florida land steward
A Quarterly Newsletter for Florida Landowners and Resource Professionals spring/summer 2015 – volume 4, no. 2 in this issue Saturiwa Conservation Area Conserves Florida History, Wildlife Forestry Best Management Practices By Renee Bodine, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Lead the Way to Water Quality Protection 2 You can see it all in Saturiwa Con- natural regeneration seed stock. He The Arbor Day Foundation: A true servation Area, a property teeming has built brush piles from selective “Friend” of Florida State Forests 3 with wildlife, including many rare thinning slash and debris to create and protected species, and rich in wildlife concealment habitat, built Plants Behaving Badly: Torpedograss 4 ecological diversity and artifacts il- bird boxes that dot random trees, Timber Price Update 6 lustrating Florida’s dramatic history. and a small area remains blackened Certified Forest Stewards and Mike Adams acquired this 94-acre by a recent prescribed burn he did Tree Farmers 7 family homestead on the St. Johns River in southwest St. Johns County burner, he frequently uses prescribed in 1989 and named the property Sa- burnshimself. to A eliminate state of Florida invasive certified plants, turiwa after a powerful Indian chief reduce the understory, and allow the of the now extinct Timucua Tribe. - Since then he has worked diligently erate. “The native tribes burned it all to restore the former longleaf pine thefire-dependent time; as did ecosystemthe European to regen forest, and in the process has become settlers,” he said. a dedicated conservation advocate to Continued on next page community members, forest owners and schoolchildren.
A biologist by trade, Adams began - uriwa in the early 1990s to groups suchgiving as ecological the local Audubonfield tours Society, on Sat a local garden club and civic groups. But it was taking his son’s fourth- grade science class on a night-time
awakened a passion for teaching astronomy field trip in 2010 that north Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Nowabout he the routinely beauty andconducts benefits tours of of Saturiwa throughout the year, shar- ing his knowledge of its history, science and regional natural and cul- tural resources to various groups.
A 30-minute trek through Saturiwa begins in a former pine plantation Funding for this publication is provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida - Forest Service and a grant from the Sustainable Forestry woods, where Adams discovered and Initiative. thatprotects transitions relic longleaf into natural pine trees pine forflat Pitcher plants at Saturiwa Conservation Area An Equal Opportunity Institution. Saturiwa Conservation Area Conserves Florida History, Wildlife....continued from previous page
Remnants of the naval stores indus- does: from developing and restoring try are also preserved on the prop- wildlife habitat to improving air and erty. Clay Herty cups, artifacts from water quality, particularly adjacent to 19th century turpentine camps estab- the St. Johns River,” he said. lished to collect sap from the longleaf pine trees, are maintained attached Adams’ success can be seen as the to trees. Visitors can see water oaks, animals and plants return that make longleaf pine, sweet gum and red these ecosystems home. The deer, maple before stepping onto an ele- wild turkey and quail populations vated boardwalk wandering through - a hardwood swamp with massive flourish while many species of wood cypress, black gum, hickory and ash. the now-open understory. The rare peckers and birds of prey fly through The edge of his property opens onto carnivorous pitcher plants cluster in the St. Johns River, designated an recently prescribed burned areas and gopher tortoise burrows are tucked The tour concludes on a small dock, whereAmerican in the Heritage summer River you in can 2003. spot USDA NRCS District Conservationist George away into the forest floor. manatees near the shoreline at the Johnson assisting Michael Adams at Saturiwa. research project with self-publication edge of the lush eel grass beds, Amer- In 2012 Adams completed a 23-year- ican river otters swimming and Os- management activities on the prop- erty. Much of Adams’ work has been tory of Saturiwa, which he provides accomplished through technical and toof anvisitors ecological as part field of hisand community natural his bald eagles are nesting and hundreds outreach and education. ofprey migrating diving for ducks fish. and In the coots wintertime can be Natural Resources Conservation financial assistance from USDA’s “It’s another world out here,” he said. river surface. Colonial naturalist Wil- Adams’ favorite tour of all is tak- liamseen Bartramfloating inexplored large groups this river on the and participating in the Conservation StewardshipService (NRCS). Program, In 2010 which he began helped chronicled the resources he encoun- “When I tell them that the Osprey him undertake restoration activities tered in 1774. Pioneer ornithologist, hasing thirda special graders eyelid out that on closesfield tours. when such as prescribed burns, forest thin- John James Audubon, drew birds he it dives into the water to snatch up a ning and creating wildlife habitat. like a torpedo to reduce wind resis- collectedMike Joined in thisFlorida’s area inForest 1831-32. Steward - Johnson said that Adams conserva- fish, then carries the fish in its claws tionNRCS practices District Conservationistgoes far beyond Georgehis ship Program in 1995 and, with that seen in their eyes, I love it!” he said. assistance, implemented prescribed property boundaries. “Everyone tance while flying, the wonder can be
fire and other multiple use in this area benefits from what he Forestry Best Management Practices Lead the Way to Water Quality Protection By Roy Lima, Florida Forest Service
Protection of water quality and and silviculture contractors accord- implementation program is on-going, quantity during forestry operations ing to the most recent statewide BMP with workshops routinely provided is a very important aspect of natural Survey that showed a 98% imple- upon request, or as deemed neces- resource management in Florida. mentation rate for BMPs. sary based on BMP Survey results. Toward that end, the Florida Forest Currently, FFS personnel conduct Service (FFS) has demonstrated that Implementation of silviculture BMPs when silviculture Best Management in Florida is primarily done through demonstrations annually, involving Practices (BMPs) are implemented, an education and demonstration approximately15 to 20 workshops 500 participants. and/or the state’s water resources are well format, designed to transfer BMP protected. In addition, protecting wa- technology to forest practitioners Key to these workshops is the ter resources remains a high priority participation by organizations such for loggers, foresters, land managers, demonstration. The BMP Continued on next page through workshops and field
2 florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 Forestry Best Management Practices Lead the Way to Water Quality Protection....continued from previous page as the Florida Forestry Association road construction, stream crossings Master Logger Program. Since its in- and ditching, and provides criteria ception, the Master Logger Program and performance standards for the has partnered with the Florida Forest activities. The Noticed Exemption Service to provide BMP training for can be easily acquired without any loggers in Florida. Loggers in south process for acquiring and adhering to thewaiting Noticed period. Exemption Understanding when work the - ofAlabama regulatory and differencessouth Georgia between also ing in Florida is an important part thesebenefit states, from assuch well training as differences because of the logger training that is offered in actual BMPs. Since loggers in this through workshops sponsored by the region often cross state boundaries, Florida Forest Service. it has become increasingly important for them to be well versed on Florida The partnership between FFS and BMPs. the Florida Forestry Association continues to offer opportunities for Of particular importance are the professional loggers to keep abreast requirements that are unique to of the latest rules and regulations A Special Management Zone (SMZ) protects water quality during forestry operations. The Florida for certain logging related that affect their business. The Florida SMZ (tree canopy) provides water quality activities. These are referred to as Forest Service is proud to be a part of protection by maintaining proper water the No-fee Noticed Exemption. This this effort and to support the logging temperature, soil stability to prevent erosion, and ground vegetation to filter pollutants from exemption applies when logging profession that is so important to the surface water runoff. Photo by Roy Lima. operations include such activities as forestry community in our state.
The Arbor Day Foundation: A true “Friend” of Florida State Forests By Doug Ott, Friends of Florida State Forests
Partnerships with individuals and The Florida Forest Service is making - organizations are vital to reforesta- a concerted effort on state forestland tion has contributed approximately tion efforts on Florida’s State Forests. to rebuild Florida’s longleaf pine Since 2009, the Arbor Day Founda Partner contributions help increase - stock. This has aided reforestation longleaf pine plantings in Florida est Service has reforested more than $610,000 toward purchasing nursery- while restoring our natural ecosys- forests. Since 2001, the Florida For - ing Belmore, Blackwater River, Cary, ganization that remains a true friend, efforts on 16 state forests includ ecosystem once covered more than and52,000 the acres Florida in Forestlongleaf Service’s pine. One larg or- 90tems. million The longleafacres in pine/wiregrassthe southeastern est reforestation partner, is the Arbor Myakka,Four Creeks, Okaloacoochee Goethe, Jennings, Slough, Lake Point Washington,George, Indian Seminole, Lake, John Tate’s M. Bethea, Hell, acres remain today. Tiger Bay and Welaka. United States. Fewer than 4 million Day Foundation. Continued on next page
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to the current and back issues is included in each weekly email update. If you would like to discon- tinueThe Florida the hard Land copy Steward delivery newsletter of each issue is available to your onlinemailbox from and floridalandsteward.org access the newsletter electronically, and the link
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florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 3 The Arbor Day Foundation: A true “Friend” of Florida State Forests....continued from previous page
- - ingThe trees, Arbor with Day moreFoundation, than 1 millionestab members,lished in 1972, supporters is dedicated and valued to plant partners. The Florida Forest Service and Friends of Florida State Forests partner with individuals and organi- - tion to help reestablish longleaf pine inzations the Southeast like the Arbor by continuing Day Founda refor- estation efforts on state forestland.
The Florida Forest Service recognizes Since 2009, the Arbor Day Foundation has contributed approximately $610,000 toward purchasing nursery stock for tree planting projects on Florida’s State Forests. Photo courtesy of Florida Forest pine and restoring these unique land- Service. scapes,the benefits and continuesof replanting this longleaf vital effort state forest near you, or if you want to ensuring Florida’s state forests are as part of its ongoing mission. The to contribute to other needs. available for future generations to en- Florida Forest Service will continue joy. Make a difference by joining today to protect and manage the forest re- FreshFromFlorida.com or visit to help protect Florida’s forests. Mem- sources through a stewardship ethic www.FloridaStateForests.org.You may email me at Doug.Ott@ With bership dues go to the forests for con- to assure they are available for future your help, we can make the forests servation and improvement projects, generations. better for everyone! and contributions can be matched to a Help us plant more trees! I would be specific state forest of your choice. The Friends of Florida State Forests glad to meet you or schedule a time is a direct-support organization of to call you or your organization to the Florida Forest Service dedicated join these reforestation efforts in a
Plants Behaving Badly: Torpedograss By Alicia Campanella
Torpedograss, Panicum repens, is a perennial grass native to Asia and Af- rica. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, making Flor- ida’s vast system of marshes and wa- terways ideal habitats. As with other plants that have become a problem, it was introduced in the early 1900’s with hopes that it would be useful as a livestock forage. behavior, it had already invaded over 70%Demonstrating of public waters its extreme in the invasive state of Florida by the mid 1990’s. The most striking example of this is evident at Lake Okeechobee where 7,000-acre monocultures of the plant choke up the waterway, restricting the ability of other plants and wildlife to thrive.
Continued on next page Torpedograss (Panicum repens), photo by Ann Murray
4 florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 Plants Behaving Badly: Torpedograss....continued from previous page
of mechanical management can all carry root fragments and begin or extend an existing infestation. While mechanical treatments are partially effective, these treatments often carry with them the risk of spreading the rhizome. As is the case with most exotics, disturbed sites (sites which have been cleared or burned) are most vulnerable. Early treatment of the plant when it is found is the best strategy, and multiple treatments are often needed. While biological con- trols are being researched, currently chemical control is the most effec- tive. As always, take care not to allow herbicides to come into contact with other plant species as many of these chemicals have the ability to destroy
Torpedograss flower, photo by Ann Murray herbicides can be used in a solution non-target species. Glyphosate-based Additionally, the obstruction of water color and grow on stalk-like append- up to 3% in strength while imazapyr - can be used in a solution of up to 1% almost year round. It forms dense in strength with a non-ionic surfac- aflow state in thatrivers, is alreadylakes, and suffering canals fromfur matsages atand the effectively top of the crowds plant, flowering out other tant up to 10mL per gallon of pre- seriousther complicates water management major difficulties issues. in species. It can endure long periods of pared solution. Always wear personal protective equipment when handling An Exotic Takes Off! that, like most invasive species, ren- herbicides and follow all product dersdrought it highly or flooding- opportunistic an adaptation and en- label instructions. Torpedograss is so named because its ables it to survive and proliferate in a rhizome, or root, is a hard, pointed, For more information about this variety of conditions. Its main limit- torpedo-shaped spike which pushes plant, other invasive exotic species, ing factor is low temperatures, which its way through the soil and allows funding, and regional efforts to it to spread quickly. Because it does prevent and control infestations Control and mitigation is an expen- not grow well from seed in Florida, see the Florida Invasive Species siveconfines undertaking, it to the southern costing millions states. of rhizome growth is its primary means Partnership web site at dollars per year in Florida alone. of expansion. It can reach a depth of over a foot easily. In fact, this rhizome Treatment and Prevention grows over a centimeter per day! The http://www.floridainvasives.org/ grass can reach a height of over three feet, and the upper margin of the In order to prevent an infestation, blade is covered with characteristic bePrevention sure to clean is our any first equipment line of defense. used in soil tilling or plant management. Plows, mowers, or any other form fine, white hair like structures. Its flowers are tiny, pale, and yellow in Get Email Updates!
Don’t miss out on upcoming events and news! Send an email to [email protected] to be added to the Stewardship listserv. Updates are sent every week or two. florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 5 timber price update
current conditions at a particular location. Landowners considering a timber sale are advised to solicitThe timber the services pricing ofinformation a consulting below forester is useful to obtain for observing current local trends market over conditions.time, but does not reflect
Average stumpage prices for the three major products in Florida, as reported in the 1st Quarter 2015 Timber Mart-South report were:
Florida Stumpage Prices
Pine pulpwood: th
Pine C-N-S: $38/cord ($14/ton), ↓ from as 4 Qtr 2014
Pine sawtimber: $63/cord ($23/ton), ↑
$80/cord ($30/ton), ↑ Trend Report Average pine sawtimber and chip-n-saw stumpage prices continue their slow but steady rise in Florida, but they are still short of where they were 10 years ago. Pine pulpwood prices, on average,
1st continueexpansion to has be beencompetitive. reported U.S. in manufacturing,both the wood products building constructionand pulp and andpaper employment sectors. A noteworthygrew in the change quarter in the 2015 southern as economic wood recoveryindustry hascontinues. been increased With demand investment steady by or Canadian-based on the increase, some
producing nearly 30% of this region’s capacity. companies. By the end of 2014, three Canadian companies were running 34 southern mills, Average Pine Stumpage Prices for Florida 1st Qtr 2000 through 1st Qtr 2015 120
100
80 sawtimber
60 chip-n-saw $ Per Cord $ Per 40 pulpwood
20
0
Year (beginning first quarter 2000)
Timber Mart-South is compiled and produced at the Center for Forest Business, Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, under contract with the Frank W. Norris Foundation, a non-profit corporation serving the forest products industry. See http://www.tmart-south.com/ for information on subscriptions.
6 florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 congratulations certified forest stewards and tree farmers
For more information about becoming a for their property and have demonstrated excellent stewardship of their land resources. Certified Forest Steward These landowners have a current Forest Stewardship and/or Tree Farm management plan or Tree Farmer, contact your Florida Forest Service County Forester, consultant or learn about it at: http://www. freshfromflorida.com/ Divisions-Offices/ Florida-Forest-Service/ For-Landowners/ Programs/ or http://www. floridaforest.org Alex Madyda (R) with Jay Tucker, Garry Walker, Polk County Kenneth Madyda (R) with Jay Tucker, Union County Union County
Joseph Black, Polk County George McGovern, Linda Basford (L) with Jay Tucker, Hillsborough County Union County
Butch Harden (R) with Ariel Sewell, Joe Collins, Washington County Maurice and Judy Langston, Washington County Liberty County
florida land steward – spring/summer 2015 7 Non Profit Org. US Postage UF/IFAS PAID School of Forest Resources and Conservation Gainesville PO Box 110410 Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0410 Permit No.94
Upcoming Stewardship, Small Farm and Other Events
Date Event, Location, Contact
43rd Annual Spring Symposium: Innovations in Timber Harvesting and Utilization. May 13-14 UF Austin Cary Forest Learning Center, Gainesville, FL. ToPresented register byand the for UF/IFAS details: https://eventbrite.com/event/15880282352/School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Society of American Foresters, Association of Consulting Foresters, and Southern Regional Council on Forest Engineering. Separate registration may be made for a tour of the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center.
Forest Stewardship Tour at Spencer Family Property, pine timber management and wildlife habitat improvements for species such as bobwhite quail and white-tailed deer; Best Management May 14 Practices, available assistance and more. Register at https://fsp-tour051415.eventbrite.com/ Santa Rosa County, FL. 9 am to 2 pm or CT. contact $10 fee, UF/IFAS lunch Extension included. SantaJoin us Rosa to learn County about at (850) 623-3868.
Longleaf Pine Forest Restoration and Management Workshop, St. Marks Wildlife Refuge Visitor and Environmental Education Center. Provided by Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance and Florida Forest Stewardship Program with support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. $5 fee. Contact UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County at (850) 926-3931 to register. June 2
FAMU Spring Agri-Showcase, For information contact Angela Jakes, (850) 875-8552. FAMU Farm in Quincy, FL. Provided by FAMU Cooperative Extension Program. June 6
Conference on Laurel Wilt Disease and Natural Ecosystems: Impacts, Mitigation and the Future, Coral Springs Marriott, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. Coral Springs, FL. Foresters, SAF CFEs pending approval. Contact Dr. Jason A. Smith, (352) 846-0843, [email protected] June 16-18 For many more events and information see: floridalandsteward.org
The Florida Land Steward Newsletter is a University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service, Florida Forest Service, Chris DemersFlorida (editor) Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,Dr. Bill USDAGiuliano Natural (co-editor) Resources Conservation Service andJoseph Florida Prenger Tree (co-editor) Farm joint project: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission & Conservation Dr.UF/IFAS Michael School Andreu of Forest (co-editor) Resources & Conservation UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology Jon Gould (co-editor) (352) 846-2375 • [email protected] Tony Grossman (co-editor) Florida(850) 410-5268 Tree Farm • [email protected] Florida(352) 846-0575 Forest Service • [email protected] UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources & Conservation (850) 414-9907 (352) 846-0355 • [email protected] (205) 991-9435 • [email protected]