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Last Modified: 3/5/2008
Department for Natural Resources
The Department for Natural Resources oversees activities and programs related to forestry, conservation, mining, oil and gas, and land preservation. The department, through its divisions and partnerships, provides technical assistance, educational programs, and funding to assist the general public, landowners, institutions, industries, and communities in conserving and sustaining Kentucky's natural resources. In addition, the department is responsible for the inspection of timber harvests, mining operations and oil and gas wells to ensure compliance with laws that protect the public, the environment and Kentucky’s coal miners.
| Departmental Entity |
Responsibility |
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Commissioner's Office
Office of Technical and Administrative Support |
- guidance on cabinet and department policy
- oversight to the divisions
- technical and administrative support for departmental functions and projects
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| Division of Conservation |
- assistance to conservation districts and landowners in implementing sound soil and water management practices
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| Division of Forestry |
- forest stewardship assistance to private landowners
- prevention and control of forest fires
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| Division of Abandoned Mine Lands |
- assistance with health and safety issues resulting from mining prior to 1982
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| Office of Mine Safety and Licensing |
- safety, education and training of all coal miners
- licensing of coal mines and inspection for safety hazards
- licensing of blasters and regulation of storage and handling of explosives
- mine rescue, mine safety analysis and accident investigation
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| Division of Mine Reclamation & Enforcement |
- inspection of coal and non-coal mining sites to ensure compliance with environmental and public safety standards
- investigation of complaints about current mining activities
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| Division of Mine Permits |
- review and issuance of mine permits for surface and underground coal mines
- issuance of 401 Water Quality Certification for coal mining operations
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| Division of Oil & Gas Conservation |
- permitting, inspection and oversight of oil and gas production
- plugging of abandoned oil and gas wells
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| Heritage Land Conservation Fund |
- evaluation of proposals and distribution of funding for the purchase of ecologically significant tracts of land
- Nature Plates
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Department for Natural Resources #2 Hudson Hollow Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-6940 Fax: 502-564-5698 E-mail: linda.potter@ky.gov
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