ForestlandCalifornia Forest Stewardship Program S t e w a r d WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHY FORESTS WINTER 2001 California’s Forest Legacy Program expands statewide

Constance Best The Pacific Forest Trust Forest Legacy provides an incentive to forest owners rivate forests—about 15 million to protect the forest land base and resources, while acres throughout the state—play Pa vital role in California’s ensuring the continuance of traditional uses and ecology and economy. They provide clean water, protect watersheds, reduce the buildup of greenhouse gases, and protection of landowners’ property rights. conserve fish and wildlife habitat. Forests check urban sprawl and provide gy. A state/federal cooperative pro- resources such as fish and wildlife recreational opportunities. They also gram, Forest Legacy protects forestlands habitat and water quality so important provide jobs for thousands of threatened by development by funding to the people of California, while Californians, and the backbone of the the purchase of forest conservation ensuring the continuance of traditional state’s timber industry. easements. In 2000, California expand- uses and protection of landowners’ But private forest lands in California ed the program’s reach from the origin- property rights. California’s program are in jeopardy. Between 1992 and al six counties to virtually every county can pay for the fair market value of the 1997, preliminary data from the USDA in the state with private forests, while conservation easement, as well as some National Resource Inventory show that the legislature passed the California of costs associated with its creation, California lost its private forests at an Forest Legacy Program Act to authorize such as forest management plans, average rate of 77,000 acres per year. the program’s full implementation by surveys, and project management. Further, this trend is accelerating. the California Department of Forestry Forest Legacy is a cost-effective pro- California lost twice as much forest in and Fire Protection in partnership with gram built on partnerships, providing the five years from 1992–1997 as it did the USDA Forest Service. Now forest three dollars of federal matching funds in the previous decade. owners across the state can take advan- for every one dollar of state or private California’s Forest Legacy Program tage of Forest Legacy if they so desire. money. It is also a flexible program that was created in 1995 under the auspices By providing funding for conserva- can draw on the resources of federal, of the national Forest Legacy Program tion easements, Forest Legacy provides state, and local agencies, private to help address these threats through a an incentive to forest owners to protect nonprofit organizations, and private non-regulatory, incentive-based strate- the forest land base, as well as forest (continued page 3)

California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection Presort Standard Forest Stewardship Program U.S. Postage P.O. Box 944246 PAID Sacramento, CA 94244-2460 Stockton, CA Permit No. 168 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 2 Winter 2001 From the Director Help California get through the energy crisis

alifornia continues to These are minimal efforts that we can all Energy Commission’s website— experience electrical shortages implement right now to reduce demand, www.energy.ca.gov/education for more C and rolling blackouts throughout cut energy costs, and serve as an ideas the State. These may affect us both on example to others in our communities. u At home, hold a ribbon up to the the job and at home. To reduce the risk edges of windows and doors. If it blows, of power outages, the most important While at Home: you’ve found a leak. Tell your parents. thing we can do in the short term is u Turn thermostats down to 68° or u When you leave the room, turn off the reduce our demand for electricity and below. Reduce settings to 55° before light. use energy more efficiently. going to sleep or when away for the day. I know you will all do your best to The Governor and California (For each 1 degree, you’ll save up to 5% conserve energy, both at work and when Legislature are working with utility on your heating costs.) at home. Working together we can get companies, generators and consumer u Turn off non-essential lights and through this energy crises. groups to fashion long-term solutions for appliances. Thanks for your help, reliable and affordable electricity. The u Avoid running large appliances such State has already implemented a plan to as washers, dryers, and electric ovens reduce consumption by at least 8% during peak demand hours from 5:00am Andrea E. Tuttle, Director across the board. to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm We have an important role to play u Close shades and blinds at night to right now—FLEX OUR POWER TO reduce the amount of heat lost through CONSERVE! windows. Below you will find simple things that u Buy Energy Star appliances, products Forestland we can do to help reduce energy and lights. consumption. Many of you have already S t e w a r d taken some of these steps, but I While at Work: encourage each of you to check again. u Turn thermostats down to 68° or Forestland Steward is a publication below. Reduce settings to 55° at the end of the California Forest of the day. (For each 1 degree, you’ll save Stewardship Program Feedback up to 5% on your heating costs.) P.O. Box 944246 u Turn off all unnecessary lights, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460 Dear Sirs: especially in unused offices and (916) 653-8286 Fax (916) 653-8957 Reading your Summer 2000 newsletter, I conference rooms and turn down http://ceres.ca.gov/foreststeward was disappointed to read on page 6, Fire remaining lighting levels where possible. Governor in California, “The last century has seen u Set computers, monitors, printers, Gray Davis a deterioration in forest health. Fire sup- copiers and other business equipment to Secretary of Resources pression, forest practices, grazing, and their energy saving feature, and turn The Resources Agency weather have all contributed to this them off at the end of the day. Mary D. Nichols situation.” As cattle grazers and timber u Minimize energy usage during peak Director owners, we feel your statement that demand hours from 5:00am to 9:00am Calif. Dept of Forestry & Fire Protection grazing has contributed to the deteriora- and 4:00pm to 7:00pm Andrea E. Tuttle tion of forest health is in error. Grazing u Buy Energy Star appliances, products, Editor helps reduce fuel load by reducing brush and lights. Laurie Litman, InfoWright preventing the spread of wildfires and Editorial Committee we appreciate grazing as a fire manage- Tips for Your Kids: Claralynn Nunamaker ment tool. Prescribed burning, properly u Choose an energy monitor for your Richard Harris Jeff Calvert done, reduces fuel load and grazing is a classroom every week who will make natural use for subsequent treatment. sure that energy is being used properly. Sincerely, u Start an “Energy Patrol” at school and Printed on recycled paper with soy ink Mary L. Cook, Sonora at home. Check out the California Forestland Steward Winter 2001 3

Forest Legacy (cont.) Negotiable items for conservation easements landowners to conserve forest resources transfer of the property. In essence, the Note that the following are rights that would otherwise be lost. conservation easement expresses a that can be given up or retained, Specifically, the conservation goals landowner’s right not to develop a depending on how the conservation of California’s Forest Legacy Program property. By stripping off speculative easement is written up. The ease- are: development rights from forestland— ment must meet state and federal u To prevent future conversions of and by guiding land use and forest forest practice regulations and, in forestland and forest resources. management to protect sensitive resour- addition, each land trust has its own u To protect wildlife habitat, rare ces—the easement reflects a landowner’s criteria for acceptance. plants, and biodiversity. long-term vision of stewardship. Some of the common rights that are u To maintain habitat connectivity and The landowner conveys the conser- addressed in a conservation related values needed to ensure the vation easement to a selected govern- easement include: viability of wildlife populations across ment agency or nonprofit land trust landscapes and regions. that holds the restricted rights “in trust” u Development/subdivision rights. u To protect riparian habitats, oak and is empowered by the landowner to This is the most common restriction, woodlands, ecological old growth ensure the easement terms are adhered the goal being to maintain the forests, and other key forest types and to through time. The landowner retains property under one ownership with seral stages which are poorly repre- all management rights and responsibili- fewer buildings and roads, thus sented across landscapes and regions, ties—the government agency or land decreasing biological fragmentation and which play a key role in supporting trust, as grantee of the easement, have and erosion. biodiversity. none. There is no third party involve- u Surface and subsurface mining u To protect water quality, fisheries, ment in monitoring or enforcing the u Water rights and water supplies. easement. u Commercial recreation u To maintain and restore natural If federal funds are used for the ecosystem functions. acquisition cost of the easement, the u Hunting rights These goals were established federal program requires that a federal, u Road building through an extensive public process in state, or local government agency act as u Watershed protections 1995, and were confirmed by the grantee. If the easement is charitably u Various management activities. legislature last year. gifted and federal funds are only used Restrictions are specific to each for associated costs, or if state funds are landowner’s objectives and property Conservation easements under used for the easement purchase, then a characteristics Forest Legacy nonprofit conservation organization can u Timber harvest/timber rights to Conservation easements are per- hold the easement. be retained manent deed restrictions that a land- owner voluntarily establishes, that limit How landowners can land uses for conservation purposes participate in the program such as those listed above. Such ease- Landowners are eligible to partici- as an NTMP (the costs of which can be ments are well established in California pate in Forest Legacy on a strictly covered by program funds). law (Section 815 of the California Civil voluntary basis if they own forestland Landowners nominate their proper- Code) and have been in use across the in one of the 34 counties designated ties to CDF, and proposed projects are U.S. for 60 years. “Forest Legacy Areas;” if protection of reviewed regularly by the department, Land under a conservation ease- their forestland helps meet the pro- in consultation with the state Forest ment stays in private ownership and gram’s conservation goals; if their Stewardship Coordinating Committee productive use. Public access is not a forestland is threatened by potential and the U.S. Forest Service. Even with requirement, although it can be granted conversion; and if traditional uses, increasing state and federal funding for as part of a regional trail system for whether for forestry or habitat, will be the program, the selection process will instance. Rights not restricted by the continued. Each property enrolled in be a competitive one both statewide landowner are retained. While its terms Forest Legacy is required to have a and nationally. Projects that include are binding on future owners, the stewardship plan or similar multi- funding from a variety of sources, easement does not restrict the resale or resource forest management plan, such including landowner contributions, and (continued page 8) Forestland Steward 4 Winter 2001

Out on a Limb Why the big deal about forests next to streams?

Richard R. Harris Extension Forestry Specialist

orests next to streams are extremely important and deserve Fspecial attention in stewardship planning. Much of the current concern about the management of streamside forests stems from recent listings of anadromous fish, such as salmon and steelhead, under the Endangered Species Act. As we shall see, however, it is not just fish that are affected by streamside practices. Size is important There are many types of streamside Stream size determines many of the characteristics of the streamside forest. forests. How much a streamside forest differs from the nearby upland forest species composition or size to the forest conducive to the establishment and depends largely on the size and location away from the stream; it is simply the growth of obligate riparian or wetland of the stream. This relationship between trees closest to the stream. plants. stream size and the associated forest are As streams get larger, their potential Obligate means dependent on the extremely important ecologically and for supporting a distinctive streamside stream; these plants could not live there have implications for management. forest increases. A larger stream (say, 20 if the stream or some other source of Smaller streams (say, less than 10 feet or more feet wide) may have a gentler water were not available. Some exam- wide) in steep forested terrain often have slope, year-round flow, and a narrow ples of obligate riparian plants include steep rocky channels with no adjacent floodplain. sedges, Indian rhubarb, many ferns, flat floodplains and seasonal streamflow. The floodplain is important. It pro- mosses, and horsetail. One of the most The width of the stream channel is small vides a new type of environment, an area common obligate riparian shrubs is in relation to the height of trees in the subjected to flooding, sedimentation and willow. Trees include alders, cottonwood, surrounding forest. In such cases the erosion, and possibly a high water table. mountain ash, and sycamore. streamside forest may be similar in These environmental conditions are Whether or not these plants occur along a given stream depends on the availability of light as well as habitat. Since many of the obligate riparian or wetland plants require plenty of sunlight, they may be present only if the stream’s size is adequate to create a sufficiently large gap in the surrounding forest. On larger streams (e.g., 60 or more feet wide), slope is gentle, the stream has a meandering or wandering channel, and there is a relatively broad floodplain which is only inundated at high flows. Consequently, these floodplains create Ferns grow along fairly large openings in forests and the the banks of this associated streamside forest can become smaller stream. much more complex, with different Forestland Steward Winter 2001 5 zones of vegetation as you move away from the channel. Next to the channel Management implications itself there may be willows or other plants that are well adapted to frequent Timber harvesting in streamside ble. For the largest streams, LWD plays flooding. As you move away from the forests can reduce the amount of large a limited role in the channel except stream, there tends to be a greater woody debris (LWD) entering a when extremely large jams are present. variety of trees and shrubs. stream. This effect is probably most LWD on floodplains and gravel bars on The role of the streamside forest in important on smaller streams which do the largest streams provides escape shaping the stream environment and not receive inputs of LWD from habitat for fish at high flows and pro- aquatic habitats also varies in relation upstream transport. motes streamside forest development. to stream size. In this era of buffer strips along u Managing the streamside forest What are the general functions most streams, timber harvest impacts to promote recruitment of LWD is of streamside forests? are not as severe as they once were. a long-term project. Just prescribing However, many streamside forests lack The functions of a streamside forest buffer strips alone may not be ade- conifers and are dominated by smaller ecosystem vary according to species quate. Most LWD derived from stream- hardwood species. Even if conifers are composition and the physical arrange- side forests comes from within 100–200 present, today’s streamside forest may ment of the vegetation (structural com- feet of the stream. Growing large trees be deficient in large trees. In second or plexity). There are three general kinds of as potential sources of LWD in that third growth streamside forests the functions performed by streamside for- zone may require active management, average diameter of trees that can ests: 1) they create and/or change aqua- such as planting conifers, controlling provide LWD (source trees) is smaller tic habitat; 2) provide wildlife habitat on competition and thinning, activities that than in old growth forests. the land; and 3) modify erosion and are rarely done at the present time. sedimentation. u Clearing streams of large u Avoid indiscriminate removal of Streamside forests influence food, woody debris, for whatever reason, LWD from streams or floodplains. shelter, light, and water temperature in can have dramatic physical and Few people agree on how much LWD aquatic habitats. They provide food in ecological effects. This was practiced is enough but nearly all agree that most the form of leaf litter, insects, and an in the past because the debris was streams need more. On some streams, occasional squirrel for aquatic insects, thought to impair fish migration. It is reintroduction or placement of logs in fish, and amphibians. Roots, stems, and still practiced to prevent damage to the channel may provide a short-term overhead cover provide shelter to these roads and stream crossings. solution to maintain wood-created same animals. Many aquatic insects u Leaving too much wood in a habitats until natural recruitment pro- spend at least some part of their life cycle stream after logging can also cesses recover. This should not be done in the streamside forest. The effects of create problems. This tends to occur by the novice, however, since added streamside canopy on light and water with fine, rather than coarse, debris. logs should be structured to mimic ef- temperature largely control photosynthe- An overabundance of fine debris can fects of natural obstructions in streams. sis by aquatic plants and algae (instream create chemical conditions in water In the long term, creative manage- primary production). Water temperature (lowered oxygen levels, elevated tan- ment of streamside forests offers the is also critical to aquatic insects, fish and nic acids) that adversely affect instream most promise for improving conditions. amphibians. species. Many terrestrial animals depend at u Landowners should work to least in part on streamside forests for restore and maintain the functions their habitat requirements. Some, like of large woody debris in their amphibians and reptiles, may live their streams. Management decisions can entire lives in or near the streamside be guided by the knowledge that LWD forest. Others (e.g. birds of prey) use the performs differently in different streamside forest to hunt, rest, or nest. streams. On small, steep streams, sin- Streamside forests provide travel corri- gle pieces of wood spanning the chan- dors for large secretive animals like bear, nel act as major controls on channel cougar, and deer. Generally, the value of form and ecology. On larger streams, forest as a wildlife habitat increases with LWD accumulations or jams are the Many terrestrial animals depend on its width, degree of continuity along and rule. Single pieces are generally unsta- streamside forests. (continued next page)

Forestland Steward 6 Winter 2001

Streamside Forests (cont.) streamside forest. In medium-sized streams where the streamflow is year-round, the streamside forest across the stream, plant species diversity, can have a dominant influence and structural complexity. and is very important in shaping Plants rooted next to streams or on aquatic habitat. Terrestrial wildlife floodplains screen sediment out of pass- functions tend to be more import- ing water, slow flood velocities, and ant on larger streams with larger influence erosion. All of these actions floodplains and extensive impact disturbance in the streamside streamside communities. The zone. For example, when plants screen effects of the streamside forest on sediment out of the water, it causes erosion and sedimentation are floodplain deposition and building. Tree important on any size stream, The streamside forest contributes large woody roots can also deflect water, leading to although the absolute magnitude debris, a vital component of healthy streams. erosion and undercut banks. of impact by the forest may be The importance and magnitude of greatest on small- to medium-sized these general functions also vary depend- streams. Streamside forests and large ing on the size and complexity of the woody debris One very important function of a streamside forest is that it provides logs, Some functions of large woody debris stumps, and branches that enter the stream as large woody debris (LWD). Large woody debris (LWD) is u Many aquatic insects attach them- The actual size of functional large wood more important than one might think: selves to LWD either permanently or should be defined operationally, in u LWD creates obstructions that temporarily while they reproduce. The relation to the size of the stream. encourage sediment deposition, succession of colonizers on LWD Large woody debris affects streams in especially in small- to medium-sized depends on its age and state of decay. a number of ways. It directs streamflow, streams. The sediment stored behind u Wood is crucial in creating and main- stores and distributes sediment, and individual log “steps” or jams can be taining the complexity of habitat for creates pools, riffles, and waterfalls. quite substantial; removing it can anadromous salmonids. LWD-created Aquatic insects and fish occupy and use dramatically increase downstream pools provide fish with a quiet environ- the pools and riffles as habitat. LWD sediment loads. ment to rest, feed and avoid predators. intercepts organic matter traveling down- stream, allowing it to be used as food by u Log steps create abrupt changes in Gravel bars created by LWD are used aquatic insects. Gravel bars created from channel slope (i.e., waterfalls) that by salmonids as spawning habitat. sediment trapped by LWD become sites cause scour pools. These pools are an Juvenile salmonids are particularly for streamside forest regeneration. important habitat element for aquatic dependent on LWD for escape cover The abundance and distribution of insects and fish. On many smaller and refuge during high wintertime flows. large woody debris in a stream is strong- streams, virtually all the pool habitat Studies have shown fewer salmonids in ly influenced by the size of the stream, may be associated with LWD. In the streams where LWD is either naturally character of the streamside forest, and absence of LWD the stream becomes limited or has been reduced. the manner in which wood gets into the all riffle, offering little habitat value. u LWD affects the streamside forest that stream. Under natural conditions LWD u is its source. LWD creates low velocity The presence of LWD can either loading (amount per unit area of stream areas where sediment and organic enhance or reduce channel stability by water surface) is greatest in small streams material deposit, speeding soil develop- deflecting or directing flow to or from in coniferous forests. The highest load- ment and providing nutrients for erodible banks. ings have been recorded for small streamside forest development. Downed u LWD traps organic material travel- streams in the redwood region. This is logs trap sediment and provide areas for ing downstream, making it available because small streams lack the stream- seedlings to establish. Woody debris to instream organisms. In anadromous flow necessary to move logs that fall into shields seedlings from scouring during fish streams, this includes trapping sal- them. The major mechanisms by which high flows. Established streamside mon carcasses that are an important LWD enters these streams are wind- forests eventually contribute LWD back source of nutrients. throw, bank erosion, and landslides. to the stream during disturbance events. (continued next page) Forestland Steward Winter 2001 7

Species Spotlight Red alder: part of the streamside forest

ed Alder (Alnus rubra) is a er alder seedlings from becoming estab- rehabilitating common hardwood species lished, resulting in even-aged stands. In the soil through R that can be found growing along about 25 years, however, slower-growing its dense litter the west coast from Southern California conifers such as Douglas-fir begin to layer and to Northeast Alaska. overtop the alders until few remain after nitrogen It does well in wet areas—it can even 60 years. fixation. tolerate some flooding—and most com- One of the more intriguing attributes While its monly grows along the borders of steams of red alder is its ability to fix atmospher- commercial value re- or lakes. While this species can be found ic nitrogen through root nodules that mains lower than that of in pure stands, especially after a disturb- contain a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bac- conifers, red alder has a ance, it is more often a component of teria. This trait helps the tree grow in lot to recommend it. Wood mixed forests, associated with trees such disturbed areas where it puts nitrogen from the tree is fine-grained, moderately as Douglas-fir, black cottonwood, willow, back in the soil. A relatively short-lived dense, and uniform in color. It is valued Pacific dogwood, and redwood. tree, red alder prepares the soil for the in the production of furniture, cabinets, Red alder is a pioneer species, some next seral stage. In fact, it has been sug- veneer and used in other wood products might call it a weed, growing rapidly in gested that alder be planted as a rotation such as pallets, plywood, and paper. It is disturbed areas such as clearcuts, burns, crop before growing conifers since coni- also an important firewood species. or along road cuts—anywhere with full fers that come in under a red alder Native Americans used the inner bark sunlight and exposed soil. canopy show an increased growth rate. of red alder to produce a red dye used to After a disturbance, red alder quickly Douglas-fir grown with red alder also dye fish nets, making them invisible to colonizes a site through its many wind- exhibits greater heights and diameters fish. The tree also contains medicinal dispersed seeds. The trees are extremely than those grown without. properties including salicin, a chemical intolerant of shade so only those that can Red alder is used for erosion control closely related to the active ingredient in stay above the canopy and retain access because of its ability to grow quickly and aspirin. And, it is considered the best to sunlight survive. This prevents young- stabilize the soil on exposed sites while wood for smoking salmon.

Streamside Forests (continued) the low flow channel and may have a wood has to be in order to remain in limited effect on channel shape. On place; the larger the stream, the larger Logs in small streams may remain in larger streams, stream width and degree the average size of stable LWD. Logs place for hundreds of years. of sinuosity (winding) are the main with rootwads attached are more stable Intermediate-sized streams are wide factors controlling abundance and distri- because of the increased potential for and deep enough to move and redistri- bution of LWD accumulations. snagging. Stability is also increased if one bute LWD. Wood may find its way to a The manner in which wood is trans- or both ends are buried in the bank or given place on an intermediate-sized ported also varies with stream size. On resting above the channel. stream by floating down from upstream smaller channels, wood often moves in When larger streams are constrained where it accumulates in irregularly “debris flows” during extreme runoffs. by bedrock, higher terraces, or other spaced but distinct clumps at constric- On larger streams, wood is floated down- natural or manmade features (e.g., tions in the channel or on meander stream as individual pieces at high flows levees), there are less extensive flood- bends. The number of clumps, or jams until it reaches an existing jam or con- plains, fewer opportunities for contribut- as they are called, decreases with the size striction. Transport of wood from one ing and storing LWD, and more capacity of the stream while the size of individual part of the watershed to another is a to move LWD downstream during high clumps increases with stream size. major means of increasing LWD loading; flows. Wide, unconstrained streams bor- On larger forest streams, most LWD it may be more important than the dered by floodplains and terraces possess enters through bank undercutting and streamside forest as a source of LWD on abundant sites for storing logs. These tends to wind up on gravel bars or on medium-sized and larger streams. areas often develop streamside forests terraces along the stream margin. This As you would expect, the size of the that in turn become sources of LWD. wood is frequently out of contact with stream discharge determines how big the Forestland Steward 8 Winter 2001

Conservation Easements One landowner’s experience with a conservation easement Forest Legacy (continued from page 3) hris Hayes has nothing but break at the end of the year. His ease- that provide the greatest protection to positive things to say about ment took six months to complete. the most threatened resources are likely conservation easements. It What a conservation easement to be more highly ranked than others. C worked for him. actually does is devalue the property by The California Forest Legacy Hayes owns 952 acres of mixed restricting certain rights. In this case, Program is managed by Jeff Calvert, range and forestland that spans the the development rights that were given Forest Stewardship Program Manager, Sonoma/Mendocino county border. He away were rights Hayes had no inten- for the California Dept. of Forestry & bought the property 12 years ago to use tion of using anyway. Twenty acres by Fire Protection. Details of California’s for hunting. It had been logged in the the house were excluded from the Forest Legacy Program can be found in past but his interest was in stewardship conservation easement in case he wants the program’s Assessment of Need (as activities including a Non-industrial to “do things” to that area in the future. amended), available from Jeff. He can Timber Management Plan (NTMP) to “The conservation easement is be reached at CDF, PO Box 944246, do forest thinning. pretty specific. The land trust maps the Sacramento, CA 94244-2460; 916-653- In 1997, Hayes was looking for a tax whole property and then goes over it 8286; or by email at break and decided to investigate on the ground. They have the right to [email protected] . conservation easements. He did a lot of come by to check that the agreement is homework, got good professional help, being followed but usually they will Other resources: and was able to accomplish his objec- notify and let us know they are coming For information on land trusts and tives. He feels that everyone benefitted by to check. It hasn’t been invasive at conservation easements: from the transaction. “It’s one of those all. They’ve only been up there once in The Land Trust Alliance situations where it’s beneficial to the three years. It all depends on the land 1331 H Street NW, Suite 400 landowner and the land both.” trust, the nature of the easement, and Washington, DC 20005-4711 This was a learning experience that how easy it is to come by.” 202-638-4725 took a bit of effort. First, Hayes had to Forest management plans are built http://www.lta.org find a land trust to take his easement. in to a conservation easement. Each He also hired an attorney who was one is different depending on the needs Author Constance Best works with the knowledgeable about conservation and objectives of the landowner, the Pacific Forest Trust land trust. She can be easements to go over the agreement. land trust, and the property character- reached at 416 Aviation Blvd., Suite A, Since timber was a great deal of the istics. Hayes retained the right to log Santa Rosa, CA 95403; 707-578-9950; value of the property, he worked with a within the NTMP. [email protected]. forester to evaluate the forest resources “You can give away as much or as and give advice on long-term manage- little as you want,” he notes. “It all ment. And an independent appraiser depends on how you write up the was needed to calculate the property’s easement. Basically it’s a negotiation—as total worth. long as you have something the land The costs of securing the conserva- trust values you have leverage.” tion easement included payments to all His experience has inspired others. the professionals plus a gift to the land Since Hayes got his conservation ease- trust for management purposes—a ment, his neighbors are following suit. charitable donation. But all those costs His advice for others? The most are tax deductible and Hayes feels he important thing is to make sure you got a “good deal.” know what you’re willing to give up. Get “It’s time consuming. You have to an attorney to look out for your interests. go through a few steps,” Hayes acknow- “For me it was a perfect match. I ledges. It depends on how big the don’t have designs to change the pro- property is and how complicated the perty any more than it’s been changed. easement. He was under a time It hasn’t really changed my life or how constraint because he wanted the tax I use my property.’

Forestland Steward Winter 2001 9

Seasonal Stewardship Thinning for increased forest health and profit

hinning a forest stand can provide many benefits, but only T if you know what you’re doing and why, and if you do it correctly. Trees are removed from an immature stand for a number of reasons: to pro- mote growth in the remaining trees; to enhance nontimber use of the forest like grazing, wildlife, and recreation; and for reasons of forest health. Thinning can be done for a profit (commercial thinning) or not (pre-commercial). The rationale for thinning is based on how trees grow. Trees make energy for growth through photosynthesis, a process that uses sunlight, water, and Crowns of trees in even-aged stands are classified into crown types: D=Dominant; C=Codominant; I=Intermediate, W=Wolf, S=Suppressed, M=Mortality. nutrients to produce energy that is stored From Thinning: An Important Timber Management Tool (see below). as carbohydrates (tree food). Other life processes of the tree—respiration, food 2. Codominant—trees at the general level which species are selected for removal. transport, and metabolism—use up of the crown canopy; more crowded on A thinning prescription for any stand energy. The amount a tree can grow is the sides than the dominants. must be site-specific. The approach to dependant on how much energy is left thinning an even-aged stand, as present- over after its basic needs are met. 3. Intermediate—shorter trees, with small, ed in this article, would not necessarily When trees grow closely together in a crowded sides. apply to an uneven-aged stand. Decisions stand, they compete for a finite amount 4. Suppressed—overtopped by other about when and how to thin depend on of sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. trees; they receive no direct sunlight. site conditions, species, and, of course, Crowded conditions mean that taller 5. Wolf—trees that develop in the open landowner objectives. One rule of thumb trees have more access to sunlight and and have full crowns on all sides. is to consider thinning when the crowns can shade smaller ones, blocking out that 6. Mortality—dead trees in the stand. begin to touch. It is best to avoid cutting vital sunlight. By thinning the stand, At first, all trees in an even-aged trees during the spring and early summer more water, nutrients, and light become stand are dominant. But as they grow, when they are growing. Also, trees cut available to the remaining trees. The some trees grow taller and begin to during this time may attract insects such resulting increase in growth is primarily shade others. Those in the shade are less as bark beetles. Fall and winter are the exhibited in diameter gain which is a able to photosynthesize and their growth best times to thin, but remember that wet benefit to timber producers. is decreased. As this process continues, soils are prone to compaction and Of course not all trees react to thin- the various crown classes develop. erosion so take precautions. ning in the same way—the amount of Thinning can alter this dynamic. For advice on thinning, talk to your growth varies by species, age of tree, and High thinning (thinning from above) local CDF Forestry Assistance Specialist condition. As a rule, young trees respond removes some of the dominant and or call the California Forest Stewardship to thinning more than older trees; those codominant trees to release a large num- Helpline at 1-800-738-TREE. that are intolerant of shade will also ber of the remaining trees. Low thin- respond more readily. nings (thinning from below) removes —much of this information comes from The effects of thinning on a stand can suppressed and intermediate trees as well “Thinning: An Important Timber Man- be described with the six crown classes as some codominants and dominants, agement Tool” by William H. Emmingham (see diagram above): leaving uniformly-spaced dominant and and Norman E. Elwood, PNW 184, (A 1. Dominant—these trees extend above codominant trees. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication the crown canopy and receive full Thinning can also change the species published by Oregon State Univrsity, Corvalis, sunlight from above. composition of a stand depending on August 1983, reprinted February 1993), 50¢ Forestland Steward 10 Winter 2001

Resources Get ready—it’s that time of year again

The following good advice is from the USDA productivity from the nation’s privately Here are a few special provisions you Forest Service Southern Region: owned forestlands. should know in order to avoid paying You should have a general know- unnecessary income taxes: axes are a major cost of doing ledge of these provisions whether you business. Proper tax planning is 1. Landowners can claim a 10% refor- prepare your taxes yourself or have just as important as the silvicul- estation tax credit and 7-year amortiza- T someone else prepare your return for tural techniques used to grow a profitable tion for qualified reforestation expenses you. timber crop. Hence, to increase your on the first $10,000 invested in reforest- Most tax accountants are not familiar revenues, you should be aware of the ation each year. This special advantage is with all of the special provisions avail- special income tax provisions that are available only to timber growers—with able for private forest landowners. The available so that you can earn optimum only a few specified exceptions. tax code is very complex and these income from your forestlands. Congress special provisions are quite obscure. 2. You must have a profit motive to claim provides these favorable advantages and Hence, you need to be aware of them so business or investment expenses, but you elections to stimulate increased that you can inform your tax accountant. do not have to have a profit three out of five consecutive years. An expanded definition for “profit” is particularly relevant to timber. “Profit” also includes Technical Assistance Resources appreciation in value of assets. Hence, Many agencies are available to provide technical assistance, referrals, information, timber growing meets the profit defini- education, land management plan assistance, and advice. tion since it appreciates in value through California Stewardship Helpline 1-800-738-TREE physical growth and enhanced quality over time—even though it may not be California Department of Forestry & Fire California Association of RCDs harvested for a period of many years. Protection Thomas Wehri Forest Landowner Assistance Programs (916) 447-7237 3. Generally, you get the best tax Jeffrey Calvert [email protected] treatment if you are “an active partici- (916) 653-8286 Natural Resources Conservation Service pant in the trade or business.” The [email protected] Jerry Reioux passive rules apply, but it is not difficult Forestry Assistance Specialists (530) 792-5655 for you to meet these requirements if you Jill Butler (Santa Rosa) [email protected] (707) 576-2935 so choose. However, you must report Farm Service Agency your business expenses in a consistent Rich Eliot (Fortuna) Larry Plumb manner and dispose of your timber (707) 946-1960 (530) 792-5520 under the provisions of Section 631, i.e., Tess Albin-Smith (Fort Bragg) California Dept of Fish & Game you should not sell your timber “lump (707) 961-1531 Marty Berbach (916) 327-8839 sum” (see website below). Adam Wyman (Red Bluff) [email protected] (530) 529-8548 4. You should maintain, and keep current, in your tax records IRS Form T Chris Waters (Camino) U.C. Cooperative Extension Forestry Richard Harris (530) 644-2345 x292 (Timber) Forest Activities Schedules. You (510) 642-2360 should also attach Form T schedules to Tom Sandelin (Fresno) [email protected] (559) 243-4108 your tax return when specified by the Gary Nakamura instructions included on this form. Glenn Barley (Riverside) (530) 224-4902 (909) 320-6120 [email protected] —from the USDA Forest Service Southern California Resources Agency: USDA Forest Service Region website at http://12.4.79.42/spf/coop/ California Environmental Resources Sandra Stone taxation/default.htm. Go there for links to Evaluation System (CERES) (707) 562-8918 other valuable tax sites, including the Deanne DiPietro sstone/[email protected] National Timber Tax Website at (916) 653-8614 [email protected] http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/ttax/

Forestland Steward Winter 2001 11

Calendar March 19-30, 2001 California Dept. of Forestry Forest Conservation Days 916-653-8007; fax 916-653-0989 Saratoga, CA Soquel DSF and Fish & Game Comm. March 1, 2001 NorCal SAF and others Volunteer Coord: Keith Guenther 925- May 17–19, 2001 CLFA Spring Workshop: Plants—Their 689-2431 [email protected]; forms: Sherry Annual Forest Landowners of Status & Protection Cooper 530-224-4902; California Meeting Sacramento, CA [email protected] Quincy, CA California Licensed Foresters Assn. Volunteers needed to assist with tours Forest Landowners of California Hazel Jackson 209-293-7323, fax 209-293- through Sanborn Park for 5th graders Dan Weldon 916-972-0273 7544 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.clfa.org/ March 22-23, 2001 To be held at the Plumas/Sierra County Fairgrounds www.forestlandowners.org March 1-4, 2001 TMDL: The Total Maximum Daily Load Program in California Rivers Salmonid Restoration Federation San Francisco, CA July 15–21, 2001 Conference UC Berkeley Extension Forestry Institute for Teachers Chico, CA 510-642-4111, fax 510-642-0374 Humboldt County, CA Salmonid Restoration Federation www.unex.berkeley.edu/enroll; $395 N. California Society of American 707-268-8182 [email protected] Course code EDP 256883 Foresters, UC Coop. Ext., Shasta Co. Conference: $55-$80; Field tours: Thurs. Office of Educ., CDF Proj. Learning Tree & Fri. $45 each March 27–28, 2001 & others http://www.northcoastweb.com/srf/ Partnerships for Sustaining California Heather Schur 1-800-738-8733 [email protected] March 2-3, 2001 Agriculture: Profit, Environment and Community For teachers only CLFA Annual Conference: The Woodland, CA http://www.forestryinstitute.org Contemporary Forestry Ethic UC Sustainable Ag Research & Education One-week workshop; $200 stipend paid Sacramento, CA Program, US EPA Region 9, Cal. Dept. of upon completion of a curriculum unit California Licensed Foresters Assn. Pesticide Regulation, USDA Western Hazel Jackson 209-293-7323, fax 209-293- Region SARE July 24–25, 2001 7544 [email protected] 800-752-0881 Forestry Institute for Teachers http://www.clfa.org/ www.universityextension.ucdavis.edu; $125 Plumas County, CA Course code 003AGR104 N. California Society of American March 5-6, 2001 9 a.m. Foresters, UC Coop. Ext., Shasta Co. Board of Forestry meeting April 3-5, 2001 9 a.m. Office of Educ., CDF Proj. Learning Tree Sacramento, CA Board of Forestry meeting & others California Dept. of Forestry Sacramento, CA Heather Schur 1-800-738-8733 916-653-8007; fax 916-653-0989 California Dept. of Forestry [email protected] March 9, 2001 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 916-653-8007; fax 916-653-0989 For teachers only No charge. Applications postmarked by Combating the Sudden Oak Death: April 5, 2001 March 15 receive priority Phyophthora—A New Disease Forest Certification and Sustainability http://www.forestryinstitute.org San Rafael, CA Corvallis, OR UC Coop Extension, San Rafael Parks Oregon State University For more information on these calendar items, Maintenance Division, & Marin County Conference Assistant 541-737-2329 call the number given or the Forest Stormwater Pollution Prevention Prog [email protected]; $15 Stewardship Helpline, 1-800-738-TREE. To Pavel Svihra 415-499-4204 http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/extended/conferen/ [email protected]; $55 submit an event or to receive this calendar by http://danr.ucop.edu/ihrmp/sodwkshp.html April 5, 2001 email, contact Sherry Cooper, 530-224-4902; [email protected]. March 12-15, 2001 Funding Sources for Environmental Restoration Call for papers, posters: Riparian Berkeley, CA Habitat & Floodplains Management UC Berkeley Extension ONLINE CALENDAR! Conference 510-642-4111, fax 510-642-0374 Sacramento, CA www.unex.berkeley.edu/enroll Find a more comprehensive The Wildlife Society $259 calendar, updated monthly, Diana Craig 707-562-8930 Course code EDP 256156 [email protected] or Lyann Comrack 858- at the California Forest 467-4208 [email protected] May 7–9, 2001 9 a.m. Stewardship website: $150-$275. Register by 2/9/01 to avoid Board of Forestry meeting late fee; http://www.tws-west.org/riparian Aptos, CA http://ceres.ca.gov/foreststeward

Forestland Steward 12 Winter 2001

Moving on Farewell from Claralynn

Claralynn Nunamaker the Gaelic word for the fairy folk who have power over new voice will answer when you Music and Nature, captures next call the Helpline—after two well the spirit of the album. and a half years, it is time for a A (It is available for $16 at changing of the guard. Like the forests www.clarelynnrose.com, or we manage, we as individuals are from Heartwood Music, dynamic, growing and changing over P.O. Box 12314, Aspen, time. This last year has brought two CO81612.) significant changes that led to the For the immediate The cover of her first CD: Claralynn at the base of a decision to move on in both professional future, I will be performing redwood tree. and personal life and to transplant myself and promoting the CD, as well as from California to Colorado. good form, he waited until we were in an finishing the new compositions that will The first is the strong resurgence of a old-growth redwood grove to officially be on a second album, to be released by life-long interest—music. For nearly 20 pop the question. He is a Swedish man year’s end. At the same time, I will years I have played and composed guitar who lives near Aspen and makes his continue to do forestry work on a and piano music. A year ago I had the living as a woodworker, a craftsman of contract basis and have already begun great good fortune to meet and become custom pieces.We are excited about taking the occasional job with good friends with world-class guitarist building a life together and, after a few SmartWood, a certifier of logs and John Renbourn (you may remember years, starting a family. lumber from ecologically well-managed John’s old group, Pentangle) as well as My time with the Forest Stewardship forests. They are doing work in China, Alex de Grassi. Over the course of the program has been most rewarding. May so the rather exciting possibility exists of last year, each has provided a great deal you as stewards of our state’s wonderful using my Chinese language skills to do of encouragement and support in the forests continue to find creative solutions forestry work overseas. development of my first CD of original to the complexities that you face, to The second impetus for this guitar music. John suggested the title, The practice excellent management and to uprooting is that a wonderful man Redwood Sidthe, as the pieces were written call the Helpline with your questions. recently proposed marriage to me. In in or inspired by the redwoods. “Sidthe”, Skål!

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I’d like to see more information on ______Call the ______California Forest My suggestion is ______Stewardship ______q Add me to the mailing list / q Change my address: Helpline with any Name______forestry-related Address ______City, Zip ______Phone______question e-mail ______q Forestland Steward is also available on the internet. Would you like 1-800-738- to receive an email alert of each new issue instead of a hard copy? TREE Send to CDF, Forestry Assistance, P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460. Phone: (916) 653-8286; Fax: (916) 653-8957; e-mail: [email protected]