The recent tornadoes that swept through Kentucky and Missouri have left a trail of devastation. Homes damaged, lives disrupted, and forests changed. At NCX, our hearts are with everyone impacted. If you own forestland in the affected areas, you’re likely facing tough questions:

• Is my forest still healthy and safe?
  
• What should I do with all the downed timber?
  
• Can I recover some financial value from the damage?
  
• How do I reduce the risk of future disasters?
  

We’re here to help you navigate this difficult moment and protect both your land and your legacy.

Step 1: Assess the Damage Safely

Before anything else, ensure it’s safe to visit your property. Downed power lines, unstable trees, and debris can pose serious hazards. If in doubt, wait for professional help before venturing out. Once it’s safe, walk your property, or review aerial imagery if available, to assess the damage. You should look for:

• Extent of Tree Damage: Are trees uprooted, snapped, or leaning dangerously?
  
• Access Routes: Are roads and trails blocked?
  
• Waterways: Are creeks or drainage systems blocked by debris?
  

This initial assessment will help prioritize actions and determine what type of additional professional help is needed.

Step 2: Understand the Financial Implications

Damaged timber can sometimes be salvaged and sold, but time is critical. Downed trees degrade quickly, especially in warm, wet conditions where rot and insect infestations set in fast.

Consider:

• Salvage Logging: Contact your forester or local loggers to see if a salvage harvest is feasible. NCX members can access our network of forestry professionals to get quick evaluations.
  
• Insurance Claims: Review your insurance policies to see what types of losses are covered. The claims process can be long so make sure you start it as soon as possible. Some policies specifically cover storm damage to timber assets and/or the cost to reforest your property. Ask your agent if you’re unsure about your coverage.
  
• Disaster Assistance Programs: The USDA and other agencies often provide financial assistance for replanting and recovery. NCX members can easily see which disaster recovery programs they are eligible for and can speak directly with an advisor to discuss the application processes.
  

Step 3: Mitigate Future Risks

While we can’t control the weather, there are proven steps to make your forest more resilient:

• Conduct Thinning Operations: Dense, overcrowded forests are more vulnerable to windthrow. Thinning reduces this risk and promotes healthier, sturdier trees.
  
• Diversify Tree Species: Mixed-species forests are more resilient to both pests and weather events. Connecting with your NCX advisor can help you decide which species and planting approach may be best suited to weather future storms.
  
• Monitor for Secondary Threats: Downed and damaged trees attract pests like bark beetles, which can spread to healthy trees. NCX members receive proactive alerts about these risks.
  
• Explore Insurance Options: If you did not have a policy in place to protect your timber assets this time around, it is worth meeting with a licensed agent to talk through potential options to protect your forest going forward. NCX members get access to a personal advisor who can recommend good policy options.
  

Step 4: Plan for Recovery

After the immediate crisis passes, think long-term. Your land is a generational asset, and how you respond today will shape its future health and value.

• Develop a Reforestation Plan: If you lost significant tree cover, consider replanting with a mix of native species adapted to your site.
  
• Take Advantage of Cost-Share Programs: Federal and state agencies often help cover replanting costs.
  
• Lean on Your Support Team: If you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly why we built NCX. We’re the support team every landowner deserves, helping you assess threats, make informed decisions, and secure funding for recovery.
  

We’re Here to Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to NCX at landowners@ncx.com for a free damage assessment and recovery recommendations tailored to your land.

Your land has weathered storms before. With the right plan, it will thrive again. Become an NCX member to get a personal advisor to help you through the recovery process.