The New York Forest Owner A Publication of The New York Forest Owners Association For people who care about New York’s trees and forests September/October 2010

Member Profile: Jeff Rupp

Volume 48 Number 5 www.nyfoa.org The New York In This Issue . . . Forest Owners From the President Mike Seager...... 3 Association Obituary...... 4 Officers & Directors Mike Seager, President A Dismal Day In The Woods PO Box 1281 Mike Greason...... 3 Pittsford, NY 14535; (585) 414-6511 Fred Thurnherr, Vice-President Ask a Professional 7885 Center Road Peter Smallidge...... 6 Holland, NY 14080; (716) 941-5736 Rich Taber, Secretary New York State Tree Farm News 1703 Fisk Rd erin O’Neill ...... 8 Eaton, NY 13334; (315) 837-4265 Kid’s Corner Mike Birmingham, Treasurer rebecca Hargrave ...... 9 PO Box 601 Kinderhook, NY 12106; (518)758-2621 Improve Your Woodlot for Wildlife Otis Barber, Sinclairville, (716) 962-8175. 2012 renee Jensen...... 10 René Germain, Syracuse, (315) 687-6217. 2013 afety ip...... 11 Dick Harrington, Southern Finger Lakes, NYFOA S T (607) 657-4480 oodland ealth ak ilt Mike DiVincenzo, Northern Adirondack, W H : O W (315) 353-2849 george W. Hudler...... 12 Jim Minor, Rochester, (585) 247-7069. 2012 Bob Morrison, Voorheesville, (518) 765-4121. 2013 Timber Theft and How to Prevent It ugh anham and onald edersen Ed Neuhauser, Groton, (607) 898-3614. 2011 H C R P ...... 18 Anne Osborn, Lower Hudson, (845) 424-3683 NYFOA Member Publications...... 19 Dick Patton, Allegheny Foothills; (716) 761-6333 Ron Pedersen, Latham, (518) 785-6061. 2013 Member Profile – Jeff Rupp Dan Price, Southern Tier; (607) 655-1921 Carly Neumann...... 21 Gene Reinshagen, Romulus, (607) 738-2999. 2011 Kelly Smallidge, VanEtten, (607) 589-7530. 2012 Christopher Tcimpidis, Livingston Manor, (845) 439-3989. 2013 Fred Thurnherr, Niagara Frontier, (716) 941-5736 Ed Welch, Southern Adirondack, (518) 861-6038 Frank Winkler, Andes, (845) 676-4825. 2012 Marilyn Wyman, Middleburgh, (845) 439-3989. 2011

Liana Gooding, Office Administrator PO Box 541 Volume 48, Number 5 Lima, NY 14485; (800) 836-3566 [email protected] The New York Forest Owner is a bi-monthly publication of The New York Forest Owners Association, PO Box 541, Lima, NY 14485. Materials submitted for publication should be Peter Smallidge, Chair Editorial Committee and sent to: Mary Beth Malmsheimer, Editor, The New York Forest Owner, 134 Lincklaen Ex-Officio Board Member Street, Cazenovia, New York 13035. Materials may also be e-mailed to mmalmshe@syr. Cornell University, Fernow Hall Ithaca, NY 14853; (607) 592 3640 edu. Articles, artwork and photos are invited and if requested, are returned after use. The deadline for submission for the November/December issue is October 1, 2010. Please address all membership fees and change of address requests to PO Box 541, Lima, NY 14485. 1-800-836-3566. Cost of family membership/subscription is $35.

All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced This publication is printed on Finch Opaque, Smooth, 70 lb. text paper. Located in the beautiful without prior written permission from the publisher. Adirondacks, Finch has long understood that the viability of our business relies on the wise NYFOA does not necessarily support or approve pro- use—and reuse—of resources. Finch papers are made with renewable energy, post-consumer cedures, products, or opinions presented by authors or advertisers. NYFOA reserves the right to accept or reject recycled fiber and elemental chlorine-free pulps. In addition, Finch Paper was the first integrated any advertisement submitted for NYFOA’s publications. paper mill in the US to received both the Forest Management and of Custody certifications However, NYFOA is not able to investigate or verify from the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Initiative. claims made in advertisements appearing in NYFOA’s publications. The appearance of advertising in NYFOA’s publications in no way implies endorsement or approval www.nyfoa.org by NYFOA of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Jeff and Diane Rupp shown on their “Tree Farm” property in New Cover: Albion, NY, Cattaraugus County. For member profile, turn to page 21. © 2010 New York Forest Owners Association Photo courtesy of the Rupp’s.

2 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 From NYFOA is a not-for- profit group promoting ThePresident Join!stewardship of private forests for the benefit of current and his is an exciting time to be involved and a strategy for managing them for the future generations. Through local Twith forests in New York. That next five years or more. The next step is chapters and statewide activities, NYFOA is not entirely good. As I write this in a meeting of people and organizations to helps woodland owners to become mid-August, there have been several review the strategy and determine how to responsible stewards and interested new confirmed infestations of Emerald implement it. publics to appreciate the importance of Ash Borer (EAB) in the state. This is not NYFOA is working to represent you — New York’s forests. terribly surprising, as few people that I the landowners who ultimately control a talked to thought the previous incidence large portion of New York’s forests — in Join NYFOA today and begin to receive its many benefits including: six in Cattaraugus County would be the end all of these efforts. We cooperate with issues of The New York Forest Owner, of the story. The new sightings in the DEC and other groups to monitor for woodswalks, chapter meetings, and western part of EAB and spread the word about how to statewide meetings. the state and in deal with it. We add the voice of land- ( ) I/We own ______acres of wood- the Hudson Valley owners to those of industry in the discus- land. area reinforce the sion of woody biomass. And we will be ( ) I/We do not own woodland but sup- notion that the pest present to help guide the implementation port the Association’s objectives. is being unwit- of the FRAS strategy. tingly transported Name: ______by humans, which Please share this magazine Address: ______should serve as a City: ______reminder to every- with a neighbor and urge body to be aware them to join NYFOA. By State/ Zip: ______of and abide by Telephone: ______the regulations limiting the movement of gaining more members, Email: ______forest products. NYFOA’s voice will County of Residence: ______On a more positive note, there are sev- County of Woodlot: ______eral efforts under way to find uses and de- become stronger! Referred by: ______velop markets for woody biomass — tree tops and cull logs that would otherwise The core of NYFOA revolves around Regular Annual Dues: be left on the forest floor after a harvest the woodswalks, seminars, meetings and ( ) Student $15 since they currently have no commercial other activities organized by our various (Please provide copy of student ID) value. While there are questions about chapters. There are a lot of other activi- ( ) Individual $30 ( ) Family $35 the sustainability of removing this mate- ties – the above is just a sample – that Multi-Year Dues: rial from the forest rather than leaving it goes on to represent our members beyond ( ) Individual 2-yr $55 3-yr $80 to decompose, finding new markets for the chapter level. Most of these activi- ( ) Family 2-yr $65 3-yr $95 new forest products could be a financial ties are taken on by volunteers, in many Additional Contribution: benefit for landowners who do not have a cases by NYFOA members who also have ( ) Supporter $1-$49 large volume of high-quality timber. professional expertise in a particular area. ( ) Contributor $50-$99 The state Department of Environmen- These efforts are another way NYFOA ( ) Sponsor $100-$249 tal Conservation recently completed a is working to protect our woodlands and ( ) Benefactor $250-$499 Forest Resource Assessment and Strat- promote sustainable management of them ( ) Steward $500 or more egy (FRAS). (You can view the report so that they will provide even more ben- ( ) Subscription to Northern Woodlands $15 (4 issues) at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/60829. efits for future generations. NYFOA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax- html.) This comprehensive document –Mike Seager exempt organization and as such your contribution my be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. spells out the state of New York’s forests NYFOA President Form of Payment: Check  Credit Card Credit Card No. ______The mission of the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) is to promote Expiration Date ______V-Code______sustainable forestry practices and improved stewardship on privately owned Signature: ______woodlands in New York State. NYFOA is a not-for-profit group of people who Make check payable to NYFOA. Send the care about NYS’s trees and forests and are interested in the thoughtful man- completed form to: NYFOA agement of private forests for the benefit of current and future generations. P.O. Box 541, Lima, New York 14485 1-800-836-3566 www.nyfoa.org www.nyfoa.org 3 Would you like to receive an electronic Obituary version of future editions of The Forest Owner? If so, please send Liana an email ([email protected]). Bill M. Minerd You will receive an email every two Bill M. Minerd, 67, of Venice, FL, formerly of Elbridge, NY, months that includes a PDF file of the died on August 22, 2010. Bill graduated from Syracuse Uni- publication. While being convenient for versity and later worked as the Assistant Dean at the College you – read The Forest Owner anytime, of Medicine at SUNY, retiring in 1998. Bill was the president any place; this will also help to save the Association money as the cost of printing of the Community Associations Institute in Sarasota County and postage continues to rise with each and was also president of New York Forest Owners Associa- edition. tion; he was a member of the CNY chapter. Bill read the Sci- entific American from cover to cover, enjoyed making furniture; he was a true Renaissance Man. He loved life and made it enjoyable for everyone he met. Survivors include his wife, Clara of Venice, FL; daughter, April Leytem of Twin Falls, Idaho; son, Todd Minerd of Lafayette, NY; granddaughter, Cassandra Minerd; brothers, Tim Minerd of Rochester, NY, Jim Minerd of Rochester, NY, MKS Jon Minerd of Yorkshire, NY, and Ron Minerd of Plantation, FL; a sister, Kathy Enterprises, Inc. Consler of Rochester, NY; stepbrother, Lynn Winters of Cumberland, MD; and Farmi Forestry Equipment many nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering was held on Friday, August 27, along with a celebration of his life. Memorial donations may be made to New & Used Maple Equipment the Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL 34285. To send con- Call for NYFOA member pricing dolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com Located Midway Between Rt. 11 & Rt. 56 in North Stockholm Open 8 am–11:30 am Monday - Saturday 60 Porter Lynch Rd., Norwood, NY 13668 Phone: 315-353-2808 Fax: 315-353-4645 You Don’t Have To Face Forest Management Challenges Alone

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4 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 A Dismal Day In The Woods NYFOA STORE Show your support for the Association! More On High Grading All items display the NYFOA logo. 1. Sweatshirt………………….....$20.00 Green M, L, XL Michael C. Greason Grey M, L, XL or years I’ve discouraged high my window down and noticed some 2. Long Sleeve T-Shirt………...$14.00 Fgrading and felt that it leads to small and medium log sized trees Green M, L, XL parcelization and fragmentation of in a fifty foot buffer along the road- Grey M, L, XL our forest resource. Once timber ways; but beyond them I could see an production is diminished, investing in even-aged stand dominated by white 3. Short Sleeve T-Shirt………...$10.00 ownership is a hard sell. I’ve felt that birch saplings. As we proceeded into Green M, L, XL Grey M, L, XL high property taxes are a significant the property, the buffer gave way to a contributor to woodland owners liqui- landscape of thick northern hardwood All shirts are heavy weight cotton with dating their timber resource prior to saplings overtopped by scattered pole white lettering on the green and green subdividing and selling off their forest and a few saw timber sized stems. We lettering on the grey. holdings. drove through a few small clearings 4. Baseball Style Cap………..…$14.00 My daughter asked me to look at a (log landings and gravel pits) to a Tan/Green Brim, one size tract she and her husband Jamie were landing where the realtor said we’d considering buying in New Hamp- find some of the most mature timber 5. NYFOA Member Sign…….…$ 2.00 shire. The listing advertised a 1,100 on the property. 12x12 Heavy Gauge Plastic acre timberland investment contain- We climbed out into a light drizzle. Yellow with green lettering ing fully stocked stands of primarily I noticed many of the larger crowns 6. Mugs………………………..…$ 4.00 northern hardwoods of medium age. had minor dieback and asked if forest White with green lettering Googling the area showed a vast rural tent defoliation had occurred recently. landscape adjoining state and national The question did not invoke a detailed 7. Cutting Boards…………...….$ 5.00 forests with small openings. She and response and we started to walk up a Wood, 5 ½ x7 inches her husband arranged a meeting with fairly steep skid trail. The slope has Item#­ Description Size Qty Price Total­ the realtor who possesses a degree in quite a good population of boulders. ­ ­ ­ forestry; he stated he was pleased that Beech is the dominant species; yet ­ ­ ­ their would be joining them. there is some representation of hard ­ There had been some confusion maple and yellow birch. Some of about our meeting place. So, my the root flanges are being chewed by ­ son-in-law and I spent quite a while porcupines; so that may account for ­ ­ ­ searching access to the wrong side some of the dieback in the crowns if of the property. The one named road those critters are eating in the up- Shipping and handling: $5.00­ that would have led into the property per canopy as well. The remaining Total:­ was blocked by two , a chip- desirable species had a few 12” to ­ per and ankle deep mud. For a couple 14” diameter stems of fair quality and Name:______of miles surrounding that access, at least an equal number of defective Address:______heavy harvesting is covering several stems. The realtor was impressed by City:______thousand acres and for sale signs Jamie’s toughness in dealing with abound; every log landing access mud and brambles. Then he extolled State / Zip: ______point touts a sign advertising from the virtues of beech wildlife values. Telephone: ______  100 to several hundred acres of prime The dense sapling understory was Form of Payment: Check Credit Card lots. dominated by a beech thicket with a Credit Card No. ______When we arrived at the right spot, fair representation of striped maple the realtor noted my multi-colored with very few hard maple or yellow Expiration Date ______boots and my son-in-law’s shorts and birch stems. Then we hurried back Signature: ______sneakers. It was a somewhat rainy to the vehicle to go see the fabulous Make check payable to NYFOA. Send the morning as we entered the property view from another log landing; I held completed form to: NYFOA, P.O. Box 541, Lima, New York 14485. Questions? Call and drove gravel access roads into continued on page 16 800-836-3566 the interior of the property. I rolled www.nyfoa.org 5 Ask A Professional

Peter Smallidge

Landowner questions are addressed by and other natural sired tree species (note, these definitions resources professionals. Landowners should be careful when interpreting answers and applying this general advice to their property differ slightly from the formal forestry because landowner objectives and property conditions will affect definitions). When selecting trees, first specific management options. When in doubt, check with your regional locate the most desirable trees to retain DEC office or other service providers. Landowners are also encouraged that support your objectives and then to be active participants in Cornell Cooperative Extension and NYFOA make sure the desired trees are free programs to gain additional, often site-specific, answers to questions. from shading in their upper crown by Peter Smallidge To submit a question, email to Peter Smallidge at [email protected] cutting adjacent undesired trees. Avoid with an explicit mention of “Ask a Professional.” Additional reading on various topics is available at www.forestconnect.info the common but typically flawed logic to cut the big trees to let the little trees grow. A fact sheet on selecting trees Question: sunlight to produce many of the values for firewood is available in the publica- We would like to cut our own firewood, we enjoy. In woodlots, as gardens, we tions section of www.ForestConnect. but don’t know what we should consider thin and weed. The goal of thinning and info. Other information on the internet or how to get started. What can you weeding is to make more sunlight avail- is available by searching for “crop tree suggest? able to the residual trees to enhance their management.” vigor, health, and productivity. Thin- Tree felling is potentially deadly and Answer: ning can be thought of as removing trees requires training and skill to be safe Firewood cutting from your own wood- of desirable species but which compete and effective. The Game of lot is gratifying, great exercise, and with trees that will more readily produce for Landowners training is a practi- can improve the health and productivity what we want. Weeding removes unde- cal, hands-on curriculum that teaches of the woods. Firewood cutting from your woodlot involves tree selection, tree felling, moving the tree in whole or parts, splitting and storing. This article won’t cover all the details. You will need to review several other educational resources to build a full base of knowl- edge. Also, talk with other NYFOA members during woods walks, or talk with your DEC or private forester, to learn about their approach to firewood production. You can review and post firewood specific questions at www. ForestConnect.info/forum. As with all deliberate actions or inactions in your woods, make your decisions about fire- wood based on your ownership objec- tives and a written plan. Use gardening as a basis for consider- ing which trees to cut and which trees to leave. Gardens and woodlots have obvious differences, but are similar as land areas that grow plants we use for Stack firewood for optimal air flow, with cover, and off the ground to improve the seasoning, specific reasons. Those plants need or drying. Full seasoning often requires 12 more months, but well-seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less particulate matter.

6 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 Safety begins with personal protective equipment (PPE) that includes: hardhat, ear and eye protection, cut resistant chaps or pants, and steel-toed boots. Your should have the appro- priate safety features and be in good working order. There are three common ways to move trees that you have cut out of the woods. Some owners have topography that allows them to drive a pickup truck into the woods. In these situations, the logs typically are blocked into firewood stick length and split in the woods. Other owners use an ATV. ATVs should not be used to directly drag a firewood log because that log might snag on a root or stump and result in injury to the operator. ATV attach- ments that make firewood removal safer include a skid cone, a wagon, or an arch. Finally, some owners have a An ATV and arch can move firewood logs either suspended (as shown) or skidded. Careful planning tractor. Most tractors have more power and operation will control damage to residual trees, avoid rutting, and minimize effort in the woods. than ATVs and can directly drag a log more easily than an ATV. However, directional felling and safe handling of operative Extension, and at Cornell’s the same potential for injury exists if . Directional felling means Arnot Forest. You can look for Game the log snags on a fixed object. Tractor you decide the direction the tree will of Logging information at www.Forest- attachments include draw or lift bars, fall. These courses are offered periodi- Connect.info and a schedule of trainings winches, wagons, cribs and arches. cally through some NYFOA chapters, on the calendar at www.dnrcce.com. For all these vehicles, considerable care through some offices of Cornell Co- The Game of Logging stresses safety. is needed to avoid roll-over situations. Do not operate on a side-slope, ade- quately clear the trail for the limitations of the vehicle, and be alert to other people in the woods. Workshops on ATV low impact logging are offered in partnership with NYFOA chapters and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Look for scheduled events at www.dnrcce. com. Wood is split either by hand with a maul and wedges or using a hydraulic splitter. The maul is useful for people in good physical condition and who only need a couple cords of wood per year. Safety concerns for maul users include wood or metal fragments flying into your eye, so use protective eye wear. Also, the maul might ricochet or miss the wood and strike your leg. Use proper technique and correctly sized mauls to minimize the risk of leg or foot injury. Numerous commer- Game of Logging for Landowners is an essential training for anyone attempting to fell trees in their woods. The training improves productivity, minimizes dangerous conditions, and reduces damage to continued on page 17 residual trees. www.nyfoa.org 7 New York State Tree Farm News Erin O’Neill

Happy Hunting Grounds! others. Big game, especially wildlife by creating edges, openings deer, prefer to travel any long and brush piles for habitat; preventing Don’t forget, you don’t have distances through the undis- erosion and damage to water quality; to be a timber beast to enroll turbed strips along brooks and providing plenty of seed crop and your property in the Tree in a managed stand. Well forest structure for foraging. Farm program. The best way managed harvest operations As always, with this in mind, if to achieve that Nirvana of hap- guarantee proper silviculture you’d like to learn more about the py hunting grounds is through specific to the landowner’s objectives NY Tree Farm certification program multi-use management. Strict atten- while ensuring the Best Management remember, a Tree Farm representative tion to the aspects of healthy, sustain- Practices as recommended by the state is only a phone call (1-800-836-3566) able forests that Tree Farm is known and recognized by certification bodies or e-mail ([email protected]) for; WOOD, WILDLIFE, WATER are followed to maintain water qual- away. leads to enjoyable RECREATION. ity. Generally, fowl will nest along These are the familiar icons and the clear pools in large brooks and ponds Erin O’Neill is the Chair of the NYS Tree Farm foundation of the Tree Farm program to properly feed their young. Respon- Committee. standing the test of time and launching sible recreation means that skid trails us into the future of third party audited used as ATV paths are well cared for sustainable management. and can be shared by the very game Let me explain…well managed species you’re looking for! timber crops, whether it is firewood So, if you’re looking to improve production, sawtimber or anything in your hunting experience on your own Bruce E. between, provide light and seed for property, working with a knowledge- many species while maintaining for- able forester will help you make Robinson, Inc. est structure and travel corridors for decisions about how to manage for Forestry Consultants

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8 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 Bill and Phyllis Peterson, of Hornell, NY submitted this photo of their four-year old grandson, Lars, watching salamanders and floating Kid’s pine needles down the forest stream on their property, Honey Run Hill. The Petersons, MFO volunteers, say Lars loves “adventures” in the woods when he visits from his home Corner in Connecticut. The family has Rebecca Hargrave owned the property for fifty years.

Do you have a photo of you and your kids or grandkids in your forest? If so, The New York Forest Owner would like to see it! Send an electronic or hard copy to Forest Owner editor, MaryBeth Malmsheimer, and it may end up on this page! Life in a Tree, Part II- The Trunk s we work our way down the tree What’s in a trunk? We start with the can be stripped and twisted to make Awe descend from the canopy to bark, the corky material that protects rope. Chemicals are taken from the the trunk. It is here where the tree is the growing layers underneath. Next is wood and used for everything from fuel set apart from other plants. Wood, or the phloem, which carries sugars down to making leather. more specifically lignin, allows trees from the leaves. As a tree grows, new Each trunk is unique. Every species to tower to the sky, reaching heights phloem is formed on the inside and the has different bark, which allows us to over 300 feet, but also provides old is pushed to the outside forming the identify one tree from another all year homes, food and fiber to many. bark. Under the phloem is the xylem long. Some have smooth bark, some The basic functions of the trunk are that carries water and nutrients up from shaggy; some gray, some white, some to hold up the branches, store sugars, the roots. New xylem grows on the black; some have scales, some have and allow water and nutrients drawn outside of the old, and the old turns into warts, and others have thorns. Trunks in by the roots to flow up and sugar wood. It is this annual layer of xylem are used differently, as their wood produced in the leaves to flow down. that forms the tree’s rings, which we is good for different things. Maple, count to find out how old it is. As we cherry and walnut make good cabinets, look through the trunk, remember the aspen and pine can be used for paper, growing portion is right at the very edge and oak and ash are wonderful as under the bark. floors. So, how is the trunk used? Trunk Challenge! This month you Many creatures live in the trunk. Rac- can enter to win a tree scale stick, coons and owls live in hollow areas in which is used to measure diameter and the wood, insects tunnel under the bark height of trees. To enter the drawing, eating the phloem, while moss grows on send a photograph of you and your top. We use lumber to build our houses favorite tree with a description of how and buildings. you use its trunk, along with your name Others eat the trunk (or what’s living and address, to Rebecca Hargrave at in the trunk). Woodpeckers go after [email protected]. Entries are due by those tunneling insects, carpenter ants November 15, 2010. Two scale sticks burrow into decaying wood, deer strip will be given away. Winners will be the bark off in cold winters, and we drawn at random, and everyone has the collect maple sap to make syrup in the chance to have their picture appear in a spring. future article. Thanks for reading! We also use the trunk to make things. Wood is processed into paper, chunked Rebecca Hargrave is the Community Horti- culture and Natural Resources Educator at into firewood, or sawed into lumber. Cornell University Cooperative Extension in The inner bark of some kinds of trees Chenango County. www.nyfoa.org 9 Improve Your Woodlot for Wildlife Renee Jensen

hen considering how to improve diversity of wildlife. However, not Conifers: Wa woodlot, it’s important to all forests have layers of young and • White Cedar: white-tailed deer, red understand that each woodlot is unique old trees, therefore, it is important to squirrels, ruffed grouse, ring-necked in its own way whether it is in size, age determine the age of your woodlot. A pheasant, wild turkey and song birds. or plant species. A woodlot may be a young forest has an abundance of berry • White Pine: white-tailed deer, gray couple of acres large and dominated by producing shrubs, bushy cover and and red squirrels, chipmunks, wood young hardwood saplings like maple, saplings for animals like ruffed grouse, duck, turkey, mourning dove, wood- or it may be decades old and consist of cottontail rabbit, American woodcock, peckers and song birds. mature conifers like spruce and pine. and white-tailed deer. Older or more • Balsam Fir: white-tailed deer, gray Yet, another woodlot may be a couple mature forests provide little shelter for squirrel and song birds. hundred of acres large and consist of many wildlife species but are favored both hardwoods and conifers. None- by white-tailed deer during the winter. Hardwoods theless, the type of forest you have Nuts are abundant in a mature forest • Aspen: beaver, white-tailed deer and how you manage it influences the and are a great food source for turkeys, and ruffed grouse diversity of wildlife in your woodlot. gray fox, rabbits, bears and birds. • Black Cherry: black bear, raccoon, Wildlife survival depends on the Also, large tree cavities in mature trees red squirrel, ruffed grouse and cedar availability of food, water, shelter create great nesting sites for animals wax-wing. and space. However, wildlife is also like the squirrel and screech owl. • Beech: black bear, blue jay, specific in their habitat needs. For white-tailed deer, chipmunk, squirrel, example, the American Woodcock, a Tree Species: ruffed grouse, wild turkey and tufted small woodland game bird, spends its Certain tree species attract wildlife titmouse. spring and summer on a heavily leaf because of the fruit they bear and the • Oak: black bear, white-tailed deer, littered ground, in a moist young for- shelter they provide. It is important to raccoon, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, est, that does not have much ground remember that not all trees will survive wood duck and blue jay. cover. In this environment, their food, in your woodlot’s current environ- • Red and Sugar Maple: beaver, earthworms, is plentiful, plus shelter ment, thus the focal point now becomes chipmunk, white-tailed deer, rose- and water are accessible. In addition choosing the right tree for wildlife breasted grosbeak and wild turkey. to these essential needs, the wood- habitat for your woodlot. For example, cock also requires a “singing ground” planting a sun-loving sapling in your Shrubs: for early spring mating. The singing old growth forest, which probably has • American Plum: great habitat for ground is an area of bare ground (15- a full canopy, will not work. All trees song birds, grouse and ring-necked 20 feet in diameter) and is surrounded need the right conditions to survive; in pheasant. by a few acres of open grassland or this case sun was crucial but was not • Serviceberry: white-tailed deer, shrubs. If this type of habitat is not available because of the forest canopy. red squirrel, bluebird, cardinal, cedar available, the American Woodcock Before you order any seedlings take wax-wing and scarlet tanager. will not thrive. With the woodcock as into account whether your forest is • Silky dogwood: rabbit, ruffed an example, the first step in wildlife young or old, the soil conditions (drain- grouse, wild turkey, bluebird, cardi- management is to look at what your age & composition) as well as sun nal and cedar wax-wing. woodlot has to offer and what wildlife availability. Once you have discovered • High bush blueberry: black bear, species it will be able to support. what your woodlot can support then white-tailed deer, rabbit and gray cat you may focus on attracting wildlife. bird. Young or old forest: Here are some examples of wildlife that • Elderberry: rabbit, bluebird, cardi- A mixture of an old and young for- often associate with different types of nal, indigo bunting and rose-breasted est will yield the greatest variety and trees. grosbeak.

10 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 NYFOA Safety Tip

Limbing a Fallen Tree

While limbing a fallen tree, make the tree trunk between you and the saw. Larger limbs may require more than sure that it is stable before you start Never stand on the downhill side when one cut to be removed. Off set cuts cutting. Stand on the uphill side of the removing limbs. can reduce pinching. Plan the cuts tree so that any cut pieces will roll so there will be no binding. Always downhill away from you. Examine the Always keep in mind that the tree trunk cut the pinch side first. Remember situation at every limb to be removed. may roll as limbs are removed. Watch that stored energy can cause a cut to Start trimming the branches at the top for limbs that may be under tension and pinch the blade and immobilize your side of the tree. Do not cut the limbs could spring back when cut. It may be saw. Wedges can be used to hold on the underside of the tree. Roll it difficult to read tension in limbs. Wood the cut open. to stabilize then begin cutting again. reacts as it is cut. If you cut fast, it will Cut on the opposite side of the tree react fast. Cut slowly, if you expect trunk whenever possible. This keeps tension. These limbs can cause injury.

Safety tip provided by Ed Wright, President, W. J. Cox Associates, Inc.

• Blackberry: white-tailed deer, chip- ops a workable management plan for munk, rabbit, ring-necked pheasant your woodlot and identifies unique for- Do you want access to and robin. est communities, and endangered spe- woodlot, wildlife, agroforestry, cies within. For more information on maple and other related Arrangement: developing a forest stewardship plan, information at your finger tips? The arrangement of food, shelter and contact your local Cornell University Internet resources exist and water will also determine the wildlife Cooperative Extension office. species present in your woodlot. For For additional information on for- help connect NY woodland example, the ruffed grouse lives its estland activities that will benefit your owners to unbiased research- entire life in a relatively small area and objectives, visit Cornell’s forestry based information. Check out prefers a woodlot that has a high den- website at www.ForestConnect.info, Cornell Cooperative Extension sity of small slender trees. They also contact your local office of Cornell – Woodlots on the Internet favor a forest with a large canopy and University Cooperative Extension, or an open floor with little downed mate- join the New York Forest Owners As- · Publications, webinars, links rial. The canopy protects the ruffed sociation through their website at www. to resources, FAQs, and more grouse from raptors and an open forest nyfoa.org at www.ForestConnect.info floor allows them to use their keen eye- · Got Questions (and answers) sight to detect danger. Other species This article is provided through a joint initia- at www.ForestConnect.info/ need a different arrangement of habitat tive of Cornell University Cooperative Exten- forum features. The arrangement of your sion and the New York Forest Owners As- sociation as an educational service that helps · Calendar of workshops forest, the trees within it as well as its the citizen of New York enjoy, use, and sustain offered by the CCE age or maturity play an important role private rural lands. For more information on Department of Natural in the abundance and diversity wildlife these and other topics, please contact your Resources www.DNRCCE.com found in your woodlot. local office of Cornell Cooperative Extension · Social networking via www. If you are interested in attracting a or visit www.ForestConnect.info FaceBook.com search for wildlife species to your woodlot, then “ForestConnect” developing a forest stewardship plan Renee Jensen is Program Educator-Environ- mental Issues for Cornell Cooperative Exten- · Micro blogging at www. with a professional will enable you to sion of Cayuga County. Twitter.com/CornellWoodlot enhance and meet your wildlife habitat goals. A forest stewardship plan devel- www.nyfoa.org 11 “group” (e.g. northern red oak, black oak, pin oak) are much more likely to die soon after they contract the disease. Woodland Health Movement of the pathogen in these trees is so rapid that it may kill large trees in A column focusing on topics that might limit the health, vigor as little as three weeks. White and bur and productivity of our private or public woodlands oaks are more resistant to the disease (but they are not immune) and may survive Coordinated by Mark Whitmore for many years after infection, losing just a few branches each year. However, each individual tree reacts differently from oth- Oak Wilt – A New Threat to Forest and ers in the same species and it is difficult Landscape Trees in New York State to predict how long an infected bur or white oak will live. By George W. Hudler How does the fungus spread from a hanks to keen observations by several from; it may have been introduced to diseased tree to a healthy one? Thomeowners in Schenectady County, North America from some other part of Oak wilt can be spread between trees New York in 2008 and prompt action by the world or it may have evolved as a in two ways. First, it is well docu- Cornell Cooperative Extension educator variant of some closely related endemic mented that most of the spread of the Chris Logue, plant pathologists at Cornell fungus growing on another plant. C. disease from tree to tree is by way of quickly confirmed for the first time that fagacearum grows in the water-conduct- grafted roots. Roots of oaks growing oak wilt – a lethal disease of red oaks ing vessels of host trees and as it does, in close proximity to each other (e.g. in the Upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic it causes the vessels to produce gummy within 50 feet) often intermingle and states and Texas – is now present in New plugs that prevent water transport, eventually graft, forming functional York State. The infestation covered an eventually causing tree death. The mode unions that allow free flow of water, area equal to about three city blocks in a of action of the fungus in oaks is similar nutrients and (unfortunately) fungus residential neighborhood in Scotia. Here to that of the Dutch elm disease pathogen spores from tree to tree. In some areas is a brief synopsis of what scientists have in elms, but there are few other similari- of the country where red oak is the learned about oak wilt since the disease ties betwee the two organisms and their predominant forest tree, the disease was first identified by forest pathologists hosts. often occurs in clusters known to in Wisconsin in 1944. pathologists as “infection centers”. What species of trees are likely to be However, it has also been observed to What is this disease? affected? spread from tree to tree along a city Oak wilt is caused by a fungus – Cera- All species of oaks native to New street lined with red oaks if the trees tocystis fagacearum. Scientists don’t York State are susceptible to oak wilt are close enough together for roots to know for sure where the fungus came to some degree, but those in the red oak graft.

Red Oak. Oaks in the red oak “group” have pointed lobes. White Oak. Oaks in the white oak “group” have rounded lobes.

12 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 infect a healthy oak and it also produc- es a sweet odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Fortunately, nitidulid or sap beetles — the insects that are most likely to be attracted to the odor from a split in the bark of an infected tree are relatively lazy. Thus, once they find a mat be- neath the bark and begin to feed on the fungus therein, they are reluctant to leave. However, one chemical signal that will cause the beetles to move is the odor from of a freshly wounded, healthy oak tree. And red oaks that have recently been pruned or suffered storm damage, especially in May and June when most oak wilt fungus spores are produced, are prime targets for new infections. The odor of fungus mats may also Image shows the cutting plan around one infested area. attract other insects and squirrels. We don’t yet know whether these other visitors to infected trees actually pose Second, the oak wilt fungus pro- to split the bark open, creating a 3-8 a significant threat as vectors of the duces spores for overland spread in inch long fissure that is barely notice- pathogen in New York, but this is one an unusual way. As a diseased tree able to untrained observers. At the of several questions to be answered in nears death and for up to a year after it same time that the pads are expanding, coming months. has died, the fungus produces oppos- another type of fungus growth known continued on page 14 ing pads of sterile tissue on the inner as a “mycelial mat” forms around the bark and outer wood of the tree. As pressure pads on both the bark and these pads expand and press against the wood. The mycelial mat produces each other, they cause enough pressure spores that could be carried overland to

Vascular discoloration on oak branch infected with oak wilt. www.nyfoa.org 13 Oak Wilt (continued)

What can be done to prevent the may have oak wilt, either collect samples 2. Remove diseased trees immediately and disease from spreading to new areas yourself or enlist the aid of a trained ar- take steps to ensure that the wood dries or from intensifying in areas where it borist to collect them for you. Submit the quickly enough to minimize formation of already occurs? samples to your county Cornell Coopera- sporulating mycelial mats. One way to Arborists, plant health care profes- tive Extension office for preliminary exam safely dispose of diseased wood is to cut sionals, and municipal foresters have and possible forwarding on to Cornell’s and split it in the fall or winter, as you had reasonably good success in keeping Plant Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory for would for firewood. Then, completely losses from oak wilt to a minimum with further processing. The best samples are wrap the cut wood in black plastic for aggressive integrated pest management from recently wilted branches with some a year. Afterwards, the plastic can be programs. Important steps include the fol- leaves that are still partially green. Collect removed and the firewood can safely be lowing: 4-6 branch pieces that are about 6 inches left out until it is burned. Branches and long and 1/4 - 1/2 inch diameter. Leave stem pieces small enough to be chipped 1. If you live in New York’s Capital the bark on the branches. Sometimes, but should be treated as such. Larger logs can District, examine oaks on your property not always, the most recent vascular tissue be sawn into lumber as long as they are regularly, paying special attention to red is prominently discolored, a symptom that processed before the following spring. oaks with rapidly wilting leaves. Diseased enables laboratory staff to make the best Some landowners have actually been trees typically start to wilt in June or July judgments about where to take wood chips able to utilize proceeds from log sales to and red oaks, in particular, may wilt com- for additional processing. If you can’t find offset other oak wilt management costs. pletely in as little as three weeks. Leaves discoloration in one or more twigs from a on infected trees typically show marginal suspect tree, then at least be sure to col- 3. Use a backhoe, trencher, or vibra- “scorch” but other pathogens and environ- lect twigs that have recently wilted leaves. tory plow to disrupt root grafts between mental problems also cause scorch, so do Wood that is dry and/or completely brown diseased and healthy trees. The locations not use this symptom alone as a diagnostic is of no value to diagnosticians. of the trenches will vary depending on the criterion. If you suspect that your trees species composition in any give site, but

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14 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 disease, but trees must be injected every 2-3 years for best results. The product of- fers no protection for red oaks that already have oak wilt but it may prolong the lives of more resistant bur and white oaks if they have become diseased. Finally, even though oak wilt has found its way to New York, the future of the spe- cies is not as grim as one might think. Our colleagues in the Midwest, with many more acres of contiguous red oaks at stake, have had considerable success in keeping losses to a minimum by following the guidelines above. With our varied forest species com- position in the Northeast, especially with many nonhosts scattered among our oaks, we ought to have a somewhat easier task before us. Nonethless, success in any site will still require a sincere commitment. Sap beetles feed on the oak wilt fungus Addendum. The foregoing article is edited from a similar one that was written soon after discovery of the disease in Sco- in most residential sites with valuable oaks 5. In sites with a history of oak wilt, tia. Fortunately, the residents whose trees in jeopardy, two trenches may be dug. cover all new wounds – including prun- were infected then agreed to a wholesale The first separates confirmed diseased ing wounds, lawnmower dings, weed removal of every possibly infected red trees from the nearest neighboring oaks; wacker abrasions and any other injury that oak within 100 feet of the known infected the second separates the nearest neigh- exposes fresh wood – with paint. Pruning trees. Their once wooded neighborhood bors from the next closest population. paint is preferable, but any kind of paint was laid bare by the operation but the Trenches should be 54-60 inches deep to will discourage insects from visiting the “shock and awe” tactic seems to have assure that all potential grafts are broken wounds. worked inasmuch as meticulous surveys and equipment operators must be mindful since then have shown no new cases. of underground utilities as they plan their 6. Where treatment can be economically Nonetheless, our concern remains and work. done (more likely in residential landscapes we’ll depend on other “first detectors” like than forests) inject currently healthy red New York forest owners to help us find 4. Do not prune oaks in the spring (April oaks in the vicinity of known diseased trees possible new introductions. 15 – July 15 in NY State) unless they pose with propiconazole (Alamo®) per label an imminent danger to life or property! instructions. This product is registered in George W. Hudler is Chair and Professor of Insects that spread the oak wilt fungus will New York State for control of several tree the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant- visit new wounds on oak trees within 15 diseases, including oak wilt, but it must be Microbe Biology at Cornell University. minutes, and they may very likely be car- applied by a commercial certified pesticide rying spores of the fungus if it is present applicator. Alamo® has a good track re- Mark Whitmore is a forest entomologist in the Cornell University Department of Natural Re- in the vicinity. cord for protecting healthy red oaks from sources and the chair of the NY Forest Health root graft and beetle transmission of the Advisory Council.

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Visit the new Woodland Owner’s Forum at: • Timbersales • Tree PlanTing • ForesT roads • 480a Tax Plans • Food PloTs http://ForestConnect.info/forum to share ideas, information and questions with www.futureforestinc.com fellow woodland owners, foresters and other members Phone: 585-374-2799 7812 Hunts Hollow Rd. of the forest community across New York. Fax: 585-374-2595 Naples, NY 14512 Email: [email protected] www.nyfoa.org 15 A dismal day in the woods (continued) off telling Jamie the view would dis- driven back to the rendezvous point. being implemented in that area of appear as the saplings aged. The realtor said he had more potential New Hampshire. Timber harvests We learned the current owner, a buyers to show the property to that there seem to be done without much builder, had bought the property eight day; so Jamie might want to sign a planning towards the future, just as years ago for a rural retreat shortly contract before the opportunity was they are here. Low property taxes after the former owner had harvested lost. Jamie was disappointed we had do not seem to be leading to great some wood. Perhaps he thought not found more to walk to; that boy forest stewardship. Bird species that he could build several recreational is a glutton for punishment. I pointed prefer young forest conditions must homes but then was discouraged by out it is hard to see much in beech be happy; but there does not seem to the economic downturn. He obtained thickets, especially on a wet day. be much concern about establishing a forest management plan and imple- Yet, I did learn something on this desirable regeneration or planning mented one hardwood overstory trip. In New Hampshire, woodlots are distribution of cutting to promote di- thinning in the southern portion of taxed at about $1/acre/year. When versity of age classes or planning for the property where we had seen the forests are harvested, the owner pays periodic income opportunity. Rather, skidders. We were told there was no a 10% stumpage tax. This relates to large tracts are being whacked and point of looking at the thinned stand our 6% stumpage tax under RPTL, then busted up to make way for sec- because it was now younger wood Sections 480 and 480-a. It acts as ond homes. That, to me, seems pretty than the rest of the property; but it a deferred tax where the woodlot short-sighted. When is this nation demonstrated the current owner’s owner is taxed when it can best be going to realize the foundation to our interest in managing. afforded at the time of income. What wealth lies in our natural resources? It was probably obvious by this discouraged me is that even with time that no property sale was go- very reasonable property taxes, there Michael Greason is a certified forester and a ing to happen that day; so we were appears to be very little silviculture member of the CDC of NYFOA

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16 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 Ask a Professional (continued) NYFOA POSTED SIGN ORDER FORM cially available hydraulic splitters exist. depending on initial moisture content, Visit local dealers or county fairs to see species, method of stacking, and air displays and to learn about your options. circulation. Most people who burn wood Pick a splitter of the correct size based want a minimum of 8 to 12 months of POSTED on the amount of wood you will split seasoning, but ideally firewood is stored P R I V A T E and the features it has to minimize op- under cover for a year or two before – No Trespassing – erator fatigue. Be careful to avoid plac- burning. More information about the use Hunting, Fishing or Entry by Written Permission Only ing your hands on the ends of the block and care of firewood is available at http:// of wood; rather only grip the wood ccetompkins.org/energy/heating-wood. from the sides to avoid pinching fingers Producing your own firewood re- Name & Address - Owner or Lessee between the splitter head and wedge. quires safe practices, the right , Proper wood storage is essential for adequate physical conditioning, and Use this form to order the sign shown above. clean and efficient burning. Seasoning dedication. The benefits include self- The signs are orange with black printing. the wood, or allowing the logs and split sufficiency, improved woodlot condi- SIGN COST NUMBER pieces to dry, is enhanced by providing tions, and potentially lower fuel costs. MATERIAL PER SIGN ORDERED* COST air flow around and within the stacks of Plastic wood. Stack the split wood so the pile is Peter J. Smallidge is the NYS Extension For- (.024 gauge) $.50 ______$______stable, has air circulation, and is acces- ester and Director Cornell University Arnot Aluminum Teaching and Research Forest. He can be (.012 gauge) $.77 ______$______sible for use in the winter. The time reacted at email:[email protected] or visit needed for adequate seasoning will vary his website at www.ForestConnect.info Add Name and Address to Sign Set up cost per address $5.00 Plus $.05 per sign ______

Handling Cost SAF Certified $5.00 per order $5.00 Susan J. Keister, LLC 7025 Harpers Ferry Rd Shipping Cost** $______Wayland, N.Y. 14572 TOTAL COST OF ORDER $______Consulting Forestry Services NYS-DEC Cooperating Forester SAF Certified Please specify Name and Address to be printed on signs:

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www.nyfoa.org 17 for my time in the office, handling the bid, and monitoring the logger during Timber Theft the harvest. I provide all these ser- vices for the one simple-to-determine and How to Prevent It amount over which there is no argu- ment. Hugh Canham and Ronald Pedersen Voice one stands pat: Come on, you know the point is not that office ometimes it is difficult not to he charges for marking the trees to time needs to be compensated. Clients Seaves drop. Like when you are be bid on an hourly basis because he know there is more to our services in a diner booth, one head plus two wants to steer clear of any temptation than one walk around their woods. cushion thicknesses away from one to have the value of a particular tree The point is whether charging based voice, with the second voice only a impact his income. I wasn’t sure what on a commission presents an opportu- couple feet beyond that, and each are he meant and was prompted to pay nity to be unethical, unprofessional. speaking, well, earnestly. closer attention to their conversation We know that many trees that are not It didn’t take long to for me to con- than to my coffee. mature can still bring a good price. clude that the speakers probably were Voice two rebuts: Okay, I hear We also know that if left to grow, they consulting foresters and they were your point but you’re implying that put on value at an ever-increasing rate. long-time friends, and yet had differ- by working by commission, I might And, our clients are smart enough ent perspectives on the way to charge cheat, that I won’t do my best for to know that if they ask their logger to landowners for their services in sell- my client and the long term value cut down trees of little value, it takes ing timber. I own a woodlot and have of his woodlot. Besides, by work- the logger’s time and indirectly must thought about exploring a timber sale. ing on a commission basis, the owner reduce the amount of the bid on the I found myself listening very intently. knows I’m not sitting in the woods in harvest. On the other hand, it’s our Voice one, with his back to me and the shade racking up non-productive job to explain that felling that poor a deeper voice, was emphasizing that hours. And, he knows I’ll find the tree represents an investment, which best logger with the best in the long run pays off. markets that I can. In other words, if a forester is Slight pause, but then unethical, his commission goes up deeper voice says: Sure, when he marks a saleable tree and if there are opportunities to he skips the deformed tree, his in- shortchange a client no come also goes up because the logger matter how one prices doesn’t have to cut down a worthless one’s services — the tree. same might hold true Voice two: Okay, we’ve been for the folks that ser- through this before. Right now, I need vice our trucks or sell us to go to an appointment, and tonight tree-marking paint. But, I’ll sleep soundly, as always, knowing perception and opportu- I’ve done right by my clients. nity are important in our With that they were gone and I sat profession. If marking on wondering. I’d just learned that all a commission, there will foresters don’t use the same approach always be the temptation in setting their fees. But, I was also to mark a saleable but reminded of the obvious — that in not mature black cherry working with professionals, whether or hard maple on the one foresters or doctors, a mutual confi- hand, and to walk by the dence and understanding of all aspects deformed tree which is of the relationship is critical. taking space and nutrients from trees of much greater Hugh Canham is a retired professor from potential. SUNY ESF and a member of NYFOA’s CNY Voice two won’t let go: chapter. Ron Pedersen is a past President of NYFOA and is a member of the Capital Okay, but marking is only District chapter. part of the service I pro- vide and I need to account

18 The New York Forest Owner 48:5 • September/October 2010 NYFOA Member Publications

Richard Levine

Richard Levine has been a member of NYFOA for two years. He looks forward to each issue of The New York Forest Owner to continue his education and appreciation of his land. He has owned his woodland for six years and has begun to imple- ment a Forest Steward Program. “Before that work began there were a few years of wonder and study,” stated Levine. The wonder part has resulted in the publication of his sec- ond book of poems, That Country’s Soul (Finishing Line Press, 2010), which is about life in a forest. Below is a sample of one of Mr. Levine’s poems.

Not the Thing Walking in woods I saw across where snow reached untrammeled I held my breath to unfog the binocular a field a red bird, bearing all to the indistinguishable sky. lenses, but the red bird was gone. the burden of a red that could Two fluffed up chickadees, no larger The stark woods seemed poorer as I only exist amid the brittle than puffs of my breath, held the cold walked on, radiant with the idea black and brown, and gray and white at feathers’ length, and watched me of color, and starved by a familiar of winter, and it made the world from a hundred different branches. hunger; for as with so much we desire, quiet enough to hear the wooden Perhaps they saw me as incongruous it is not the thing we long to hold laments of bare, though not barren, trees, as red in this chalk and charcoal sketch. as much as the experience of it unfolding. —Richard Levine

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Carly Neumann

eff Rupp is a retired New York and to leave a light footprint. They JState employee where he worked follow a management plan developed for the Department of Environmental by Bruce Robinson, a professional Conservation as a police officer. The forester as well as gleaning advice Rupp’s have lived in New Albion, from other sources such as the Mas- NY in Cattaraugus County since ter Forest Owners program and New 1973. They lived in the village for York Forest Owners Association. 6 years before they purchased their “The forest changes every day” and first parcel of 62 acres and have they are always looking for ways to since added 5 contiguous parcels for stay informed. They see the forest as Their home is constructed of timber primarily a current total of 157.8 acres. Their a renewable resource where “we can from their own property. most recent purchase was 50 acres use it in a way that benefits the for- est, the wildlife, and everything else in 2005. The property is co-owed by though, Rupp believes that through that uses it.” Rupp has some concern Jeff and his wife Diane and they re- positive management they have about forest pests such as the em- cently incorporated the property into achieved a healthy forest and keep- erald ash borer and Asian longhorn an LLC, the Rupp Family Forest, ing it healthy will diminish all other beetle and recently removed quite a after four years of planning. negative issues. few conifers, scotch pine and white Their management strategy reflects The property spent 107 years and spruce that were planted as part of a their goal to leave the land in better three generations as farmland with a plantation 50-60 years ago. Overall condition than when the received it variety of habitats. Now, it is largely forested with about 40 percent ma- ture northern hardwood forest and 50 percent late to mid-succession forest. The last 5-10 percent is old meadow and pasture kept open by occasional mowing for the purpose of diversify- ing the habitat as well as providing a good edge for wildlife habitat. The property also features several ver- nal pools and a half-acre pond. The property is accessible both on foot and motorized vehicles by an excel- lent system of roads. A spring on the property is believed to have been the water source for a cheese fac- tory and also supplies the water for their home. Their forest is predomi- nantly sugar and red maple, although they keep their ash component to a minimum due to the emerald ash borer. Rupp cites diversity as key to a healthy forest. “A Hands-on Operation” Rupp completes much of the work in the forest himself or with the The Rupp Family Forest is a help of his family. hands-on operation where fam- continued on page 22 www.nyfoa.org 21 Jeff and Diane Rupp have three children and five grandchildren. Access roads allow vehicle and foot traffic throughout the property. ily members complete much of the and scout groups, “People interest- They see themselves as stewards of work. Rupp has cut and skidded his ed in forests or who want space in the land and are constantly working own timber for sales. The house was the woods to hike around.” They to improve its quality. built in 1979 largely out of lumber lead a couple of woods walks each and logs from their property. The year. Carly Neumann is a Forest Resources Extension Program Assistant at Cornell home is framed with hemlock and The Rupp’s find the most im- University, Dept. of Natural Resources, features hardwood tongue and groove portant reason for owning their Ithaca, NY 14853. Dr. Shorna Allred is the paneling throughout on the walls property is the many benefits of a faculty advisor for the Member Profile Series. and the ceilings. They also grow an healthy forested landscape. Their organic garden. work can pass on the benefits Their woodlands provide them to others and sharing with those with a whole host of benefits, from around them. Rupp cites the air timber sales and firewood to hunting, quality as just one of these ben- hiking, bird watching, cross country efits, “the clean air benefits a lot skiing, ice skating, and fishing. Rupp of people.” He suggests that forest believes that all the things that they owners “Keep their eyes and ears can do in the woods would surprise open. Read and learn all you can many. They welcome 4-H, school, and use all the help available.”

Some of the Rupp family members enjoy a swing on their property.

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