WINTER 2018 • VOLUME 34 • NO. 1

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Non Profit Org Profit Non This magazine is a benefit of membership in Northwest Woodlands Northwest your family forestry association. Contact the officers listed on page 5 for membership details. TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 3 PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGES Winter 2018 7 DOWN ON THE TREE FARM FEATURES 27 THE UNDERSTORY 28 TREESMARTS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN FORESTRY: SEE THE 30 TREEMAN TIPS FOREST AND THE TREES Strategies have evolved since the start of integrated pest management and ON THE COVER: continue to improve as we learn more about our forested systems and as new silvicultural tools are introduced. Finding tools that more selectively address specific pests while simultaneously accounting for the larger system and improving compatibility with ecological principals is daunting, but results in more sustainable solutions. 8 BY CHRISTINE BUHL Parasitic wasps—such as this Braconid—and flies provide excel- lent natural control for various SUCCESSFUL PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS IN THE FOREST insect pests, such as bark beetle For a variety of reasons, careful consideration of IPM options often leads to larvae and caterpillars. This type of parasitoid lays eggs in their a decision to apply pesticides. In the Pacific Northwest, application of host. The parasites feed and devel- pesticides on forestland is increasingly scrutinized and, in some places, is op, killing their host before emerg- ing from cocoons on the host. being banned. It is incumbent on each forestland owner and manager to Photos courtesy: Christine Buhl carefully consider and follow these best management practices to minimize the harmful effects of our pest control activities. STAFF: 14 BY THOMAS WHITTINGTON ANNE C. MALONEY, Editor PO Box 1010 Chehalis, WA 98532 DON’T GET SWEPT AWAY BY SCOTCH BROOM: USING [email protected] THE BEST MANAGEMENT OPTIONS MINTEN GRAPHICS, Graphic Design A common noxious weed in the Pacific Northwest, Scotch broom can shade Northwest Woodlands Advisory Committee Members: out desirable native plants, reduce forage for livestock and wildlife, add woody Dick Alescio biomass (fuel), cause significant competition in young plantations and even Mike Barsotti change soil chemistry for years after the invader has been removed from a site. Anne Hanschu 16 BY WENDY DESCAMP Chuck Higgins Jim James Anne Maloney IPM FOR THE FLATHEADED FIR BORER: A MAJOR Vic Musselman FOREST PEST IN SOUTHERN OREGON Tom Nygren The flatheaded fir borer is a pest in forests across North America, including Elaine Oneil hot, dry sites in southwest Oregon. The primary target is green, healthy Northwest Woodlands is published quarterly by the Washington Farm Douglas-fir on droughty, tough sites, but this insect will also attack western Forestry Association for members of larch and true firs. IPM options lean toward identification of high-risk the Idaho Forest Owners Association, Montana Forest Owners Association, stands and minimizing mortality ahead of an outbreak. Oregon Small Woodlands Association and Washington Farm Forestry 22 BY MAX BENNETT Association. Other than general editing, the articles appearing in this publication have not been peer reviewed for technical accuracy. The individual authors are primarily responsible for ALSO IN THIS ISSUE . . . the content and opinions expressed herein. “All registered marks, trademarks and service marks belong to their respective 26 PAST NORTHWEST WOODLANDS’ THEMES owners.”

2 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 Use pheromones. The anti-aggrega- tion pheromone MCH was studied in PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE the 1970s and found to be effective in reducing the impact of Douglas-fir Montana beetles. MCH has been available to the public since 2000. It can be used MIKE CHRISTIANSON to protect a few highly valued trees, or a larger number of trees (given much money and effort). MCH is available Managing the Douglas-fir Beetle in bubble caps of single strength and double strength. To protect a single tree, use two bubble caps. For a larger he Douglas-fir beetle is a good ing trees, so a trap-tree program can area, use 30 single-strength bubble candidate for implementing inte- be useful in suppressing beetle popula- caps per acre, or space them at 38- grated pest management (IPM) tions. Trap trees are used to lure bee- T foot intervals. If using double- techniques. Epidemics, though usually tles into felled trees that will then be strength, space them at 54-foot inter- short-lived, may devastate susceptible removed; thus, sparing the nearby vals. Staple them on the north side of stands before subsiding. If an outbreak trees. Fell three to five trees with diam- the tree, as high as you can reach, by occurs, forest conditions can favor the eters of 15 inches or larger by April 1. the third week in April. The beetles. It is best to be ready before the Drop the trees in the shade and do not pheromone puts out a “no vacancy” beetle visits your forest. This hit home limb or buck them. Leave the trap alert to incoming beetles, causing the for me as there are several Douglas-fir trees on site until mid-July to attract beetles to go elsewhere. Reapply year- beetle outbreaks nearby! beetles throughout their flight period. ly as long as the threat exists. Spraying a chemical insecticide on Remove the trap trees as soon as prac- Some of the above data came from the bole of a tree is not practical for tical, but before the following April 1. Montana DNRC, to which I give larger stands. There are, however, Trap trees may not be practical in thanks. ■ other IPM techniques which can deter large stands. the Douglas-fir beetle. Manipulate the stand. The denser the stand, the higher the susceptibility to beetle attack. Attacks are most suc- cessful on trees that are mature or overmature, the largest in diameter and found in densely stocked stands. Any method that will reduce stocking, percentage of Douglas-fir, or average ALDER WANTED stand age or size will produce stand conditions less favorable to the beetle. Also Maple & Ash; Saw Logs, Pulp Logs, It is best to thin your forest and have & Timber Deeds a mixture of dominant and co-domi- nant trees. Contact Our Resource Group at These Locations: Take care of stand disturbances. The recent fires in Montana have left Coos Bay, OR Ed G. (541) 404-3701 may trees scorched. These trees, along Eugene, OR Dick W. (541) 206-4105 with damage from windthrow, snow breakage or other weather-related Tim T. (541) 231-4758 phenomena, are attractive to the bee- Garibaldi, OR Lee A. (541) 290-9892 tle. Trees defoliated by the western spruce budworm are also ripe for the Longview,WA John A. (360) 269-2500 Douglas-fir beetle. Timely salvage of down, damaged or severely weakened Centralia,WA Jeremy M. (360) 520-5565 Douglas-fir is a means of preventing Bill B. (360) 520-2287 beetle outbreak. Fell trap trees. Douglas-fir beetles Mt.Vernon,WA Joe M. (425) 210-5880 prefer freshly downed trees over stand- Mark F. (360) 202-9141

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 3 the WDNR and the USFS in a recent Good Neighbor Agreement. At the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE same time, WDNR has just released its 20-year Strategic Health Plan for Washington eastern Washington to “conduct 1.25 PATTI PLAYFAIR million acres of scientifically sound, landscape-scale, cross-boundary man- agement and restoration treatments in priority watersheds to increase forest and watershed resilience by 2037.” Bugs and Crud and Firestorms... Here lies the nexus of Bugs and Crud and Firestorms... Oh My! Oh My! If the DNR/USFS agreement starts treating large-scale acreages of n Tuesday, November 7, the At this point you are probably ask- overstocked, at-risk forests across the Washington Forest Practices ing yourself, “Ok Patti, where’s the landscape, our local mills will have O Board (FPB-the body that intersection of the FPB field tour and more timber than they can process in writes Forest Practices Rules) visited Integrated Pest Management?” Well, a day, so market prices will go down eastern Washington. I KNOW! This as I shared with the FPB members, we for small forestland owners (if a log- is the equivalent of seeing rainbow small forestland owners will be ging crew is available), resulting in unicorns on Main Street. To set the damned if “they” do and we will be unfavorable market conditions for scene: We had 6 to 8 inches of new damned if “they” don’t. “They” are small forestland owners (SFLOs) to snow, it was cold and overcast, and the U.S. Forest Service, which man- do any forest health treatments of everyone was shivering. Remarkably, ages significant forestland holdings in their own. If the GNA does not result some folks remained engaged and eastern Washington. The Colville in large landscape restoration projects, learned a little about eastside forest National Forest encompasses 1.1 mil- then SFLOs will continue to get all conditions. The themes of the field lion acres in northeast Washington; the bugs and crud and firestorms tour were tribal cultural resource con- not quite as much acreage as the from nearby USFS-managed forests. cerns (presented by the Kalispel Tribe 55,000 family forestland owners in This all sounds very dire, right? of Indians), future water-typing eastern Washington, who own 1.6 mil- Here is the call to action for SFLOs in methodologies (DNR), pesticide use lion acres, but very big nonetheless. the Northwest. Get out there and pre- in forestry (Hancock Natural The proximity of national forests to commercially thin your forests to Resource Group) and small forestland eastern Washington rural communities healthy, resilient species and stocking. owner issues (WFFA). is the impetus for bringing together Reduce fuels from your forest by pruning, chipping, masticating or burning piles. Learn all you can from FORESTLAND FOR SALE in the excellent articles in this edition of OREGON & WASHINGTON Northwest Woodlands to improve your forest’s resilience to bugs and crud We market forestland properties in western Oregon and Washington. and fire; and stay engaged in your Check www.WorldForestInvestment.com for the latest properties state’s governing agencies to promote available under “Forestland for Sale” tab. best practices. ■

If you have a forestland property that you have considered selling, we offer free consultation and will come look at your land. LUSIGNAN FORESTRY, INC. Shelton, WA If you are settling an estate, let us do the job of getting you the best price. 360-426-1140 With 40 years of experience in forestry work, we can offer solutions from a Forestry consultants serving practical forestry and financial standpoint. timberland owners small and large, private and public since 1972. Licensed Broker in Oregon and Washington. Professional Forester. ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Forest Management, Timber Cruising, [email protected] Inventories and Valuations, Timber Harvest 503-695-6419 Administration and Lump Sum Sales Forester/Broker E-MAIL: [email protected]

4 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE STATE OFFICERS IFOA PRESIDENT: David Easley Idaho 208-437-5373, [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT: Gordon Harnasch SANDRA MURDOCK 208-773-0274, [email protected] SECRETARY: Marianna Groth 208-682-3091, [email protected] TREASURER: Sandra G. Murdock What is Integrated Pest 208-683-2105 • smurdock.cedarbrook@ gmail.com EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: Marrion E. Management (IPM)? Newsam Banks PO Box 1257 • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-1257 • 208-755-8168 • info@ good IPM program should con- icals to be effective. But again, when, idahoforestowners.org sider the lifecycle of the pest and what and how much are all questions take advantage of all manage- that research can help you understand. MFOA A All contacts: 406-586-6362 • info@ ment strategies. Some methods are not Do your homework and use the montanaforestowners.org cost effective. Some methods could be resources that are available to you. PRESIDENT: Mike Christianson worse for your forest than the original Here is a place to start: invasivespecies. SECRETARY: Mark Boardman pest. Some methods work, some do idaho.gov/noxious-weed-program TREASURER: Jody Christianson not. Some methods only work if imple- Now, let’s talk bark beetles. The OSWA mented certain times of the year. Some effects of bark beetles are also on the PRESIDENT: Rick Barnes pests are not a threat to your overall rise, but it takes a different strategy to 541-673-1208 • [email protected] forest health and are just an eyesore. deal with them. This is why: bark bee- PRESIDENT ELECT: Mike Barsotti Your pest management program tles are native, and our trees have 503-859-2993 • [email protected] should consider your situation. evolved with them. Some tree types are 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Donna Heffernan Successful IPM programs implement much more susceptible to an attack. 541-786-2257 • [email protected] all the following: identify your pests Trees that are under stress from over- 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Dick Courter 503-297-1660 • [email protected] and monitor their progress over years, crowding are more susceptible to 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: David Schmidt decide what you are willing to tolerate, attacks. By the time you notice a tree is 541-979-7523 • [email protected] learn how to prevent the pest in the dead, the beetles have moved on to 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Mike Barnes first place and then research the best another tree. You cannot fight bark 503-538-5344 • [email protected] control methods. Find out what works beetles with pesticides: the tree is too TREASURER: Dallas Boge and what doesn’t, and why. Is your pest tall and the beetles are under the bark. 503-357-7688 • [email protected] native or not? Just cutting the tree down and using it PAST PRESIDENT: Scott Hanson 503-313-3729 • [email protected] For example, noxious weeds are on as firewood does not fix the problem. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim James the rise. Noxious weeds can be compli- Maybe your bark beetle issue is only 187 High Street NE, Suite 208 • Salem, cated and the best time to manage cosmetic. Get yourself educated by OR 97301 • 503-588-1813 them is when they first show up on reading this handout from IDL on [email protected] your land, so pay attention. It’s not beetles: idl.idaho.gov/forestry/forest- WFFA simple and there are laws saying you health/bark-beetle-brochure.pdf. ■ PRESIDENT: Patti Playfair should be making an effort. Each weed 509-936-3842 • [email protected] has its own special characteristics that 1st VICE PRESIDENT: Vic Musselman 503-684-5727 • [email protected] affect the types of management you Professional Forestry 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Duane Evans can do and when to do it. You need a Services, Inc. 360-266-0506 • [email protected] plan. Management of noxious weeds SECRETARY: Frank Shirley can’t just be left to the elements; most Forest Appraisal • Management 253-884-2283 • [email protected] Expert Witness • Hazardous Trees are non-native and can overpower TREASURER: Bill Scheer, Jr. native plants. Your native plants did 360-269-3850 • [email protected] Mike Jackson, CF, ACF not evolve with them, and they may 1st PAST PRESIDENT: Boyd Wilson 360-943-1470 360-438-1166 • [email protected] have little or no defensive tactic to use Since 1960 against them. This is why an IPM plan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Elaine Oneil 100 Ruby St. S.E., Ste. B Fax 360-943-1471 P.O. Box 1010 • Chehalis, WA 98532 for noxious weeds really needs to be Tumwater, WA 98501 www.proforestry.com 360-388-8033 • [email protected] well-researched and may involve chem-

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 5 ing for management activities to get the desired results and the biggest PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE bang for your buck. A few examples may include: • If you see signs of animal dam- age, such as by bears or mountain Oregon RICK BARNES beavers, take care of them promptly before they multiply and hurt your forestry efforts. • Controlling competing vegetation Integrated Pest Management and noxious weeds before they get completely out of control is crucial. s I think about Integrated Pest your property. When enjoying a walk, Find out the preferred treatment Management (IPM), most or working on your tree farm, be method and proper time of year for answers are already in our cur- aware of your surroundings. If you A treatment. If using chemicals, treating rent toolbox. Being aware and practic- see the beginning of a potential issue, competing vegetation and noxious ing good, active forest management is make a mental note and document weeds at the first opportunity will the key to most pest issues. IPM relies the location and problem. You will minimize the amount of chemical on a combination of common sense, save yourself a tremendous amount of used and minimize the effort and cost. economical practices and pest control work and money by addressing prob- Planning your management activi- methods, with the least hazard to peo- lems early rather than waiting until ties to avoid the spread of the disease ple, property and the environment. they become big issues. It is also or pest is important. In our specific Be aware of what’s going on with important to know the preferred tim- situation, we have Port Orford cedar root rot. The pathogen is a soil-borne 503-684-8168 root disease that is spread via water. 1-800-783-6818 We are very careful with our activities 11825 SW Greenburg Road, Suite 200 and management practices in those Tigard, OR 97223 areas. During the wet months, we take www.nwforestryservices.com great care to avoid entering the areas affected by the disease. When we har- vest the cedar, we replant with root ❑ Professional Forest Management ❑ Appraisals rot-resistant stock or another species ❑ Timber Inventories and Cruising ❑ Mapping and GIS suitable for the area. There are great resources available to keep you apprised of local issues and treatments. If you’re not already a member of your Small Woodlands Association, they are very worthwhile organizations to join. The local chap- NORTH PLAINS, OREGON • LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON ters and the statewide organizations MOLALLA, OREGON offer educational tours and workshops that are invaluable to small woodland owners addressing a broad range of WANTED topics. Another source for information is your Extension Service; they too Conifer and Hardwood Pulp Logs offer many classes and workshops, and often cooperate with Small Woodland and Chunks over 3’ in length Associations to offer programs. The bottom line is to be aware of what is happening on your tree farm, PACIFIC FIBRE PRODUCTS, INC. seek answers to your questions and Rob Vance (360) 355-2817 take prompt action. You will enjoy your property more if you are diligent Paul Hadaller (360) 431-9661 in taking care of problems when they are small. ■

6 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 Down on the Tree Farm

FEBRUARY MARCH ✓ Register for your association’s annual meeting or confer- ✓ Begin tree planting in higher elevation units this month. ence: IFOA, March 26-27; MFOA, April 27;WFFA, May 20-22; Avoid planting in frosty soils and protect your bare root and OSWA, June 23-25.They are one of the best benefits of seedlings from freezing. Finish well before the moisture is membership—an opportunity to exchange success stories gone from the soil. and challenges with your fellow forestland owners. ✓ Complete fuel reduction projects around your structures ✓ Clean out and repair your bird boxes and perches; install and in your forest. Don’t forget the outbuildings, public and new ones wherever you’ve seen recent activity. Raptors private access roads, and that precommercial thinning proj- would appreciate a handy perch adjacent to your mouse, ect you just completed! vole or ground squirrel activity! ✓ Order seedlings for 2018 reforestation projects. Make sure ✓ Assemble pertinent tax records and prepare your return. If your seedlings match your site. you are lucky enough to have an accountant or tax preparer, ✓ Install seedling protection measures before the tasty buds take your paperwork to them early. have opened. ✓ Research integrated pest management options for inva- ✓ If you’re pruning to improve aesthetics, log value or to sive plants or insect/disease issues on your forestland. remove ladder fuels, finish before sap begins to flow to mini- Pesticides are sometimes the best solution, but they’re not mize bark damage and insect activity. the only solution. Consult with your tree farm contacts for treatments that have been successful.Whenever possible, ✓ Survey nesting sites to record activity. Keep a sharp eye practice prevention. out for adults and sensitive young. ✓ Where there is potential for pine engraver beetles to enter ✓Take some time to evaluate your riparian buffers and wet- your thinning slash, complete your precommercial thinning lands and how they enhance the local habitat and connectivity. early in the year so the slash has time to dry before the first How does your forestland contribute to the larger watershed? flight. APRIL ✓ Tour your proposed logging operation with your forester and logger. Rely on their experience and good reputation to ✓ Survey winter storm damage and plan for salvage and/or conduct a successful operation. Develop a solid contract and repair. time your operation carefully.Take the responsibility to ✓ Finish cutting firewood before fuels dry out to minimize assure that your logger has all appropriate fire equipment in the potential for wildfire. Spreading the cut wood on the good working order. ground will allow it to dry before collection. ✓ Plan for fire season: meet with neighbors, ask your fire FOR MORE INFORMATION... protection agency for a courtesy inspection, prepare equip- check out these favorite websites and publications: ment, move firewood away from your house and assure • wdfw.wa.gov/living/projects/nestboxes adequate access for engines. Make sure your family members • uidaho.edu/extension/ipm (integrated pest management) know what to do in the event of a fire.You are an important • fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5187526.pdf (pine engraver) part of the fire prevention solution. • extension.oregonstate.edu/sorec/sites/default/files/reader-spreads- Develop a recreation plan and get the family involved in keep_you_home_safe_from_wildfire_web-res.pdf (fuel reduction) ✓ clearing trails and camping/fishing spots.Then take some • knowyourforest.org/learning-library/logging-and-selling-timber • timbertax.org time to just enjoy your property. • forestseedlingnetwork.com/media/15903/Selecting_and_Buying_ Monitor your 2017 projects and update your photo points. Quality_Seedlings.pdf ✓ Plan a tour for fellow forestland owners to share your accom- • cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/index.cfm (Surf Your Watershed) • ext.wsu.edu/documents/StormDamage.pdf plishments.You deserve a pat on the back from people who • Plant%20Your%20Seedlings%20Right%202a.pdf know!

Down on the Tree Farm is a compilation of all of the excellent tips contributed to this column by experienced volunteers over the last 16 years. Suggestions are always welcome and may be sent to the editor at: [email protected].

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 7 Integrated Pest Management in Forestry: See the Forest and the Trees

By CHRISTINE BUHL central idea of IPM, to “see” the for- resistance factors and impacts to non- est and the trees. Time is also a major targets. As part of its comprehensive any of us factor in an integrated approach. It is approach, IPM focuses more on man- are quite tempting to make management deci- agement of the whole versus control M familiar with sions based on current conditions, but of the parts. This ethos focuses heavi- the term integrated forest crops have a longer rotation ly on monitoring and observation of pest management than most agricultural crops, and pests and their damage within a (IPM), but do we management actions rely on projec- framework of pre-established thresh- recognize all of its tions of future conditions. Log prices olds for when actions should take components? And further, are we and climate change are just two exam- place, as opposed to indiscriminant or utilizing these components in our ples of highly influential predictors systematic calendar treatments. woodlands? IPM is a multifaceted that guide long-term management Management objectives of the past strategy that has been widely used in planning. often focused on complete control and eradication of pests. This has agriculture for the prevention and IPM review mitigation of pest injury, but should shifted to a more realistic reduction of not be limited to the agricultural set- IPM grew out of the Rachael injury to tolerable levels. Pest manage- ting. And just as IPM may be applied Carson “Silent Spring”-era in the ment strategies have evolved since the to many different systems, it is not 1950’s where concern for indiscrimi- inception of IPM and continue to limited to insect pests, but may also nant use and cascade effects of pesti- improve as we learn more about our be utilized to manage other stressors, cides came to a head. This holistic forested systems and as new silvicul- such as vertebrate pests, abiotic dam- approach to pest management sought tural tools are introduced. Finding age, diseases and noxious weeds. This to reduce our overreliance on a single tools that are more selective to article will review IPM in the scope of strategy, which in many cases was address specific pests while simultane- insect pests, but also touch on man- chemical control. ously accounting for the larger system agement strategies for other types of The practice of IPM does not and improving compatibility with eco- forest pests. exclude chemical control (it is includ- logical principals is daunting, but in In forestry, many insect pests are ed as a pest management tool), but the end, provides more sustainable secondary, meaning they attack instead provides additional manage- solutions. ment options. Having other tools in already stressed trees. The need to IPM components take into account the primary cause addition to or in place of chemical of these secondary stressors requires a control can potentially reduce labor A complete IPM program consists more comprehensive monitoring and and costs as well as negative effects of: a) setting action thresholds before management regiment, which is the from the overuse of pesticides, such as control is needed, b) ongoing moni- L H U B

E N I T S I R H C : Y S E T R U O C

O T O H P Non-managed (left) and intensively managed (right) pine stands.

8 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 toring to properly evaluate lish a baseline for endemic pest/injury levels, c) preven- pest levels and project a tive actions, and d) control range at which populations if or when necessary. can cause injury or damage Set action thresholds. (i.e., loss). Having this his- S Financial costs are often the I torical record can also pro- O N I L L I primary driving factor for vide documentation with F O

Y

management and are influ- T which to predict future I S R E V

enced by the amount or I thresholds at the onset of N U , I

intensity of injury. This rela- K population peaks or deter- S R O tionship is used to deter- B mine acceptable injury lev- A Z

D mine if and when to carry E els. As mentioned, injury : Y S E out control measures and is T levels are often measured R U O C

termed the economic injury by estimating the pest pop- E R U

level (EIL) concept, intro- G ulation, but variables I F duced by Stern et. al., in When pest levels are high enough to cause injury that calls for besides number of individu- 1959. The EIL concept has control, the economic threshold (ET) is met. If control is not als impact amount of dam- been refined over time, but triggered at this point, pest levels may surpass the economic age in time and space. Pest helps determine when eco- injury level (EIL) wherein control is no longer cost-effective. intensity can be occasional nomic damage (level of injury that to prevent or reduce their status as or reoccurring and, at each instance, actually causes loss) justifies the costs pests, which is determined by the level mild or severe; or sub-economic, in of control. Metrics in this assessment of injury they inflict. A consistent –Continued on next page– are the amount of injury and time, monitoring program will help estab- wherein number of pests is usually measured in place of amount of injury because they are easier to quan- tify, and they correlate well with amount of injury. The amount of injury that results in losses equal to the costs of control is the EIL. Control measures are often triggered at a point before EIL called the eco- nomic threshold (ET), when control is still cost-effective. Once these action threshold parameters are set up, it is easier to make go/no-go decisions. Options then are to: 1) Do nothing. Pests may be at or below tolerable levels, or the fiscal, labor and/or ecological costs outweigh the benefits of management. 2) Reduce pest numbers. Passive or direct control of pests to reduce reproductive or survival potentials, or change the environment to lower the carrying capacity of pest populations. 3) Reduce crop susceptibility to injury from pests. Improved crop resilience, selection for more resistant varieties, physical protection of the crop itself and similar options. 4) Attempt 2 and 3. Monitoring. The goal of control measures is not just to kill pests; it is

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 9 which damage is occasional, but may prove costly when calculated cumula- tively over the life of a crop. Other factors that influence accounting for injury include timing of injury (e.g., relative to the season, age of plant or tissue), part of the plant that was injured or the type and intensity of injury. These factors must be account- ed for when deciding what to observe during monitoring. Prevention. Control measures for many forest pests are out of reach

because they are: not cost-effective, L H U B

laborious to apply, impossible to E N I T S I

apply evenly due to lack of access, or R H C : simply do not exist yet. For these Y S E T R

pests we can only rely on preventive U O C

measures. A perfect example is man- O T O H agement of native bark beetles, one of P the primary pests in Pacific Northwest Barrier treatments can trap or prevent pest entry. forests. Native bark beetles are ever- entry, and contains various repellant come in many forms, such as prior present throughout forest stands. At or toxic compounds aimed at beetles abiotic damage (e.g., fire, drought, endemic levels they are components of or the fungi they carry. If these storms), human-caused mechanical a healthy ecosystem and, although defenses are weakened, beetles can injury, disease or other insect damage, controversial, could be considered overcome trees. And if conditions are poor tree genetics, poor establishment beneficial by removing less vigorous right, beetle populations may increase or unsuitable site quality. trees. Healthy trees are well-adapted to outbreak levels, at which point the In many cases, if preventive meas- to these beetles and able to defend sheer number of beetles can over- ures took place, trees would be themselves using a variety of mechan- whelm well-defended trees. It is tempt- resilient enough to withstand beetle ical and chemical defenses. ing to want to treat for the bark bee- attack and their populations would The primary defense in trees is tles themselves, but the primary cause not rise above thresholds. For forest pitch, which physically pushes out of this attack is decreased tree insect pests, it is imperative to moni- and/or drowns bark beetles upon resiliency. This reduced resiliency may tor major pests on the landscape and enlist preventive management tools to avoid conditions that may feed an

10 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 outbreak or to mitigate losses should sary re-entry. Widen equipment paths, Although increased fertility would an outbreak occur. perform activities when conditions indeed increase growth, it would also Control. If thresholds are reached, pose less risk for root compaction, increase water demands and therefore one or more management strategies and remove trees scraped by equip- add stress to an already struggling may be applied. Sources differ in the ment or scorched during burning. tree. division of IPM components and they Sometimes strategies may seem Tree genetics is a foundationally often overlap, but IPM generally counterintuitive, but are successful in important cultural management tool. includes physical/mechanical, cultural, some scenarios. For example, the Some cultivars are phenologically mis- biological and chemical control strate- objective for many conifer stands is to matched with their major pests and gies. Some of the more common tools thin from below to remove suppressed discourage attack. For example, seed within each category that are used in trees and keep large, vigorous trees for set may occur before a major seed forestry are detailed below. future harvest. However, some bark pest reaches the developmental stage • Physical and mechanical. Physical beetles prefer large-diameter trees and where it is ready to seek out and and mechanical control are sometimes will seek those out first. Where these attack hosts. Different cultivars have separated, but have the same objec- beetles pose a chronic risk, it may be also been bred for a variety of resist- tive: removing or killing pests or pre- beneficial to instead thin from above ance and tolerance defenses. However, venting pests from reaching hosts to remove these attractive large trees care must be taken when utilizing cul- using human labor or equipment. and allow smaller trees to dominate tivars from outside the intended grow- Landscape level physical or mechani- the stand, provided that these trees ing zone. Despite the potential for cal removal of many pests, such as are healthy and have the potential to increased defense or other enhanced insects, is neither possible nor advised, thrive. qualities, trees that are not derived although insects may be blocked from In another example, fertilization from local genomic stock may have trees using traps or barriers. More may be used to improve growth of poorer growth relative to their more often, populations are reduced by trees that seem less vigorous due to susceptible, but also more vigorous, removing infested trees or destroying poor growing conditions or drought. –Continued on next page– slash. Various pathogens, such as mistletoe or gall infections, may be physically destroyed to sanitize sites, and noxious weeds can be depressed via repeated mowing when plants are actively growing. • Cultural. Forest management, from planting to precommercial thin- ning to harvest, is full of opportuni- ties for cultural control techniques. Stand composition in terms of species, age class and spacing can be altered to avoid creating the preferred environment for a pest to flourish. The term “cultural control” is broad and can entail many different scenar- ios. Switching to a non-host species in a root rot pocket can reduce on-site residence time of a pathogen. Increasing planting density in weevil-prone areas will encourage upward growth, rather than outward, bushy growth that often results from weevil attacks. Stand rotation time can be shortened to reduce the num- ber of older, less vigorous trees that are more susceptible to bark beetles. Making a practice of limiting damage to leave trees during management or harvest activities can avoid unneces-

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 11 local counterparts. The stand environment can also be altered to lower the carrying capacity of pests, reduce reproductive or sur- vival potentials, or disrupt travel. For example, bark beetles are attracted to volatiles given off by trees, as well as pheromones from potential mates. Opening a stand through thinning not only reduces tree competition for resources, such as water, but also increases airflow through the stand, L which disperses these attractive smells H U B

E N and promotes better distribution of I T S I R

bark beetles on the landscape. H C : Y S

Increasing the spacing of trees or E T R U

reducing the number of canopy layers O C

O T

can reduce the ability of some cater- O H pillar larvae to travel from canopy to P Management of slash during operations is particularly important in pine-dominated canopy. Transport of water or soil- stands to avoid buildup of Ips bark beetles. borne spores and seeds from noxious weeds can be avoided by using bridges and pathogens are all potential natu- ics, are also classified as chemical con- over waterways, removing hosts ral enemies. Pheromones are a tool trols. No matter the source, these con- downstream, washing equipment and used by insects for species-to-species trols should be applied judiciously. other prevention measures. communication to find hosts and Products should be as selective as pos- mates or prevent overcrowding. Some sible, applied as needed at the right of these pheromones have been isolat- time in pest growth or development, ed and synthesized to repel pests or and isolated to the treatment area to disrupt mating. Another method of minimize drift. Following label rates biological control is the use of sterile and alternating products with differ- male insects. The release of sterile ent modes of action can further individuals can reduce the number of reduce the potential for resistance. successful mating attempts and there- Examples of IPM in forestry by reduce the number of offspring.

L Nurseries and seed orchards can be H • Chemical. Organochlorides, such U B

E stressful environments for trees due to N

I as DDT, have long residence times in T S I

R unnatural growing conditions and H the environment and may bio-accu- C : Y

S destructive methods for inducing seed.

E mulate. They are being phased out T R

U In addition, natural enemies tend to

O globally, but are mentioned here due C

O

T be depressed around areas of inten-

O to their role in eliciting investigations H P of pesticide use and the need for IPM. sively managed crops due to lack of MCH anti-aggregation pheromone habitat, fluctuation of prey popula- synthesized and used to repel Douglas-fir Organophosphates became the next and spruce bark beetles. generation of pesticides and are still tions and drift from broad-spectrum actively used despite the potential risk pesticides. These sites are monitored • Biological. This method of con- to humans and wildlife. Various other frequently, easy to access, uniform trol uses nature against itself. categories of biologically derived and and easier to control than natural set- Biocontrol uses natural enemies to synthetic chemicals, such as carba- tings and therefore are excellent for control a pest in one of three ways: mates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins and utilizing IPM. Methods used for pre- introduction of natural enemies of neonicotinoids are also widely utilized vention and control may include sani- the pest (classical biocontrol), mass- for chemical control. Biopesticides tation of overwintering sites (e.g., breeding and dispersal of local natu- that occur in some form in the envi- duff, dropped needles or cones), ral enemies (augmentation) and pro- ronment, such as Bacillus thuringiensis sprays applied at the correct time of motion of wild natural enemies and or Bt, nucleopolyhedrosis virus or year and insect development (using their habitats (conservation). NPV, spinosaid, neem, fungal sprays, emergence traps and degree-day mod- Predators, parasitoids, competitors growth regulators or hormone mim- els), exclusion barriers and traps (e.g.,

12 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 bagged cones, Tanglefoot®). tices requirements, and log and pulp primary pest: it is the stand conditions There are some insects that readily prices. Management of slash materi- or suitability of the site. Although it come to baited traps, such as western als that attract insect pests and add to seems easier to simply provide a treat- spruce budworm, Douglas-fir tussock fuel loads must also be accounted for ment for the latest stressor, that treat- moth and gypsy moth. These traps are in thinning and harvest activities. ment is often not a lasting solution. used for early detection monitoring to • Chemical control that uses herbi- Having a management plan that indicate if a novel insect is found in an cides can guarantee tree establishment includes IPM strategies not only area or if endemic populations are by allowing it room to grow and access takes the guesswork out of decision- building toward an outbreak. If traps to enough moisture and sunlight. making, but can reduce future losses indicate populations have climbed • At harvest, IPM should still be to pests. More information is available above an established threshold, a fol- used to prevent attacks from insects at: tinyurl.com/ODF-ForestHealth. ■ low-up may include monitoring for and pathogens that reduce structural larvae or utilizing models to pinpoint or cosmetic value. Processing logs CHRISTINE BUHL has worked in forest, timing for chemical application. quickly can prevent attack from these agricultural, aquatic, tropical and In the natural forest setting, moni- secondary pests. urban entomology across the country toring the entire stand is often impos- When I am called out to assess for the past 15 years. She studied at sible and treatment is expensive, but declining trees, it is rare to find one Oregon State University (B.S. 2003) preventive measures may be taken all issue and provide the landowner or and University of Wisconsin-Madison along the way to ensure pest popula- manager with a silver bullet solution. (Ph.D. 2013). Since 2015 she has tions do not rise above threshold lev- There is often a combination of served as the forest entomologist for els. As mentioned, many pests attack abiotic, insect and disease issues at the Oregon Department of Forestry, stressed trees, so ensuring the health of play, but by mitigating the primary providing technical assistance to public a tree is central to long-term resilience. tree stressor we can selectively prevent and private landowners across the • Cultural control may be used in secondary impacts. Sometimes the state. She can be reached at the beginning of a tree’s life with selec- problem is bigger than addressing a [email protected]. tion of genomic stock. Are seeds or seedlings derived from genetic stock that is local to the planting area or suited to the microclimate of the site? • Account for chronic pest issues on the site, such as adelgid or root rot, when selecting species or cultivars to plant. • Is the species or cultivar being planted in an appropriate site in terms of current and future soil quality, exposure to sun and wind, and access to adequate precipitation from groundwater, snowmelt or rain? • Are trees sufficiently spaced and planted properly to allow root and Sustainable Forestry Initiative crown spread before initial entry? • Physical barriers and traps can protect trees from vertebrate damage. Purchasing Douglas-fir sawlogs • The addition of mulch or non- aggressive groundcover in smaller and timber at the following locations: plantings can assist with moisture retention. • What spacing is right for the Olympia,WA 360-596-4232 species, site, current and projected environmental conditions, and time- Longview,WA 360-414-3401 frame for re-entry? There are many unknowns in this area that determine Springfield, OR 541-729-3922 management strategies and timing, such as access to the site, forest prac-

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 13 Successful Pesticide Applications in the Forest

By THOMAS WHITTINGTON

he choice to use pesticides on T forestland should be part of an overall management plan and strategy L that helps the forest A C I M E

manager achieve their goals and H C

A N

objectives. If the manager chooses E L E H ,

pesticides to control undesirable vege- S A S P L

tation or species, it is vital that the E K

E C

landowner and applicator follow best U R B : management practices (BMPs). Y S E T R

Adhering to the following BMPs is U O C

O

critical because of the intense focus T O H on pesticide use in forestry. P Forest managers often base pesti- Helicopters are typically used to apply herbicides for control of competing vegetation, cide use on economics and how it can but are also handy for application of Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt) as a biological control in integrated pest management. Bt is a natural occurring, soil-borne bacteria that help re-grow forests quickly for their has been used since the 1950s for natural insect control. many benefits. Pacific Northwest forests are often rugged and remote. When selecting a pesticide, the BMP instance, Oregon forestland owners In this environment, pesticide use can calls for the least toxic and narrowest use only four percent of all pesticides provide a low-cost option for boost- spectrum pesticide for use at the low- applied in the state, by weight, each ing early forest growth and control- est application rate necessary to year. ling vegetation, as compared to man- achieve the goal. Most pesticides used on forestland ual or biological pest control meth- Compared to other uses, forestry are herbicides, applied to control ods. Pesticides are only a part of the pesticide use is typically infrequent unwanted weeds and brush while overall forest management strategy. and applied in smaller quantities. For preparing a site for reforestation or controlling invasive species. Due to the forest environment being a dynamic place, when chemicals are applied it is important to understand Millwood Timber, Inc. pesticide properties and the processes that will begin to occur once intro- Purchasing Douglas Fir & duced to the environment. Chemical White Wood logs behaviors vary depending on proper- ties, such as melting point and vapor pressure. Anyone using pesticides • Specializing in OVER SIZE should have a basic understanding of (no maximum diameter) these principles to avoid undesirable effects and achieve effective control of • Shorts and lower grades welcomed the target pests. For forestry applications, even • Log yard and scaling in Tumwater, Exit 99 off I-5 though fewer applications occur per site, applicators should always reduce the risks of contaminating water. Contact: Rich Nelson at 253-670-1827 Protecting water quality includes: Email: [email protected] Fax: 253-563-9900 • Choosing mixing sites away from water

14 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 • Ensuring proper buffer widths lation and application rate. Each state has specific requirements around bodies of water Timing. Some herbicides work for when licensing is required, but in • Using drift-reducing agents and properly only if you apply them to general, anyone applying pesticides the right drop size to improve accuracy the bare soil before planting. Other should be licensed when treating herbicides are applied after planting, someone else’s property or when Project planning but at a specific stage of growth. For using any Restricted Use Products Variables to consider when plan- example, some herbicides only pre- (RUPs). RUPs are not available to ning the pesticide application are: vent weed seed from emerging, while the public and may only be applied Weather. Consider temperature, others kill existing plants and have by a licensed applicator. The EPA relative humidity, wind speed, wind little impact on germinating seeds. (and each state) keeps a list of direction, atmospheric temperature The proper time to apply an herbicide inversions and precipitation. These is stated on the label instructions. –Continued on page 20– may strongly affect the deposition Certification. Consult and review and drift of chemicals, especially dur- the restricted pesticide products list ing aerial and pressurized, ground- provided by the certification systems based chemical applications. Pesticide (FSC and SFI). Compare the list with product labels may include specific the selected product formula to avoid requirements for weather conditions invalidating a certification. during applications. There may not Mapping. Ensure that treatment be specific forest regulations that con- areas are accurately mapped, and the trol weather limitations; however, boundaries are marked or easy to most require the weather during the identify. Mapping the areas in need of application to be closely monitored control will help ensure success and and evaluated to ensure chemicals do help with the decision on product for- not drift out of the target area. mulation, application method and Soil. Evaluate the soil properties in rate. The mapping records for the your application area. The soil prop- application are vital documentation erties will influence how the pesticide and will help monitor long-term behaves and affects the target species. effectiveness. Although the interactions between Licensing and contracting. When soil and the pesticide are complex, hiring outside help to complete any considering such properties as soil application, it is essential that their pH, water content and temperature credentials are current and meet the will help you select the proper formu- licensing requirements of your state.

LINKING FUTURE FORESTS TO COMMUNITIES There’s a simple way you can ensure healthy forests for generations to come while supporting the people and communities who depend on them. Choose the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Standard for your working forest. The actions we take today determine the future of our forests. Learn more at sfiprogram.org | wasfi.org WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO STAND FOR FUTURE FORESTS.

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 15 Don’t Get Swept Away by Scotch Broom: Using the Best Management Options

By WENDY DESCAMP summer if the plant is under stress. color when mature and have hairy Plants begin to flower when they margins. The pods contain three to 12 riginally are three years old, but younger plants seeds and, when ripe, the pod’s two introduced as may flower under the right light and halves audibly split apart, wrapping in O an ornamen- moisture conditions. Flowers are pea- alternate directions and catapulting tal plant, Scotch like and yellow, sometimes having red the seeds a short distance. Scotch broom, Cytisus sco- coloring, and bloom in the spring. broom reproduces by seed, with parius, is now wide- They occur singly or in pairs in leaf mature plants able to produce more spread in western axils and are around one inch in size. than 8,000 seeds per year. Seeds can Washington and Oregon and is a Flowers develop seedpods that are up germinate over a prolonged period noxious weed in both states along to two inches long, brown-to-black and in a broad temperature range. with Idaho and Montana. This inva- They have a hard coat and can be

sive plant is a nitrogen-fixing shrub in D viable for many years in the soil, with R A O B the legume family (Fabaceae) that is estimates ranging from five to 30 years L O R native to much of Europe and the T or even longer under ideal conditions. N O C

Canary Islands. Mature plants range D This large seedbank of long-lived E E W

in size from three to 10 feet in height. S seeds makes Scotch broom a difficult U O I Young stems are dark green with X species to control once it is established. O N

E

T Though Scotch broom is infamous

ridges, five-angled or star-shaped in A T S

N west of the Cascade Mountains for

cross-section, with upright growth O T G N that can resemble a broom. Older I lining the highways with bright yel- H S A stems turn a tan-brown color and W low flowers in the spring, it can also : Y S E become woody and smooth. Leaves T be found growing and spreading east R U O C toward stem tips are simple and undi- of the mountains. Scotch broom O T O vided, while lower leaves can be H grows along forest edges, prairies and P divided into three leaflets. Leaves are Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) flower grasslands, oak woodlands, coastal deciduous and may drop early in the and leaves. areas and disturbed sites, including cleared forestland, burned areas and roadsides. They are more common in open areas, but plants can also sur- vive in low light conditions, such as in a forest understory. Scotch broom forms aggressive stands that shade out native plants and reduce forage for livestock, elk and deer. It is particularly problematic

Providing information about trees and forests Tom Hanson [email protected] 206 300 9711 www.arborinfo.com

16 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 from receiving possible nitrogen inputs from dying plants. G R O .

D When isolated plants or a small O O

W infestation of Scotch broom are pres- G U B ,

E ent, manual or mechanical control R U T L

U can be effective, followed by seeding C I R G

A or planting desirable species and con-

F O

T tinuing to monitor and control N E M

T Scotch broom seedlings as needed. R A P E

D For large infestations, a combination

N O

G of methods will be needed, targeting E R O ,

S outlier plants with mechanical meth- B M O

O ods and main infestations with bio- C

C I R

E logical control, fire, mowing, herbi- : Y S

E cide use or a combination of these T R U O

C methods. Soil disturbance will result

O T

O in seed germination from the seed- H P Large infestation of Scotch broom shrubs in bloom. bank, so minimize on-site distur- bance. Planting or seeding native in our native grassland and open for- tant to control seedlings and young plants in areas under restoration is est habitats. Although seldom grazed, plants before they produce seeds if important to provide competition Scotch broom is toxic, especially to possible. Controlling Scotch broom and diversity, as invaded sites can be horses. The woody biomass increases plants in the fall and winter months native seed-limited. Also, establish the risk and intensity of fires. Its seeds could be advantageous, as it would trees and shrubs to create shade can sprout for years after removal and prevent nonnative grasses and forbs –Continued on next page– cut stumps can regrow. Scotch broom can change the soil chemistry, making it less suitable for native plants even years after it is removed. Scotch broom also impacts the timber indus- try, as it rapidly colonizes newly cleared timberland and aggressively competes with tree seedlings. Control methods Taking steps to prevent Scotch broom invasions is an important part of a management plan. Monitor areas that may be vulnerable to invasion and control any seedlings and young plants. Areas that experience distur- bance, such as from cutting trees or clearing brush, create disturbed condi- tions that Scotch broom loves to invade given a chance. Do not move soil, gravel or other materials with Scotch broom seeds to new locations. Because of Scotch broom’s high rate of seed production and the longevity of its seedbank, a long-term integrated pest management plan that includes monitoring will be needed for invaded sites. Keep in mind when working with Scotch broom and other invasive species that it is impor-

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 17 ple times throughout the growing sea- that will control the Scotch broom son if it is not timed for when plants but not desired grasses. are drought-stressed. Even plants that For smaller areas that will be land- are just a few months old may have scaped, mulching, including sheet

D developed large enough roots to recov- mulching, or covering the soil after R A O B

er from one mowing, so repeat mow- control work, can help reduce or sup- L O R

T ing or cutting will be needed. press seed germination. Replant the N O C

D Cultural. Controlled burns can be area to provide competition and cre- E E W

S an excellent method to manage large ate shade while continuing to moni- U O I

X Scotch broom infestations. Check for tor for and remove any seedlings. O N

Y

T state and local restrictions, burn bans Chemical. In general, use herbicides N U O C

or permit requirements before burn- in combination with other control N A U J

ing. Though plants can resprout after methods to reduce usage. Wherever N A S

: a fire, most fires are hot enough to possible, treat Scotch broom plants Y S E T

R destroy Scotch broom’s cambium, before they develop seeds. Herbicide U O C thus killing the plant. One burn alone application methods used for Scotch O T O H

P will not be enough to control the broom include foliar spray, basal bark Pulling out a Scotch broom plant with a infestation, as new plants will grow. It treatment and cut stump treatment. If Weed Wrench tool. will take several cycles of prescribed using a foliar spray, treat plants when where Scotch broom plants do not burning to reduce invasions or other pollinators are not present or are the prefer growing. control methods will be needed. In least active to avoid harm. Cut stump Manual/mechanical. Small- to medi- the South Puget Sound area, where herbicide treatments, where the stem is um-sized Scotch broom plants can be fire is used to control Scotch broom, cut off near its base and the fresh cut hand-pulled, making sure to remove prairies are burned every two to three is treated, can provide effective con- the roots. Use a tool like a Weed years, as waiting four years between trol. Basal bark treatment is where the Wrench, Extractigator or Uprooter to burns will allow plants to go to seed. herbicide is applied directly to the lever plants, along with their roots, out To prevent fires from burning too bark at the base of the plant. This of the ground. When possible, time hot and killing native plants, dense method, like cut stump treatments, the removal when soils are moist, as stands of Scotch broom may need to allows targeted herbicide treatments of roots will be easier to remove. Hand- be mowed prior to burning. Land- Scotch broom, with little or no dam- pulling small plants will create less soil owners may not have the option of age to surrounding plants. Herbicide disturbance than removing the root conducting controlled burns on their rates for foliar sprays and contact system of large plants. land, but mowing or cutting back the treatments differ, so make sure to Scotch broom plants can resprout Scotch broom and then using a weed check the label for directions. after cutting alone. If only cutting or torch could be an effective option. Depending on the treatment, it mowing is possible, maximize damage Following this approach, resprouting may take more than one herbicide and possible death to the plants by Scotch broom plants or seedlings application to kill Scotch broom cutting when they are drought- could be controlled with an herbicide plants. Examples of selective herbi- stressed—typically late summer to treatment, and then the area could be cides that can be used to control early fall—cutting plants back to the replanted. Scotch broom include those with the ground to minimize soil disturbance. After burning larger infestations, active ingredient triclopyr (e.g., Avoid cutting plants during the rainy areas may also be heavily seeded with Vastlan or Garlon 4 Ultra) or tri- season when the rate of resprouting annual grasses or other fast-growing, clopyr combined with aminopyralid will be the highest. This drought-stress non-invasive species. The fast-grow- (e.g., Capstone). Herbicides with tri- cutting method will need to be repeat- ing plants can effectively crowd out clopyr are to be used as foliar sprays ed, ideally before plants produce seed. many Scotch broom sprouts. Pull the when plants are rapidly growing. Cut Mowing or the cutting back of Scotch broom that does sprout by stump and basal bark treatments plants may also need to be done multi- hand, or use a broadleaf herbicide using these herbicides can occur whenever the ground is not frozen. These selective herbicides typically TREE MANAGEMENT PLUS, INC. kill broadleaf plants but do not harm Working with family forest owners managing their woodlands since 1977 grasses, though there may be excep- tions so make sure to check the label. Professional Forester, Accredited Logger, Cut-to-Length Logging, Seedling Sales & Reforestation Services Non-selective herbicides that con- CONTACT Tom Fox at 360-978-4305 • 422 Tucker Rd., Toledo, WA 98591 tain the active ingredients glyphosate

18 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 or imazapyr can be used to control produced. Use them in the center of as quickly as non-native invaders. Scotch broom but will also kill any large infestations while working to Make sure to watch for and manage other plants they come in contact contain infestations and control other new weeds as necessary. with. Application timing varies isolated plants and populations. Do Disposal depending on treatments. Glyphosate not release biological control agents in should be used as a foliar spray in populations that will soon be burned Dead or pulled Scotch broom late summer or early fall, or used in a or mowed as they will not have an plants may be left in place to decom- cut stump treatment in late summer, opportunity to establish on the plants pose, but they could increase soil early fall or during the dormant sea- and impact seed production. Check nitrogen. Plants can be piled to son. Always read and follow the her- with the Oregon Department of decompose or burn, though again bicide label directions carefully for Agriculture’s Weed Biological Control make sure to check on local restric- proper dilution rate, surfactant infor- Program and Washington State tions, burn bans or permit require- mation, application timing and prop- University’s Integrated Weed Control ments before burning. Plants without er sites. For more detailed informa- Project for information about these seeds may also be chipped. Local tion on timing and application, con- biological control agents. transfer stations or landfills may also tact your county noxious weed board Goats can also help control be an option for removed plants. or program, state department of agri- resprouts after the cutting or burning If you have any questions regard- culture, extension service or conserva- of Scotch broom. Plant parts are ing Scotch broom control, contact tion district. Also, check the Pacific toxic to other livestock though, so your local experts such as a noxious Northwest Weed Management only let goats do the grazing. Make weed board or program, state Handbook for additional herbicide sure to protect desired plants from department of agriculture, extension information available online at: goats as they will be grazed too. service or conservation district. ■ pnwhandbooks.org. After treatment Biological. Biological control WENDY DESCAMP is the Education agents are available for Scotch broom There may be an increase of nitro- Specialist for the Washington State and can be a valuable management gen-loving, non-native grasses and Noxious Weed Control Board. She tool for large infestations. forbs that grow after Scotch broom can be reached at 360-725-5764 or Larvae of the Scotch broom seed removal due to the possible increase [email protected]. weevil, Exapion fuscirostre, feed on of available nitrogen in the soil. seeds of Scotch broom in developing Planting and seeding non-invasive seedpods. The adults also feed on plants to outcompete weeds will help Managing for flowers and stem tips, though their reduce the number of new invaders. damage is not significant. The Scotch Newly planted tree seedlings may the Future broom bruchid, Bruchidius villosus, need some help, as non-native grasses with the right expertise larvae feed on developing seeds and and other weeds may have an initial growth advantage: they are better- impact the plant’s reproduction. Timber Appraisal While these biological control agents adapted to the altered soil nutrients. Sustainable Forest Planning will not kill the Scotch broom plants, Native species are adapted to nitro- they will reduce the number of seeds gen-poor soil, so they may not grow Harvest/Reforestation Planning Timber Sale Management Water Rights • Land Surveying Land Use • Engineering

(541) 267-2872

Coos Bay ◆ Dallas Forest Grove ◆ Junction City www.stuntzner.com

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 19 Successful Pesticide Applications read the label to determine: in the most efficient manner. The for- continued from page 15 • Safety measures to follow mulation may also influence a pesti- • Where it can legally be used cide’s selectivity. For example, restricted products, which is updated • When to apply it because granular formulations do not on a regular basis. The list includes • Pre-harvest conditions stick to dry foliage, they will not be certain active ingredients that are • The rotation interval effective and will increase the chance used for vegetation control in the for- • How to apply it of affecting non-target species in dry est environment. All other pesticides • Use restrictions (e.g., restricted- conditions. are classified as “general use” and entry intervals or prohibitions against Conducting a successful operation may be applied by the public on their certain types of application methods own property. or equipment) Regulatory requirements. A critical • Other restrictions (e.g., environ- aspect of a successful project is Product selection mental conditions, setbacks or working within your state’s regulato- Selecting the specific pesticide is a buffers, and drift warnings) ry framework for forest pesticide use. very important step. Consider the Other considerations. Plan to pro- The forestry laws and regulations individual landowner’s or forest man- tect your investment and the environ- often specify requirements above and ager’s goals, circumstances and specif- ment. Avoid buying too much of a beyond the pesticide label. This can ic needs to determine the best prod- pesticide. Over time, a pesticide con- include licensing of pesticide applica- uct for controlling the target species. tainer may deteriorate and leak, or tors, and establishing buffers between It is important to fully understand the label may become illegible or fall the area to be treated and nearby the target species, including its physi- off. You can prevent storage and dis- streams, surface water intakes, agri- ology, life cycle and how it interacts posal risks by estimating how much cultural lands, residences and sensi- with the environment. For example, herbicide you will use in a reasonable tive sites. contact herbicides, which are applied period and buying the proper size. To To ensure the resources are pro- to plant surfaces and kill through make your estimate, use three bits of tected, submitting a notification contact, may work well for young information: and/or obtaining a permit are crucial weeds or annuals, while perennials 1. The dosage or dilution specified steps. Planning ahead and identifying may need herbicides that move into for your treatment site (review the these requirements and regulatory the roots and keep the plant from label) agencies will help complete the noti- regrowing. 2. The area (square feet or acreage) fication/permitting process in a time- It is especially important to com- of the site that you will treat, and ly manner. The information that will plete your research on the differences 3. How many times a year you will be required to provide for the chemi- of selective and non-selective pesti- treat the area (some product labels cal application will include: a cide types before choosing the active limit the number of treatments to a detailed map of the treatment area, ingredients and formulation. When crop or a site over a period of time). acreage to be treated, active ingredi- possible, avoid getting broad spec- Pesticides are packaged in a vari- ent(s) with EPA registration number, trum (non-selective) pesticides, ety of dry and liquid formulations. the type of carrier or adjuvant, because they could potentially kill or Determine which formulation best method of application and, if harm beneficial species as well. If a suits your needs by considering the known, any protected resources. non-selective pesticide is the only location and any related human, Neighbor concerns. It is important option, try doing spot treatments to wildlife or environmental elements. to recognize the importance of con- reduce the risk of affecting non-target Also, consider the application and sidering the neighbors in the region organisms. Having knowledge of the safety equipment needed to complete that may be impacted by forest activi- target species will lend itself to the the operation. ties. Being a responsible manager selection of the pesticide product that Ready-to-use products are handier involves knowing the correct termi- is best-suited to your forest and situa- than concentrates that need dilution nology when discussing your work. tion. and mixing. Ready-to-use products When speaking with the public, it is To use an herbicide (or any pesti- often come in containers designed to better to use simple, direct language cide) in a manner inconsistent with double as the application device and than technical terms. Be proactive the label instructions is illegal and usually require basic safety equip- and reach out to neighbors and oth- can harm trees and other species not ment. Although they may be more ers who may have concerns about a intended for control. The pesticide expensive, their convenience may jus- nearby sensitive site. label is the law. To make sure you tify the cost. Mixing precautions. Ensure that no have the right tool for the job, before Again, review your strategy to tank mixture can back-siphon into a purchasing or applying the pesticide, ensure the target species is controlled water source. When filling a mix tank

20 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 using a water pipe or hose, place the who, what, when and where. If there record all information about the pipe or hose end well above the sur- happens to be a complaint or legal application, while the facts are still face of the pesticide mixture, leaving action following an application, hav- fresh in your mind, to comply with a distinct air gap between the two. If ing complete and accurate records pesticide record-keeping laws. water is pumped directly from the will be valuable. The use of technolo- Remember the label is the law. Not source into a mix tank, use a check gy has also made record-keeping easi- following the label requirements valve, anti-siphoning device or back- er than ever. Embracing technology, breaks both federal and state law. flow preventer to avoid back-siphon- including mobile hardware and GPS Forest practice laws also require ing if the pump fails. Mix pesticides tracking, make us all more efficient. landowners and operators to take in areas where any spills, leaks and Record-keeping is now clean, efficient extra steps due to forestry’s unique overflows cannot enter a drain or and accessible well into the future. blend of resource protection issues, water source. When selecting loca- For this aspect of forest management, rugged terrain and operating con- tions for mixing and loading, avoid the recommendation is to utilize the straints. In this complex world, a suc- sites that have a direct path to surface best available technology. cessful pesticide application may be a or ground water and be sure to Spill and containment response. critical step to help you achieve the adhere to the rules and BMP’s in Develop a spill contingency plan that goals and objectives of your forest your state. If using a permanent mix- provides for immediate spill contain- management plan. Success may be ing site, use a containment pad or ment and cleanup, and notification of measured in many ways, but a com- other acceptable mitigation measure proper authorities. If a leak or spill mon goal of managers is maintaining and, when possible, locate the site was to occur, it is the responsibility of a healthy, productive forest and the near the application area to minimize the operator to contain the leak or many benefits it provides. ■ exposure and increase efficiency. The clean up the spill immediately. mixing site should also have all the Clean up. Thoroughly clean equip- THOMAS WHITTINGTON graduated documentation for the labels, a ment and PPE after mixing, loading from Oregon State University in 2003 decontamination method, record- or applying pesticide products. Do with a degree in forest engineering. He keeping materials and any required not leave equipment containing pesti- works for the Oregon Department of safety/legal postings. cides at the mixing and loading or Forestry as the incentives field support Personal protective equipment application sites. Ensure proper safety coordinator for the Private Forests (PPE). Before working with pesti- procedures are followed when clean- division and serves on the state’s multi- cides, make sure the needed PPE and ing the pesticide-contaminated equip- agency Pesticide and Analytical the equipment and materials required ment and containers. Equipment Response Center (PARC) board. to safely measure, mix and load are cleaning presents as high a risk of Prior to his current position, Thomas ready to go. Persons working around pesticide exposure as other pesticide- was a road specialist in the State pesticides should have the proper handling tasks. When cleaning con- Forests program and a stewardship training and know the rules and regu- taminated application gear and forester in Private Forests. He has lations that apply to the work setting. equipment, wear the same PPE that worked for the Oregon Department of Be sure to consult the label for the labeling requires for making Forestry for over 18 years. Thomas specifics which may include provi- applications, plus a chemical-resistant may be contacted at 503-345-7399 or sions for the worker protection stan- apron or other appropriate protective [email protected]. dards that have some additional equipment. This is a good time to requirements. Be sure to wear proper PPE when handling pesticide contain- ers, even before opening them. Pesticide handlers must wear all of the PPE that the pesticide labeling requires and may include body, face, respiratory and eye protection. Record keeping. Keep accurate pes- ticide application records regardless of whether required by law. Maintaining accurate and complete daily application records demon- strates a forest manager’s care and professionalism, and documents the facts of an application, including

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 21 IPM for the Flatheaded Fir Borer: A Major Forest Pest in Southern Oregon

By MAX BENNETT

s we drove up a forest road A in the Applegate river valley last spring, it was hard to miss: hun- dreds upon hundreds

of mature Douglas-firs with red or S F S U , gray crowns, the victims of a major P P U A outbreak of the flatheaded fir borer H C S

L L

(Phaenops drummondi). “It’s may- I B : Y S

hem!” exclaimed my colleague, a for- E T R U

est pathologist who tends to get excit- O C

O T

ed when he sees dead and dying trees. O H While flatheaded fir borer (FFB) P mortality is chronic in southwest Recent Douglas-fir mortality due to the FFB, Applegate watershed, southern Oregon. Oregon, especially on warm, dry sites dead trees, excavate galleries in the in interior valleys, what we were see- Monitoring wood, and help promote wood ing was unprecedented. More than A typical first step in IPM is to decomposition, but don’t kill trees on 120,000 Douglas-fir trees are estimat- monitor for signs and symptoms of their own. The FFB is a significant ed to have been killed by this insect in the pest of interest. Unfortunately, exception. Although technically not a Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas detection of FFB infestation in a live bark beetle, it acts very much like Counties in 2016 following the “hot tree can be challenging. There are no one, attacking green trees and feeding drought” of 2013-2015. This level of pitch tubes, frass or boring dust prior only underneath the bark instead of mortality has generated widespread to emergence as with bark beetles. tunneling into the wood. In the concern among landowners and man- The larvae can be hard to find, and Klamath Mountains ecoregion of agers throughout the region. How infested trees are quickly colonized by southwestern Oregon and northwest- could an integrated pest management other wood borers. Affected trees ern California, the FFB consistently (IPM) strategy be applied to this often have thin or yellowing crowns kills green, healthy Douglas-fir, espe- problem? or branch dieback, but these symp- cially on tough sites. This mortality is toms can also be caused by other bee- An unusual wood borer typically minor in extent but can tles, canker fungi, drought stress, root Most wood borers are secondary increase dramatically after drought, disease and other agents. Woodpeckers insects that infest dying or recently as was seen in 2016. It is the most feeding on the overwintering larvae in important tree-killing insect pest of the outer bark is one sign of probable Douglas-fir from southern Douglas infestation. Infested trees usually turn County to interior northern red in the spring or early summer in Norm Michaels California. While our focus here is on the year following the initial attack. Forestry LLC southern Oregon, it should be noted By this time, the FFBs have usually that the major hosts of the FFB left the tree. In some cases, a tree may Forest management to include western larch and true firs, be infested for multiple years. Attacks meet your goals and the insect is widely distributed • Management Plans • Reforestation are not always successful, and vigor- • Timber inventory • Timber cruising across North America. A related ous trees can drown the beetles in Over 40 years managing forests in species, the California flatheaded resin. Oregon and Washington borer (Phaenops californica) infests The annual cooperative USFS/ 541-822-3528 pine in California. ODF aerial survey documents loca- [email protected] tions of recent FFB mortality, rang-

22 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 ing from individual trees to multi-acre interpretation, and for landowners intact, low-elevation Douglas-fir patches with many dead trees. The who are losing many valued, and stands, even if they are outside the survey data can be used to estimate often large, Douglas-fir trees, there is range of historic variability. the total number of trees killed and often an interest in holding on to Prevention and control strategies to monitor trends in FFB mortality. their trees, regardless of the larger Landowners can also use the maps to ecological context. For a pest like the FFB, prevention assess the location of mortality Wildfire management issues are is the name of the game. There are patches on, or in proximity to, their also important to consider in this really no effective control strategies properties. Landowners sometimes fire-prone region. The loss of during major outbreaks, but preventa- mistakenly assume that when a mor- Douglas-fir canopy resulting from tive strategies can reduce susceptibility tality patch is mapped it means all the FFB infestation often promotes to the insect and resulting mortality. the trees in the patch have been vigorous re-growth of understory Preventing or minimizing loss from killed, whereas in reality, usually only vegetation, which serves as ladder the FFB first requires identification a few trees per acre have been killed. fuel, increasing fire intensity. FFB- of sites where Douglas-fir trees are at killed trees become snags, which have high risk of infestation. Risk factors Action thresholds important habitat values but also include: elevations of less than 3,500 The FFB is a native insect pest pose a threat to firefighter safety and feet, annual precipitation of less than that causes some Douglas-fir mortali- are a major source of burning 40 inches, soils with low water avail- ty every year. At what point does this embers during a wildfire. When snags ability, and pine-oak habitat types become a problem warranting inter- decay and fall apart they contribute where Douglas-fir has invaded. In vention? Each owner must answer to surface fuels. Some patches of short, hot and dry sites. Notably, this question based on their land FFB-killed Douglas-fir have an white oak stands are often very poor management objectives. Most would understory of brush and small trees Douglas-fir sites in this region. tolerate background levels of mortali- and look like they will pose quite a Whereas Douglas-fir often grows ty, but want to avoid, if possible, the serious fuel hazard down the road. under, and eventually overtops and loss of many trees that can occur dur- This argues for trying to hold on to –Continued on next page– ing an outbreak. However, the issue is complicated by environmental changes that have occurred in the region over the past century, as well as climate change. Historically, the region experienced frequent low- to moderate-severity fire that tended to promote lower stand densities and a higher propor- tion of pines and oaks than are seen today. Douglas-fir was certainly pres- ent but not as abundant at lower ele- vations, especially on the margins of interior valleys. With the exclusion of fire, Douglas-fir has occupied (some would even say invaded) these sites, sometimes growing in dense stands and outcompeting the oaks and pines. But with increasing tempera- tures and periodic droughts many low elevations sites have become climatically marginal for Douglas-fir, and the trees have become increasing- ly vulnerable to stress-related pest problems such as the FFB. From this perspective, the accelerated loss of Douglas-fir to the FFB on marginal sites is inevitable and perhaps even desirable. Not everyone accepts this

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 23 kills, neighboring white vey data do not show a oaks in the Willamette strong relationship Valley, in southern between stand density Oregon, Douglas-fir may and FFB mortality. If regenerate in the shade of anything, it seems that white oaks, but usually FFB mortality can be dies before it overtops lower in the interiors of them. White oak stands in dense, unthinned stands this region tend to occur than on the exposed on shallow, rocky or edges of those stands. heavy clay soils with low This may relate to the water-holding capacity. preference of the beetle FFB damage also for warm, sunny environ- seems to be more com- ments in which to breed. mon on stand edges and In the Applegate less abundant in stand Valley, mortality has been interiors. The beetle is seen in both thinned and apparently sun-loving, unthinned stands. This and its host trees may be suggests that thinning is under higher stress in no panacea. Nevertheless, more exposed, sunny loca- there is evidence that

tions. FFB damage does S thinning in relatively vig- F S U , not seem to be strongly P orous stands well in P U A associated with aspect, H advance of a FFB out- C S

L L nor is there a clear rela- I break can reduce suscep- B : Y S tionship between FFB- E tibility to this pest. On T R U related mortality and O the other hand, thinning C

O T stand density. O in dense, stagnating H Given that the FFB is P stands on harsh sites dur- Typical clumped mortality pattern on a stand edge showing dead, most successful on harsh recently dead, and currently infested Douglas-fir trees. ing a drought or FFB sites, a key preventive outbreak may actually strategy in mixed species stands is to trees that remain healthy. These trees accentuate tree stress and subsequent favor other species on these sites dur- seem to be associated with deep soils FFB mortality. To be effective, thin- ing thinning, such as pines and oaks. on concave slopes or near streams ning should retain the healthiest, This does not mean that all Douglas- where more soil moisture is available. most vigorous trees in the stand and fir must be eliminated, but only the This suggests that retaining a few of preferentially remove trees with thin most vigorous Douglas-fir trees with the most vigorous Douglas-fir trees or fading crowns, branch dieback, or healthy crowns and good spacing on these sites can be a viable strategy. mechanical or fire damage. should be retained. In some naturally It’s well-accepted that thinning to When planting on high-risk sites, regenerated, low elevation Douglas-fir reduce density in pine stands can selection of species that are more stands with heavy FFB mortality, increase tree vigor and resistance to drought and heat tolerant, such as there are often a few large Douglas-fir bark beetle attack. Can thinning in ponderosa pine, incense cedar and Douglas-fir dominated stands white and black oak will reduce improve resistance to and loss from future mortality. u Surveying the FFB? Since Douglas-fir trees Good tree care practices in general Engineering u growing on harsh sites seem to be will also help reduce losses to the Logging Roads u preferentially affected, and beetle FFB. These fall under the general u Timber Cruising populations increase dramatically heading of “do no harm,” and AKS Engineering & Forestry during and after drought, it makes include things like avoiding soil com- 503-563-6151 sense that treatments that improve paction, root damage from trenching fax 503-563-6152 tree water status, such as thinning, or road cuts, and backfilling over the 12965 SW Herman Rd., Suite 100 should improve resistance and sur- Tualatin, OR 97062 existing soil surface. email: [email protected] vival. But that doesn’t necessarily There are no chemicals known to website: www.aks-eng.com turn out to be the case. As mentioned be effective on the FFB. Populations – Call Keith Jehnke or Alex Hurley – above, field experience and aerial sur- of the beetle are naturally regulated

24 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 by native parasitic wasps and will have an intuitive sense of by woodpeckers which feed the success of a given strate- on the larvae. But once trees gy with informal observa- are infested, there is no way tion. Establishing photo to save them. The idea of points or even plots in treat- removing infested trees ed and nearby untreated before the adult beetles have areas can make the assess- emerged and spread to near- ment more rigorous. How- by trees is appealing, but ever, with many possible con- hard to carry out in practice. founding factors between First, it can be hard to tell treated and untreated areas, when a tree is infested before such as variations in aspect, the foliage turns red; by then, soil or tree age, it can be the beetles are already gone. hard to quantify the results Quick salvage at this point of management actions. For will not reduce spread, but this reason, ongoing research can capture the value of the is needed. Major research is tree before it is invaded by needed to evaluate the effects other wood borers that of different stocking levels S F S U degrade wood quality and , and treatments on FFB- P P U value. A caused mortality. ■ H C S

L

If potentially infested trees L I B : Y are identified from branch S MAX BENNETT is the E T R flagging, thin crowns or U Forestry and Natural O C

O woodpecker feeding, harvest- T Resources Extension agent O H ing them before beetle emer- P for Jackson and Josephine gence may help dampen pop- Woodpecker feeding on FFB-infested Douglas-fir. Note the Counties. He has worked in Oregon white oak stand on the right. FFB-related mortality in ulations and reduce local Douglas-fir is often seen in and adjacent to white oak stands. southern Oregon since 2000, spread of the insect. But this and has expertise in fuels will probably not have much of an Evaluation reduction, forest protection, and effect during a drought when popula- Evaluation is the last step in IPM. restoration of mixed conifer forests in tions are already high. Did the chosen prevention and con- the Klamath Mountains ecoregion. While the FFB is probably the trol strategies work? Should another Max can be reached at 541-776-7371 single most important agent of approach be tried? Most landowners or [email protected]. Douglas-fir mortality in southern Oregon, other agents are also respon- sible for branch dieback, topkill and mortality on hot, dry sites, and trees are often affected by more than one of these agents. The most important of these are canker fungi, Douglas-fir engraver, Douglas-fir pole beetle and Douglas-fir twig weevil. Also, period- ic severe water stress alone sometimes causes “embolisms” (a blockage of water conducting cells) that results in similar symptoms. Collectively, the FFB and these other agents can be thought of as a Douglas-fir dieback complex that is causing elevated mor- tality on harsh sites in southern Oregon. This will likely continue and grow even more severe in the future as the climate warms and the area experiences periodic severe droughts.

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 25 Take a Look at Past Northwest Woodlands’ Themes orthwest Woodlands magazine began publication in Laws & Regulations July 1985. Take a look at past themes and get a Legal Aspects: Fall 1986 N glimpse of future issues. Contracting: Fall 1989 Index of Themes by Category through Winter 2019 Land Use Issues: Fall 1990 Air, Soil, Water & Climate Private Property: Rights & Responsibilities: Summer 1993 Smoke Management: Winter 1987 Legal Aspects of Tree Farming: Spring 1998 Wetlands: Spring 1992 How Will the ESA Impact You? Summer 1999 Our Water Resources: Fall 1993 Four-State Regulatory Comparisons: Spring 2001 Watershed Management: Winter 1998 Legal Issues: Summer 2008* Soils: Summer 2001 Policy & Legislation: Winter 2019 Water, Water Everywhere: Summer 2004 Logging & Safety Climate Change: Spring 2010 Harvesting: October 1985 Water & Riparian Management: Summer 2011* Marketing/Logging: Fall 1988 Streams & Riparian Areas: Winter 2016* A Logging Primer for Small Woodland Owners: Winter 1999 Education & Outreach Safety On Your Woodland: Spring 1999 Public Outreach: Spring 1990 Logging Primer & Safety on Your Woodlands: Spring 2008* Education & the Tree Farm Program: Winter 1995 Logging 1.0: Spring 2018 Working Cooperatively With Partners: Winter 2017* Marketing & Economics Equipment & Supplies Alternative Forest Products: Summer 1988 Equipment for Family Forest Owners: Fall 2000 Markets: Winter 1992 Computers & the Family Forest Owner: Fall 2001 Timber Supply: Winter 1993 Tool Time! Fall 2006 Long-Run Marketing Strategies: Spring 1996 Forestry Tools for Landowners: Winter 2015* Special Forest Products: Summer 1998 Estate Marketing: Winter 2002 Estate Planning: Winter 1990 New Century Forest Products: Winter 2006 Estate Planning: Winter 2003 International Markets & Family Forest Owners: Summer 2007 Changing Generations: Fall 2005 Capturing Value From Your Property: Spring 2011* The Future of Family Forests: Spring 2006 Markets: Spring 2012* Adding to Your Woodlands: Spring 2007 Economics of Forest Management: Spring 2014* Generations to Come: Who Will Own Your Forest? Fall 2007 Where Do My Trees Go? Fall 2014* Our Woodlands: The Next Generation: Fall 2010 Miscellaneous Fire & Fuels Recreation: Summer 1986 Slash Disposal/Site Preparation: Spring 1989 Problem Solvers: Winter 1994 Fire as a Management Tool: Spring 1993 Forest Management Certification: Fact or Fad? Fall 1999 Wildfire & Forest Management: Fall 2003 Potpourri: Summer 2000 Forest Energy & Residue Markets: Summer 2010 Access: Spring 2002 Biofuels & Nutrient Benefits of Slash Retention: Fall 2012* Interpretation & Application of Science: Summer 2017* Fire: Summer 2014* Forest Recreation: Summer 2018 Forestry Security & Risk Management History: Looking Forward/Back: Summer 1987 Forest Pests: Spring 1987 International Forestry: Winter 1996 Herbicides: Summer 1989 The Future of Forestry: Winter 2001 Herbicides: Winter 1997 Family Forests in Foreign Lands: Fall 2002 Insects & Disease: Summer 1997 Eastside Forestry: What’s the Skinny? Summer 2013 Invasion of the Exotics: Summer 2002 Inventory & Planning Insects & Diseases: Summer 2003 Management Plans/Appraisals/Inventories: Winter 1989 Managing Forest Catastrophes: Fall 2009 The Biological Survey: What Is It? Spring 1994 Considering Chemicals: Winter 2010 Management Plans: Spring 1995 Threats to Your Property: Winter 2012* Evaluating Your Tree Farm: Fall 1995 Invasives: Winter 2014* Management Plans: Winter 2007 Managing Forests For Extreme Events: Spring 2016* Measuring the Forest: Summer 2009 Recovering From Extreme Events: Summer 2016* Management Plans: Summer 2012* Forestland Security: Spring 2017* Monitoring Forestland Activities: Spring 2013 Integrated Pest Management: Winter 2018 –Continued on page 31–

26 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 The Understory

Measuring Plots in the Woods Figure 2. In and out.

This article is adapted from a Tree Topics blog post by Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Forestry & Natural Resources Extension agent for Benton, Linn and Polk Counties. Find more at: blogs.oregonstate.edu/treetopics

In many cases, people don’t know the density of trees in their woods, making it more difficult to decide if they have enough room for healthy growth or if trees need to be thinned.

If you know what spacing your trees were planted, you may have a fair idea of the density. A spacing of 10 feet by 10 feet is about 440 trees per acre (tpa) and a 12-by-12 is about 300 tpa. Actual spacing can vary quite a bit according to the conditions in the field and experience of the planters. And some seedlings die during establishment, or some other trees may seed in naturally. So, it is worthwhile to go out and get a better idea of what you’ve got by measuring some plots. the plot center. On the line, count a tree as “in” only if the center of Figure 1. the tree is within the radius at breast height (see Fig. 2).

Let’s say you count six trees within your 1/50-acre plot, which represents a plot density of 300 tpa.To get that, you multiply your tree count by the denominator of your plot size to get density (6 trees x 50 =300 tpa). For bonus points, measure the diameter of each of the “in” trees in the plot and record their diameter at breast height (dbh). By figuring the average diameter and combining it with density, you can learn how much competition those trees are We often use circular plots since they are easy to measure accu- contending with.Visit the Tree Topics blog for more information on rately.We choose a radius for the size of the plot we want.We use young stand management: blogs.oregonstate.edu/treetopics. larger plots for larger trees, smaller plots (and typically more of Accurately measuring a stand requires some rigor, but even a them) for smaller trees (see Fig. 1). few plots can give you some important insight. So, I’d encourage To practice measuring plots, choose some easy ground with you to put in some plots and get an eye for what you have.You trees that have been pruned up and are not overrun with black- may want to do a little pruning and clearing in your plots to make berries. If you don’t have anything that fits this description, ask a it easier, and winter is a great time to do that sort of work. neighbor or someone in your landowner association.

For this exercise you’ll want a few stakes, some flagging, paper, pencil and a tape measure or logger’s tape. Oh, and bring a LORENZ friend along to help. Victor P. Musselman FORESTRY Go into the woods and pound in several Small Forest Landowner and CHUCK LORENZ, CF 1770 stakes around the stand (each with a piece Certified Appraiser specializing in: • Capital Gains • Estate • Gifting Forest Management Planning & of flagging).Those will be the centers of • Special Use IRS Appraisals Operations, Inventory, Valuation your practice plots. Figure out which trees for over 40 years 2943 Hawk Lane SE fall within the radius of your plot (e.g., 16.7 Olympia, WA 98501 feet for a 1/50-acre plot). Some will be easy Email: [email protected] 360-951-0117 to tell, others will have to be measured from 503-936-5956 [email protected]

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 27 TreeSmarts: Answers to Your Tax Planning Questions ▲ ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲ ▲ TreeSmarts: Answers to Your Tax ble, increase your monitoring and years from the end of the tax year in ▲ Planning Questions appears every other hope for the best. The salvage then which the involuntary conversion ▲ issue in Northwest Woodlands. The gets sold into an unknown market. occurred to reinvest the proceeds in ▲ column is edited by John P. Johnston, a You’re hoping it’s enough to cover new property (certain circumstances ▲ partner, CPA, and CMA with Bancroft the logging, hauling, and other costs allow extended replacement periods ▲ Buckley Johnston & Serres LLP in and leave enough left over to replant of three to five years). If you need ▲ Seattle, Washington. He is a member of properly. So, all of this gives rise to more time than this, you may appeal ▲ the AICPA, IMA and WSCPA. both cash in and cash out, and ques- to the IRS, which has the discre- ▲ Questions can be emailed directly to tions about how it will all be treated tionary authority to grant an exten- ▲ John at [email protected]. for tax. sion, but extensions are not always The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) easy to come by, so you’re best off ▲ Pest Damange—Taxable or provides some level of relief when meeting the two-year window if you ▲ Deductible? you are forced to convert (i.e., sell) can. Also, since the two years begins ▲ I recently had a fascinating your property due to destruction (in at the end of the first tax year, and ▲ opportunity to tour forests in the whole or in part), theft, seizure, req- the involuntary conversion happened ▲ South, New England and Western uisition, or sale made under threat of at some point during that year, the ▲ Europe. I had a million questions requisition, such as the government window is effectively longer than two ▲ and they had even more answers. exercising its powers of eminent years by the amount of time between ▲ One common conversation centered domain. This situation is referred to conversion and year end. ▲ around forest damage, whether it be in IRC §1033 as an involuntary con- As mentioned above, the property ▲ ice and windstorms, routine browse version, and can be an extremely use- must be like-kind or similar in use, ▲ or bugs. That relates directly to ques- ful election when needed. In short, it and for the purposes of IRC §1033, ▲ tions about revenue recognition, tax functions similarly to a like-kind like-kind is defined fairly liberally. ▲ deductions and the timing of each. exchange or IRC §1031 exchange. For example, a conservation ease- ▲ Since you and/or your personnel Reinvesting the proceeds in like-kind ment was deemed like-kind to tim- ▲ are top-notch foresters, you catch or similar use property can defer tax berland, and a thirty-five-year land infestations early. When the bugs are ▲ until you harvest or sell the new lease was like-kind to improved real detected, you plan and cut out a ▲ property in the future. estate. So, for a damaged tree farm large area, treat to the extent possi- ▲ More specifically, you have two you have several options for replace- ment. This can get tricky, so discuss your options with your tax advisor before making any plans. Seedling Nursery Since 1974 We bring experience with owners that care about their product and customers. A full service Natural Resource Approximately 10 million seedlings in annual production consulting firm since 1984 1 container site (plugs), 2 bareroot/transplant sites (p+1, 1+1)

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28 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 After you’ve suffered an involun- drawbacks. Every situation is different allow you to reinvest in your tree farm tary conversion, made your IRC §1033 so reviewing this with your advisor rather than sending your cash to the election and purchased your replace- would be wise. government. ■ ment property, how and when will you This is just one planning opportu- eventually recognize gain and incur a nity with involuntary conversions. If Send in Your Tax Question tax obligation? Your new property is you have business assets, such as a assigned the tax attributes of the tree farm, plan for the tax impacts of Do you have a question that relates to property converted: its basis is that of your trees being damaged. And, if accounting, business, or tax planning? If the original asset, as is its holding you’re in the unfortunate position of so, send it to tax expert John Johnston period. Therefore, if you had pur- suffering such damage, an hour or ([email protected]) and he will chased the trees for $100,000, sal- two talking with your tax advisor answer it in the next scheduled column. vaged them for a net $300,000, and could really yield some savings, and bought new trees for $300,000, the future harvest of those new trees would start triggering gain once your sales price exceeds $100,000. There is also some tax planning that can be done to make sure you can make the most of an IRC §1033 election. Landowners and foresters usually think about their timberland as several different stands, tracking performance and profitability on a unit by unit basis. However, for tax purposes, it can be beneficial to apply the principles of block accounting. Block accounting considers the hold- ings as one large block, rather than several smaller tracts. In fact, the 206.682.4840 parcels need not be contiguous, or even in the same state! What is more important is that your accounting and reporting be done consistently in line with your defined block. But why would I want to lump everything into one block? Well, there can be many advantages ranging from preferred timber tax calculations (not just for IRC §1033) to simplicity. On the other hand, the pooling effect that block accounting achieves can be con- fusing and, in some instances, reduce Certified Public your options. My observation is that Accountants the benefits usually outweigh the 1501 4th Avenue Suite 2880 Disclaimer: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, any tax Seattle, WA advice contained in this communication 98101-1631 was not intended or written to be used, www.bbjsllp.com and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law, or (ii) promoting, market- ing or recommending to another party any tax-related matter(s) addressed herein.

NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 . 29 higher price for larger volumes and Tips From The Treeman we’re off to the races. But, we best put that checkered flag on hold—for sev- ▲ ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲ eral reasons. As a member, do you ▲ DEAR TREEMAN, Log prices have been variability in want to subsidize another member ▲ pretty good this year. I had a purchase lengths, diame- with your better-quality material? ▲ order with a local mill that I thought ters and quality— Maybe.Will you supply more wood ▲ was a fair price, but after speaking small volumes of than others, thus have a bigger dog ▲ with a large contractor here I saw that wood coming from in the fight? Questionable. Steve Bowers Log values are cyclical in nature. ▲ they were getting more money. I big geographical Generally, prices rise during the wet ▲ know there can be quality differences, areas. Selling a few loads of logs takes but after looking further into it, I less time to process at the mill than it months (access is the primary issue) ▲ found they consistently got more does the buyer to pay you a visit. and decline when things dry out ▲ money than some of us private own- Some buyers adjust their prices (supply and demand becoming the ▲ ers. So, what’s the deal? —Raw Deal based on the aforementioned issues. problem). Let’s give members the ▲ A contractor or consultant consis- benefit of the doubt and say that ▲ DEAR RAW DEAL, You bring up a cou- tently and continually supplying logs they indeed negotiate for a better ▲ ple issues for our readers. First is value: to a mill may well receive preferential price. Keep in mind the typical pur- ▲ a tree may be a tree, may be a tree, but treatment at the negotiating table. chase order lasts 30 days.We’ve all ▲ a value may not be a value, or a per- C’est la vie. these members with trees to harvest in a month.When things dry out, and ▲ ceived fair value.You are a small What to do, what to do? Why not woodland owner, and everything combine the interests of numerous member “A” is the first to log their ▲ about a harvest operation on your landowners, become partners in property, there is a strong possibility ▲ land is small: small volumes to you negotiations and “strike” for a better log values will be higher than when ▲ and relatively small interest to poten- deal (i.e., form a co-op)? Co-ops have member “P” logs in August.Will one ▲ tial contractors, truckers and buyers. been in existence for years, perform- of you share your increased value ▲ One at a time, but first the obvi- ing with a high variability of success. with the less fortunate member who ▲ ous. For logging contractors and The closer a member’s product is to was unable to harvest before prices ▲ truckers, bigger is better at least in the consumer, the better the chance fell? Problematic at best. ▲ terms of volumes. More trees to har- of success. A good example is fire- Remember our logging contrac- tors—they like lots of wood in one ▲ vest correlates to lower fixed costs wood; chop down the tree (utilize per unit and less down time between raw material), cut and split the wood place. Are members with larger vol- ▲ jobs.There is no escaping a basic (manufacturing process) and sell it to umes willing to subsidize those less ▲ concept of economics. Harry Homeowner (final consumer). fortunate? Trucking distances to the ▲ But, on the other hand, just This is an example of the entire mar- mill varies for each member—will ▲ because you have fewer than others keting process, start-to-finish. this give-and-take continue? A storm ▲ (trees), yours is just as good as anyone Logs are “birds” of a different may be gathering on the horizon. ▲ else, yes? No.The Equal Protection feather. Members could buy a Consider the myriad logistics of a ▲ Clause of our Constitution does not portable sawmill, move from owner timber harvest with the character ▲ pertain to price negotiations: you are to owner processing the logs, then traits of the co-op’s members. Private woodland landowners tend to be an ▲ now in the business world of caveat sell the lumber to the general public. independent bunch. Most acquired ▲ venditor. And some things are beyond But the logistics of such an enter- your control regardless of your level prise, maintaining a consistent cash their holdings through hard work, ▲ of awareness. flow, coupled with a continuous flow perseverance and fortitude—with ▲ Log buyers, or any commodity of material of consistent quality, the benefits of those traits not some- ▲ buyers, desire a continuous flow of makes for a high hurdle indeed. So, thing to be easily surrendered, or ▲ material of consistent quality. Small we’re back to trees/logs. shared. In the end, it’s pretty much ▲ owners are inconsistent in their deliv- Combine your trees, hire a logger every man or woman for themselves. ▲ ery of logs with relatively consistent to perform the harvest, negotiate a Alas, it’s a cold cruel world out there—at least in terms of conducting a timber harvest. And it will quite like- Connecting Forest Landowners with ly be colder and crueler for the little Seedlings, Services and Contractors guy. Indeed, life is not fair. Get used to it.That’s what Bill Gates says anyway, and we concur. But being a member DISCOVER Our Interactive Website of the private woodland owners in our www.forestseedlingnetwork.com region is a glorious thing, ’cause if it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be here tolerat- BUY/SELL SEEDLINGS • FIND VENDOR SERVICES & CONTRACTORS • VALUABLE RESOURCES ing Treeman. —Treeman

30 . NORTHWEST WOODLANDS . WINTER 2018 Past Northwest Woodlands’ Themes Ecosystem Management: Summer 1995 continued from page 26 Tree Farm Families: Fall 1996 Best of the Best: Spring 2003 Silviculture The Innovators: Fall 2004 Hardwoods: July 1985 First issue of Northwest Woodlands The Art, Humor & Zen of Stewarding Trees: Winter 2005 Reforestation: January 1986 Forestry: For The Love of It: Summer 2005 Stand Management: April 1986 Good Neighbors: Summer 2006 Nurseries/Planting: Fall 1987 Forestlands Around the West: Winter 2009 Stand Improvement: Summer 1990 Owning Forestland: What’s Next? Winter 2013* Hardwoods: Winter 1991 Love of the Land: Spring 2015* Reforestation: Summer 1991 Valuable Lessons for Forestland Owners: Fall 2017* Forest Health: Fall 1992 Woodland Owners of the West: Fall 2018 Reforestation: Summer 1996 Taxation Stand Improvement: Spring 1997 Understanding Taxes: Winter 1988 Genetics for Family Forest Owners: Winter 2000 Taxation: Fall 1991 Fertilization & Pruning: Spring 2000 Tax Planning: Summer 1994 Reforestation: Winter 2004 Understanding Taxes: Fall 1998 Alternative Species Silviculture: Spring 2005 Taxation: Fall 2011* Silviculture 101: Fall 2008 Forestland Taxes: Fall 2016* Hardwoods: Spring 2009 Wildlife & Fish Planting: Winter 2011* Wildlife Enhancement: Spring 1988 Silviculture: Summer 2015* Wildlife: Fall 1997 Stewards & Stewardship Wildlife Management: Spring 2004 Tree Farm Program Anniversary: Spring 1991 Wildlife & Managed Forests: Winter 2008* Stewardship: Summer 1992 Managing For Wildlife: Fall 2015* Best Management Practices: Are They Working? Fall 1994 * indicates issues that are available electronically

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Adams Timber Service ...... 19 Rosboro buys logs, standing AKS Engineering and Forestry ...... 24 American Forest Management ...... 10 Arbor Info LLC ...... 16 timber and timberland Association of Consulting Foresters ...... 11 Bancroft Buckley Johnston & Serres ...... 29 Forest Seedling Network ...... 30 Our manufacturing facilities utilize GeneTechs ...... 21 Hampton Tree Farms, Inc...... 23 Douglas-fir Logs Lorenz Forestry ...... 27 Whitewood Logs Lusignan Forestry ...... 4 Millwood Timber Inc...... 14 Norm Michaels Forestry LLC ...... 22 Northwest Forestry Services ...... 6 Rosboro log yard location Northwest Hardwoods ...... 3 Northwest Management ...... 28 Springfield, Oregon NW Forest Properties ...... 16 ODF–Private Forests Division ...... 17 Oregon Forest Resources Institute . . .Back Cover Contact: Brian Tenbusch Pacific Fibre Products ...... 6 Port Blakely Companies ...... 25 503-569-8740 Professional Forestry Services, Inc...... 5 Rosboro ...... 31 [email protected] Silvaseed Company ...... 28 Starker Forests ...... 9 Stuntzner Engineering & Forestry ...... 19 Sustainable Forestry Initiative ...... 15 Tree Management Plus ...... 18 Trout Mountain Forestry ...... 15 Victor Musselman ...... 27 WACD Plant Materials Center ...... 10 Weyerhaeuser Company ...... 13 World Forest Investment ...... 4 www.rosboro.com

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