CONNECTICUT Woodlands

THEY BOUGHT PROPERTY. THEY GOT A DAM. ALSO: THE SEARCH FOR EXOTIC LARCH TREES • NAME FIXED AFTER 40 YEARS.

The Magazine of the Forest & Park Association SUMMER 2016 Volume 81 No. 2

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Inc.

OFFICERS PRESIDENT, ERIC LUKINGBEAL, Granby VICE-PRESIDENT, WILLIAM D. BRECK, Killingworth VICE-PRESIDENT, DAVID G. LAURETTI, Bloomfield VICE-PRESIDENT, STARR SAYRES, East Haddam TREASURER, JAMES W. DOMBRAUSKAS, New Hartford SECRETARY, ERIC HAMMERLING, West Hartford FORESTER, THOMAS J. DEGNAN, East Haddam

DIRECTORS BRETT BOSKIEWICZ, Simsbury STARLING W. CHILDS, Norfolk JESSI CHRISTIANSEN, Killingworth R. RICHARD CROCE, Killingworth RUTH CUTLER, Ashford CAROLINE DRISCOLL, New London PETER KNIGHT, Bloomfield MICHAEL LECOURS, Farmington DIANE FRIEND EDWARDS SCOTT LIVINGSTON, Bolton JEFF LOUREIRO, Canton Donna Potwin amid gnarled mountain laurel on Reservoir Loop Trail. See page 22. ANTONIO MAZZARA, Stamford LAUREN L. McGREGOR, ESQ., Hamden JEFFREY O’DONNELL, Bristol DAVID PLATT, Chester Annual Membership RAYMOND RADIKAS, Glastonbury Connecting People to the Land Individual $ 35 HONORARY DIRECTORS Our mission: The Connecticut Forest & Park Family $ 50 GORDON L. ANDERSON, St. Johns, FL Association protects forests, parks, walking HARROL W. BAKER, JR., Bolton Supporting $ 100 RICHARD A. BAUERFELD, Redding and open spaces for future generations by RUSSELL BRENNEMAN, Westport connecting people to the land. CFPA directly Benefactor $ 250 GEORGE M. CAMP, Middletown involves individuals and families, educators, ANN CUDDY, Ashland, OR community leaders and volunteers to enhance SAMUEL G. DODD, North Andover, MA Life Membership $ 2500 ASTRID T. HANZALEK, Suffield and defend Connecticut’s rich natural heritage. JOHN HIBBARD, Hebron CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that JOSEPH HICKEY, Wethersfield relies on members and supporters to carry out JEAN CRUM JONES, Shelton its mission. Corporate Membership EDWARD A. RICHARDSON, Glastonbury L.P. SPERRY, JR., Middlebury Our vision: We envision Connecticut as a Club / Non-profit $ 75 SALLY L. TAYLOR, Mystic place of scenic beauty whose cities, suburbs, Sustaining $ 100 SIDNEY VAN ZANDT, Noank and villages are linked by a network of parks, Landmark $ 250 STAFF forests, and trails easily accessible for all people to challenge the body and refresh the spirit. We Stewardship $ 500 TRAILS STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR, CLARE CAIN, Old Lyme picture a state where clean water, timber, farm Leadership $ 1000 FIELD COORDINATOR,TRAILS PROGRAM, fresh foods, and other products of the land make COLIN CARROLL, New Haven EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, a significant contribution to our economic and ELIZABETH FOSSETT, Meriden cultural well-being. MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING DIRECTOR, MARTY GOSSELIN, Durham EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ERIC HAMMERLING, West Hartford Connecticut Woodlands DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, JAMES W. LITTLE, Hebron Published quarterly by the ADVANCEMENT ASSISTANT, KARA MURPHY, Guilford LAND CONSERVATION DIRECTOR, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, LINDSAY SUHR, North Haven 16 Meriden Road, FOREST & PROGRAM DIRECTOR, GOODWIN FOREST CENTER, BETH RHINES, Woodstock Rockfall, CT 06481-2961 OFFICE MANAGER, TERESA PETERS, Durham Indexed in the Connecticut Periodical Index, Printed on 60% Recycled, EDITOR, CHRISTINE WOODSIDE ISSN 00106257 FSC and Green-e Certified Paper COPYEDITOR, ROBIN GOLD Telephone: 860-346-TREE GRAPHIC DESIGNER, KAREN WARD Fax: 860-347-7463. E-mail address: [email protected] Web site: ctwoodlands.org

2 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 CONNECTICUT Woodlands

The Magazine of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association SUMMER 2016 Volume 81 No. 2

CONTENTS FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

6 LARCH PLANTATIONS IN 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. SOUTHERN . Out with the dog on a beautiful day, Curiosity or Opportunity? contemplating the invasives. By Lloyd C. Irland and By Eric Lukingbeal. David I. Maass. 5 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE. 9 A STATE FULL OF PRETTY AND State gashed environmental agencies DANGEROUS DAMS. but defended public land and trees. New regulations require By Eric Hammerling. inspections and repairs— landowners struggle to 13 BOOK REVIEW. understand and keep up. A wetlands scientist documents the By Julia Werth. surprising variability of red maple trees’ bark. Reviewed by Robert M. Ricard. 14 CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY. P Photos from CFPA’s meeting at Lockwood Farm and the spring On the Cover: trails workshop. Bill and Candace Powers stand P Blue-Blazed Trails map. on top of the dam that marks the edge of their property. The couple 18 FROM THE LAND. became owners of two-thirds of the Roses and strawberries: dam when they bought their new A Connecticut ramble. home in Windham just over five By Jean Crum Jones. years ago. 21 ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE.

PHOTO BY JULIA WERTH Removing trees? Look for signs of bats first. Reviewed by Robert M. Ricard.

22 TRY THIS HIKE. Enjoy rocks, ridges, and water along the Reservoir Loop in Middletown. By Diane Friend Edwards.

24 ON THE TRAILS. Walcott Trail, not Wolcott: Trail volunteer discovers 40-year typo. By Christine Woodside.

26 OBITUARIES. David Peters, Bernice S. Hibbard.

27 LETTER.

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

plants in the past several decades, and while I Out with the dog on a beautiful day, am gaining on the population, I am running out of steam. My small but determined Japanese knot- contemplating the invasives weed crop lies near a small stream. It would thrive more than it has if I did not cut it down BY ERIC LUKINGBEAL the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council has to bare ground four or five times a year. It is a kept a list of invasive species. Most, but not showy 6- to 10-foot-tall plant with attractive ur eight-month- all of them, are “banned,” that is, prohibited heart-shaped leaves and greenish white flower old Australian from sale, cultivation, or distribution under clusters in late summer. It even boasts some shepherd Jack Connecticut law. In 2014, 98 plants were on winter interest as it turns a rather striking O requires at least the list. Barberry is not, nor is Norway maple, two walks every day. reddish-brown and lasts upright until spring. or burningbush (Euonymus alatus). The strik- Morning and late after- ing reddish pink foliage is a commonplace in My neighbor lets his go, as it serves as a screen noon, we walk in one the fall, both in foundation or mass plantings, for his Revolutionary War-era house, which of two places: along and as escapees in the roadside and woods. sits close to the road. It is easy to see why the west branch of The reason that some plants are not banned landscapers brought it here from Japan. It is Salmon Brook, or in the woods and fallow even though they are invasive is the result of useful in the landscape and will grow almost fields of Granby’s 330-acre Holcomb Farm. the influence of nursery industry representa- anywhere. It is on the banned list. You can- The Holcombs began farming it in 1756; it tion on the council. Most of the plants that not buy it, but you wouldn’t need to. Just dig is still farmed, now by a farmer who sells pro- are invasive but not banned are popular with up a small piece of the rhizome (one inch will duce as a CSA (which stands for “community- the public. They are big sellers. I confess to suffice) from which it spreads, and you will supported agriculture,” meaning that people having a Norway maple (Acer platanoides)— have a colony before you know it. pledge to pay for weekly deliveries of what’s in a Crimson King variety) in my yard, although The climbing vine Oriental bittersweet season). Enormous sycamores line the brook, it was already here, and rather petite, when has its defenders, even though it is banned. and red and white oak mixed with red maple we bought the place. Its red fruits inside an orange-yellow shell and mostly dying white ash and hemlock fill We are rightly proud of our Connecticut are unmistakable. It can strangle vegeta- out the woods. In both places, spicebush forest cover (about 59 percent, 13th in the tion, even large trees, in a decade. Smaller (Lindera benzoin) show their tiny, pale yel- United States). But we ought not ignore the and weaker trees like birch will break under low flowers that precede the leaves unfold- increasing prevalence of invasive plants in the its weight. It is often seen around Christmas ing. A few trillium push up in the brook’s woods. The definition of an invasive plant is a time, in ornamental wreaths. I have watched floodplain, the ancient source of the Hol- nonnative that disrupts or harms the environ- a wreath maker collect it from the trees on comb Farm’s remarkable fertility. ment, economy, or human health. Lacking my street. There is a native, American bit- These plants are all familiar sights in the competition, parasites, predators, or patho- tersweet, which is nearly identical in appear- early spring in Granby’s woods. The settlers gens, it is able to increase its population size ance and less aggressive. But it is uncommon here in the 18th century would have recog- very quickly. It is a threat to biological diver- to the point that some of the experts in inva- nized all of them. But they would not have sity because it outcompetes native species in sive species control claim never to have seen the same ecological niche. recognized some of the other plants that have it in Connecticut. come close to dominating the landscape here y own personal struggles with invasive Another common invasive, autumn olive and around Connecticut. That early spring plants have centered around three: Mul- (Elaeagnus umbellata) was planted extensively glow of soft green, 2 or 3 feet tall? That’s M tiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese along Connecticut highways by the Depart- Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). The knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), and Ori- ment of Transportation. The red fruit is edi- woods, as well as the edges of fields, are full ental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). The ble picked off the tree and makes a tasty jelly. of it. It’s especially noticeable in the very early rose, first brought to this country in 1866 One plant on the list intrigues me. I’ve never spring, as it is among the very first plants to and widely planted as roadside hedges in the seen it that I know of, and it is not yet known leaf out. Brought here from Asia in the 19th 1930s, will quickly take over fallow fields and to be naturalized in Connecticut. It is the tansy century, it has been planted as an ornamen- edges if not cut down at least annually. It will ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), commonly known tal hedge, prized for its oval red berries and also grow in fairly deep shade in the woods. as “stinking Willie.” The way things are going, bright fall color. Some invasive barberries are From a distance, it is pretty in bloom, and I’m pretty sure we will meet up soon. still sold in the nursery trade. quite fragrant. Its thorns are so sharp and I use the example of the barberry only abundant that it can be used as fencing for Eric Lukingbeal is a retired environmental because it is so familiar. But many other livestock (except for goats, which will eat lawyer. He lives with his wife, Sally King, in plants are considered invasive here. Since it quite happily). I estimate that I have cut Granby, where he serves on the town’s land 2003, in response to a legislative mandate, down, dug out, and removed several hundred trust and planning and zoning commission.

4 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE

State gashed environmental agencies but defended public land and trees

BY ERIC HAMMERLING Initiative/Green Bank, and the new bond- 2. Public Notice of Planned Tree Remov- ing for recreational trails and greenways. als Along Municipal Roads. This bill rom February to Whether they were “trimmed” or “gashed” (House Bill 5150) supports three impor- May, the state depends on your perspective, but all were tant steps forward for municipal trees. budget consumed hit hard. First, electric utilities must notify each F99 percent of the The good news is that two important bills town of proposed tree pruning and oxygen at the Gen- passed that enabled some badly needed rays removals by the end of January, and eral Assembly. Con- of sunlight to penetrate into this otherwise towns will have 14 days to make these tentious wrangling dark and gloomy session: plans publicly available. Second, elec- over the budget and 1. Constitutional Amendment to Bet- tric utilities must remove or dispose of deep budget cuts are two leading reasons why ter Protect Public Lands. Senate Joint debris from their authorized tree prun- 22 legislators (including the Speaker of the Resolution 36 (SJ 36) calls for amend- ing and removals. Finally, when munici- House and perhaps others by the time you ing the state constitution to ensure that pal tree wardens plan to remove shrubs, read this) decided that 2016 would be a good the General Assembly cannot dispose of they may notify the public with one post- year to retire. state-owned public lands without both ing for a group of shrubs instead of indi- The final budget significantly cut funding a public hearing and a separate bill for vidual postings for each shrub. Repre- to primary state agencies that help protect any proposed land conveyance (and the sentatives Mike D’Agostino and James Connecticut’s air, water, forests, and parks. bill must pass with a two-thirds major- Albis negotiated and moved forward this The Connecticut Department of Energy and ity in both chambers). Under the rules important bill, which will help ensure that Environmental Protection, Department of for constitutional amendments, this same we are better informed about tree prun- Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Sta- resolution must pass the General Assem- ing and cutting in towns and cities. tion, Council on Environmental Quality, bly again in either 2017 or 2018 to get The Connecticut Forest & Park Associa- and others are now less able to fulfill their on the ballot for November 2018. This tion worked hard to promote these two bills, missions. Also cut were major environmental was an enormous step toward better pro- and many of our partners and supporters like programs, including the Community Invest- tecting state lands, and great bipartisan you took the time to contact their legisla- ment Act, the Open Space and Watershed support was expressed in both chambers tors. This work made a difference for every- Land Acquisition Program, the Farmland (though Senator Kevin Witkos and Rep- one. Thank you! Protection Program, funding for state parks resentative Roberta Willis deserve extra Eric Hammerling has directed CFPA for and forests, the Regional Greenhouse Gas special recognition for their efforts). eight years. He lives in West Hartford.

About Connecticut Forest & Park Association ADVERTISING RATES and Connecticut Woodlands Magazine Full page: $450 Connecticut Woodlands is a quarterly magazine published since 1936 by CFPA, a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conserv- Half page: $225 ing the land, trails, and natural resources of Connecticut. Quarter page: Members of CFPA receive the magazine in the mail four times a year. $112

For more information about CFPA, to join or donate online, visit our Eighth page: $75 website, www.ctwoodlands.org, or call 860-346-TREE. Design services available for a fee. Give the gift of membership in CFPA. Contact Marty Gosselin at 860-346-TREE.

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 5 LARCH PLANTATIONS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND CURIOSITY OR OPPORTUNITY?

6 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 Left, inset, these larches were planted on South Central Connecticut Regional Water Resources Authority lands in 1970, as a nurse crop for white pine to forestall weevil damage. The larches clearly outgrew the pines, growing almost 2 feet per year over 46 years. BING.COM

Left, Larch flooring in Connwood, Inc. office in Middlefield. The lumber came from exotic larches thinned from a stand that provided a screen of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority’s Hammonasset Reservoir in Madison and Killingworth. TIM HAWLEY

BY LLOYD C. IRLAND AND DAVID I. MAASS

t the recent New England Society of American Foresters meeting in Stur- bridge, , two posters A showcased the results of growing exotic larches in Maine and Vermont. In chatting casually with researchers, we found that these species have been planted in sev- eral places in southern New England. At one time, landowners and researchers planted GREAT MOUNTAIN FOREST larches, Norway spruce, Scots pine, and Jody Bronson and Wes Gomez stand with Japanese larches in Great Mountain Forest. The stand has other exotics. Some of these trials are as been thinned only once since it was planted in 1952. old as 100 years. We will concentrate on Connecticut in this article, although we also learned of examples in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We and other foresters, addressing exotic European (L. decidua), Japanese (L. kaempferi or leptolepis) and Dahurian including some of the pioneers planting and larches (L. gmelinii) and their hybrids. If there is any Siberian larch (L. sibirica) out there, studying larches in this region, have formed we haven’t bumped into it yet. Another well-known hybrid we have not found is the Jap- what we call the Larch Virtual Experiment anese/European variety called the Dunkeld (Larix x marsclhlinsii Coaz). Station. Here we introduce our subject in the hope that others with larch plant- How Do Exotic Larches Grow? ings will let us know about them and their Very fast. experiences. In well-designed trials in Maine, exotic larches grew in height and diameter much faster than native species. The hybrids grew even faster. Our Web site larchresearch.com con- Exotic Larches, Not Native tains published research that documents examples of fast growth in the United States and We are not talking about the native Europe. Unfortunately, even in research forests, many larch plantings have not been re-mea- larch, or tamarack, often known as hack- sured recently, so whether the fast growth continues for the life of the trees isn’t certain. matack or hack (Larix laricina). We are only In northern New England, our collection so far includes seven stands between 30 and

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 7 IN NEW YORK, PLANTED LARCHES ON STATE LANDS HAVE SOLD FOR THE SAME PRICES AS WHITE PINE. IN MAINE, WE ARE NOT SEEING PRICES AS HIGH AS THIS.

75 years old whose mean diameter growth has averaged 0.25 inch Processing larch requires knowledge of the proper drying sched- per year. These trees’ heights measure between 73 feet and 105 feet ules. A sawmill in New York has worked this out. A mill in Maine (growing 1.4 to 2.1 feet per year). We studied seven other stands of recently sawed about 50,000 board feet of Japanese larch logs, aged exotic larches between 22 and 24 years old; these grew in diameter 51 years. The mill owners loved the quality but had problems with at an average of 0.43 inch per year and reached heights between 45 resin clogging saws. We need to learn how the people in Japan deal and 67 feet (1.9 to 2.8 feet per year). with this problem. In New York, planted larches on state lands have Examples of larches at varying ages are growing on the University sold for the same prices as white pine. In Maine, we are not seeing of Connecticut University Forest lands, at Great Mountain Forest in prices as high as this. Norfolk, on open-space land in Middletown, and at the lands of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. A few individ- Should We Plant Exotics? uals can be found at the Yale Myers Forest. We need a series of cur- rent measurements on existing stands in southern New England and We must ask this question. We would not recommend planting assessments of their condition, to see how their performance com- these trees in vast areas, and we don’t expect that tree farm owners pares those of stands in northerly areas. We hope this article might would do that. Larch will be used in small patches, old fields, or in stimulate curiosity about this and provide more examples. mixtures. If they had not already been here for a century or more, we would advise extreme care before introducing them. We are aware What Are Some Silvicultural Uses for Larches? of no scientific studies, but managers familiar with these trees have With the rapid growth rates, if well managed, larches can produce reported no reasons to fear that they will take over the forest. Some small sawlogs of good quality in 20 to 25 years. There has been little owners will want to avoid using exotics on principle, but we see no research on thinning, but we believe larch stands will benefit from it. reason at present to write them off as a curiosity just yet. In southern Sweden, foresters experiment with larch as a nurse Larches have been observed to reproduce naturally in areas where crop for oak. Anybody out there have too much oak regeneration? enough sunlight is present and may be considered naturalized in some In Connecticut, larch has been interplanted with white pine in an localities. European larch is a widely used ornamental tree around effort to fend off weevil damage. We know of no published work on the Northeast. There may be more larch trees standing in subur- this subject, but if successful, these plantations could offer a prom- ising mixture, with the larches ready for harvest ahead of the pines. ban yards than there are in timber-growing situations in rural areas. Water supply managers have planted exotic larches along reser- Should we be looking carefully at potential adverse effects? Certainly. voirs as waterfront screens. Continue Studying the Experiment Finally, a rapidly growing conifer like the larch could store carbon. Considering white pine’s challenges with blister rust and weevils, What Are People Doing With Larch? the movement of pine beetles and hemlock wooly adelgid into this Many things. region, and past disappointments with planting red pine, southern All of them are small-mill, short-production-run products. It could New England’s portfolio of softwoods seems to be on the wane. hardly be otherwise as the supply is so small. Our group has been Most of the planting opportunities are now history. But there remain looking at this for two years or more, and we keep bumping into many small patches on farms and woodland properties where own- new uses. Here is a list: ers would like to actively grow something. Shouldn’t larch be con- Larch products needing drying: sidered as an opportunity instead of a mere curiosity? We need to P Flooring: Connwood Foresters recently installed larch flooring learn much more from established plantings concerning invasive- New regulations require inspections and repairs— at its Middlefield headquarters DAMS ness, environmental aspects, response to management, and any issues P Wall paneling: One of the Department of Energy and Environ- landowners struggle to understand and keep up with insects, diseases, or weather damage. A great, unplanned nat- mental Protection offices in Marlborough is finished with larch ural experiment is already out there. Why not take a close look and paneling cut from a state forest P Millwork items see what it can tell us? If you are curious about this subject, look at the website: Larch products that do not need drying, or need air-drying only: P Decking larchresearch.com. P Bridge timbers Lloyd Irland is a principal of the Irland Group in Wayne, Maine, and P Poles for hopyards (microbreweries are growing fast) faculty associate at the University of Maine School of Forest Resources. P Sills for sheds or small buildings He is a former research scientist and lecturer at the Yale School of For- P Canoe parts estry and Environmental Studies. David Maass is an independent con- P Shipbuilding—in the early 19th century, the Royal Navy sultant in Portland, Maine. The authors acknowledge help from Jody was convinced that ships could be built of larch and advocated Bronson, Tim Hawley, and Tom Worthley in performing measurements planting it for future Navy needs. Some pulp mills will buy larch, and searching files for data. but because that market is far from southern New England, it’s probably unlikely that larches were used for ships here.

8 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 A State Full of Pretty and Dangerous

DAMSNew regulations require inspections and repairs— landowners struggle to understand and keep up

BY JULIA WERTH

ive years ago, Bill and Candace Powers finally bought their dream house on the edge of Robinson Pond, in Windham. The house brought with it everything they F could have wanted: a beautiful view, a spacious home, and a place to kayak all summer long. The house also brought with it the ownership of a significant hazard. “My first thought was, ‘uh-oh,” Mrs. Powers said. “‘I’m going to own a dam; what does that mean?’”

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 9 At the time, that was not clear. When they became owners of one of 550 Connecticut dams now classi- fied as high or significant hazard, their dam had no emergency action plan, had never been inspected— as far as the neighbors knew—and it wasn’t even reg- istered with the state. The Powers family took the initiative to hire a spe- cialist to inspect the dam and with the aid of their neighbors paid thousands of dollars to create an emergency action plan. Their actions are not the norm. Several of the nearly 3,000 dams throughout Connecticut, includ- ing many classified as high and significant hazard, haven’t been inspected since the last major flood in 1982, leaving those downstream in danger of flooding if a severe storm ever were to hit, accord- ing to the Department of Energy and Environmen- tal Protection. The threat is very real. In 1982, floodwaters over- topped and broke 17 dams and damaged many more, resulting in 11 deaths and $276 million worth of damage, according to the National Weather Service. Scientists say climate change is likely to provoke a greater number of severe storms in the future. In response, the state in 2013 passed a law raising the responsibilities of all private dam owners in an effort to increase the safety of all Connecticut resi- dents. On February 3 of this year, the DEEP adopted new regulations in connection with this state law detailing the requirements and enforcement of the act, said Arthur Christian, engineer of the depart- ment’s dam safety program. “The regulations allowed us to explain how to

The Powers home and barn on the edge of Robin- son Pond in Windham Connecticut. When the Pow- erses bought this property five years ago, it came with the ownership of a class B, significant hazard, dam that had never been registered or inspected by the state.

This drain in Robinson Pond, a manmade pond in Windham, Connecticut, often becomes clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris. The Powerses and their neighbors clean it out during their frequent kayaks around the pond.

Candace Powers looks out over Robinson Pond from the top of the class B, significant hazard, dam that she, along with her husband, became an owner of five years ago. For her, the difficulties that come with owning a dam are worth it for the joy of her frequent kayak trips in her own backyard.

JULIA WERTH

10 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 write an emergency action plan and how However, some of Connecticut’s dam own- The dam on the bank of Robinson Pond in inspections should be done,” Mr. Christian ers, such as the Powerses, are in an older Windham Connecticut was unregistered said. “The original law [from 1987] never age bracket, and they do not regularly use with the state for decades. The dam is now really spoke to emergency action plans. If or have access to the Internet. Therefore, registered as a significant hazard class B someone had a dam that they didn’t main- they missed the chance to participate in dam and has an emergency action plan its owners can follow in case of an emergency. tain, we had no way to order them to do an the formation of regulations that directly emergency action plan.” affect them. JULIA WERTH Although the Powerses said they support When Connecticut Woodlands last looked the new regulation’s mission, they said they into the threat dams pose in Connecti- were frustrated with the lack of open com- cut (“The 100-Year Storm,” by Christine munication from the DEEP and the General Woodside, spring 2008, Volume 73, No. Assembly during the talks about the regula- 1), the state had yet to determine how new tions. “It kind of burns me a little bit because data indicating increased rainfall and poten- I wasn’t included in that,” Mr. Powers said. tial for a 100-year storm should affect dam The state posted a public announcement safety standards. Eight years later, with the about the hearings for both the law and the new regulations adopted, the state finally has regulations and it was on the DEEP website. done that.

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 11 Periodic inspections are now required Under the new regulations, dam owners of private dams by a professional engineer must be told by January 15 of each year if hired by the dam owner, and a revised emer- they are due for an inspection. If they do gency action plan for high and significant not follow through by the end of the year, hazard dams every two years, according to the state will issue a notice of violation, and the DEEP. Under the previous regulations, three months later, the penalties will begin. the DEEP would come, do the inspection, Dam owners will be “charged $3,000 if they and charge the dam owner no more than delay and the state has to do the inspection,” $660, according to Mr. Christian. However, Mr. Christian said. “Procrastination is not to the inspection will now cost at least $2,600 their benefit.” every five years for the Powerses and their It is hoped that the fines will diminish the neighbors, in addition to about $500 for the increasing threat of a break that could result plan, according to an estimate by the engi- in injuries or washed out roads, Ms. Chase neer they hired. said. State officials said it wasn’t simply lack “Responsibility for meeting these obli- of people to enforce the inspections that gations is also now clearly resulted in potentially dan- placed where it belongs: gerous dams across the state; with the owners of dam BEFORE 2013, “THERE WERE it was a lack of awareness. structures,” DEEP Com- ONLY FIVE WORKERS HAVING “Once you get down to missioner Robert Klee said TO DO ALL THE PERMITS AND the second level [of dam in a February press release. classification], the owners But this much respon- INSPECT ALL THE DAMS. WITH sometimes don’t know they sibility seems unjusti- OWNERS NOW REQUIRED TO own the dam,” Mr. Christian fied to some Connecticut said. “We have to explain dam owners. “You don’t HIRE AN ENGINEER ON THEIR where their dam is and why see this in other situations OWN, MORE THAN 200 DAMS they own it. We are trying to where the state is sup- CAN BE INSPECTED EACH have outreach because dam posed to do inspections,” owners need to understand.” Mr. Powers said. “It would YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE For example, he said, in be like the health depart- 100 THAT WAS THE TYPICAL Greenwich, one high haz- ment saying to a restaurant ard dam has not been main- you have to hire your own ANNUAL AMOUNT, tained by two owners. One inspectors.” — Cheryl Chase, of them has no legal obliga- The state does not director of the DEEP’s tion for maintenance, and see it this way. “One of inland water resources the other has been impossi- the things to remem- division. ble to contact. In this sce- ber is that these [dams], nario, the state has reserved unlike bridges, are actu- the right to inspect the dam JULIA WERTH ally owned by individu- and perform the necessary maintenance, or Candace and Bill Powers stand on their dam. als or companies, and they have an obliga- potentially take it down. tion and a responsibility to maintain and “The inspection for these kinds of dams keep the dam,” Mr. Christian said. “We would come out of our budget,” Mr. Chris- tell them how to do it, and make sure they tian said. “If we are going to do the removal up with the money for any necessary main- do it.” or make it safe, then we have to go look for tenance or improvements is the most diffi- Before 2013, “there were only five work- money, which is difficult to find today.” cult part,” Mrs. Powers said. “It’s like you ers having to do all the permits and inspect As once completely unaware potential own something. It’s kind of like having all the dams,” said Cheryl Chase, director dam owners, the Powers family said they a baby.” of the DEEP’s inland water resources divi- could not agree more with the DEEP’s goal sion. With owners now required to hire an to increase education and awareness. After Julia Werth is a senior at the University of engineer on their own, more than 200 dams buying property with a dam, homeowners Connecticut who is majoring in both jour- can be inspected each year, compared with need to learn how to take care of their new nalism and nutritional sciences. Beginning the 100 that was the typical annual amount, acquisition, and, according to the Powerses, in August, she is editor-in-chief of the Daily Ms. Chase said. it’s not easy to learn without pestering the Campus, the student newspaper. The new regulations are increasing owner state for help. responsibility and cracking down on enforce- “Maintaining proper inspection and fol- ment as well. lowing government regulations and coming

12 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 BOOK REVIEW THE MANY FACES OF A MOST COMMON TREE: EXTRAORDINARY DIVERSITY IN NATIVE RED MAPLE By Scott S. Hobson. North Charleston, South Carolina: CreativeSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015, 254 pages

BY ROBERT M. RICARD these variations. He enjoys, rather, pre- me of the self-published books by the dis- senting his notions of why and what causes tinguished and legendary U.S. Forest Ser- aples (Acer species) are one of the these variations that his vibrant close-ups of vice research scientist, the late Dr. Alex most ubiquitous tree species in New bark reveal. Shigo. During that burst of classical forest England, sometimes regarded as the As it turns out, reasonable yet sporadic genetics research, in the 1970s and 1980s, M defining species, especially when fall science explains red maple variability. The Dr. Shigo produced his most influential— foliage season comes around. This is for 1970s brought a burst of forest and tree and sometimes controversial—theories. His good reason; the genus is composed of six genetics research just as molecular genet- most renowned research was in the genet- species in the region that, in places, domi- ics began to dominate studies of tree his- ics of compartmentalization: walling off a nate the forested as well as tory. The U.S. Forest Service tree wound. This research showed that tree the built landscape. Research Laboratories, the wounding was often under genetic control Perhaps the most famil- U.S. National Arboretum, and that, depending on the genetic variabil- iar and appreciated is sugar and several universities con- ity of the species, strong compartmentaliza- maple (Acer saccharum), ducted this research, which tion could be bred into successive genera- which provides maple syrup, focused on northern hard- tions of the tree. sugar products, and vibrant, woods (including maples). The research of that period proved that golden fall foliage. Our Foresters and ecologists red maple is genetically highly variable. This regard for the sugar maple have long recognized that red is what Mr. Hobson shows with his pic- shows in its designation as maple is one of North Amer- tures. I loved three sections most: “Knobby state tree in New York, Ver- ica’s most abundant trees and Trunks,” “Mature and Distinguished,” and mont, and West Virginia. that it is geographically, mor- “Damage and Decay.” The scientific liter- The author of this book, phologically, and ecologi- ature suggests a reason for the knobs and wetlands scientist Scott S. cally diverse. The species covers a wide ter- other surficial distortions: the species is Hobson, works in the only state that has ritory from Newfoundland south to Florida, highly susceptible to damaging agents— adopted the red maple (Acer rubrum) as insects, diseases, mechanical. The species state tree—Rhode Island. Schoolchildren from the East Coast to the Mississippi River, also has a strong ability to compartmental- there voted for the red maple in 1890; the jumping over to Texas and Oklahoma. It ize (wall off) wounds. This combination of designation became official in 1964. Mr. thrives from sea level to around 3,000 feet. wounding and walling off would, therefore, Hobson encountered this native species It grows in a wide range of soil types and make for the curious structures he shows in early on, growing up in Connecticut and tolerates wet and dry soil. It is seemingly the last few chapters. earning degrees from the University of Con- indifferent to its position relative to the sun. This book is fun, if you work at it a lit- necticut. Mr. Hobson’s forester and arborist Its adaptability makes it a good tree for dis- tle. It is not a coffee table book, per se, that father helped establish his curiosity for the turbed soils such as in cities: plant breeders you pick up to look at the pretty pictures, woodland world. have cultivated numerous varieties for urban although you certainly can do this. You Clearly, the red maple caught his notice and suburban landscapes. should move from the beginning to end, as early. He became obsessed with it. This This knowledge can help explain the vari- the author would like you to do. The pic- has led to a work of love and devotion to ation Mr. Hobson wonderfully presents in tures begin with the simplest tree bark char- detail—really significant detail—for red pictures that are arranged systematically by acteristics and move on to the more complex maple variability, especially its bark. This his classification scheme. Although I found and profound—like a musical piece build- self-published book is a dense photographic the details to be sometimes redundant, I ing to a crescendo. In doing this, you will essay documenting his fascination with the found that after I spent time following his get his deeper thinking of both the simplic- wide variation in the look and characteris- narrative under each photograph, I began to ity and the complexity to the tree in looks tics of red maples. He describes each pho- appreciate what he sees and began to get it. and characteristics. I suggest you give this tograph, but what makes this book so valu- For Scientists and Nonscientists book a look and spend some time going able are the many photos and the system of from start to finish. classification he has constructed. This is not simply a pretty picture book In his introductory sections, Mr. Hobson of trees; it is more a type of book that some Robert M. Ricard is a senior extension educa- declares that he’s not interested so much scientists, as well as the general reader, will tor for the University of Connecticut in West in the science of genetic controls behind find rich with nuance. The book reminds Hartford.

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 13 CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2016 (Clare Cain). new bridgeinBranford (Scott Livingston). plantings atLockwoodFarm annual meeting(ScottLivingston). (Clare Cain). (Scott Livingston). (Christine Woodside). Lockwood pavilionwheretheysat oversaw theconstructionof Timber Frames.Mr.Strong Farms andSteveStrongof TerryJonesoftheFamily (Scott Livingston). (Scott Livingston). CFPA PresidentEricLukingbeal Eric Hammerlingwith salvaged trees(ScottLivingston). 13. 12. 11. 10. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1, 9, town. Photographers’ names are inparentheses. Stonyin the Creek Trail System of Van the Wie inthat Preserve clearing and marking trails, placing rocks, and building bridges later, volunteer workers trail for CFPA joined with Branford Agricultural Experiment Station’s Farm. Lockwood Two days pavilion built at of timber Connecticut Connecticut the members and of Board the Directors gathered beneath anew The month of May was a timebusy for CFPA. On May 19, VOLUNTEERS AT WORK PARK& ASSOCIATION CONNECTICUT FOREST Federation (BeaHolt). talks withZachCockrum,regionalliaisonfortheNationalWildlife (Scott Livingston). 14 EntrancetobirdandbutterflygardenatLockwoodFarm CFPAExecutiveDirector and TedEsselstynofCityBenchtalksaboutmakingfurniturefrom

Mr.Esselstynwithpanelists Elizabeth Fossett,CFPA’seventsandvolunteercoordinator,

A postershowstheBlue-BlazedHikingTrailSystem Adirtroadweavespast Mr.Lukingbealrunsthe | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS |SUMMER 2016 Clearing asectionoftrail and 8 . Trailworkersmakea 14 : ViewsoftheLockwoodpavilion’sgracefulconstruction 10. 10.

1. 6. 11. 2. 12. 3. 5.

4.

8. CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2016

7. 9.

13.

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SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 15 The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, established in

FALLS APPALACHIAN METACOMET 1929, currently total more than 825 miles of trails BROOK NIPMUCK in 96 towns. The trails are open year-round to IRON

AMERICAN all forms of foot travel unless otherwise posted. LEGION/PEOPLES McLEAN SHENIPSIT The trails, marked with dollar-bill-sized blazes in a signature shade of light blue, open routes to MOHAWK exploring the open spaces and protected lands ALAIN & MAY WHITE, JOHN MUIR, of Connecticut. Short loops hikes, long point-to- WALCOTT TUNXIS METACOMET point hikes, and everything in between can be RISLEY POND MACEDONIA found on the Blue Trails. BROOK PROSPECT NATCHAUG OLD FURNACE MOUNTAIN NIPMUCK GAY The trails are maintained by dedicated CITY PLAINFIELD volunteers who contribute approximately MATTATUCK MATTATUCK APPALACHIAN 20,000 hours of trail work every QUINEBAUG SHENIPSIT year. Trail volunteers clear brush HANCOCK BROOK, HIBBARD PACHAUG JERICHO, WHITESTONE CLIFFS FRANKLIN

and downed trees, paint blazes and install HOUSATONIC signs, coordinate work parties, and install TUNXIS HIGHLAWN SALMON NEHANTIC FOREST RIVER bridges and additional trail structures as MIDDLEFIELDCFPA SCOVILL necessary. CFPA welcomes new volunteers SUNNY VALLEY NARRAGANSETT to help with trail maintenance. For information FIELD MATTABESETT about the trails and volunteering, NAUGATUCK QUINNIPIAC FOREST PEQUOT SLEEPING COCKAPONSET see ctwoodlands.org. LILLINONAH GIANT NAYANTAQUIT

KETTLETOWN, ZOAR, POMPERAUG MATTABESETT

CHATFIELD CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2016 THE COMMUNITY IN CFPA PAUGUSSETT REGICIDES ASPETUCK STONY CREEK MENUNKATUCK

SAUGATUCK

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16 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | FALLSUMM 2014ER 2016 FALLS APPALACHIAN METACOMET BROOK NIPMUCK IRON

AMERICAN LEGION/PEOPLES McLEAN SHENIPSIT

MOHAWK ALAIN & MAY WHITE, JOHN MUIR, WALCOTT TUNXIS METACOMET RISLEY POND MACEDONIA BROOK PROSPECT NATCHAUG OLD FURNACE MOUNTAIN CASE MOUNTAIN NIPMUCK GAY CITY PLAINFIELD MATTATUCK MATTATUCK

APPALACHIAN

QUINEBAUG CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SUMMER 2016

SHENIPSIT HANCOCK BROOK, HIBBARD PACHAUG JERICHO, WHITESTONE CLIFFS FRANKLIN

HOUSATONIC

TUNXIS HIGHLAWN SALMON NEHANTIC FOREST RIVER MIDDLEFIELDCFPA SCOVILL SUNNY VALLEY NARRAGANSETT

FIELD MATTABESETT NAUGATUCK QUINNIPIAC FOREST PEQUOT SLEEPING COCKAPONSET LILLINONAH GIANT NAYANTAQUIT

KETTLETOWN, ZOAR, POMPERAUG MATTABESETT

CHATFIELD PAUGUSSETT REGICIDES ASPETUCK STONY CREEK MENUNKATUCK

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INTERACTIVE BLUE TRAILS MAP ONLINE CONNECTICUT’S http://www.ctwoodlands.org/BlueTrailsMap Whether you’re a devout hiker of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails or a walker looking for a local escape, the Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s new online trails map will help you plan your outing before your boots hit BLUE-BLAZED the ground. As a companion tool to the Connecticut Walk Book, this map will allow you to zoom in and see the latest trail locations, learn trail names and distances, and HIKING TRAILS fully discover all that Connecticut hiking has to offer.

SUMMER FALL 2014 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 17 FROM THE LAND

the vineyard manager can still have time to counteract the spores and prevent the vine- ROSES AND STRAWBERRIES: yard from being infected. That’s the folk- lore, anyway! Our son Jamie planted these roses to enjoy as he drives by in his farm A CONNECTICUT RAMBLE truck and for our winery guests’ pleasure as they sip a glass of wine on the terrace. BY JEAN CRUM JONES diseases. We might battle armies of insects, such as mites or aphids, who mount sneak Wild Roses rosebush grows just outside the door- attacks on delicate plant parts. However, the Other than these dozen rose hybrids, way of our Victorian homestead. We successful grower of roses or strawberries we get most of our rose enjoyment from planted it more than 30 years ago to feels immense pride when both these mag- the wild roses that grow naturally on the A remind me of my late mother’s love of ical plants put on a good June show. The roses. However, the plant quickly revealed farm. About six species of roses are native intense emotions people feel smelling deeply to Connecticut. If we are observant, we another message. Every June, the first red fragrant, beautiful roses and eating intensely can findRosa palustris (Marsh) in wet areas blossom appears as a never-fail signal that delicious strawberries are identical. It’s hard and R. virginiana (Virginia) in thickets. strawberries on our pick-your-own farm will to find the words that describe the sensuous- These true native roses are rather small, ripen within the week. I panic a little, know- ness of the experience. It is no wonder both scrambling shrubs with 3- to 4-foot canes ing how little time I have to attend to the roses and strawberries are strongly associated and 1- to 2-inch blooms. We can recog- details of reopening for the season. with love and passion and so frequently are nize them by their five bright pink pet- Roses and strawberries show many similar- the subjects of poetry. als when they blossom in June. We also ities because they are closely related botani- have some beach roses (R. rugosa) scat- cally. Both are cousins in the rose subfamily Days of Wine and Roses tered about. This species is native to Japan, Rosoideae. According to botanists, the red At the end of each row of grapevines in Korea, and China and was introduced to fleshy part of the strawberry we eat is not our experimental vineyard, we have planted New England in 1845. This hardy species a fruit at all but a flower part. The hybrid a rosebush. Why? It’s an old French tradi- thrives near roadways and all along the varieties of both strawberries and roses share tion. For vineyard managers, it served as an sandy stretches of the New England coast. similar struggles to survive in Connecticut. early warning system, like a canary in a coal It likes dry, sandy soil, is not bothered by They both fight against unpredictable win- mine. Roses and grapevines are both highly salt spray or bitter cold, and likes likes lots ters with alternating severe freezes and mid- susceptible to powdery mildew, but roses are of sun. Rugosa rose grows in long thick- winter thaws. This is generally followed by even more sensitive. If a rose shows signs of ets from 1 to 6 feet and frequently blooms oppressive summer humidity and the sub- being infected by mildew or mold, chances all summer with flower colors of white or sequent never-ending battle against fungal are the vineyard hasn’t been affected yet and rose. Afterward, large fleshy, orange-red hips are produced that can be gathered for rose hip preserves and tea. This attractive shrub is commonly seen along the Con- necticut shoreline. In some places, because of its dense growth, it is displacing native vegetation on sand dunes. Potentially, R. rugosa may become an invasive species problem for some Connecticut beaches. One invasive rose species our farm has struggled with is the R. multiflora. It was introduced into the United States as an ornamental rootstock from Japan in 1866. From the 1930s into the 1950s, the U.S. Soil Conser- vation Service promoted its use on farms for erosion control and livestock fencing. Unfortunately, it became a tenacious foe to the

ADOBESTOCK PHOTOS

18 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | FALL 2014 farmer. The multiflora rose is a dense, varieties of tea roses, so that they thorny shrub that reaches to 15 feet could display their beautiful buds in height, with arching canes that can at Victorian flower shows, which ramble up trees or bend to the earth. became all the rage. By 1920, hybrid This serious invasive has a wide tol- teas dominated the flower markets, erance for various soil, moisture, and and they remain the most popular light conditions and can grow on the rose today. Unfortunately, these tea edges of woods, along stream banks, roses lost the beguiling fragrance of and by roadsides. A single plant can the wild rose and are fussy to grow. produce a million seeds per year, One of the most well-known roses, which may remain viable for as long “Peace,” was smuggled into America as 20 years. Birds devour the hips and from Occupied France in 1945 and are the primary seed dispersers. Mul- created sensational interest in rose tiflora rose forms impenetrable thick- growing by new suburban home- ets and has very strong, sharp thorns. owners after World War II. The love When I first came to the farm in the of roses and the process of hybridiz- early 1970s, the farm crew was at war ing have led to the creation of thou- with the miserable multiflora rose. sands of modern cultivars. The crew worked hard at cutting it back several times each growing sea- Connecticut’s Rose Fame son for four to five years—a most Connecticut has been noteworthy unpleasant task. The multiflora rose for its production of roses. In 1925, growth is under control now at our Cromwell was home to the largest farm but requires constant vigilance. rose growing company in the United Since we have no time on the farm AT THE END OF EACH ROW OF GRAPEVINES IN OUR EXPERIMENTAL States and was nicknamed “Rose to nurture an elaborate floral garden, Town.” Visitors came to marvel at I am fortunate to live close to sev- VINEYARD, WE HAVE PLANTED A ROSEBUSH. “the crystal village” and the “sea eral wonderful public gardens, which of glass” as they looked upon acres I seek out as refuges of beauty and WHY? IT’S AN OLD FRENCH TRADITION. and acres of greenhouses, which were peacefulness. Roses are especially fas- considered one of the floricultural cinating to look at because there are In 1799, Empress Josephine Bonaparte, wonders of the world. Anders Pier- so many varieties and they have such inter- wife of Napoleon, a passionate rose lover, son, a Swedish immigrant, started the Pier- esting names. Roses tend to be well labeled began creating a most remarkable rose gar- son Floral Nursery in the 1880s. He had and are easy to identify. But, how did there den at Malmaison, her country chateau done a childhood apprenticeship with a flo- get to be such an abundance of rose per- outside Paris. Her gardeners planted and rist in Sweden, came to the United States sonalities and why do they look so different included every variety known at that time, when he was 19, and was determined to be from our wild roses on the farm? about 250. Her husband brought back rose a “hothouse man.” He was fueled by his belief: “Flowers are not a luxury wholly, but A Brief History of Roses plants from his conquests. Then, she had they are an integral part of a well-ordered the famed botanical illustrator, Pierre-Joseph The rose is one of the oldest flowers life.” The entire Pierson family worked in Redoute, create a monumental series of rose known to man. Fossilized remains from 35 the business and was successfully market- paintings, which included many of her gar- million years ago have been found in Colo- ing carnations, violets, and roses to New den roses. Also, in 1789, the R. chinensis rado, Montana, and Oregon. There is evi- York City by 1890. His company employed (China) was introduced into Europe and had dence the Chinese were cultivating roses many Swedish immigrants whom Mr. Pier- the amazing ability to flower more than once some 5,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks son encouraged to follow his lead in com- a year, rather than only in early summer as grew roses for the beauty of the flowers ing to America. Mr. Pierson’s passion was but also for medicines and perfumes. The the traditional wild roses do. A powerful rose roses, and he wanted to develop the perfect Romans of Empire days loved roses and obsession arose and set the stage for breed- rose. In 1895, he discovered a new strain of established early rose-growing technology— ing work to develop new rose hybrids with roses, which were sturdier, yet more beau- growing them in greenhouses and using new shapes and new colors. A technique of tiful than any other. Becoming A.N. Pier- warm water irrigation. In the 16th century, growing “bush roses” trains them into a son, Inc., in 1908, the company continued colonists brought English and French roses compact shapes. to grow all kinds of flowers for markets that to North America, making them the longest In 1867, a French breeder produced the extended from Boston to Washington, D.C., cultivated European flowers in the Ameri- first hybrid of the tea rose, which was distin- to western New York state. However, roses cas. Captain John Smith of Virginia noted guished by a long, shapely bud and had the were their premiere product. When “The the American Indians planted native roses continual blooming characteristic. Rose King” died in 1925, the company was by their summer camps. Eager breeders worked to develop new employing 500 workers.

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 19 OLD SAYBROOK Save Time, Save Gas, Shop... The Shoreline’s

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The company continued under the wise management of Pierson’s son, grandson, and great-grandson. In 1989, A.N. Pierson sold more than 9 million roses. Times, however, began to get rocky for the com- Hull Forest Products Inc. pany as the price of fuel oil began to skyrocket in New England. But, Serving The Needs of Forest Landowners the death knell came when the company was faced with fierce com- Since 1972. petition from roses imported from Columbia and Ecuador. Agrono- mists discovered that roses grew well in the dry fertile soils of northern South America with its intense sunlight, dry air, and year-round equato- Providing Numerous Forestry Services: rial temperatures. The rose workers there could be paid less for a day’s Four Certified Foresters On Staff work than an American received for an hour. The Andean Trade Pref- Forest Management Planning erence Act, passed in 1991, removed trade barriers from these drug- Tree Farm Certification producing countries and encouraged the Columbian and Ecuador- Wildlife Habitat Management ian rose industry to rapidly take off, despite the fact the flowers had to travel 5,000 miles before arriving in the United States at a supermar- Timber Stand Improvements ket or florist. Today, nearly 80 percent of the 4 billion cut flower roses CT Forestland Property Tax Classification come from South America. A.N. Pierson, Inc., part of the historical fabric of Connecticut, ceased operation in 1991, overpowered by the Purchasing Standing Timber. overseas competition. Another significant rose farm that suffered the same fate as For A Free Initial Consultation or Sawtimber Pierson’s is the Pinchbeck Rose Farm in Guilford. William Pinchbeck Appraisal Please Call: Jr., a seasoned florist, founded his “rose-colored vision” in 1929 to sup- ply the wholesale flower markets from New York to Boston. He pur- chased property in Guilford to be midway between the two massive Hull Forest Products Inc. markets. Pinchbeck then contracted Lord & Burnham, famous build- 101 Hampton Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 ers of fine glass conservatories, to build a quarter-mile-long glass house. (860) 974-2083 or (800) 353-3331 This structure, which remains the largest single-span greenhouse in the www.hullforest.com United States, is significant not only for its size but also for the four generations of the Pinchbeck family who worked it for 80 years, spe- cializing in high-quality Connecticut roses. A second glass house half the size of the first was added in 1936. At the height of its production in the early 1990s, Pinchbeck’s employed 40 workers, housed 90,000 Ferrucci & Walicki, LLC Fall 2010 CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS 21 rose plants, and produced 3 million roses. Land Management Consultants The farm closed its rose business about 10 years ago because of the Environmental Stewardship inability to compete with the South American roses. Fortunately for and Land Management since 1982 fourth-generation Tom Pinchbeck, a unique opportunity presented itself when the Ability Beyond organization proposed a partnership • Forest & Open Space Management Services that would enable career training for teenage students with autism • Property Tax Work (PA 490 & Chapter 61) while learning the greenhouse and farming business. Since 2009, Roses • GIS & GPS-based Mapping for Autism has helped nearly 100 people with autism learn the many • Forest & Wildlife Habitat Improvement aspects of running an agricultural enterprise and has helped develop • Timber Inventories & Appraisals skills that have enabled employability. Pinchbeck Farm now grows a • Professionally Managed Timber Harvests variety of flowers—Gerbera daisies, lilies, snapdragons, and roses— • Environmental Oversight both in the greenhouse and in the large outside cutting garden. Just • Watershed & Utility Land Management this April, Roses for Autism introduced a perfume, Ardent Rose, made • Recreation Plans & Implementation from Pinchbeck’s intensely fragrant rose, the Lavande, as a way to • Forest Stewardship Plans extend the enjoyment of the aroma of roses. Sales of the perfume will help provide scholarship aid to individuals with autism. 6 WAY ROAD After our farm’s strawberry production has peaked in later June and MIDDLEFIELD, CT 06455 all is running well, I take a day away to “stop and smell the roses.” A 860-349-7007 FAX: 860-349-7032 visit to a beautiful rose display refreshes the spirit and inspires joy and EMAIL: [email protected] WWW FWFORESTERS COM peace. Take some time this summer to enjoy Connecticut’s beautiful . . roses, whether in the wild while on the trail, at the beach, or in a lov- Satellite Offices in Connecticut: ingly attended rose garden. COVENTRY, NEW HAVEN, MADISON Jean Crum Jones is a registered dietician who works with her family run- Senior Staff: DAN PERACCHIO, ERIC HANSEN ning the Jones Family Farms and Jones Winery in Shelton. She is an honor- TOM WALICKI AND MIKE FERRUCCI ary director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

20 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

Removing Trees? Look for Signs of Bats First Federal rule protects places they roost and hibernate

new rule protects the could reduce the long-term viabil- northern long-eared bat as ity of some of the white-nose syn- a threatened species under drome-impacted colonies if they A the federal Endangered are also in the relatively small per- Species Act and prohibits remov- centage of forest habitat directly ing trees where the bats raise their affected by forest management.” young in the summer. Federal officials acknowledged A decade ago, northern long- it’s sometimes difficult to iden- eared bats congregated by the hun- tify where these bats are roosting. dreds in their winter hibernation The rule also stresses that officials caves in Connecticut, but for the or citizens who need to remove last five years, they seem to have dis- trees still might be able to do so by appeared. The fungal disease called contacting federal ecological ser- white-nose syndrome infects the vices field offices on whether a per- bats and leads them to wake up mit would be available. For a list during hibernation, fly around of field offices in Connecticut, see looking for food at a time when it isn’t available, and thus use up their www.fws.gov/offices. fat reserves and die. The fungus is Officials Will Protect Places killing them by the millions in the Where Bats Spend Winter Northeast, Middle Atlantic, Mid- west, South, and in Canada. The Officials will avoid publicizing JENNY DICKSON/CONNECTICUT DEEP bats are valuable in natural cycles where they hibernate and instead because they eat huge numbers of work to eliminate white-nose insects. For the same reason, they’re worth perhaps millions of syndrome, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced this dollars to farmers. spring. The Endangered Species Act usually requires designat- Although under the new rule government officials will be ing “critical habitat” for listed species. The identified habitats allowed to remove bats that threaten buildings, only permit- may require special management considerations or protections. holders may cut down trees where they roost or trees within The act calls for the service to consider which areas a species 150 feet of the roosts in June and July. They also may not needs to recover, unless it determines that doing so would not remove trees within a quarter-mile of a cave, mine, or other help the species. That is what the USFWS decided in this case. underground spot where they hibernate in the cold weather. It conducted an in-depth analysis and determined that bats need Managing forests to help bats is not easy. First of all, all tree- mines and caves for hibernation in winter and forested areas for cutting is not bad for bats. Forest management can help bats: roosting and raising young in summer. Because so few winter for example, harvesting that opens up the canopy and can help sites exist, the bats’ survival hinges on protecting those places. young bats mature more quickly. But cutting trees where they But doing so is too risky, the USFWS said, because identify- live is a sure way to stress or kill them. Many healthy bat pop- ing the caves and other hibernation sites would call attention ulations are found in old forests. to them and increase the risk of vandalism and disturbance to Northern long-eared bats normally would be able to survive bats. It also could hasten the spread of white-nose syndrome. in high numbers despite tree cutting. But in areas where white- Since its discovery in New York State in the winter of 2006- nose syndrome has infected so many bats, they “may be less 2007, white-nose syndrome or the causative fungus (Pseudo- resilient to stressors,” wrote Karen Hyun, acting principal dep- gymnoascus destructans) has spread to 32 states and five Cana- uty assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks, in a federal dian provinces, killing more than 5.7 million cave- or mine- explanation of the rule, “and maternity colonies are smaller.” hibernating bats. Because these bats tend to have only one pup per female in good years, “death of adult females or pups or both during tree felling —Christine Woodside, with press releases and federal documents

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 21 TRY THIS HIKE

DIANE FRIEND EDWARDS The Reservoir Loop Trail threads through a stand of old mountain laurels. ENJOY ROCKS, RIDGES, AND WATER ALONG THE RESERVOIR LOOP IN MIDDLETOWN

BY DIANE FRIEND EDWARDS gentle snake,” according to the Connecti- cut Department of Energy and Environmen- alking to where the trailhead should tal Protection. It does not bite, and it is not be, my friend Donna and I were at dangerous to people.) first perplexed by a sign reading: W “State Land. No Trespassing. Pub- Mountain Laurels Under Hardwoods lic Water Supply.” Then we spied the blue Our 4.1-mile counterclockwise hike began and yellow blazes, so we knew it was a des- where the Reservoir Loop Trail begins, on ignated trail and OK to hike here. Brooks Road at the southern end of Asy-

“Here” was the southern end of the Res- DIANE FRIEND EDWARDS. lum Reservoir No. 2. We first followed the ervoir Loop Trail, a fairly easy 1.5-mile trail Park near this kiosk on Brooks Road. blue-and-yellow-blazed trail northward to in Middletown. That trail plus a roughly unpaved Reservoir Road, then headed east- 0.3 mile walk on a dirt road would allow us ward on the road, and turned left to join only disappointment was encountering very to link up with the more challenging Blue- the Blue-Blazed trail. Our route crossed the Blazed Mattabesett Trail and follow that 2.3 little wildlife. We heard the calls of a red- Blue Trail once and then came very near it miles back to our car. bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) again before we turned onto it at our third What a fun adventure it turned out to and a raven (Corvus corax), watched a veery encounter. You could pick up the Blue Trail be. It had just about everything I like in a (Catharus fuscescens) hop through a shrub, earlier than we did if you wanted to do a hike: varied terrain; jumbled rock outcrops; and glimpsed the back end of a large black shorter hike, as the map at the Reservoir traprock ridges; large stands of gnarled, old snake—probably a black rat snake (Elaphe Loop trailhead shows. mountain laurel; little brooks; vernal pools; o. obsoleta)—slither away under the leaf lit- To follow our route, park on the side and scenic views of pretty reservoirs. Our ter. (Don’t worry: The black rat snake “is a of Brooks Road near the southern end of

22 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 Asylum Reservoir No. 2, at a pull-off with a view of the water. A in front of the outcrops. Soon you will see the cave known as Rock kiosk there posts a map showing this stretch of the Mattabesett sec- Pile Cave. It’s a perfect den for a bear or a bobcat. tion of the New England Trail and its side trail. (The NET consists Next, climb a ridge and walk along it. You’ll see more mountain of the Mattabesett, Metacomet, and, in Massachusetts, the Meta- laurel. This is also where Donna and I saw the black snake. (Snakes comet-Monadnock Trail). Then walk a few yards east along the road like to sun themselves on ridgetops.) Now descend to a big rock out- until you see, on the left, the side trail, the blue-and-yellow-blazed cropping that offers a wonderful view of what many call the Twin Reservoir Loop Trail. Reservoirs. They’re actually one reservoir: Asylum Reservoir No. 1, which is bisected by the Reservoir Road causeway. Reservoir Loop Trail, Northbound A steep climb down from the outcropping brings you to a ledge. You will walk through a profuse grove of mountain laurels that Another steep, rocky descent leads you to a stream that flows into the flanks the mostly level path as you set off through the hardwood for- reservoir. After crossing the stream, the trail goes straight for a bit, est. Soon you will pass a vernal pool and cross a tiny stream (these then bears left. It’s not easy to see the next blaze here, so you might might be dried up by have to look around. Go up another ridge. Cross Reservoir Road and summer). After another stay on the Blue Trail this stand of mountain lau- time (you will recognize rels—obviously old ones, this area from your trip with thick, gnarled trunks out on the other trail). and branches—arrive at Cross another stream. an outlook with a nice A straight stretch brings view of Asylum Reser- you back to the inter- voir No. 2. Continuing section with a signpost on, go over the top of a marking the crossing rock ledge, passing a little with the Reservoir Loop depression and a cave on Trail. Pass the signpost, your right. About a mile staying on the Blue Trail. from the start of the hike, The last half-mile of the bypass a signpost mark- trail will take you up and ing the intersection with over two more rock out- the Blue-Blazed Matta- crops and a ridge with besett/NET. Continue a view of Reservoir No. straight for about one- 3. After descending tenth of a mile, follow- from the ridge, arrive at ing the blue-and-yellow Brooks Road. Turn left blazes. When you reach and follow the road back Reservoir Road, turn to your car. DIANE FRIEND EDWARDS right and begin following Investigating the cave. the road. In a few dozen Directions yards, you will see the From Route 9, take blue-blazed trail on your exit 11. Turn right (east) right. Ignore it and continue on the road. (Along the way you might onto Randolph Road (Route 155). Go 0.2 mile to the traffic light at notice old, faded blue-and-yellow blazes, which marked a segment of the top of the hill. Turn right (south) onto Saybrook Road (Route the Reservoir Loop Trail that has now been abandoned.) In about 154). Go 0.3 mile and turn left (east) onto Brooks Road. Follow 0.3 mile, you should see a sign for the New England Trail and blue that 0.8 mile to the pull-off at the shoreline of Reservoir No. 2. Park blazes on your left. Turn left here to pick up the Mattabesett Trail. along the side of road. (This is a different parking area than the one noted in the Walk Book.) Mattabesett Trail, Southbound Note: The Reservoir Loop Trail has been modified since the last edi- Cross a tiny stream and follow the trail as it passes around and tion of the Connecticut Walk Book West. The book is currently being behind a rock outcropping, revealing a gigantic jumble of rocks. revised, and the new edition will be published in 2017. An updated After crossing a small stream and walking through a stand of moun- interactive map is available online at ctwoodlands.org. tain laurel, you’ll come to an intersection where faded blue-and-yel- Diane Friend Edwards is a freelance writer, nature photographer, and low blazes lead to the left; ignore them and stay on the Blue Trail. lifelong lover of the outdoors. She has written this column for several Follow an old woods road along the base of a ledge on your left. years. She lives in Harwinton with her husband, Paul. She assists with When you see two massive, diagonal rock outcrops, take a minute proofreading of this magazine. to admire them. Donna and I were awed! The trail here turns left

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 23 ON THE TRAILS

WALCOTT TRAIL, NOT WOLCOTT Trail volunteer discovers 40-year typo

ast year, Lance D. Hansen signed on with the Connecticut Forest & Park Associ- L ation as a trail manager of a 2.5-mile- long trail around the water in . He wondered why the route was called the Wolcott Trail. The town of Wolcott is at least 25 miles south of there. He started dig- ging into some history, and the result was a stunner. An editor’s mistake in 1976 had led to four decades of typos in several editions of the Connecticut Walk Book, on signs, and any- where the trail was advertised. The trail in fact is named for Frederic Col- lin Walcott (1869–1949), a man with a his- tory in that area. In 1909, Frederic Walcott, who lived in Norfolk, Connecticut, started the private Great Mountain Forest with Starling W. Childs, a friend from Yale University. In 1913, the two men pushed the newly formed Connecticut State Park Commission to buy This shows the misspelled “Wolcott” in the Connectcut Walk Book 19th edition—one of 15,000 acres for reclaiming deforested land many guides that repeated the error. as future game habitat. Mr. Walcott presided

24 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 ON THE TRAILS

Native trees and shrubs Woodland wildflowers and ferns Hummingbird, butterfly & bird attractants over the Connecticut Board of Fisheries Water garden & bog plants and Game from 1923 to 1928 and was a Environmentally friendly products U.S. senator from 1929 to 1935. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mr. Wal- Take a walk on the wild side at cott chaired the Senate Committee on the Conservation of Wildlife Resources and Ballek’s Garden Center supported the Civilian Con- Ballek’s ... Supporting Conservation and Preservation AN EDITOR’S MISTAKE IN servation Corps. The CCC named one of its camps M a p l e Av e n u e • E a s t H a d d a m 8 6 0 - 8 7 3 - 8 8 7 8 O p e n y e a r r o u n d after him in 1933. Some- NEVER RUN OUT OF HOT WATER AGAIN 1976 HAD LED TO FOUR time in the next few years, CFPA Secretary Philip L. TANKLESS WATER HEATER DECADES OF TYPOS IN Buttrick, who had been sta- ̈Available in Natural tioned at CCC Camp Wal- “ON DEMAND” Hot Water Gas, Propane or Oil Models cott, established the Wal- typically saves 75% on SEVERAL EDITIONS OF your oil usage or up to $100 ̈Factory Certified cott Trail around the pond. a month on your electric bill. Technicians ̈Space Saving It seems that someone Typical US water heater life ̈Ask About Current is about 10 years. Rebates O M I

THE CONNECTICUT WALK T working on the 1976 Bicen- O ̈Stop Losing Money Y

O ON DEMAND water heater Heating Water T tennial Connecticut Outdoor life is 25-40 years. ̈Stop Wasting BOOK, ON SIGNS, AND Recreation Guide made the R I N A Energy Heating Water first error. That was the old- FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE! ANYWHERE THE TRAIL est publication where Mr. (860) 343-9004 Hansen found the mistake. MIDDLETOWN MONITOR THE AREA’S #1 RINNAI AND TOYOTOMI DEALER And then, like a bad rumor, WAS ADVERTISED. the misspellings multiplied. Fall 2010 CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS 15 The federal government in THE TRAIL IN FACT IS the 1980s installed signs effectively renaming the NAMED FOR Civilian Conservation Corps’ SCOTLAND HARDWOODS Camp Walcott, “Camp Wol- A ROSSI COMPANY cott.” The misspelling went FREDERIC COLLIN on so long that it seemed no FORESTRY SERVICES DIVISION one knew it was wrong. P.O. BOX 328, SCOTLAND, CT 06264 WALCOTT (1869–1949), In March, Mr. Hansen went before CFPA’s Trails I Dedicated To Helping Landowners A MAN WITH A HISTORY Committee with this story. Meet Their Objectives The committee voted to offi- cially designate the Walcott I In Business Since 1925 IN THAT AREA. Trail and voted to rededi- I Fully Automated Sawmill Facilities cate the trail with the proper Ǡ Forest trails and landings spelling. Mr. Hansen works I Complete Line of Forestry Services and Ǡ Access roads and access control as the Hartford secretary in Consultation Provided By A Full Time Ǡ Riparian forest btheuffe technicalrs assistance outreach program in Staff of State Certified Professional the Connecticut Department of Energy and Ǡ Tree/shrub site preparation, planting, pruning Foresters Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Divi- Ǡ Upland wildlife msion.ana gHisem ediligencent in tracking down this his- Ǡ Wetland wildlife toryman awillgem ensureent that no editor will misspell TO FIND OUT HOW A ROSSI FORESTER Ǡ Forest stand imptherov enamement Walcottfor habi tTrailat an ind stheoil qfuture.uality IN YOUR AREA CAN HELP YOU Ǡ Hardwood crop tree release —Christine Woodside MEET YOUR OBJECTIVES, CALL US TODAY AT (877)-209-9906 Ǡ Multistory cropping, sustainable management of non-timber forest plants Ǡ Restoration of rare or declining habitats Ǡ Renovation of windbreak, shelterbelt, or hedgerow for wildlife habitat SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 25 Ǡ Silvopasture for wildlife habitat

Applying for Assistance Forest landowners can apply for assistance programs by visiting the USDA Service Center in their area, where USDA staff can col- lect all the necessary information and begin the application process. Several items for documentation purposes may be required, such as copies of deeds, tax identification or Social Security numbers, bank information, and so on, so it would be a good idea to call first and ask about needed documentation when setting up the appoint- ment. Once entered into the system, each landowner will work with a member of the NRCS staff to develop a plan for the landowner’s project. If a landowner has a specific idea, or already has a written forest management or stewardship plan that suggests certain activities, it will help streamline the process. A certain fixed amount of funding is allocated for the these pro- grams each year, and if there are more applications than funding available, applications will be ranked and approved accordingly. If your project is not approved during one fiscal year, it may still have a good chance the following year. Projects that are recommended in a forest stewardship plan, that address certain conservation pri- orities, or that enhance key habitats are likely to receive higher rankings.

Thomas Worthley is an assistant extension professor for forest stewardship at the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension in Haddam.

Fall 2010 CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS 19 OBITUARIES

Left, David Peters on the top of Mount Higby. Right, receiving a trails award in 2007. COURTESY OF PETERS FAMILY AND CFPA.

best new trail manager in 2007. He also gave rides to hikers. Once he promised two through-hikers a cold soda, but when he found no soda at home, he bought some and the next day left two cans up the trail in a bag full of ice. DAVID PETERS He was a skilled carpenter and a potato Former CFPA trail manager who built shelter on New England Trail chip enthusiast who lined his garage walls with his collection of potato chip bags from avid Wayne Peters, 55, of Durham, a for- manager, Teresa Kucmerosky Peters. Mr. all over the world. In addition to his wife, mer trail manager on the Mattabesett Peters was born in Weymouth, Massachu- he leaves his daughter Lauren, his son Eric, Dsection of the New England Trail who setts, son of the late Theodore Peters and and four sisters: Cheryl Cameron of Mount built a hikers’ shelter on his land, died April Elizabeth Driscoll Peters of Killingworth. Juliet, Tennessee; Debra Peters of Wil- 19 after a courageous battle with cancer. David Peters grew up in Clinton, spent liamsburg, New Mexico; Linda Barcellona In 2005, Mr. Peters built the Cattails four years in Alamogordo, New Mexico, of Clearwater, Florida; and Patti Peters of Shelter on his land in Durham. (He named and had lived with his wife and two chil- Middletown, Connecticut. it after a childhood fort.) The trailside struc- dren in Durham since 1999. He was a long- Private services were held. Memorial donations may be directed to the CFPA, ture and campsites are located one-tenth of a time employee of Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT 06481 or mile south of Route 68. He kept it stocked in North Branford. online at ctwoodlands.org/giving. with drinking water. Mr. Peters loved hiking, kayaking, and He was the beloved husband of the Con- sections of the Appalachian —Christine Woodside, with death notices necticut Forest & Park Association’s office Trail. He won an award from CFPA for and with thanks to Terri Peters

BERNICE S. HIBBARD Wife of the former CFPA executive director

ernice S. Hibbard, the wife of former was a registered nurse and worked at many Beth Hibbard of Watertown, Massachusetts, Connecticut Forest & Park Association places in her long career as visiting nurse, and her brother, Leonard E. Stoner of New BExecutive Director John Hibbard, died maternal and child health nurse, and nurs- Oxford, Pennsylvania. A funeral service will April 22 at the Marlborough Health & Reha- ing instructor. She retired in 1992 from her be held later. Memorial contributions may bilitation Center. She was 81 and had lived job at the Connecticut Department of Public be directed to the Gilead Congregational for many years in Hebron. Mrs. Hibbard Health. Following her retirement, she vol- Church at 672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. unteered with several nonprofit health care 06248 or other charity. She and Mr. Hibbard were married in 1965 organizations. Besides her husband, Mrs. —From death notices and moved to Hebron the next year. She Hibbard’s survivors include their daughter,

26 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SUMMER 2016 LETTER ELMS OR ZELKOVA TREES ON EDGEHILL STREET?

Mr. Donnelly replies: You are correct regarding the street being Edgehill Avenue. I did go back and look at the trees; they are elms. It is also true that zel- kova trees have been planted in many places instead of elms. While zelkovas are related to elms and have a somewhat similar form, zel- kova trees are not susceptible to the Dutch elm disease. Zelkovas also often grow less tall than many American elms, although still tall enough to grow into the utility wires. On tree lists, they are consid- ered to be a “maybe” in terms of compatibility with overhead wires. Trees that can grow into overhead wires create a maintenance need. Given sufficient resources and good luck with the weather, trees can often be managed so that they are structurally reliable in the CHRIS DONNELLY vicinity of electrical wires. But it does take work. Many communities Elm trees growing under wires. find themselves in a position where locating sufficient resources for public trees in general is very difficult. Under those circumstances, To the Editor: creating additional work when there are other options can be ques- I discovered your interesting magazine at the Fair Haven branch tionable from a public policy perspective. It is important to choose library in New Haven. I have some questions and comments about carefully at planting time. the article “In Defense of Tall Trees,” by Chris Donnelly (Winter Tall trees do provide many critical benefits to a community, and 2015, pages 10-13). so, in my view, communities should work to retain the tall trees that Accompanying a photo, Mr. Donnelly writes: “Elms under utility they have, if the location is appropriate. They should also make it a wires along Saint Ronan Street in New Haven. This is an example of priority to plant trees that will grow into tall trees in places appro- the wrong tree in the wrong place. These trees have no choice but priate to trees of that size. Judgment is required to determine where to grow up into the wires, creating long-term maintenance prob- those sites exist. They also need to determine whether the costs of lems for both the city and the utility.” maintenance and risk of tree failure outweigh the many benefits Actually, the trees shown are in front of 123 Edgehill Road. (St. from those trees. In these latter situations, as you suggest, smaller Ronan Street becomes Edgehill Road as it continues north.) trees would be the preferred alternative. I am pretty sure the trees shown are zelkovas rather than elms. The choice of the right tree for any given location can be com- Zelkovas has been used as an alternative to (disease-prone) elms plicated. Besides overhead growing space, one should also con- in many locations in New Haven. I had one planted in front of sider the presence of sunlight; the quality, volume, and character- my house on East Rock Road (near Edgehill Road) by the Urban istics of the soil; the amount of moisture available; how the nearby Resources Initiative. I requested a zelkovas because I liked the vase- space will be used; and so on. One should also give consideration like shape of the many zelkova that had been growing along Prospect to providing diversity and whether planting a specific kind of tree Street in front of Albertus Magnus College, nearby in New Haven. will fit in with other plantings along the street. Then, there are all I had not given much thought to whether the zelkova limbs of the questions that relate to disease and insect susceptibility and would cause a problem as they rose to the utility wires. I see that maintenance needs. as my zelkova has grown in the past few years, it has in fact come In choosing a tree species to plant, I would suggest giving careful very close to the wires. So far, the limbs are thin, and I don’t think consideration to all of the above and then make use of a good tree they pose a threat to the wires, but perhaps they will eventually. selection resource. The Urban Resources Initiative in New Haven My question is what kinds of trees are considered suitable for maintains a list of trees that gives the compatibility of tree species planting where there are wires overhead. I have seen some peo- with overhead wires and other environmental features. To get to ple plant ornamentals that don’t reach the wires. But ornamentals that list, go to URI’s tree planting web page at environment.yale. are too short to create much shade or to create the beautiful visual edu/uri. A similar list, focusing on trees with short mature heights, is effect of genuine street trees (such as oaks). given in the report of the State Vegetation Management Task Force What would you or Mr. Donnelly recommend? In the future, it (ct.gov/deep/svmtf). A very good third resource is the University would be good to ask your writers to offer suggestions as to what of Connecticut’s plant database (hort.uconn.edu). tree is right in situations like the one that Mr. Donnelly showed. —Chris Donnelly is an urban forester for the Connecticut —Philip Langdon, New Haven Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

SUMMER 2016 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 27 U.S. POSTAGE PAID STANDARD Permit No. 344 New London, CT

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