Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Outstanding Forest Steward Award winners chosen

OWENSBORO, Ky. (July 18, 2006) - Three sisters who have carefully managed their family’s forestland in Hopkins County have received an Outstanding Forest Steward Award from the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

The sisters - Mary and Agnes Finley and Jane Finley Bone - were recognized today in Owensboro at the annual meeting of the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. The Division of Forestry presents stewardship awards annually to recognize outstanding accomplishments by forestland owners.

The sisters’ property - 89 forested acres near the Carbondale community - has been in the Finley family for five generations. The sisters have been making management decisions on the land for 39 years.

The sisters have worked with the division and other forestry professionals for many years. Their first forest management plan was written in 1967 and has been updated four times. A fifth updating is in the offing. The property became a certified stewardship forest in 1996.

With the guidance of professionals, the sisters have implemented many of the forest management recommendations in their plan. In 1971, they planted 10,000 pine trees. After 35 years of proper management, the pines were large enough for harvesting this year.

The Finley sisters have made informed and wise decisions in caring for their forestland and have reaped the benefits. Their efforts ensure that the land will be in the best possible condition when it passes to a sixth generation.

Landowners with 10 or more acres of woodlands are eligible to participate in the forest stewardship program. For more information contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at (502) 564-4496 or visit the division’s Web site at www.forestry.ky.gov <http://www.forestry.ky.gov>.