The Kentucky Master Logger program is a comprehensive state wide education and training program for timber harvesting professionals. Kentucky loggers feed the 5 billion dollar forest industry in Kentucky and training through the Kentucky Master Logger program is required for every commercial logging operation in the state. In 2005/2006 a total of 10 three day introductory training programs graduated 350 loggers (8,400 logger training hours). The participants were exposed to training in environmental protection, safe logging practices and education in laws and regulations impacting the timber harvesting industry. Pre- and post-training testing indicated an average 40% increase in knowledge. Post-training evaluation indicated that a total of 112 small logging firms were able to comply with state regulations and 32 of these were new firms that the program helped assist in meeting compliance statues for developing a new logging business in Kentucky. These firms provide income for 347 individuals (owners or employees) the majority in rural and semi-rural economies. Post-training monitoring and evaluation surveys indicated that graduates of the program impacted 20,300 acres and over 75.8 million board feet of timber worth over $10.9 million dollars to 805 farmers and woodland owners in Kentucky. Environmental assessment of program participants indicated that best management practices usage ranged from 80 to 90 percent for streamside management zones and haul road and skid trail drainage control practices to 30 to 40 percent for the use of improved stream crossings and successful revegetation of skid trails. The end result was 128 perennial streams and 354.9 intermittent streams were provided environmental protection.