W. Cary Perkins is highly regarded in the field of forestry, drawing upon 43 years of professional experience. Now retired, he most recently served as the owner of Bluegrass Consulting Forestry between 2002 and 2015, where he lent his expertise in forestry services to private landowners and other organizations. In retirement, he still offers a range of free forestry assistance through his website, www.bluegrassforestry.com. Previously, he served as the chief of forest management in the Kentucky Division of Forestry in the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet from 1981 to 2002.
Notably, for nearly 20 years, Mr. Perkins hired all the foresters for the Kentucky Division of Forestry, demonstrating his expertise in and aptitude for management and business operations. During his tenure with the Kentucky Division of Forestry, he was named Outstanding Employee of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet in 1992. Also in 1992, the Kentucky Forest Stewardship Program, which he developed as part of a nationwide federal initiative, was named the Outstanding Forest Stewardship Program in the United States by the National Woodland Owners Association.
To remain abreast of developments in his areas of expertise, Mr. Perkins maintained membership with numerous organizations, including serving three terms as treasurer of the Kentucky chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters and twice as chairman of the Southern Forest Management Chief’s Association. In addition, he served as both chairman and co-chairman of the Kentucky Tree Farm Committee.
Highly educated, Mr. Perkins earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in forestry and wildlife management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (more commonly known as Virginia Tech) in 1971. Outside his professional achievements, he has been well known as a country-western dancer, having competed in 19 national dance competitions and taught country-western dance at the University of Louisville and workshops in eight states. He is also a prolific writer, having penned a book of poetry titled “Of Love and Things” in 1992. In the coming years, Mr. Perkins aims to continue enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
