managing trees and woodlands on your small...
TRANSCRIPT
Glenn Ahrens OSU Extension Forester,
Clackamas, Marion & Hood River Co.
Managing Trees and Woodlands on Your Small Farm
Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
Educational Assistance - Finding answers and solving problems by learning together.• Help you learn what you need to know - to decide what is
right for you• Take action – DIY or hired services.• Depending on your situation and your objectives.
Your woodlands -Your goals - Your plans.
Updated Plans
Learning about
Forestry
Adjustments for reality
New Ideas Learning about your
land and your capability
Small Woodlands - Family Owned Forests Are Important in Oregon
• The most common forest ownership where people live – near towns and cities.
• Tax laws and forest practices rules are meant to encourage forest land-use.
• Small woodlands provide economic, environmental, and social benefits.
• Helping landowners succeed in their forest stewardship endeavors is a high priority.
Woodland Topics• Your goals, objectives, and plans.• Assessing what you have – soil, water ,
vegetation, wildlife, and infrastructure.• Your management capacity, finances, income,
business and taxes. • Trees and Forests – biology, principles. • Forest and Tree Health
Woodland Topics (continued)
• Forest Management – planting, weeding, thinning - Silviculture.
• Fire hazards and fuels reduction.• Harvesting, marketing, operations.• Wildlife and Habitat.• Regulations and Responsibilities.• Resources and assistance.
Your Situation Your GoalsYour Questions
Get to know your tree species and where they grow!
https://www.oregonforests.org/publicationshttps://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/
W. Oregon Conifers – “Softwoods”Douglas-fir 61.4%Western hemlock 11.4%Sitka spruce 2.7%Grand fir 2.4%Western redcedar 1.7%Incense cedar 0.8%White fir 0.6%Ponderosa pine 0.5%Noble fir 0.4%Port-Orford-cedar 0.2%Sugar pine 0.1%Lodgepole pine 0.1%
Redwood <0.1%Jeffrey pine <0.1%Western white pine <0.1%Knobcone pine <0.1%
W. Oregon Broadleaf Trees – “Hardwoods”Red alder 8.3%Bigleaf maple 3.4%Pacific madrone 1.8%Oregon white oak 1.7%California black oak 0.7%Tanoak 0.5%Golden chinkapin 0.5%California-laurel 0.2%Oregon ash 0.2%Black cottonwood 0.2%Willow 0.1%Cherry 0.1%Canyon live oak 0.1%
White alder <0.1%
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)“false hemlock” – not a true fir
• Oregon’s State Tree and our most common tree; it plays a major role in our forest ecosystems.
• Abundant in western North America from sea level along the coast 11,000 ft. (3400 m) in the southern Rockies.
• Big Tree – Diameter 11 feet, Height 330 feet.
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Site /Environment Considerations• Climate• Aspect• Slope• Elevation• Soils
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/maps/
We try to grow species that are adapted to local climateBut climate change may cause things to shift…
The Extremes: Precipitation Wind Temperature Ice & Snow
Potential impacts on tree & plant: Growth, stress, damage, insects & disease
Flooding Erosion Landslides
Summer Rain July-September
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
919
85
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
Estacada
Salem
Hood River
The most fundamental & importantwoodland resource...
Grows & supports trees & other plants Accepts, cleanses, stores & releases water Foundation for roads, buildings, ponds, etc.
The Soil
What kind of trees/forest can I grow here?
Site-specific conditions of climate, soil, vegetation, animals + management capability & intensity
Forest and Tree
Health“Healthy”
depends on your perspective.
My favorite yard tree
Douglas-fir Plantation <1% mortality
Old Growth >10% mortalityMajor component of snags and
dead wood
Dead Wood = Habitat Insectivorous birds and cavity nesting vertebrates.
What’s killing my
trees?• A Complex
interaction of biotic and abiotic factors……
Drought * stem canker fungus
Drought * competition stress * Douglas-fir engraver beetle
Root disease * Douglas-fir
beetle
Managing for healthy trees and forests
• Assess soil and site conditions and hazards• Choose species that are well-adapted and
resilient• Maintain individual tree vigor• Monitor tree and forest health.• Remove/Sanitize unhealthy trees• Avoid attracting or introducing pests.
Tree Vigor Live Crown Ratio - A simple index of tree vigor.
Tree Planting OverviewBasic Steps to Successful Establishment
– Plan ahead– Match seedling to site– Order seedlings early– Prepare the site – Handle and plant seedlings properly– Monitor animal damage and
competing vegetation
Choosing The Right Species
• Each tree species has its own set of adaptations and/or tolerances to environmental stress, insects and diseases.
Proper Planting TechniqueImproper planting is a common cause of problems
CompactedRoots
NotVertical
TooLoose
PoorPlanting
Soil
ProperlyPlanted
Tree
Too deep
Too shallow
Air pockets
“L” rooted
“J” rooted
Weeds and Vegetation Management
• Understanding and controlling Weeds.• Manipulating vegetation to favor
desired species. • Cost-effective combination of actions to
enable your trees to thrive and dominate in the longer term.
1 Time 20-30 years
42
Controlling competition can make a big difference
No Weed Control
Year 6
Douglas-fir height
Year 6
CompleteWeed control
Weed Control Methods
Integrated Pest Management – IPM
To Plan and Implement:• The right treatment at the right level at the right
time.To Avoid:
•blanket” or “calendar” prescriptions, •unnecessary or excessive use of chemicals, •pollution or other environmental damage, •poor crop performance
47
Encouraging wildlife is
important for many
landowners.
48
Not all animals are Good
Be aware of these critters
• Deer and elk• Porcupine• Gophers• Mountain beaver• Voles & rabbits• Livestock• Other?
Deer and elk damage to forest tree seedlings can be a
major problem
Pruning• Improve aesthetics, access, and
timber quality• Raise the base of tree crowns
• Reduce chance of fire climbing into the canopy
• Often combined with other fuel treatments.
Thinning is often the most important action you can take to influence the growth
of your trees.
Competition for Growing Spaceand Site Resources
• One large tree may use the same amount as many smaller trees.
Competition for Growing Spaceand Site Resources
• One large tree may use the same amount as many smaller trees.
• As neighboring trees grow in size, they compete for limited resources.
Tree Vigor Live Crown Ratio - A simple index of tree vigor.
Fire Hazard and Fuel Reduction Options
• Pruning• Thinning• MowingManaging debris:• Cut/scatter• Piling/burning• Chipping
Managing debris
• Can scatter on site if not too deep• Cut & scatter method suitable for our region –
decomposes quickly if in contact with ground• Do not leave in defensible space area
Piling & burning• Consult ODF before
piling & burning • Obtain burn permit
from ODF• Burn piles after fall
rain begins
Burn Permits
Permits required for:• All burning of
logging slash piles (year-round)
• Any burning during fire season closure (summer)
Photo by: Fred Hall
ChippingAdvantages of chips:• Small pieces• On the ground• Will decompose faster
than large branches• Can be collected & used
for other purposes• NOT suitable for
defensible space
Applying Fuel ReductionPrinciples
Around the Home
Before
After
Bring ODF out for a look!
Create a fire plan including:• Special resources to protect• Gates• Road locations & conditions• Water sources & access• Locations of fuel breaks
Hazard Trees
• Education about principles of hazard tree evaluation
• Refer to certified arborists.
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
• What species are you interested in?
• What mix of habitats do they need?
• What habitat does your property already provide?
• Can you provide the “missing” habitat?
• Scale is important.• Variety is good.• Dead wood is good.
Regulations• Regulations governing
your land may come from the city, county, or state.
• These may involve trees, water, or wildlife
• Take time to learn what regulations govern your land.
Regulations & Responsibilities• Land-use laws• Property tax classification• Forest Practices Act• Fire Laws• Control of Invasive weeds• Stream & water protection• Fuel Reduction around home (SB 360)• Dumping of toxic materials• Smoke management rules
Order yours – delivered to your door – FREEhttps://www.oregonforests.org/publications
Educational Assistance• OSU Extension Service
– Extension Forester, Master Woodland Managers, Master Gardeners, Small Farms Program
• Oregon Small Woodlands Association• American Tree Farm Program• Western Forestry and Conservation Assn.• Oregon Forest Resources Institute• Community Colleges
Technical Assistance
• Consultants and contractors– foresters, loggers, arborists, engineers, biologists, lawyers,
CPAs.• Public Assistance
– OSU Master Woodland Managers– Oregon Dept. of Forestry Stewardship Foresters– Natural Resource Conservation Service– Soil and Water Conservation District– Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Sources of Financial Assistance
• Profits from managing your forest• Grant programs - conservation and restoration• Cost-Share Programs• Loans• Forest Resource Trust• Tax Credits
How do you like to learn?
• Workshops, Classes, Field tours • Reading Material - Extension Publications,
Newsletters, Technical Articles• Internet Resources - Reading materials, Online
Classes• One-on-one visits with an advisor - in the
Office or in your forest
Clackamas Tree School
You are part of a “Woodland Owner Community”
• Diverse people – diverse forests • Common appreciation for trees and forests• Lifetimes of experience – much to share• Many ways for us to learn from each other• Continuous learning
Your Situation – Your Questions
Glenn R. AhrensExtension Forester, Clackamas, Marion, Hood River Co.Oregon State University Extension Service200 Warner-Milne Rd.Oregon City, OR 97045
phone [email protected]
OSU Extension Forestry and Natural Resources http://extensionweb.forestry.oregonstate.edu/
Master Woodland Managers• MWM’s are typically family
forest land owners, trained in woodland management from A-Z – Provide an in-kind service
through volunteer activities.– Visit your property. – Demonstrate simple forestry
practices. – Suggest & help locate sources
of assistance.– Host Tours & Workshops.
Women Owning Woodlands
• WOWnet was formed by a group of women woodland managers and professionals to support and increase women’s access to forestry-related resources.
•
– recognize the growing number of women taking a wide array of active woodland management roles.
– raise basic forestry and decision-making skill levels among women woodland managers through hands-on educational opportunities.
– to encourage communication among Oregon’s women woodland managers through the development of statewide and local networks.
Women Owning Woodlands Networkhttp://extensionweb.forestry.oregonstate.edu/WOWNet
• WOWnet was formed by a group of women woodland managers and professionals to support and increase women’s access to forestry-related resources.
• For more information contact Tiffany Fegel:[email protected]
https://www.knowyourforest.org/learning-library
Marion Co. SWCD338 Hawthorne Ave NESalem, OR [email protected]://www.marionswcd.net/
ODF Santiam Unit22965 N Fork Rd SELyons, OR 97358(503) 859-2151fax: (503) 859-2158
• Landowner assistance• Fire protection• Forest Practices Regulation
http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Pages/index.aspxhttp://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Working/Pages/FindAForester.aspx
• Private, non-profit, statewide organization– 22 county chapters and ~ 2,000 members.
• Conducts educational programs and tours for small woodland owners.
• Publishes newsletters and a magazine.• Actively lobbies for member interests.• Supported by member dues.
Marion-Polk Chapter Mark Havel 503-876-4488
http://www.oswa.org/
Oregon Small Woodlands Association
Oregon Tree Farm Program
• Private, non-profit, nationwide network of more than 50,000 small & large landowners.
• Sponsored by the American Forest Foundation.• Promotes management of private forests.• Members receive signs, free inspections, a
magazine and can participate in contests.
Private Consultants• Provide expertise and high quality work to
protect your woodland.– Fee basis may be: hourly, % of a sale, or by the job.
• Can save you time.• As fiduciary or advocate - Serve as a third party for
legal transactions, estates, court cases, appraisals.
• Oregon Forest Industry Directory - Search under “Services” http://www.orforestdirectory.com/
Assistance Options – State & Local
• County Soil and Water Conservation District• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
– information on damage control and habitat creation.
• Oregon Department of Revenue– timber, harvest and property tax information.
• Oregon Forest Resource Institute– publications, tours, workshops
Assistance Options - Federal
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)• Farm Services Agency (FSA) • US Forest Service
Locating Markets and Supplies
• Oregon Forest Industry Directory http://www.orforestdirectory.com/
• Neighbors• Consulting foresters• Check multiple sources!