By Blake Jackson
Federal agencies and local conservation partners continue helping southeastern Kentucky communities recover after a powerful tornado caused major damage to forestlands and private property on May 16, 2025. The EF4 tornado struck Pulaski and Laurel counties with winds exceeding 170 miles per hour and traveled more than 55 miles across the region.
The storm damaged thousands of acres of forestland, uprooted trees, destroyed property, and created serious environmental concerns for landowners. Following damage assessments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service worked together to launch recovery efforts through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program.
The Emergency Forest Restoration Program provides funding and technical assistance to private forestland owners affected by natural disasters. The program supports approved conservation practices designed to restore forest health, reduce future damage risks, and encourage sustainable forest management.
“This program provided an opportunity to assist those who experienced devastation to their forestlands,” said David Wayne, FSA State Director.
Kentucky NRCS State Conservationist Eric Allness organized teams to support implementation efforts across the affected counties. Federal agencies, conservation districts, and local organizations worked together to conduct outreach, assess damage, explain program details, and assist landowners with applications.
“Supporting FSA in implementing the EFRP enabled effective teamwork and fulfillment of the program’s objectives,” said Eric Allness.
Officials estimated that more than 10,000 acres of private forestland were affected within areas close to the tornado’s path. During the program sign-up period, 47 applications were submitted. After review, 27 applications covering 1,153 acres were approved, with nearly $2 million allocated for restoration projects.
“This property has been a part of the National Woodland Owner’s Association for generations, so our family was devastated when we saw the farm for the first time after the storm came through,” said Alison Stringer, a program applicant.
Landowners said the program helps speed recovery efforts and supports long-term restoration goals for family-owned forestland.
As recovery work continues, federal agencies and local partners believe the restoration program will strengthen forest health, improve environmental resilience, and help communities recover from future natural disasters more effectively.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy, Weather