· Short’s goldenrod protected. Using a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the commission acquired 571 acres in Fleming County that harbors a population of federal and state endangered Shorts’ goldenrod (Solidago shortii). Eighty acres surrounding the population will be dedicated as an addition to the existing Short’s Goldenrod SNP in September. The remaining land will become an addition to Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, and available for future expansion of the goldenrod.

· Three male black bear cubs were born just outside of Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve (Harlan County) in January 2008. University of Kentucky bear researcher Ben Augustine notes that these births signify the furthest west that reproduction has been documented on Pine Mountain. Ben and fellow graduate student Rebekah Jensen will have a full report on their black bear study in the summer issue of Naturally Kentucky.

· KSNPC has been monitoring Running Buffalo Clover (RBC), a federally listed endangered species, at Ashland Estate in Lexington since its discovery in 1989. In 2006 four recovery zones were established and efforts have been underway to reduce the impact of invasive species on the clover. This past January KSNPC partnered with staff at Ashland, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Dave Leonard Consulting Arborist to remove four large tree-of-heavens, an exotic invasive tree species, near the largest patch of RBC and replaced them with three native ironwoods. An educational sign about invasive species and the tree-of-heaven removal was also created. Once the invasive species have all been removed from the RBC patches, the hope is to establish varying levels of disturbance regimes, such as mowing and trampling, in order to see what kinds of management techniques are most beneficial to these populations.

· KSNPC is currently reviewing the final version of the Kentucky Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. When implemented, this plan will provide guidelines for resource managers dealing with invasive aquatic species in the state and steps for prevention of infestation. It will also call for a coordinator position to be created for Kentucky.

· On February 24, 2007 the hemlock wooly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) was discovered at the Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve in Harlan County. This aphid-like insect pest was found during a volunteer day survey. The adelgid causes death to hemlock trees, usually within 6-10 years of infestation. Chemical control methods can reduce the rate of spread of the adelgid and can protect individual trees, but are not feasible on a large scale. Biological control methods are being explored but have not been established region wide. For more information on the adelgid visit http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/hwa/.

·  Rare Plant Legislation Report (January 2006)  KSNPC's Report on Kentucky's Native Flora, Status and Trends in Rare Plants. Submitted to Governor Ernie Fletcher and the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly. Legislation related to this can be found at Kentucky Revised Statutes - KRS Chapter 146.600 - 146.619.

· A Fish Consumption Advisory is still in effect for Metropolis Lake.

· Efforts are currently underway to acquire additional land for Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve, Kentucky's largest old growth forest. Check out the the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust's Blanton Forest Web page to learn more about how YOU can help protect Kentucky's largest old growth forest.

Spring 2008 Naturally Kentucky #58 
Winter 2008 Naturally Kentucky #57 
Fall 2007 Naturally Kentucky #56 
Summer 2007 Naturally Kentucky #55  

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Visit the Newsletter Archive for past newsletters.

March 21, 2008 . Save Kentucky’s Hemlocks is a new organization formed to combat a voracious insect that is threatening Kentucky’s hemlocks. The insect is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which feeds on a hemlock’s needles and eventually causes its death. A diverse team made up of land managers, foresters, wildlife biologists, entomologists, public officials, and citizens has formed Save Kentucky’s Hemlocks. The new group seeks public support as it takes action to protect and save hemlocks from the adelgid.

Feb. 27, 2008 .Quarterly Meeting.The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission will conduct its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at 10 a.m. EST in the conference room  at 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, Ky. The addition to Short’s Goldenrod State Nature Preserve is on the agenda. Additional information on the meeting is available by calling 502-573-2886.

Visit the Press Release Archive section for past information.

2007 Biodiversity Protection Award  was presented to Hugh Archer.

2007 Volunteer Steward Award  was presented to Mary Carol Cooper.

Visit the KSNPC Annual Awards Archive for a list of past recipients.