Pennsylvania Forestry Association
News You Can Use
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A Message from PFA President Mark Ott |
November goes by so fast. The leaves are down except for the few hanging on to oaks here and there and the green leaves still hanging on the invasive plants such as autumn olive. A great time of year to attack those undesirables as they stick out as the odd green leafy plants in the woods. The oriental bittersweet that we missed chopping off at the knees this past spring have bright red berries high up in the trees. Though I find this distressing in one sense, this year it may be a boon to wildlife that have less natural food available. We will pay for it in the long run with more sprouts of this spreading menace.
We have spent an inordinate amount of time in preparing for the rifle deer season this year. The result are some fine deer stands to shelter in as we await the chance to harvest some deer and reduce the herd. Bringing the herd down to the carrying capacity of the forest is the goal. Venison in the freezer is a side benefit. With recent rains and cool weather, the wildfire season has essentially ended. I spent a long day fighting a wildfire in Clinton County caused by a camp owner who bought new furniture for the camp, took the boxes out back, lit them up and went inside to assemble the furniture. Sunny, dry and windy day. Please listen to Smokey Bear people! Only you…
The winter feeder birds have settled in though we still have not seen any evening grosbeaks. We know they are in the area, but not at our feeders. A red breasted nuthatch has been an exciting visitor. The finches are voracious and go through a tube of feed each day. I am finding acorns here and there in the woods so there is still food out there for those who can use acorns. The turkeys seem quite content as they putter about.
The rifle deer season has started and my nephew harvested a DMAP doe the first Saturday. It was his first deer. He did very well with a long uphill shot. We were worried he might miss such a shot, but he did just fine. I put him in the “roller coaster” stand as it produces each year. He has been patient in inferior spots the past several years and I needed a change of scenery after 15+ years in the same spot. My granddaughter and I spent the first day in our new stand. Quite comfortable, but very windy at the top of the ridge. We saw nothing but a few other hunters out on the State Game Lands in front of us. We moved to the “play pen” stand the next day, the first Sunday rifle deer hunting day. We watched a flock of turkeys wake up and fly down as the sun rose. A couple squirrels worked around us in the morning and the turkeys came back towards sunset and went to roost. Not a deer in sight. Nobody out and moving them which we will correct as our Amish friends arrive this week to stir things up. The first Monday was rainy and wet. The full moon the evening before had a beautiful ring around it portending the coming rain. The Monday deer season rain seems typical the last few years and make us grateful for the Saturday opening followed by the open Sunday this year. Thank you PA Game Commission.
My granddaughter has returned home to go back to distance learning as her school has closed along with most others in the county. She will be back for the weekends and perhaps a weekday here and there before the season closes. She is hoping for her first deer too. I am hoping I can get her to a spot where she will see one. Thanksgiving was great but strange with just two of us feasting. I cooked as much as usual and the hunting gang has enjoyed the leftovers all week. We used spare time to split wood for the sauna and have enjoyed a sauna each evening after returning from a cold day of hunting. Nothing like 220 F heat and steam to take the chill out of your body. If you do not have a backyard sauna you are missing a true delight. We use ours twice a week, and daily during the deer season. We have also decided that since a sauna is sterile from the high temperatures, it is the one place we feel safe to be close together.
The Pennsylvania Forestry Association continues to plan for future events such as the virtual December Board meeting, the virtual Conservation Fundraiser in March (we can’t really call it the Conservation Dinner this time as there will be no dinner). The winners of the Rothrock Award (Renee Cary), Cochran Award (Jean Devlin), Mira Dock Award (Sally Zaino), PA Tree Farmer of the Year (Rebecca Trigger and son Mark Foley) and PA Tree Farm Inspector of the Year (Robb Piper) have received their awards after the fact and we hope to have pictures of their receiving them, or at least holding them, in future communications. That is one of the sad things about so many virtual events. These people were unable to have the awards handed to them at an in-person event. I am happy that when they were announced, there were more people watching than we usually have at the in-person Annual Symposium. All of them deserve the recognition. There are many heroes out there working for forest sustainability deserving recognition. It is nice to be able to bring some of them to your attention.
Work is progressing on future issues of the PA Forests magazine and I thank all involved in that major endeavor. The Forest Heritage Committee expects to have the second installment of the video series up and running by mid-December. The Finance Committee has met to review the Association investments and to set the proposed 2021 budget. Finally, I want to congratulate Matt Gabler as he takes on the reins of the PA Forest Products Association. The PFA looks forward to working with him on mutual forestry concerns.
Enjoy the remainder of the holiday season as best you can and stay safe.
Mark Ott
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Moisture Ring around the Moon the night before the first Monday of Deer Season |
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December PA Tree Farm Update |
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2021 ATFS Standards Update |
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The ATFS Standards revision process is in the final stages and ready for implementation in January 2021.
- The AFF Board recently approved the 2021 Standards and implementation tools for our network of Tree Farmers and Inspectors are currently being finalized.
- The 2021 Standards of Sustainability will be enacted on January 1, 2021 and available on the ATFS website at that time.
- Updated implementation tools, including: printed copies of the Standards, inspector training materials, Management Plan Addendum, and inspection form will be available to state committees in February 2021.
- A facilitator training will be held virtually in February 2021.
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Another year has gone by and what a strange and wonderful one it has been. As landowners, this COVID isolation has kept us home and busy on the land. We ended up clearing invasives from two stands, completing the yearly management on two early successional plantations, and processing about ninety logs into lumber! While isolation is bit more friendly when you have land to work and wander in, it has been difficult not seeing family and friends. Our woodland groups’ activities were curtailed this year and we certainly has missed the comradery and expertise of these groups.
The PA Tree Farm Committee has met completely online this year. We have completed the ATF required inspections thanks to the work of our Area Chairs, Inspectors and Gary Gilmore-PATF Inspection Coordinator. As stated above, ATFS will be issuing new Standards for 2021-2025. The next Inspector Trainings will include any discussions about any significant changes. Inspector Trainings will not be scheduled until after February of 2021.
2021 will be a busy year for PATF Committee. Pennsylvania, among other states, has been chosen to take part in third party Assessment from ATF and Price Waterhouse (the third party). This Assessment process verifies that PATF, PA Tree Farmers and PA Inspectors are meeting the certification requirements. What this entails is that randomly selected certified PA tree farms will be asked to participate. Participation means that a group including members from ATF, Price Waterhouse, PATF Committee, and the Tree Farmer’s Inspector and/or Forester will visit the farm for no more than one hour and inspect the management plan and work being done to meet the management plan. In this uncertain time of COVID, all this might be taking place remotely. We ask that you open your farm to this inspection if your farm is chosen. It is a great way to get outside advise from experts in the field.
Harold and I will be stepping down from the Co-Chair position at the end of this year. A new Chair is being nominated at our December 10th PATF Committee meeting which is taking place starting at 1 PM in an online format. This meeting is open to tree farmers and others concerned about PA woodlands and will be online. Please contact the PFA office if you would like to attend. (Phone: 1-800-835-8065 or email thePFA@paforestry.org). The PATF Committee wishes you good health and a safe and happy holiday season.
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DCNR Cancels All Organized In-Person Events, Programs in State Parks, Forests in Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases |
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Harrisburg, PA -- Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department has canceled all in-person events and programs organized by its staff and volunteers in all state parks and forests, beginning Sunday, December 6.
“Safety of all our state park and forest visitors always has been paramount with DCNR and we are taking this temporary but necessary action in response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases across the state,” Dunn said. “Throughout the pandemic, we have kept our lands open to all so they enjoy outdoor recreation and the positive physical and mental health it provides. That will not change, but we must limit social interaction at this time.”
This decision, affecting approximately 150 planned events, will be in effect until further notice. People who have registered for programs will be notified. This action also includes a move away from DCNR’s normally organized group First Day Hikes that were planned for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2021.
Instead, many alternatives for individual hiking that day in state parks and forests will be made available later by DCNR. State parks and forests will remain open for use by the public. DCNR staff will be taking additional steps to offer self-guided programming only or virtual events. Check the Calendar of Events for scheduled programs.
Out-of-state visitors who are planning to stay overnight at state park and forest facilities must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entering the commonwealth. If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania before visiting a state park or forest, per Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidence. Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 10 days upon return. Visitors who don’t comply may be fined between $25 and $300. The department’s most recent action is in line with other preventive steps taken, including requiring testing or quarantining for all out-of-state visitors to parks and forests.
Visitor center exhibit halls and interpretive areas will be closed, and all indoor programs will be canceled. Restrooms will continue to be available.
Masks must be worn:
- In park and forest offices;
- In any other indoor public space, including restrooms; and
- Outdoors when visitors are unable to adequately social distance.
Dunn noted visits to Pennsylvania state parks have increased by more than a million visitors a month since the start of mitigation efforts, and that interest is expected to hold strong through the winter and spring.
To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and still enjoy the outdoors:
- Don’t hike or recreate in groups -- go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)
- Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
- If you are sick, stay home
Visitors can help keep state parks and forest lands safe by following these practices:
- Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads
- Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
- Clean up after pets
- Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, so you don’t require a trip to the emergency room
Pennsylvania has 121 state parks and 20 forest districts; all are open year-round.
Information about state parks and forests is available on the DCNR website. Updates also are being provided on DCNR’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. |
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Arborist Short Course Series |
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Registration Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021
Designed to increase working tree knowledge and professional arborist skills, successful completion of the ten-day Arborist Short Course Series webinars will prepare participants for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, as well as improve their marketability.
When
Tue., Jan. 19, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Jan. 21, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Jan. 26, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Jan. 28, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 2, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 4, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 9, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 11, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Tue., Feb. 16, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Thu., Feb. 18, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
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Woods in Your Backyard Webinar Series |
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The Woods in Your Backyard Webinar Series teaches the stewardship of land through a series of one-hour webinars. Join us from the convenience of your computer to learn how landowners, of even just a few acres, can positively influence the environment by implementing simple stewardship practices. We hope you can join us!
When:
Wednesdays (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET)
Jan. 27, 2021
Feb. 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2021
Mar. 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2021
Registrations are being accepted!
Picture by Richard Lewis
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Penn State Hosts PA Forest Seminar Series: Upcoming Events |
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January and February Series Events:
Streamside Buffers and Live Stake Planting
Pennsylvania has over 86,000 miles of streams, more than any other state. Most of our streams run through our forest lands and woodlots, but many run through fields and yards, as well. Learn how to repair eroding banks and what trees to plant.
When:
January 12, 2021
12:00pm or 7:00 pm
Fostering Old Forest Conditions Through Structural Complexity Enhancement
The vast majority of Pennsylvania's forests are middle-aged, with most trees in a forest community being of the same age, often around 100 years old. However, efforts to foster resiliency and favorable habitat conditions across the landscape, statewide, and regionally focus on the need to diversify forest succession at a large scale, creating more early-successional (young forest) and late-successional/old growth (older forest) conditions.
When:
February 9, 2021
12:00 pm or 7:00 pm
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Conifer Identification for Green Industry Professionals |
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When:
Fri., Jan. 22, 2021 (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET)
Fri., Feb. 19, 2021 (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET)
Registration deadline: January 3, 2021 11:59 p.m.
Conifers are cone-bearing woody ornamentals and are often evergreen, forming the structure of many landscape designs. Join us for the Conifer Identification for Green Industry Professionals webinar to improve your ability to identify and use coniferous ornamentals in Pennsylvania landscapes. Learn key identification characteristics, find out about new species and improved cultivars, and discover the pest issues you should know about before choosing some of these plants.
This class will be taught in two morning sessions by Dr. David Sanford, Professor of Horticulture, Penn State University. You will have a chance to practice your tree identification skills by participating in a virtual leaf-collection project. Each participant will receive comments about their project from the instructor. Each participant will also receive a copy of the Penn State Extension Conifer ID manual.
Credits
This course has been approved for ISA Certified Arborist Credits as well as two Pesticide Recertification Credits in the following categories:
- Cat. 05
- Cat. 06
- Cat. 18
- Cat. 23
- PC
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USDA Forest Service Now Accepting Applications for Grant Programs Supporting Innovation in Wood Products and Wood Energy |
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Washington, October 20, 2020 -
The USDA Forest Service announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $10 million in funding through the 2021 Wood Innovations Grant and the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant. These grants seek to support local economies through wood products and wood energy innovations while reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health.
“Healthy and productive markets for wood products and wood energy are integral to supporting sustainable management and improving conditions of our nation’s forested lands,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “We can enhance the health and resilience of public and private forests while fostering innovation and strengthening economic opportunities around wood products.”
The Wood Innovations Grant program has a long track record of success and seeks to strengthen emerging markets for innovative wood products such as mass timber and cross-laminated timber. Eligible projects would increase wood products manufacturing capacity, strengthen markets that support forest ecosystem restoration and develop commercial facilities for wood biomass and wood products, among others. The application for 2021 Wood Innovations Grants closes January 20, 2021.
The Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant program aims to support forest health by expanding renewable wood energy use and innovative manufacturing for wood products. The grant helps to fund the costs of installing wood energy systems or building innovative wood product facilities. In 2020 the program supported projects in seven rural communities in five states. The application for the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant program closes Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
The Forest Service will share information and answer questions on how to apply for the grants during a webinar on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm EST.
For more information on the grants and instructions on how to attend the webinar, visit the Forest Service’s Wood Innovations website. |
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2021 PA Timber Show June 4-5, 2021 |
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With FREE admission and FREE parking, the Pennsylvania Timber Show aims to put attendees "in the driver's seat" with hands-on demonstrations of state-of-the-art machinery. This is an opportunity for forest-product companies to enhance their business and production practices, as well as shop for goods and services from commercial vendors, all in one convenient location. Will be held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA. Keep an eye out for more information or feel free to contact Michelle McManus at pfpa@paforestproducts.org . |
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Remembering Susan Swanson 1953-2020 |
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Past PFA President Richard Lewis noted the following when he learned of Susan’s passing, “I worked with Sue throughout my career as President of the National Forest Resources Association and was very pleased when she won FRA’s National Forest Activist Award in 2001. I was always impressed with Susan’s enthusiasm, ability to work with a wide range of people, her association management knowledge and skill, and her dedication to a goal of helping the Pennsylvania forest products industry survive and flourish. She will be missed by many, including me. A very good woman… gone to soon.”
Her obituary follows:
Obituary for Susan Swanson (Savoia)
Susan Swanson
KANE
Susan Swanson, 67, of 5935 Highland Road, passed away Thursday (December 3, 2020) at her residence after a short illness.
Born April 15, 1953, in Kane, she was the daughter of Sam and Elizabeth "Liz" Savoia. On June 2, 1973, in Kane, she married Terry Swanson who survives.
Sue was the Executive Director of the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG), retiring in January of this year. She began her career with AHUG as an Administrative Assistant in 1993 before taking over the Executive Director position in October of 1997, just as the first lawsuits were being filed against the Allegheny National Forest. Sue received the FRA Activist Award in 2001 for her accomplishments in support of Northwest PA's forest industry and for promoting the message of balanced multiple-use forestry to the general public. She had testified before Congress in Washington D.C. and had represented the PA Hardwood Industry in her trips to Vietnam, China and Germany, as well as many U.S. states.
She was a member of St. Callistus Catholic Church, Kane Rotary, American Cancer Society, Friends' Memorial Public Library and several school-related organizations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sue was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She most enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, traveling and reading.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, Terry and her mother, Liz, are a daughter, Carrie (Ken) Zook of Kane; two sons, Ryan (Roni) Swanson of Kane and Todd Swanson of Kane; three grandsons, Bryce Zook, Kyle Zook and Reilyn Swanson; a granddaughter, Reese Swanson; four brothers, David (Marcy) Savoia of Marlton, NJ, Michael Savoia of Providence, RI, Edward (Sherry) Savoia of Waterford and Daniel (Jackie) Savoia of Union, KY; and nine nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Savoia.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice. The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
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Allyson Muth Named Director of the Center for Private Forests |
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Penn State - The Center for Private Forests at Penn State is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Allyson Muth as the Center Director.
Employed at Penn State since 2004, Dr. Muth has served as Interim Director since January 2018, following the retirement of Dr. Jim Finley, with whom she founded the Center in 2011. The Center, housed within the University’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, operates at the intersection of people and forests, with a primary focus on those who own and care for the woods. The Center uses applied research to meet the needs and advance the understanding of landowners, partners, and other stakeholders, and to inspire long-term stewardship of private lands.
During Dr. Muth’s nearly three-year tenure as the Interim Director, she has demonstrated both skill and success in obtaining and implementing large and small grants and leading applied research projects focusing on forest legacy planning, forest landowner values and actions, consulting forester and landowner interactions, and conservation organizations managing working forests under easements. Her body of work includes projects conducted collaboratively with other universities and collaborative efforts with external groups engaged in forestry and natural resources. Dr. Muth leads and facilitates the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards volunteers, a peer-to-peer education program hosted and supported by the Center, which is important for reaching and understanding the state’s 740,000 private forest landowners and their needs. She also serves on Penn State’s Forestry and Wildlife Extension team, bringing Center insights to their work. Dr. Muth is gaining regional and national recognition through her work and the Center. She currently serves as the chair of the Northeast Forest Resources Extension and Outreach Council and is part of many national and regional initiatives on forest legacy planning.
The Center for Private Forests, under Dr. Muth’s leadership, is advancing research that enables those who care about the long-term health and vitality of forests to work together to enlarge the conversation about the care of privately held forests. Working through the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the University as a whole, the Center is strengthening the capacity of privately-owned forests to deliver important social, economic, and ecological values today and into our future.
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Gabler Announced as New Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Leader |
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HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA) announced today that State Rep. Matt Gabler (R - Clearfield/Elk) will take the helm as Executive Director, effective December 1, 2020.
Gabler has represented the 75th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for six terms since his first election in 2008. Earlier this year, Gabler announced his intent not to seek reelection to the State House and to instead seek opportunities in the private sector.
“I am truly honored to be chosen to lead such a well-respected organization representing an important segment of our state’s economy,” Gabler said. “The forest products industry provides excellent job opportunities in all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties - from our smallest villages to our largest cities. I have always been passionate in advocating for the economy of Rural Pennsylvania, and I see this opportunity as a continuation of that important work that can positively impact every community in our Commonwealth.”
The PFPA is a statewide membership organization consisting of approximately 250 entities ranging from timber operators and sawmills to paper and wood product manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
As a member of the State House, Gabler successfully authored legislation that enacted the extension of an agricultural sales tax exclusion for equipment and parts to timber operators in Pennsylvania. He has also extensively worked with the industry to support issues of importance for economic competitiveness.
US Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R - PA-15) offered his congratulations to Gabler and the PFPA upon the announcement. Representing Pennsylvania’s most rural Congressional District, Thompson has been a vocal advocate for agriculture and has worked closely with Gabler since they were both elected twelve years ago. “Since we both took office, I have always recognized Matt as an effective, hardworking and principled advocate for our communities,” Thompson said. “I am passionate about supporting Agriculture in all its forms across the 15th Congressional District, and I look forward to continuing to work with Matt as a partner in his new role as he continues to advocate for our shared values, employers and industries.”
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Marci Mowery, PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Named Chair Of New National Group To Support The Nation's State Parks |
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On November 30, the new National Association of State Park Foundations announced Marci Mowery, President of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation, will serve as the group's first chair.
The national association is being launched to support and advocate for the army of volunteers and Friends groups that help care for the nation's state parks and forests.
"Every state in the nation has many wonderful state parks and forests and they all rely heavily on volunteers and nonprofit Friends groups," said Association Chair Marci Mowery.
Adding, "These volunteers and groups support the work of park managers and staff, raise funds for projects in the parks, help run educational and environmental programs, and much more. Without them, many parks would not be able to operate."
The National Association is a nonprofit organization designed to connect, build, elevate and empower member statewide nonprofit partners of America's state parks and advocate for them.
Full membership is open to all nonprofit groups directly supporting their state parks and affiliate membership is open to individuals, other organizations, and corporate entities that want to support our mission and goals, said Mowery.
The Foundation and their 46 chapters mobilize 65,000 volunteers annually to steward YOUR state parks and forests.
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Grants Available to Help Farmers and Small Businesses Save Money and Reduce Pollution |
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Harrisburg, PA – Grant funding for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects for small business owners and farmers is still available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through the Small Business Advantage Grant program.
“This grant program was created with small businesses and farmers in mind. There are tremendous monetary savings available to Pennsylvania’s small business owners by installing energy-efficient equipment, such as boilers, LED lighting, and Energy Star certified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Pennsylvania farmers can also benefit by using these funds to undertake projects which will divert sediment and nutrient runoff from our waterways.”
Pennsylvania farmers and other small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects are exempt from the minimums; however, the projects must be able to quantify sediment and nutrient reductions into nearby waterways.
Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds for equipment or materials, up to $7,000, when adopting energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Applications are considered on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2020-21 funds are exhausted, or Monday, April 12, 2021, whichever occurs first.
The complete grant application package is available by visiting the DEP Small Business Ombudsman’s Office’s site.
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Hope for hemlocks: New tactics found to fight deadly pest |
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There is good news in the forest! The Bay Journal's Ad Crable wrote about the fight to save Hemlocks on the East Coast through a diverse effort from local, national and international experts. Read on to learn about how two insects can be beneficial to our trees. |
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Communities Save Money Planting Large Bare Root Trees |
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Historically, most of the trees in our communities were planted bare root. That means the young trees are not grown in a pot or transplanted with a heavy soil ball covering the roots, the way we typically move large trees around today.
Since 1998, Penn State Extension Urban Forester, Vinnie Cotrone has coordinated a community tree buying program that has resulted in more than 15,000 bare root trees being planted in northeastern Pennsylvania communities, saving communities over $2.5 million.
After learning about Cornell University's Dr. Nina Bassuk's research with large caliper bare root trees, Cotrone decided to transplant a few trees and begin working with municipal shade tree commissions in the northeast that were interested in trying this "not so new" process. That first year, he had two communities give it try (driving all the way to the nursery in western New York that specialized in digging large bare root trees). It has since evolved into more than 25 communities buying a total of 800-900 trees a year, split between spring and fall. The bare root planting and community group ordering has grown in interest to include communities from the Harrisburg and Allentown area, and the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, which plants close to 1000 bare root trees each year in Philadelphia.
Dr. Bassuk’s research discovered that some species are easier to move bare root than others, and by dipping the roots in a hydrogel (wetting agent that clings to the roots) and then bagging them for shipment in a refrigerated truck, the roots can be protected from drying out quickly. For more information about the process visit the Cornell Urban Horticulture Institute or view Creating an Urban Forest: The Bare Root Method.
Why Plant Bare Root Trees instead of container grown or balled & burlapped?
- bare root trees cost about 40% less than balled & burlapped
- reduced shipping costs (approximately $3.00/tree)
- reduced labor and installation costs compared to balled & burlapped trees
- volunteers can easily plant these trees, carrying them in one hand.
- good survival rates because the trees have 200% more fibrous roots than B&B
- trees are planted at the proper depth because the roots and trunk flare are visible
Each year, communities have become accustomed to ordering bare root trees and planting them in the spring or fall with volunteers or public works crews, because the trees are affordable and manageable. All the need to do is meet the delivery truck, help unload and load their trucks and make sure they plant the bare root trees within a few days of delivery.
In 2020, the Bare Root Program got a boost when TreePennsylvania offered a mini-grant statewide for communities, providing twenty 1.5” caliper (diameter at the base) at no cost to the community. Seventeen communities were awarded approximately 600 trees after applying online.
During the week of November 9, 2020, three large, refrigerated tractor-trailers delivered 1179 trees across the state of Pennsylvania for 49 different community plantings. Not all the trees were funded by the TreePennsylvania’s mini-grant. It is estimated that the fall 2020 bare root orders and plantings will save communities $471,600. Real money that most communities can’t afford to spend on growing their community forest.
The Penn State Extension Urban Forestry Team and DCNR Foresters assisted with delivery coordination, as the orders are not delivered to each community, but instead wind up at strategic drop sites where 6-8 communities help unload the trees and reload their truck, protecting the trees and their roots from desiccation. According to Extension Urban Forester Vinnie Cotrone, "We are not only saving money for communities on the cost of the trees, but the group delivery and shipping has made it even more attractive and affordable." When everyone pitches in to help unload the tractor-trailers, it takes no time at each stop.
Cotrone says that communities have reported an overall survival rate of 90+ percent. “We have planted some moderately difficult-to-transplant species and they are surviving, including ginkgo, hackberry, zelkova—even a few hornbeams. Our losses are quite low.” Cotrone has ingrained in the communities that to plant bare root trees that they should only participate if they can plant the trees quickly and provide adequate water to ensure good survival and establishment. Communities also need to be flexible on delivery dates and locations.
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New Woodland Health Practices Handbook Available |
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A new book is now available from the Woods in Your Backyard Partnership, between the University of Maryland Extension, Penn State Extension, and Virginia Cooperative Extension. The book is entitled Woodland Health Practices Handbook: A Practitioner’s Guide for Creating, Enhancing, and Maintaining Natural Areas. It is specifically written for landscape companies, arborists, and other green industry professionals in the eastern U.S. looking to grow their businesses by providing natural area management services to small-acreage clients.
The guide promotes land stewardship for the owner’s enjoyment and for improved environmental quality. The handbook describes how to implement small-scale natural area management services including wildlife habitat enhancements, forestry practices, establishing natural havens, constructing trails, invasive plant and insect identification and control, creating meadows, reforestation, and more.
The handbook includes over 60 color photos, an overview of land management techniques, a glossary, and an index. This resource manual and the accompanying specialized Woodland Health Assessment Checklist tool will help green industry professionals determine which enhancement practices are suitable for a given property based on landowner objectives. The checklist and accompanying tables will assist in selecting appropriate management actions for a given property. Examples of how to write and develop land care plans based on your clients’ values are also included.
Funding for this project was provided by the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. The purchase price is $27 which includes shipping via USPS. To purchase books visit our website. If you are interested in bulk orders contact Taylor Robinson directly at taylormr@umd.edu. |
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Survey highlights importance of Wisconsin Family Woodland Owners |
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Forests provide benefits at local, regional, and global scales. Families and individuals own more wooded land than any other group in the U.S., and their decisions about how to manage and care for their land have broad impacts. Understanding these woodland owners in Wisconsin, including what they do with their land and why, and what their challenges and needs are, is important to help support healthy forests and vibrant communities now and into the future.
Here, we use “woodland” as a broad term to include woods, woodlots, timberlands, and forests – any patch of trees that’s more than one acre in size. Families and individuals who own wooded land – collectively, “family woodland owners,” can be one person, a joint ownership of spouses or other individuals, family partnerships, family LLCs or LLPs, and family trusts or estates. We use “ownerships” to refer to all the owners of a piece of woodland.
To better understand family woodland owners, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program conducts the National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS). The survey asks landowners about who they are, why they own their wooded land, what they have done with it in the past, and what do they intend to do with it in the future. Below we present results from 228 randomly selected Wisconsin woodland ownerships with 1+ acres who responded to the survey in 2017 and 2018.
Family Woodland Owners Count!
An estimated 9.7 million acres of wooded land Wisconsin are owned by an estimated 340,000 family ownerships. Family ownerships control 57% of Wisconsin’s wooded land, more than any other ownership group, including the state or federal government or forest industry.
Size of Holdings Makes a Big Difference
- The average wooded land ownership in Wisconsin has 28 acres of wooded land. 55 percent of the ownerships have relatively small holdings between 1-9 acres, but 44% of the area of wooded land is owned by ownerships with 100 acres or more. This is important because size of holdings limits what an ownership can do with their land, such as timber harvesting, wildfire protection, or control of invasive species, and often impacts what programs they are eligible for. Because of the increased management options, program involvement, and other dynamics of larger ownerships, all following results are for family woodland owners with 10 or more acres.
Beauty, Wildlife, and Nature are What Matter
The most commonly cited reasons for owning woodland in Wisconsin are related to the beauty and privacy the wooded land provides as well as wildlife and nature protection. The goal of passing land onto future generations is also important to many owners. Hunting and other recreation is highly regarded as an important reason for owning wooded land in Wisconsin. Financial objectives, such as land investment and timber production, are important to some owners, but they are not as common as other objectives.
They Love Their Land
Most family forest owners in Wisconsin have a deep love of their land. The vast majority of owners, 88%, agree or strongly agree with the statement “I want my wooded land to stay wooded.” 75% of owners agree or strongly that they have a strong emotional tie to their wooded land, and 82% say they know their wooded land well. Management In the past five years, around a quarter (23%) of family wooded owners have cut or removed trees for sale, and almost half (48%) have cut trees for their own use. Around one in three (32%) have improved wildlife habitat, and 15% have reduced invasive plants. 17% have a written management plan and only 22% have received woodland management advice in the previous five years.
They are Older
The average age of primary decision makers for family-owned woodland in Wisconsin is 63 years. 23% of acres are owned by people who plan to transfer some or all of their wooded land in the next five years, and a majority of ownerships (62%) are worried about keeping the land intact for future generations. 89% of primary decision makers are male.
Conclusions
Woodland conservation and management depend on the people who own it – in Wisconsin, most of these acres are held by individuals and families. Owners care about and manage their wooded land, but often the traditional forms of engagement, such as having a management plan or working with a professional, are not widely used. Understanding the threats to the land – including the loss of forest through development, parcelization, invasive plants, disease, and insects, and other issues – is critical for conservation efforts. Using a common language and designing policies and programs that meet the needs of landowners and professionals will have a major impact on the current and future owners and the vital lands that they own.
For more results, visit the USDA Forest Service’s National Woodland Owner Survey website at www.fia.fs.fed.us/nwos.
To learn more about the services and resources available to woodland owners in your state, contact your local forestry agency or association [can specify local resources if desired].
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The Pennsylvania Forestry Association | 1(800) 835-8065 | thePFA@paforestry.org | www.paforestry.org |
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