Within the hills of Ashland Metropolis, Tennessee, the place the Cumberland River winds by means of oak-covered ridges and longleaf pine stands tall, Keith Ray walks the land like he’s a part of it. And in some ways, he’s.
For greater than 18 years, Keith has labored as a forestry technician with the Tennessee Division of Forestry, specialising in wildfire prevention, timber administration, and habitat restoration. He’s not simply managing timber—he’s defending a dwelling system.
“You may’t deal with land like a manufacturing facility,” Keith says. “It’s not about extracting worth. It’s about protecting it wholesome for the lengthy haul.”
From Cheatham County Roots to the Forest Frontlines
Keith was born and raised in Cheatham County, the place his youth was formed by a deep respect for nature. His father labored as a logger, his mom a nurse. Collectively, they handed on two values that might information Keith’s life: onerous work and look after others.
He spent his childhood outdoors—looking, fishing, and serving to household clear trails by means of the woods. As a teen, he volunteered with native conservation teams, planting native timber and eradicating invasive privet. By the point he graduated from Cheatham County Central Excessive College in 2002, he already knew he wouldn’t be working in an workplace.
“I by no means noticed myself behind a desk,” he says. “I wished to be within the area, boots on the bottom, doing one thing actual.”
He went on to earn an Affiliate of Utilized Science in Forestry Know-how from Walters State Neighborhood Faculty, the place he studied all the things from soil science to fireside behaviour. His internships with the Tennessee Wildlife Assets Company and the U.S. Forest Service gave him early expertise in GPS mapping, timber cruising, and managed burns.
A Profession Constructed on Fireplace, Forests, and Fieldwork
As we speak, Keith performs a key position in managing 1000’s of acres throughout Center Tennessee. His job contains prescribed burning, forest stock and evaluation (FIA), and timber stand enchancment. He’s additionally licensed as a Wildland Firefighter (FFT2), Engine Boss Trainee, and Prescribed Burn Supervisor, and has been deployed to wildfire operations throughout state strains.
“Each hearth teaches you one thing,” he says. “You be taught to respect it—and use it the fitting manner.”
Fireplace, for Keith, is a instrument—not only a menace. Prescribed burns assist scale back gas masses, restore native grasses, and defend wildlife habitat. It’s harmful work, however he believes it’s important.
“An excellent burn can save a forest from a nasty hearth,” he explains. “It’s all about timing, climate, and planning.”
He additionally works straight with non-public landowners, advising on finest practices for sustainable timber harvest, erosion management, and invasive species removing. His method is hands-on, sensible, and constructed on belief.
Mentoring the Subsequent Technology
Keith’s information isn’t only for his crew. He spends time mentoring forestry interns and highschool college students in profession and technical education schemes. He’s identified for being approachable, direct, and beneficiant along with his time.
“These children must see that there’s a future on this work,” he says. “Not only a job—however a objective.”
He leads group workshops on hearth security, soil conservation, and native tree planting. He additionally volunteers with the Cheatham County Soil Conservation District, serving to promote reforestation and land stewardship throughout the area.
A Steward’s Philosophy
Keith doesn’t see himself as a land supervisor. He sees himself as a steward.
His philosophy is constructed on respect for the land, accountability to future generations, and a perception that wholesome forests imply wholesome communities. Whether or not guiding a managed burn or strolling a property line with a landowner, Keith focuses on long-term influence.
“Every part’s related,” he says. “The timber, the soil, the water, the wildlife. You may’t deal with one with out fascinated with the others.”
That steadiness—between science and respect, hearth and progress—is what defines his work.
Life Off the Clock
When he’s not within the area, Keith lives a life simply as related to nature. He and his spouse Hannah, an area librarian, increase their youngsters Caroline and Wade on a 10-acre wooded homestead outdoors Ashland Metropolis.
He enjoys climbing, woodworking, kayaking, and grilling out on weekends. He restores classic forestry instruments and cheers on the Tennessee Volunteers throughout soccer season.
“We attempt to hold it easy,” he says. “Develop what we are able to. Educate the children. Keep grounded.”
His life-style displays the identical values he brings to his work: self-reliance, care, and a deep connection to the land.
A Voice for the Forest
Keith Ray isn’t flashy. He doesn’t search consideration. However his work speaks volumes. By means of hearth strains, path cuts, and educating moments, he’s serving to form the way forward for Tennessee’s forests—one acre, one tree, one pupil at a time.
“The land takes care of us,” he says. “It’s our job to return the favour.”
Need to be taught extra about forestry, prescribed burns, or land conservation in Tennessee? Contact the Tennessee Division of Forestry or examine along with your native Soil Conservation District for occasions, volunteer applications, and academic assets.
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