Guide to Records of the Kentucky-Tennessee Society of American Foresters

Acquisition of Collection
In June 1984 the Executive Committee of the Tennessee Society of American Foresters (KTSAF) recommended that the Societies records be archived at Eastern Kentucky University Archives. Charley Foster first deposited records in the archives in 1985. An agreement of permanent deposit was signed on January 30th 1989 with additional records deposited by James Newman on that date. The KTSAF records had been organized by historians on five occasions: A section history was completed by History Chairman E.G. Wiesehuegel’s committee in September 1948 covering 1943 to 1947; Douglas Bean produced a section history (A statistical summary, which included leadership, meetings, and awards) covering 1948 to 1959; J.O. Artman presented “ A Bit of History” in 1971 that provided a synopsis of the Society up to that date. Chairman of the history committee J.O. Artman maintained a yearly data summary, which included meetings, lists of Section leaders and awards from 1960 to 1979. In 1964 a list of motions was added to the data summary of meetings. Guy Thurmond brought the data summary up to date in 1983. From 1983 to 1999 there has been no summary or history created. When there was a history chairman during this period they just filed the records that were provided. In 2000 the records were arranged and described in a formal and complete manner.

Collection Description
The KTSAF provides a source of information on the forest issues of Kentucky and Tennessee from World War II to the present. Committees and their reports track forest issues and how they should be addressed with the public and our state and local governments. Policies, Positions and Issues are the culmination of KTSAF committee work and work from national task forces established to address specific issues. The Minutes of Executive committee and business meetings provide a time line from an emerging issue to development of an action to address the issue. Within the minutes are reports from KTSAF members who belong to key forestry and environmental organizations and agencies in the states.

The records include the meeting minutes of the National Society of American Foresters (SAF) Council and House of Society Delegates. The Council is the national representative governing body of SAF and the House of Society Delegates is composed of the Chairmen of all of the state and multi state societies (such as KTSAF). These minutes provide insight on how the SAF functions as an organization. An issue that appears to be local in the meeting minutes may also be regional or national in scope.

The correspondence provides an insight on how some issues were brought before KTSAF and how those issues were handled. It also contains the responses from elected officials and leaders from groups or organizations.

A complete set of newsletters provides a synopsis of KTSAF affairs and information, issues and actions by individuals, other organizations and government agencies. The newsletters provide information about meetings as well as activities that occurred between meetings.

Chapter Records relate what was happening in specific sections of Kentucky and Tennessee.

The management assumptions and resources of KTSAF can be found in the Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Membership records, and Financial Records.

The Histories, and Annual Summaries may assist in identifying when specific events, activities or issues occurred.

History of the Kentucky – Tennessee Society of American Foresters

In 1900 seven foresters, including Gifford Pinchot, created the Society of American Foresters. It’s purpose is to promote sound forestry practices on public and private lands; to further the profession of forestry by improving the education of Foresters and the public; and to provide the catalyst for foresters to gather and share their knowledge and experiences, thus providing for the continuing education of professional foresters.

By 1940 Kentucky was part of the Ohio Valley Section, East Tennessee was part of the Appalachian Section, and West Tennessee was part of the Ozark Section. In early 1940 concern over having to travel up to 1500 miles round trip to a section meeting led Kentucky, Tennessee and Northern Alabama members to look into forming a new Section. In February 1941 E.G. Wiesehuegel requested guidance from the national office on forming a more local Section. Willis M. Baker and I.C. Burroughs developed the first set of Bylaws. A petition with Bylaws was distributed among foresters in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Alabama. The petition with 54 member signatures was sent to the national office on March 14, 1941. Council approved formation of the Kentucky Tennessee Section on February 24, 1942 with 123 members.

One of the primary purposes of the Society is to bring Foresters together at meetings to share information and experiences to further their professional knowledge. World War II delayed the first annual K-T Section meeting until September 24, 1943, with 57 members and guests present. The following standing committees were formed: (1) History of Kentucky-Tennessee Section, (2) Legislation, (3) Silviculture and Cutting Practices, (4) Stimulation of Technical Writing, and (5) Post-War Land Use Planning. The Legislation and Post War Land Use Planning committees were formed to provide guidance on how to influence the improvement of land management practices in the two states. The Silviculture and Cutting Practices, and Stimulation of Technical Writing committees were formed to provide guidance on how to improve the professional knowledge of member foresters. The first summer meeting was held in 1947. The summer meetings have historically been field trips to examine the affects of forest management on land. The annual winter meetings have conducted the K-T SAF business and provided a forum for discussion of critical issues affecting the improved management of forested lands. Some winter meetings are symposia of the latest research in an area of concern such as water quality, fire control, disease management, harvesting etc.

The winter meeting originally occurred in the fall of the year. Committee reports, chapter reports and awards for the year were presented at the fall meeting. The next year’s committees and programs were planned at this time. In 1981 there was no annual fall meeting. It was moved to January so that more students and university faculty could attend meetings. Thus the annual reports of committees and chapters are presented in the beginning of the year, after the events occur. (The 1995 Treasurers report provides the income and expenditures of the 1994-year and the proposed budget of 1995).

In 1981 the Kentucky-Tennessee Section was renamed the Kentucky- Tennessee Society of American Foresters. The Society of American Foresters began in 1900 because: (1) The general public did not understand the importance of sound forest management as a critical component to our human survival, (2) Government legislators were not aware of the impacts that legislation has on the effective management of public and private forest lands. (3) The science and practice of forestry was complicated, continually improving, and required educated and trained professionals that can work with land owners and managers in their pursuit of productive and valuable forested lands.

The Kentucky-Tennessee Society has dealt with these three problems since 1943 and the same problems must be dealt with in the future.

Important Dates in the Kentucky – Tennessee Society of American Foresters History
February 24, 1942	The Council approved the formation of the Kentucky Tennessee Section with 123 members
September 24, 1943	The First Annual Meeting, delayed until September 1943 by World War II. Section goes on record urging passage of U.S. Senate Bill S-45, which provides fund for coop fire control with states.
1944	Survey distributed to determine post war graduate needs by employers.
1945	Concerned that foresters become a part of a civil service system not remain in political system. Concerned with insuring sustainable management practices are in place after the war. Committee on Silviculture and Cutting Practices report was adopted to recommend for legislation in TN and KY.
1948	Oppose the construction of the Mining City Dam on the Green River that would flood Mammoth Cave.
1950	Section boundary limited to Kentucky and Tennessee border. Northern Alabama returns to state of Alabama.
1952	Committee formed to examine possibility of licensing foresters.
1957	Committee formed to develop a standard timber sale contract that would protect landowner, forester and logger.
1958	Education committee reports on establishment of forestry “degree program” in Kentucky and /or Tennessee. Chairman Wiesehuegel testifies before Tennessee Legislature committee regarding need for a forestry school at University of Tennessee.
1962	H.R. Bill 8535 (McIntire Bill) approved by section. . Commend TN Legislative Council’s recommended legislation on proposed forest fire control and qualifications for the State Forester position. Governor Clement asked to support recommendations.
1963	K-T Section recommends legislation governing labeling for forest tree seed marketed in KY & TN. Section assist KY state colleges at conservation workshops for schoolteachers by providing lecturers, outlines for courses, and instructors. Copy of 1961 resolution pertaining to Landowner liability law sent to KY Governor and members of KY General Assembly. Resolve that Federal Seed Act of August 9, 1939 be amended to cover forest tree seed and send resolution to key interested parties. Tennessee passes Landowner Liability law. Obtained backing of Kentucky Farm Bureau for landowner Liability Law in KY. Important Dates in the Kentucky – Tennessee Society of American Foresters History
1964	Passed resolution opposing TVA's proposed Tellico project on Little Tennessee River until additional study completed.
1967	Supported regulation of Surface mining of all minerals for protection of other resources. Letters to 159 newspapers, 18 TV stations, 138 radio stations, & 132 TN State legislators that articulated K-T support (bill passed). Commend Tenn. governor on passage of strip mine law and appointment of forester to head up its administration. Send a representative to Tenn. strip mine regulation hearing in December.
1968	School of natural Resources is established at U of KY. 4 year and two year programs are planned. Council reopened the door for graduates of the U of South to become members of SAF.
1970	Section interested in Natural Areas and encouraged the two states governments to set up natural area systems. Tennessee strip mining legislation be strengthened, funding of state organizations adequate, and reclamation include long range planning for reclaimed land.
1971	Letter from TN Governor Dunn replies to Section letter concerning strip mine and Natural Areas legislation. Letter sent to KY Governor Nunn expressing concern about mining near Robinson Forest. Letters sent to Senators against Metcalf Bill and parts of Hatfield Bill S 350. Senator Hatfield asks national office for help in making changes to bill 350.
1972	Congressman Lamar Baker (on Forestry Committee) condemns clear cutting on the Cherokee National Forest. House Forestry subcommittee with Lamar Baker toured Cherokee National Forest with representatives from TN Game Commission, University of TN, TN Division of Forestry, and SAF. Tour was highly satisfactory according to Supervisor Bob Lusk.
1973	Letters to legislatures recommending land use planning by governmental agencies in KY and TN.
1975	Each Kentucky chapter writes to appropriate state officials encouraging them to back legislation requiring professional qualifications of the state forester.
1976	Senators Wendell Ford, Walter Huddleston and Congressmen John Breckinridge, Carroll Hubbard and William Natcher from Kentucky and Senator Bill Brock and Congressman Robin Beard from Tennessee have all expressed an interest in availing themselves of professional forestry assistance in developing proposed legislation on the Monongahela Decision. East Kentucky Chapter receives a favorable reply from the office of Governor Julian Carroll to reinstate forestry qualifications for Director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Forestry qualifications were required from 1946 to 1974.
1977	5 Natural Areas in Tennessee and 4 in Kentucky have been accepted by national office. The Section favors retention of the capital gains tax on timber income.
1979	Appointed a committee to review and recommend actions on the Big Frog and Citico Creek Wilderness Study Areas proposed on the Cherokee National Forest. Land Reclamation Working Group approved by National with Don Graves UK as Organizing chairman and Roger Bollinger TVA and James Farson, Kentucky Bureau of Surface Mining on committee.
1980	Position statement recommends that an objective economic and environmental study be made before a decision on the Oak Ridge TN Municipal Airport is approved. UT Forestry research lands would be given up along with considerable long-range research.
1983	E TN & SE TN is active in supporting Forestry Commission for State of TN. Position statement was taken on a resolution to the TN legislature to study the feasibility of a forestry commission. Chairman Doyle addressed Tennessee House Agriculture Committee in support of strengthening the TN Division of Forestry. K-T worked to keep funding for USFS Sewanee Hardwood Silviculture Lab. Bill introduced to create a Tennessee Forestry Commission.
1984	Ad Hoc committee helped draft amendments and revisions to bill establishing Forestry Commission in Tennessee.
1986	Support the TN Wildlife Resources Agency in eliminating all “private acts” pertaining to wildlife management in TN. “A Position on Surface Mine Revegetation” by the KY Forestry Council adopted as K-T position statement. Approved being interveners and using funds for the appeals process of the Cherokee NF Plan.
1988	Two documents were completed as interveners in the Cherokee National Forest Appeal. One addressing the Bumpers Appeal and one in repose to the Common Sense Army. Our documents made a difference in the final agreement drafted for signature by the National Forest.
1991	Support Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) move to Dept. of Agriculture while maintaining the integrity of the personnel, program and lands currently maintained by TDF. Eleven members of K-T SAF co - authored a K-T SAF response to the TVA Draft EIS on the Chip Mill barging facility.
1992	Letters sent to congressman & senators offering expert advice on Chip Mill Issue in Chattanooga, TN. KTSAF review of TVA Draft EIS on Chip Mills is adopted as position statement.
1995	Draft a letter to all legislative representatives, which will offer SAF input and assistance in the Chip Mill Issue and publish it in the newsletter for members to send to their representatives.
1997	Unqualified endorsement of E KY Chapter position statement "Effective Forest Stewardship in Kentucky". Kentucky Forest Stewardship Skunk Works held June 30 with most participants favoring true stewardship act and addressing logging regulation through existing laws and possible "Bad Actor" Legislation. KY Governor and 3 legislators present at Skunk Works along with environmentalists and woods industry. Agreed to nominate three people for the proposed Tennessee Forest Management Advisory Panel and pay state per diem expenses for K-T SAF representative as requested.
2000	Letters sent to local congressmen and Senators concerning Forest Roadless Conservation Rule, and Proposed Non point pollution status of Forestry practices. Letters sent to Forest Service concerning proposed Planning regulations, Road Management regulations and Roadless Conservation Rule.

I. Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series

Description: The Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series contain two boxes of materials (boxes 1 & 2), filed chronologically by date approved, except the first two folders. The first folder contains the complete collection filing system, an inventory of the collection, the KY-TN Society of American Foresters 1943-2000 Chronicle, and the original histories reformatted and updated to 2000. The second folder contains all of the original histories from 1942 to 1979 and the original list of officers and awards from 1943-1983. The remaining seven folders contain the Society documents that determine the mission and structure of the organization and the procedures to be used in conducting the business and affairs of the Society of American Foresters. The histories and annual summaries in the chronicle capture the significant events and character of the Society as understood by the authors at the time they were written. This series should be used in conjunction with all other series in order to understand the context for the development of all the other materials.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 1

Collection Filing System, Inventory, Chronology, and Histories. Original Histories and Chronology
1942 – 1974
1976 – 1978
1979 – 1985

Box 2

1986 – 1987
1988 – 1992
1993 – 1998
1999 – 2000

II. Meeting Programs and Minutes Series

Description: The Meeting Programs and Minutes Series consist of two boxes of records (boxes 3 & 4) arranged chronologically from 1943 to 2000. Annual winter meeting programs and minutes exist for 1943 to 1951. A summation of programs and meeting minutes are found in the Newsletter Series from 1952 to 1961. From 1963 to 2000 some original programs and minutes exist. The other meetings are summarized in the Newsletters Series. There are no records for the winter business meeting of 1965, the business meeting or executive committee meetings for 1982 and 1983, the summer meeting of 1988, the winter business meeting of 1989 and the winter business meeting of 1997. From 1994 to 2000 the executive committee meetings gradually conducted more of the Society’s business affairs and the business meetings evolved into informational meetings for the general membership. Meeting programs provide insight on new scientific information, effective forest management programs, emerging issues and how the science and practice of forestry evolved. Meeting minutes chronicle issues, the development of policy and policy changes. This series should be used in conjunction with the Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series, Correspondence Series, Policies Positions and Issues Series, Newsletters Series, Financial Records Series, Chapter Records Series and Special Projects, Audio Visuals Series.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 3

Series Inventory
1943 – 1946
1947 – 1951
1960 – 1968
1969 – 1979
1980 – 1985

Box4

1986 –1988
1989 – 1990
1991 – 1994
1995 – 1997
1998 – 2000

III. Correspondence Series

Description: The Correspondence Series consist of two boxes of materials (boxes 5 & 6) that cover the years 1958 to 1996. The material is in chronological order and includes letters written by the Secretary, Chairman, their proxies and correspondence to the Secretary, Chairman and Memorial Scholarship Fund. Most of the correspondence directed the affairs of the Society (including the Foresters Fund) or fulfilled the intent of meeting resolutions. Memorial Scholarship fund correspondence provides a record of donations to the fund, and letters to the spouses of the deceased. This series should be used in conjunction with the Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series, Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Policies Positions and Issues Series, Newsletters Series, Financial Records Series, and Chapter Records Series.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 5

Series Inventory
1958 – 1965
1966 – 1977
1978 – 1984
1985
1986
1987 – 1988

Box 6

1989
1990 – 1991
1992
1993 – 1994
1995
1996 – 2000

V. Policies, Positions and Issues Series Description: The Policies, Positions and Issues Series consist of three boxes of records (boxes 7 - 9) covering 1959 to 2000. This series includes correspondence concerning forestry policy within the organization and to cooperators such as businesses, public agencies, schools, and politicians. Position papers are part of this series as are records of ad hoc policy committees. Materials are in chronological order by the year the correspondence occurred. Actions taken to develop and finalize a position paper are gathered with the final position and filed in the year the position was approved. Ad hoc policy committees retain their correspondence, meeting minutes and working documents until they have completed their task. All committee documents are filed with the final committee product or in the year the committee becomes inactive. This series should be used in conjunction with the Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series, Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Correspondence Series, Newsletters Series, Chapter Records Series and Special Projects, Audio Visuals Series. Series Box and Folder Filing System
Box 7	Series Inventory 1959 – 1986 1987 – 1989 1989 A thru D Licensing Committee 1951-1989
Box 8	1990 – 1991 1992 A 1992 B 1994 – 1995
Box 9	1995 Natural Areas Committee 1965-1995 1996 1997 – 2000

V. Newsletter Series

Description: The Newsletter Series consist of two boxes of newsletters (boxes 10 & 11) covering the years 1945 thru 2000. The KY-TN newsletter provides the primary communication between members of the Society. The newsletter covers forest issues, a summary of meeting programs and minutes, transfers and promotions of members, changes in forest policies or practices and information about members. Reports from the KY-TN leadership, Council Members and national office employees are also included in the newsletters. This series also has one complete printed copy of the KY-TN Society Web Site from December 2000. 2000 was the first full year the web site was in operation. The newsletters are filed in numeric order, which also happens to be in chronological order. This series should be used in conjunction with all other series.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 10

Series Inventory
1945 – 1950
1951 – 1952
1953 – 1954
1955 – 1956
1957 – 1959
1960 – 1969

Box 11

1970 – 1982
1983 – 1995
1996 – 2000
June & December 2000 Web Site

VI. Membership Records Series

Description: The Membership Records Series consist of two boxes of records (boxes 12 & 13) covering 1951 thru 2000. Some years have a complete listing of members, total membership at the beginning of the year, a purge list and follow-up reinstatement list and a total membership for the end of the year. Most years have only one or two of these records, and 15 of the 50 years have no records. The membership records are in chronological order by year.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 12

Series Inventory
1951 – 1976
1977 - 1980
1981 - 1987
1988 - 1990
1991-1992

Box 13

1993 - 1999
2000
National Member Campaigns

VII. Financial Records Series

Description: The Financial Records Series consist of part of one box of records (box 13) covering the period 1943 thru 2000. Within the series inventory folder is a financial summary with the year’s beginning balance, total receipts, total expenditures and year-end balance commencing in 1943 and ending in 2000. No financial records are available for 1951, 1952, 1954 thru 1957, and 1960 thru 1962. In the Ledger Sub Series records from 1964 thru 1974 are in the original ledger. Records from 1982 thru 2000 are copies of the KY-TN Society of American Forester ledger. Correspondence and Special Projects Sub Series records are files chronologically by year. Additional financial records are found in Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Correspondence Series, with final reports of special projects such as Memorial Scholarship Fund and Foresters Fund.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 13

Series Inventory
Ledger Sub Series
1964 – 1974 Ledger
1982 – 1999 Ledger copy
Correspondence & Special Projects Sub Series
1980 - 1995

VIII. Chapter Records Series

Description: The Chapter Records Series contain two boxes of materials (boxes 14 & 15) with chapter documents. To improve communication between members and better address local and regional forestry issues the KY-TN Society is divided into local chapters. Chapter Bylaws are filed in Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series. Chapter annual reports are included in Meeting Programs and Minutes Series. All other chapter records such as correspondence, histories, meeting minutes, newsletters, position statements, meeting programs and finances are filed by chapter first and then in chronological order by year. Records cover 1971 thru 2000. This series should be used in conjunction with Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Correspondence Series, Policies Positions and Issues Series, Newsletters Series, Financial Records Series, Special Projects, Audio Visuals Series.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 14

Series Inventory
East Tennessee Chapter Sub Series
1994 - 1999
East Kentucky Chapter Sub Series
1971 - 1979
1980 - 1986
1987 - 1989
1990 - 1995
1989 – 1997 Meeting Minutes Ledger

Box 15

East Tennessee Chapter Sub Series
1996 - 2000
West Kentucky Chapter Sub Series
1974 - 1988
South East Tennessee Chapter Sub Series
1987 - 1990
Middle Tennessee Chapter Sub Series
1986 - 1999
West Tennessee Chapter Sub Series
1986 - 1996

IX. National Meetings and National Newsletter Series Description: The National Meetings and National Newsletter Series contain three boxes of materials (boxes 16-18). Files are arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically by year within each subject. House of Society Delegate Meeting Notes cover 1965 – 1999 with no record in 1966 thru 1983, and 1995 thru 1997. The House of Society Delegates is a national group with one representative from each state or multi-state society represented. The House of Society Delegates makes administrative and policy recommendations to the National Council. The National Council Meeting Notes cover 1974 – 1999. There are no records in 1975 thru 1981, 1992 and 1997. The National Council is the governing body of the Society of American Foresters. The state and multi-state societies are represented on the Council by a District Council member. The nation is divided into voting districts representing an equal number of Society members. The Council Notes record Council actions to provide national administration and policy direction for the National Society. The Forestry Notes is a national newsletter. The SAF Notes are replaced by The Forestry Source. This series should be used in conjunction with the Bylaws, Charters, Manuals, Histories, and Chronology Series, Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Policies Positions and Issues Series, Newsletters Series, Financial Records Series, Chapter Records Series. Series Box and Folder Filing System
Box 16	Series Inventory SAF Notes Sub Series 1985 - 1991 Forestry Source Sub Series 1996 - 1998 1999 2000
Box 17	House of Society Delegates Meeting Notes Sub Series 1984 - 1988 1989 1990 - 1993 1994 - 1996 1998
Box 18	House of Society Delegates Meeting Notes Sub Series 1999 National Council Meeting Notes Sub Series 1975 - 1986 1987 - 1995 1999

X. Special Projects, Audio, Visuals Series

Description: The Special Projects, Audio, Visuals Series consist of two boxes of materials (boxes 19 & 20) with newspaper clippings, visuals such as photographs, slide programs, films and audio records and audio such as recordings. The series has photographs, films, slide programs and videos from 1948 through 2000, newspaper clippings from 1964 to 1998 and an audiotape from 1995. The material is filed in folder subjects of Newspapers, Visuals, and Audio. Within subject folders material is filed chronologically by year. This series should be used in conjunction with the Meeting Programs and Minutes Series, Correspondence Series, Newsletters Series.

Series Box and Folder Filing System

Box 19

Series Inventory
Visuals Sub Series
1942 – 1972 Photos
1974 – 2000 Photos
1966 “The American Forester” 16mm Film
1989 “The Forester” slide tape program
“The Continuing Forest” video
1991 “Forestry: An Intricate Balance” video
“Natural Resources: A Career Choice that Matters” video

Box 20

Visuals Sub Series
1999 “Forests: Providing Habitat for All” video
“Full Circle” Forest for Humanity video
Newspapers Sub Series
1964 - 1998
Audio Sub Series
1995 “Focus on Forestry” TN Radio Network

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