HealthyWoods

Functionality & Mechanism

This digital assessment tool, developed through a collaboration including the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, facilitates woodland health evaluations for private landowners. The app utilizes a guided questionnaire to collect data on forest conditions, such as canopy health, understory composition, and invasive species presence. Based on user input and specified management goals, it generates a preliminary assessment report that can be saved and shared with forestry professionals for further guidance.

Development & Context

• The app was developed by a multi-state collaboration of forest specialists to provide research-based information to landowners who may not attend traditional extension programs.
• A U.S. Department of Agriculture grant funded the project, which was co-led by researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee.
• The tool was designed to be accessible for users with limited prior knowledge, guiding them through fundamental concepts of woodland assessment.
• The coverage highlights its function as a starting point for landowners to connect with extension agents and professional foresters for detailed management plans.

Intended Use & Scope

HealthyWoods is intended for private woodland owners, particularly those with limited forestry knowledge, as a preliminary self-assessment resource. It is explicitly positioned as an educational tool to introduce core concepts of forest health. The app does not provide specific threat identification or management recommendations, instead facilitating connection with local forestry professionals for expert guidance.