again
the
committee
taking
time
to
listen
to
what
we're
doing
and-
and
our
you
know,
we're
there
to
help.
Do
all
these
things,
keep
our
Force
growing
and
work
as
partners
and
always
appreciate
everything.
E
This
committee
has
done
I
congratulate
years
ago
when
that
Force
conservation,
Act
passed,
a
lot
of
people
were
skeptical
and
it's
worked
very
well
and
not
been
a
heavy
hand
and,
and
it's
all
of
our
loggers
are
trained
now
and
it's
it's
just.
It's
been
a
good
thing
for
our
industry.
That's
helped,
helped
everybody
involved
to
to
see
our
forest
continue
growing
and
sustained
for
the
future,
because
that
would
it
always
grows
back.
If
you
manage
it
right
so
with
that
I.
A
Very
good,
thank
you
for
your
update.
Do
we
have
any
questions
for
our
members?
I
do
not
see
any.
So.
Thank
you
for
your
presentation.
We
do
have
a
couple
of
housekeeping
things
to
go
over.
If
you
look
at
your
paperwork
for
today's
meeting,
you'll
see
that
we
have
the
low
Li
he
assistant
program,
Block
Grant
status
report
has
been
out.
There's
no
action
required
by
us.
We
just
need
to
let
you
know.
A
That's
there
put
it
on
our
report
and
then
you'll
see
three
proposed
KR
ks
in
front
of
you.
No
action
needs
to
be
taken
on
these.
But
again
you
need
to
be
aware
of
those.
If
there's
no
questions
about
any
of
these,
then
I
need
a
motion
to
adjourn
all
those
in
favor
side
of
by
oh
wait.
Oh
representative
Lon,
absolutely
thank
you.
M
They're,
not
here
but
I,
don't
know
if
y'all
know
this
or
not,
but
I
have
a
constituent
up
in
Hyman
by
the
name
of
Steve
Bell,
a
pastor
there
in
Hyman
Steve
was
on
Wheel
of
Fortune
last
night
and
he
won.
He
went
to
the
bonus
round
and
he
won
40,000
the
bonus
round.
So
he
won
$61,000
on
the
Wheel
of
Fortune
last
night,
a
an
old
boy
from
Easter
entucky.
So
awful
proud
of
him
just
wanted
to
make
mention
of.