The following are the questions and responses from surveys sent out to past Kentucky Forest Leadership Program participants from 1994 through 2000. While 10% of the surveys were undeliverable as addressed, we did receive results back from 28% of the campers. Numerical data from your responses are given after the questions. Open response answers have been summarized, but specific responses can be found at the end of the document. We hope that you enjoy seeing these results and that they bring back fond memories of the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program!
STUDY of the KENTUCKY FOREST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Question 1 - Looking back to the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program when you attended, how would you rate the program over all? (On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = poor and 10 = excellent.) -- Average rating = 9.1
Question 2 - How have you used the information that was presented during the weeklong program? -- Many of you have used the information in college classes or on the job, for tree ID, in envirothon and agriculture competitions, and to understand the soils on your farms. For specific responses, see list at end.
THE FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMUNITY IS INTERESTED IN THE ATTITUDES OF INDIVIDUALS TOWARDS THE RESOURCE. PLEASE GIVE US YOUR HONEST OPINIONS CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING ISSUES.
Question 3 - Forests should be better managed. -- 92% Agree 8% Disagree
Question 4 - More people should know about forestry. -- 100% Agree 0% Disagree
Question 5 - Has the information influenced your attitudes about forestry and natural resources since you attended the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program? -- 96% Yes 4% No
Question 6 - For anyone attending college or technical school, I would suggest that they take at least one natural resource/forestry related class. -- 94% Agree 6% Disagree
Question 7 - I have used the soil survey that we were presented at camp for information and resource. -- 55% Yes 45% No
Question 8 - Did you take a forestry, natural resource, or agriculture class in high school? -- 57% Yes 43% No
Question 9 - If you went to college, or are attending college, did you take a class related to forestry/natural resources?
-- 47% Yes 53% No
Question 10 - If so, what was your major?
· ag communications
· agriculture
· agriculture education
· biology
· biosystems engineering
· civil engineering
· computer programming
· environmental science
· ecology
· environmental studies
· environmental studies
· forestry
· law enforcement
· game warden
· geology
· natural resource conservation and management
· police administration
· range science
· sociology
Question 11- What is your present occupation?
· bartender
· DANA supplier representative At Ford Motor Company plants
· factory worker
· funeral home employee
· guide at Mammoth Cave
· housewife/Mary Kay salesperson
· Intel specialist in U.S. Navy
· machine operator for Carhartt
· MSN technician
· QC in plastics factory
· restaurant/warehouse
· retail/surveyor technician
· sales associate
· school teacher/college student
· Stanton Food Court
· student
· student/activist
· student/farm
· student/lumber man
· student/seasonal Forest Service
· student/student worker
· student/UPS
· teacher/coach
· UK forestry grad student
· Winchester One-Hour Cleaners
· Woodford County conservation aide
Question 12 - Concerning the question (on the previous side) asking “how camp has influenced your attitudes towards forestry and natural resources,” please briefly explain. -- Many of you now view the forest and soils as important resources to protect and conserve. Learning about BMPs influenced some of you to view logging and other management techniques in a more positive light. Several of you were influenced by camp to pursue careers in related fields. See specific responses at end.
Question 13 - Your year attending the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program?
1994 – 15%
1995 – 8%
1996 – 9%
1997 – 8%
1998 – 13%
1999 – 19%
2000 – 28%
Question 14 - Male / Female -- 57% Male 43% Female
Question 15 - During the summer that you attended, what section of Kentucky did you live in? -- 40% East 53% Central 7% Western
Question 16 - Please write any comments about the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program. -- Perhaps your top two comments were: “Camp should be longer!” and “Can I come back?” Most of you thought that it was great experience because of all the hands-on activities and all the new friends you made. See specific responses at end.
Open response answers to Question 2 - How have you used the information that was presented during the weeklong program?
- I used the information in my classes at college.
- Identifying trees - just because I could do it, I did. I've used soil surveying in environmental club, too.
- I worked on a farm afterward and I recognized trees that should be kept.
- In everyday appreciation of the forests of Kentucky and in participating in my school's envirothon team.
- Political debates.
- I used it the next year teaching and when talking to peers about false ideas of logging.
- Mainly in my experiences with the KY Envirothon, but further on into other classes in high school and college.1
- I have not had the opportunity being that the U.S. Navy does not have an agriculture program.
- By knowing what would happen to forests if we keep wasting valuable products that come from the forests.
- What I was taught in that camp has made me have a total different outlook on our forests. It is not just trees. It's a home for every animal.
- I have used it to my betterment and hope to use it when I reach my intended major.
- Yes, but only for my own reference and enjoyment. I've yet to be in a position to use it professionally.
- Yes, I used it a lot last semester when I took Environmental Science.
- I have not yet utilized the information, but I plan to in the future.
- To teach, for enjoyment of other natural areas.
- Yes, every time I go hiking.
- I use it in many different ways in everyday life; I try to show any younger family members things that I learned while at the leadership program.
- Some of the material we covered was promotional to my civil engineering major. I have used some of the things we learned when I have been out in the forest lately.
- Just basic knowledge to teach children at 4-H Camp. Don't really have opportunity aside from that.
- Just being out in the woods, and being able to identify different trees is a great thing I learned from this program.
- I used the information in some of my college courses, and also in my job working for the National Park Service.
- I've used it to help me compete in the envirothon. It's helped me be knowledgeable in many different forestry fields.
- Yes, several times.
- Yes, I have taken soil samples for local farmers, I can tell the different trees I find in the woods, and I help landowners what some things are they can do with woods.
- It has helped me in the woods and camping. I have also shared it with other people.
- I have used it to help the forest in a way I own land and have logged some of it.
- I used some of the knowledge about soil samples and also log grading and board feet calculations in some of my college classes. It helped a lot to have prior knowledge of what was being discussed in class, and later projects.
- Yes, I have used it many times in class and other places. I also won the conservation essay contest at our school using much of the information I learned at your camp.
- Yes: Tree ID, there are better forest management practices, more confidence in quick math-guess skills.
- Yes I have used the information in my job with the Forest Service.
- In college I took a forestry class and it was very similar to the program. My previous knowledge helped me to succeed in the class. Also I worked at a summer camp and taught kids some of the things I learned.
- The program sparked my interest in forestry, influence me to read books about forestry during high school and decide to study forestry in college.
- I used some of the info when I did land judging last year. We came in 6th in the state!
- I used the information in my high school and college agriculture classes and I plan to teach forestry and natural resources to ag classes.
- Well it's good to know this information and I've used it during science class.
- Yeesh, it's helped me place out of college biology, better understand my environmental sciencecourses, and provided memories that will last forever.
- Has helped influence my major in college
- I have used many of the skills I learned in college classes. Several times I have had the opportunity to reflect on my week at the camp.
Open response answers to Question 12 - Concerning the question (on the previous side) asking “how camp has influenced your attitudes towards forestry and natural resources,” please briefly explain.
- Excellent in rationalizing what role healthy forests play in our environment for wildlife, stand health, and harvesting techniques.
- When I go into the woods I see more than trees. I see a different world full of life. After my week at camp I learned to respect the forest and I had the drive to learn more.
- I learned to identify trees and thus became aware of how many species are in danger in my region.
- I checked "no" because I have always been interested in nature, forestry, and the great outdoors. This week strengthened my resolve to protect the environment
- Actually, I went into it knowing basically nothing, so everything that I learned was new. I don't think I had an attitude toward it previously - I simply valued our natural resources and I do now too.
- Recognize that soil conservation is imperative for our future on Earth.
- It gave me an idea about selective cutting and the problems we have with erosion in the forests.
- It has helped me manage my family's property which includes forest and farm land.
- I think that logging companies should use better BMPs. I did not know about this until camp.
- I now have a better understanding of the role the forest plays in my life as well as how my actions affect the ecosystem. The knowledge I have gained is being put to use on the BCHS Envirothon Team.
- I learned a lot about forestry and natural resources that I previously did not know.
- I am more aware of forestry and natural resources issues facing us today and in the future.
- Really it has only helped to strengthen and deepen my love of the outdoors and desire to have a career in a related field.
- The camp helped me to realize that looking out of a window and seeing trees is not all that is in the forest. The camp was a big success for me.
- It made me more aware of the importance of any methods to improve the way in which we utilize our natural resources.
- I have learned that the things we have won't be around much longer if we don't take care of them.
- I really thought of the land in a different way. I used to cut trees for a long time, but after I attended, I came home and quit logging. I go out and enjoy the wildlife now.
- I have used various things that I learned at the camp. One example would be the fire line technique we learned. As a Lt. On a vol. Fire dept., I took charge and taught them that technique, and we use that technique. Thanks.
- The camp only reinforced the good attitude and interest I already had in Forestry and our natural resources. I also gained new experience and information from the activities at camp.
- It enlightened me even more as to how fragile our forests and other ecosystems really are, and how much in need they are of our help and support.
- I take more thought about how forests became about when I walk in a park or some sort.
- I didn't know anything about forestry until I went to camp. Now I love the forest and would do anything to help keep them managed.
- Before camp I had no knowledge of forestry or natural resource management practices. Partaking in this program has influenced me to pursue an environmental science major next fall.
- Influenced my attitudes towards forestry in that there are safe and beneficial timber collection techniques.
- It opened my eyes to the whole subject. I loved it and hope to do some with my classes.
- It has made me more aware of the dangers our forests face.
- I look around and see more than just trees.
- The program really didn't influence my philosophy on forestry. I have always been around different attitudes since my father is a civil engineer. I have seen both sides of forestry. I was able to learn more than I knew about trees. I liked the soil too.
- I think more about the things I do and what I use when out in the woods now. I have a better understanding of my surroundings now. 1998
- KFLP has opened my eyes toward forestry, and natural resources and I have deeply considered going into natural resources because of this program.
- I understand that things can and are possible to change to preserve our land, the camp has showed me that I can have a job that is fun and helpful in the field of forestry.
- It has given me the interest to keep going with my studies on forestry.
- I have always had a love for outdoors and outdoor activities. I am coaching an envirothon team and raise 10 acres of black walnuts.
- Now when I go in the woods I leave things as they are and find things that I normally wouldn't.
- I respect the forest now and want to make people aware of the importance of the forest.
- I understand it better than what I did to start with.
- Before I thought cutting down trees was totally wrong, but now I understand that it can be done without greatly impacting the forest and its wildlife if done correctly.
- Well to be honest I didn't know as much as I thought I did and really just opened my eyes to the world around me.
- I would like ecology to be brought in a lot more, as necessary for forest management (or indeed any type of management) and more looking at alternatives and defining what forestry means (and what it means to those attending).
- After attending camp, I walked away knowing I would have a career related to forestry in some shape or form. I wanted to be able to make a difference.
- Before camp I had an appreciation for natural resources but knew little about their management. Understanding them better gave me a better outlook on their importance.
- I understand forestry better; agriculture is important, I have a better knowledge of why.
- I am more concerned with the balance between using forest for income and the preservation of nature.
- I have a greater appreciation for forestry and the people that work in this field. It's a possibility I could major in forestry when I attend college.
- I've developed an understanding that foresters and other natural resources are a very important part in the works of life. It is important that they be preserved.
- Fully opened up the range of possibilities available in forestry specifically and agriculture as a whole.
- I am very concerned with natural resource management. I think the camp helped me to decide to go into the environmental science field of study and hopefully a career. It definitely increased my interest in the future of natural resources and forestry.
- I gained a greater respect not only for the forest but the people who have to fight forest fires. I learned that the forest is a beautiful place and needs to stay that way. The only way to have it is to take care of it. The camp needs to be longer.
Open response answers to Question 16 - Please write any comments about the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program.
- Needs to be more publicized to students.
- I learned some of the different trees and the difference in their bark and leaves. I liked learning the basics to surveys and soil testing. I learned to appreciate nature and its gifts.
- It was a wonderful and informative experience!
- Not only did I make some good, lasting friendships during my week long stay, I also learned many smaller ways to protect our forests that we don't usually think about, and the importance of leaving our land that we use even better than when we found it.
- The program was excellently put together. The instructors were VERY knowledgeable and fun! I really liked the variety of information that we learned, and I liked that it was all hands on, and practical. Nothing compares to actually putting the skills t
- Very nice instructors. I liked the fact they took vegetarians into consideration, though I am not one.
- Very good. Comp. Educational and it was made fun!
- Please keep this program going strong; I want to send my children to it someday in the future. Thanks!
- It was great. I wish I could come back to it again!
- I think that more people should be encouraged to come, that the program should be longer, and more environmentalists should be in attendance.
- It was a wonderful program. I had a great time there and learned a lot of things that I will never forget.
- I Loved It!!!
- I think that it is a very beneficial and rewarding experience. More people should be involved with at least one type of program like this.
- The food was great! I liked how we broke up into groups and went out with 6 or 7 people, because it gave us more time to ask questions.
- Because I could use some of the information in my Farm Management class, and some in science class. It was fun. I wish I could go back and learn more even though I am out of high school. But I can't afford it to come.
- The forest workers that taught the classes were very helpful and nice. I thought the class was terrific and I would love to attend another again some time. I was very happy that I got to attend. Thank you.
- I would be interested in assisting at the camp this year if all possible. If there is a way for me to help at the camp, could you send me some information about it?
- The Forestry Leadership Program was a great experience, one I would like to attend annually. Though this is not possible if I do major in a forestry-related field, I would like to become involved with the Program.
- I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at KFLP. The only comment I would give is that I would have liked to have played our Forest Jeopardy game and other misc. instructions outside and maybe have had spent more time "hands on" at foliage identification.
- I was very fun and interesting! I would love to do it all over again. The activities were fun, and I learned a lot.
- I would love to go again! I really enjoyed it, and it was very valuable to the other student who went with me.
- It was fun and informative. I'd love to go back.
- too much to fit, see other
- I hope this program continues for many years to come.
- I liked how the program showed how to take soil samples. The presentation that the groups gave at the end of the week was a great experience to me. Being able to put everything we learned through the week together into a presentation.
- The groups that we were put in were great. The competitions between our group were a great challenge. And the way we weren't treated like we were at school made it even better.
- I would like my students to have the same opportunity that I had. Many things can be gained from asking past campers questions. I hope I can be of some help to you and your staff.
- I had a really good time and enjoyed meeting new people interested in the same thing as me.
- It is a marvelous opportunity for young adults to learn things not taught in public schools and to also meet new people and have fun.
- I thought it was a great program. I didn't know it at the time but many of the things I learned have had lasting effects on attitude toward timber harvesting and forest management practices.
- Can I come back? :)
- My take on forestry is yes there is a demand for lumber so we need to work as close to ecological principles and maybe even think of wood alternatives (hemp for example).
- I felt that the leadership program was the last straw in my decision to choose a career in the natural resources division. I still have the info I obtained from the camp that I get out and use frequently with my job out here in Wyoming.
- I can honestly say that the week I attended this camp was the best time of my life. I learned more in that one week than I would have probably learned in my entire lifetime about forestry. The environment was great and the people were great!
- I really had a great time and learned a lot. I think more levels should be offered. I would like to learn more. A reunion really would be a good idea. I had made a lot of friends and even a current love interest.
- COOL!
- Excellent learning experience and a wonderful opportunity to meet students with similar interests and ambitions.
- I really enjoyed the camp and I think it gave me an insight to different areas that were available for me to pursue a career in.
- I really enjoyed myself at the leadership program. You did a wonderful job. I made a lot of new friends while I was at the program. Not long after I left I lost all of the information on where everybody lived. I would like to come down there again and see all of my old leaders. Keep up the good work.
- This was a well-organized program, and I enjoyed being a part of it. However, the best thing about this program is the people. The other students and the instructors were a pleasure being around, and working with. I will always be able to look back on this and remember the great memories.
- Even before attending the program I had a love for woodlands and for the protection of our resources. While attending the program I learned many skills and techniques that improved my understanding of forestry in Ky., and the ability to appreciate forestry more than before.
- I really enjoyed the program, and have used much of the information since attending the program. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend to do so. It may not be possible, but I would suggest making the program longer, due to the amount of material being covered, possibly a week and a half or two weeks. Just a suggestion. I would have been more than happy to have spent that amount of time learning about forestry and natural resources.
- I disagree that forests should be better managed. More forest now in Ky. than ever before. Management practice that is in place now should remain.
- I agree more people should know about forestry. Most people do not even know of the different departments in forestry.
- I agree more people should know about forestry. A lot of people I talk to think that the land is basically raped when logged. I have had experience first hand of some of the bad management practices that occur in rural areas where I live. I also know this doesn’t have to happen. I have seen first hand that it doesn’t.
- The info has influenced my attitudes. Before I went to camp I didn’t understand about selective harvesting of timber. Later in college I got a better understanding of those practices. I now know that timber can be harvested without majorly affecting the wildlife habitat.
- I agree that anyone in college take a forestry related class. I strongly agree on this. It really gives them a better understanding of what is involved in forestry management, and also what goals are attainable when concerning the preservation of existing ecosystems while still harvesting timber.
- Yes, I used the soil survey. I used them in college to develop management plans for increasing certain types of wildlife on given plots of land. I used them to tell which types of food sources would grow best given the types of soils that were found in the area.
- This camp helped give me some understand of what would be involved in these forestry/natural resources classes. I fell that I got better grades because it wasn’t all foreign material.
- Now that I have gone to college and traveled through the Pacific Northwest I’m a little skeptical of alternatives we learned. Especially after visiting Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon and visiting Pacific Lumber’s Scotia Lumber Mill.
- Although rain changed a lot of the plans for our week, it also added a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the camp; so much I suggested it to my little brother who also enjoyed the program. I brought him to visit UK and took him to my forestry class. He said, “Hey I learned all this stuff at forestry camp.” It is a great program and I learned a lot while having fun.
- Because of the program I had a basis of tree identification that I was able to use in my first college dendrology class. I also met people at the program who were interested in forestry that are still my friends, and the staff at the program I have seen at various other events. I also got more involved with 4-H after the program – joining the wildlife habitat evaluation program as well. I thought the information presented at the camp was useful, relevant, and at the appropriate level.
- I agree that forests should be better managed only to the point that the public needs to be informed more about the forest. For example, the people need to know how long it takes to replace a forest once it’s destroyed.
- Public awareness is that the forest is always going to be there, but is it? Educating the public on how to take care of this valuable resource is vital. I think elementary school is the best place to start. Kids talk and people listen.
- I can walk proudly through the forest anywhere because I know I am not going to throw a cigarette butt or litter down. I am an avid hunter and forest lover. I treat the forest like I would my own home.
- I had always thought of going to college and getting a degree in an area that had something to do with the forest. After attending this class I was convinced that would be my career. I’m still working toward it.
- I was able to use the information from the soil survey in a botany class.
- KFLP is a camp that every child in Ky. should attend. The only flaw that I could find is that I think this camp should be offered to 9th graders and continue with those that are interested for at least 2 summer camps. This would give students a chance to find out about the forestry division in our state. If we want educated people in this area, give them a chance to become familiar with it.