The pilot program in Kentucky:

What is the objective of the Independent Seed Orchard Program (ISOP)? 

The ISOP aims to create a steady supply of high-quality white oak acorns for the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) tree-seedling nurseries. To accomplish this goal, we are piloting a program that will supply 11 private and public landowners with high-quality white oak seedlings and support the creation of independent white oak seed orchards. 

What are the interest levels and roles of participants in the program? 

Because of the importance of white oak, thanks mainly to the White Oak Initiative, there has been strong interest in participating in the program. Participants agree to make their property available to establish the seed orchards and commit to needed site preparation and maintenance of the seed orchards. 

What support do Extension foresters and the KDF provide to participants? 

Billy Thomas with UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension is the program coordinator, in close cooperation with the KDF. In addition to the involvement of KDF leadership and their tree seedling nurseries, each participant is matched with a KDF forester who will assist in site scouting and sharing expertise in preparing the site for planting and acorn production. KDF foresters visit each site and sign off on its suitability for ISOP. 

How many independent seed orchards, and how many acres in total, would be ideal? 

After this initial pilot program, we plan to expand to more than 100 locations across Kentucky. The initial seed orchards are 0.5 acres, so within a few years, we hope to have more than 50 acres of seed orchards spread across the state. Once we reach that threshold, we plan to reassess the program and collectively decide whether to add more seed orchards, expand existing orchards, or make other changes.