Cumberland Falls - Forest Health Field Day
Everyone wants a healthy forest, but what does this mean?
Welcome to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Welcome to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Located in southern Kentucky just outside of Corbin, Cumberland Falls is the largest waterfall in Kentucky. Cumberland Falls is part of the Kentucky State Parks system and features 17 miles of hiking trails, and many other activities for visitors to enjoy.
View of the river from Dupont Lodge.
Still, forest health management challenges exist here too, with invasive insects and plants playing a role in the management of this state park.
To learn more about Cumberland Falls, click the button below.
Cumberland Falls is a unique natural area that nearly did not exist at all. Olivia Immitt, park interpreter at Cumberland Falls, explains.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) on eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Photo credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) (HWA) is an invasive insect that can be found infesting eastern hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout Kentucky and much of the eastern US.
Imidacloprid used to treat for HWA with the soil drench method.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry's hemlock treatment crew is treating eastern hemlock trees across the state for HWA. In this video, members of the hemlock treatment crew demonstrate the drench method of treating hemlock for HWA.
HWA belongs to a group of insects known as Hemipterans. These insects feed using straw-like mouthparts, which they insert into a host to absorb nutrients. HWA can infest hemlock trees in large numbers, and large populations may lead to decline and mortality in eastern hemlock trees.
A healthy, treated hemlock tree.
Eastern hemlock is an important ecological component of many forests. Decline and death of hemlock can impact ecosystem health and water quality, and may have negative impacts on species living in these areas.
To learn more about HWA and the impact it can have on hemlock trees
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is an invasive plant first introduced to North America as an ornamental. Its brilliant red fall foliage made it a popular landscaping species, and it can still be found for sale in some parts of the U.S. as an ornamental.
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) fall color. Photo credit: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Burning bush presents a significant management challenge at Cumberland Falls. It competes with native plant species for light and other resources, and may shade out some understory plants and regenerating tree seedlings.
To learn more about burning bush management, click here
AmeriCorps has been working with Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to manage invasive plants growing along park trails and in other natural areas.
Americorps crew members removing burning bush at Cumberland Falls.
To learn more about AmeriCorps, click here.
Thanks for visiting Cumberland Falls!
Thank you for joining us today at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and on our journey through forest health management across Kentucky. If you would like to learn more about forest health in Kentucky, checkout the University of Kentucky Forestry Extension website and follow KY Forest Health on Facebook and Instagram .
