In Kentucky, the Department for Natural Resources (DNR) of the Energy and Environment Cabinet conserves and sustains Kentucky’s natural resources through its divisions and partnerships by providing technical assistance, education, and funding to landowners, institutions, industries, and communities.

The DNR is comprised of the following divisions:

• The Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML)- Protects the public from health and safety problems caused by mining;
• The Division of Conservation- Provides exemplary leadership in natural resource conservation stewardship for the state;
• The Division of Forestry (KDF)- Protects, conserves, and enhances the forest resources of the state;
• The Division of Mine Permits- Administers the surface coal mining regulatory program in the state; evaluates applications, including mining and reclamation plans; and issues permits to ensure that all surface coal mining operations in the state meet the minimum performance standards for environmental and public protection and reclamation;
• The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE)- Inspects all surface and underground coal mining permits in the state;
• Office of Mine Safety and Licensing- Ensures a safe working environment to all coal miners in the state; ensures a fair and consistent enforcement of statutes and regulations throughout the state; and provides effective education and training to coal miners to foster safe work practices; and
• The Division of Oil and Gas- Regulates the crude oil and natural gas industry in the state; protect the correlative rights of mineral owners, fresh water zones, and minable coal seams; and conserves and protects oil and gas reserves in the state.

The Division of Water of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, through voluntary, regulatory, and educational programs manages, protects, and enhances the quality of Kentucky’s water resources for present and future generations in the state.  Similarly, the division through the Kentucky Water Watch Program protects the streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands of the state.  The program fulfills its goals through community education initiatives, community leadership, community action, and water quality monitoring projects.

Further, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) are responsible for the conservation of fish and wildlife resources in the state.  KDFWR also seeks to improve the wildlife diversity and promotes its sustainable use by present and future generations.

The mission of KDFWR is:

• to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats;
• to increase opportunity for, and safe participation in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, and other wildlife-related activities;
• to foster a more informed and involved public;
• to expand and diversify our user base; and
• to create a more diverse, effective, and efficient organization.

KDFWR consists of a commissioner, Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission (FWRC), the Division of Law Enforcement, and other agents and employees[i].  The head of KDFWR is the commissioner, who is appointed by FWRC.  FWRC consists of nine members appointed by the governor for a period of four years[ii].

Department for Natural Resources

Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Water

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

[i] KRS § 150.021.

[ii] KRS § 150.022.