The Independent Seed Orchard Program (ISOP) in Kentucky:

What is the objective of the Independent Seed Orchard Program (ISOP)? 

Kentucky ISOP aims to create a steady supply of high-quality white oak acorns for the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) tree-seedling nurseries. To accomplish this goal, the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (UKFNR) and the Kentucky Division of Forestry created ISOP to supply selected private and public landowners with high-quality white oak seedlings and support the creation of independent white oak seed orchards across Kentucky.

How are orchard sites selected? What are the interest levels and roles of participants in the program? 

Because of the importance of white oak, thanks mainly to the White Oak Initiative, there has been strong interest in participating in the program. Potential participants are identified by KDF and UKFNR. Selected participants agree to make their property available to establish the seed orchards and commit to needed site preparation and maintenance of the seed orchards. Once the trees begin producing acorns, participants agree to make those acorns available to KDF for purchase.
 

What support do participants receive? 

Each selected participant is matched with a forester who will assist in site scouting and sharing expertise in preparing the site for planting and eventual acorn production. KDF foresters visit each site and sign off on its suitability for ISOP to maintain a strong connection to the KDF tree seedling nurseries. Selected participants receive 100 of the highest quality white oak seedlings from KDF tree seedling nurseries and periodic visits with KDF foresters. Billy Thomas with UKFNR serves as ISOP program coordinator, in close cooperation with the KDF.

How many independent seed orchards, and how many acres in total, would be ideal? 

Kentucky ISOP started in 2024 with twelve pilot sites. In 2025, ISOP enrolled and planted fifteen sites with plans to expand incrementally until there are more than 100 locations across Kentucky. The initial seed orchards are 0.5 acres, so within a few years, we plan to have more than 50 acres of seed orchards spread across the state. Once that threshold is reached, the program will be reassessed.