FOREST OWNER A Publication of the New York Forest Owners Association JULY/AUGUST 1991 People and Trees: Partners in Time
See Caption on Page 4 THE NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS FOREST OWNER A publication of the New York Forest Owners Association Karen Kellicutt,Editor Stuart McCarty, President 4300East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 Materials submitted for publication should be addressed to: R. Fox, R.D. #3, (716)381-6373 Box 88, Moravia, New York 13118. Articles, artwork and photos are invited Charles Mowatt, 1st Vice President and are normally returned after use. The deadline for submission is 30 days POBox 1182 Savona,NY 14879 prior to publication in September. Robert M. Sand, Recording Secretary Please address all membership and change of address requests to 300Church Street Odessa,NY 14869-9703 P.O. Box 180,Fairport, N.Y. 14450. Angus Johnstone, Treasurer PO Box 430 East Aurora, NY 14052 John C. Marchant, Executive Director President's 45Cambridge Court Fairport, NY 14450 (716)377-7906 Message Executive Office POBox 180 As indicated in John Marchant' s Fairport, NY 14450 report to the members at the Annual (716)377-6060 Meeting in Syracuse (carried 1992 Robert A. Hellmann, Brockport elsewhere in this issue), our ALanR. Knight, Candor Association is enjoying an Stuart McCarty, Rochester Charles Mowatt, Savona unprecedented momentum in many 1993 areas. I am very pleased to have been David J. Colligan, Buffalo elected your President in April at a Verner C. Hudson, Elbridge time when all is going so well. I plan to Mary S. McCarty, Rochester Sanford Vreeland, Springwater do all I can to ride the wave so-to- DonaldJ. Wagner, Utica speak and to make sure we take 1994 advantage of the opportunities that Norman Richards, Syracuse are now before us. Robert M. Sand, Odessa I have lots of help. Charlie Mowatt AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES THRIFT was elected 1st Vice President and Donald Colton has agreed to take on the job of Catskill Forest Association chapter development and relations. Kathleen Farnum His enthusiasm and knowledge of CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Stuart McCarty Allegheny Foothills what makes chapters tick will be Elizabeth Densmore invaluable in carrying out this Cayuga responsibility.Bob Sand, newly months ahead. Read his Membership Wendell Hatfield reelected to the board, has Capital District Corner in this issue. volunteered to be Recording There are lots of others stepping up Irwin King Secretary, much to my relief. In Lower Hudson to help and in future issues I plan ~o RobertS. Davis addition, his years of experience in tell you of the part they are playing In Niagara Frontier the industry makes him a senior our effort to "ride the wave". My two Robert White advisor. Norm Richards, also key advisors, who are continuing to Southeastern Adirondacks reelected to the board after a few play essential roles, are John Ernst Spencer years on the sidelines, is ready to Southern Tier Marchant who as Executive Director Donald Kellicutt assume leadership for the Annual this past twenty months has done Meeting in April 1992.Angus (Scotty) Tioga wonders for NYFOA and, last but not PatrickJ. McGlew Johnstone, a CPA from East Aurora, least Mary, my wife and past Western Finger Lakes has been elected Treasurer. For some President, who gives me all kinds of Raymond L. Wager years, we've needed a CPA to handle support and reminds me that in the the finances of NYFOA! Dick Fox has Chairman, Editorial Committee doing we should have FUN! ..' Richard J. Fox completed his six years as a director, In closing we all owe the retiring RD3,Box88 but has agreed to continue as Moravia, NY 13118 directors a vote of thanks: Allen Horn, , Chairman of the Editorial Committee, who served as President, Chairman of Editor a big job requiring a lot of time and the Editorial Committee and Karen Kellicutt energy. We're fortunate to have Dick RD 1,Box 103 Program Chairman; Tom Conklin, Lisle, NY 13797 willing to carryon. Dave Colligan is member of the Editorial Committee now Membership Chairman and will be putting his ideas into play in the (Continued on Page 19)
2 FOREST OWNERS 1990: A Productive Year for NYFOA
The following material summarizes a feel for the breadth of the outreach a talk given at the Annual rather than details about any Membership Meeting on April 27 in particular interaction. Syracuse, NY by Executive Director A. The NYS Stewardship program: John Marchant. Weare a working member of the The past eighteen months have been Stewardship committee and produce an interesting and productive period the newsletter "Woodland Steward" for the New York Forest Owners Asso- as part of our contribution. That ciation. We have shown a real growth newsletter has produced well over 100 from 1200 to 1600 members in that new members for NYFOA and the time frame which represents an circulation is now up to 7000 and increase of 33%. Figures also indicate growing. Many members of that that the membership dropout rate has committee also understand NYFOA, not changed appreciably since the its goals and capabilities better than first of this year so we haven't seen ever before. any negative effects from our recent B. The Department of John Marchant increase in membership fees. Environmental Conservation: I just The real questions are: "Do we can't say enough about the effective just published. They were pleased know why this happened and do we cooperative relationship we now have that we took the initiative to help get know how to sustain it?" I believe the with this organization and individual the booklet out and expressed a desire answer to both is "YES". members of its staff. They have made for more and better interactions in the First and foremost has been the major contributions to our new future. * formation of chapters across the developing chapters, continually I. In April we participated in a joint entire state. New chapters in the disseminate information about the meeting between DEC staff from Glens Falls, Albany and Wappingers value of NYFOA and participate in regions 8 and 9 and their Canadian Falls areas have done much to round many of our activities. counterparts from Ontario. The out our representation in the East. C. Cornell Cooperative Extension: purpose of the meeting was to share Reactivation of the Tioga Chapter has We are continuing to co-sponsor the ideas for better serving Non- brought new interest in the south "FORESTS ARE FOREVER" Industrial Private Forest Owners. central portion of the state and poten- seminar at Woodsmens Field Days One of the Canadian foresters was tial chapters in the Syracuse and the with them and are also working to enough impressed with our Upper Adirondacks regions will have establish a multi-day workshop which organization that he became a us literally blanketing the state. New will graduate "MASTER member and volunteered to help us in York City and Long Island remain WOODLAND OWNERS". any way he could. areas of high opportunity which we D. We are getting excellent help J. Also in April we were must also address in the near future. and support from many people at the represented at a National Conference All of these activities have been School of Environmental Science and on "Stewardship and the Land Ethic" associated with increased advertising Forestry in Syracuse. in Harrisburg, Pa. Valuable contacts in local newspapers, DEC listings, E. Our relationship with the NYS were made with several County Cooperative Extension Bulletins etc. Tree Farm organization has Forestry Associations of They have held a variety of general strengthened considerably in the past Pennsylvania. They are interested in meetings, woodswalks and year. We recently received 15 new looking into a statewide organization workshops. Their efforts have made a members from the NYFOA ad they and were interested in how we significant difference in getting ran on the overcover of one of their operated NYFOA. NYFOA better known and people publications and we responded in kind K. National Woodland Owners interested. Excellent "Newsletters" by advertising their excellent Association: We now have a close are now coming from most of our reference book Survival Handbook in working relationship and interaction chapters which has a great effect in the "FOREST OWNER". with Keith Argow and this "National maintaining high levels of interest F. During the past we have given Owners" organization of which we are within respective local areas. New talks at State Forest Practice Board an affiliate. We are now working out efforts are now underway to provide meetings and Stu McCarty was an arrangement for each NYFOA good communication between all of invited and attended their annual member to receive a complimentary the chapters for the beneficial state meeting. copy of their publication "NATIONAL exchange of successful ideas and G. Contacts with members of WOODLANDS". At their request I methods. Empire State Forest Products Asso- have agreed to act as one of their Second, the profile of NYFOA has ciation continue to produce valuable Regional Vice Presidents for 1991. been increased statewide and information and contacts. L. Personal contacts have been nationally with an OUTREACH effort H. We recently helped North made with Forest Owner Association into the broader forestry community. Eastern Loggers Association Executives and Cooperative The following listing attempts to give advertise an information booklet they (Continued on Page 18)
JULY/AUGUST 3 NY Forest Owners Association Outstanding Service Award
The following remarks were made by Robert Sand, Chairman of the Award Committee. Today we honor the 1991recipient of this award. It is recognition for outstanding service to the New York Forest Owners Association, and affords us the opportunity to make this presentation to Helen and John Marchant of Fairport, Monroe County, N.Y. For the past thirteen years we have presented this award as tangible recognition for dedicated service to our membership. Let me review the growing list of past recipients:
1978 Emiel Palmer 1979 Ken Eberley 1980 Helen Varian 1981 J. Lewis DuMond 1982 Lloyd Strombeck John C. Marchant (right) and his wife Helen receive from Bob Sand, NYFOA 1983 Evelyn Stock Awards Committee Chair, praise and the Special Award which is engraved "in 1984 Dorothy Wertheimer appreciation of outstanding service to the New York Forest Owners Association: 1985 David H. Hanaburgh Helen W. and John C.Marchant, at the 29th Annual Meeting on April 27, 1991." 1986 A.W. Roberts, Jr. (Forest Stewardship Photo by Taber) 1987 Howard O. Ward 1988 Mary & Stuart McCarty COVER CAPTION: 1989 Alan R. Knight 3) In 1988at the Fall Meeting held at Croton-Point, John presented an 1990 Earl Pfarner At NYFOA's Annual meeting, introduction to NYFOA membership. Daniel W. Weller, Chief of Bureau of Weare now in our 30th year of Forest Resource Management, service to forest owners. All have 4) Since October 1988, using their Division of Lands and Forests, NYS benefited by membership, yet we home as OUR official office, the Department of Environmental Con- must keep in mind that our work is Marchants have been intently servation (DEC) discusses "steward- accomplished by volunteer energies. involved with the duties assumed as ship incentives" in cash that will be Today we wish to recognize the executive director of the N.Y. Forest available for forest owners through significant contributions of Helen and Owners Association. the Forest Stewardship program John Marchant. I'm not sure who The Challenge to make NYFOA a managed by DeC. introduced our association to the (Forest Stewardship Photo by Taber) far more viable organization has been Marchants, but over a relatively short successful, and most of the credit time, their enthusiastic dedication has JOHN GIFFORD 716-664-5604 (B) must be attributed to the personal been exemplary. I'll name a few: Broker 716-4B7-9709 (R) commitment and expertise Helen and Vice President - Real Estate 1) Founded the Western Finger John provided. A Lakes Chapter in 1987. ~.;'." :1(.·'" Our common denominator is the joy ''''it'''~~·'';.$:'t'·~;\;'~"~'Zfr:~-: of nature out-of-doors, but office work ~;;r.-:f.:.:'" f~:}:l/,~"~::.':~.~ with a wonderful breeze enjoyed by acknowledge the since appreciation of A Division of-fbRECON.lnc. 100+ attendees. John had a full all NYFOA members for their agenda perfectly organized. dedication. Crown Building, 100 E. Second Street, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701
4 FOREST OWNERS ------....1 1991 Heiberg Memorial Award
The following remarks at the 29th Annual Forest Owners Association meeting, Syracuse, NY were made by Robert Sand, chairman of the A wards Committee. This presentation of the Heiberg Award for 1991is a pleasant privilege for me. Today's award is the 25th. The first presentation to Dean Hardy L. Shirley was made at the 4th annual meeting in this same room on April 30, 1966. It is in recognition for outstanding contributions in the fields of forestry and conservation in New York State. Past Recipients: THE HEIBERG AWARD: 1967 David B. Cook 1968 Floyd Carlson 1969 Mike Demeree 1970 No Award 1971 Fred Winch, Jr. 1972 John Stock 1973 Robert M.Ford Robert S. Stegemann (right), Executive Vice President of the ESFPA from 1974 C. Eugene Farnsworth 1986 - 1990, and now Regional Mamager, Public Affairs, International Paper 1975 Alex Dickson Company, for the states of New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey, 1976 Edward W. Littlefield receives Heiberg Memorial A ward "for an outstanding contribution in the 1977 Maurice Postley fields of forestry and conservation in New York State," from the New York 1978 Ralph Nyland Forest Owners Association, presented by Bob Sand, A wards Committee Chair, 1979 Fred C. Simmons at annual spring meeting of the 1200 member association; here. Stegemann, of 1980 Dr. William Harlow the Capitol District has his office in Albany, NY. The annual meeti,ng was held 1981 Curtis Bauer at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 1982 Neil B. Gutchess (Forest Stewardship Photo by Taber) 1983 David W. Taber 1984 John W. Kelley 1977. Next, he entered graduate sponsors the N.Y. Tree Farm 1985 Robert G. Potter studies at SUNY College of Committee. Bob Stegemann provided 1986 Karyn B. Richards Environmental Sciences & Forestry, significant input to the Governor's 1987 Henry G. Williams where he earned a MS in Resource Task Force on Forest Industry in New 1988 Robert M. Sand Management in 1980. York State. That report was 1989 Willard G. Ives One item of special interest, during completed on Dec. 1, 1989. 1990 Ross S. Whaley '78 and '79 he spent his graduate Several months ago Bob ..became Svend O. Heiberg, a renowned school summers as a smokejumper in Regional Manager Public Affairs for Professor of Siviculture, devoted Alaska. International Paper with offices in .much of his career here at the N.Y. He was associated from 1981-85with Albany. College of Forestry.Dr. Heiberg first the Tug Hill Commission in We wish to recognize Bob proposed the establishment of an Watertown as Senior Policy Analyst in Stegemann's tenure with ESFPA. It association of Forest Landowners in natural resources, with a strong focus has been outstanding leadership, N.Y. State. He enlisted the efforts of on forestry. He helped form and dedicated to being a tireless champion Dean Shirley, and together they develop the regional forest on forestry related issues. Bob has initiated this successful Forest landowner' s group, THRIFT. been both knowledgable and Owners Association. This award is For the past five years, Bob has persuasive as a lobbying voice. We presented in his memory. been Executive Vice President of the will miss his expertise but wish him Robert S. Stegemann was born in Emire State Forest Products much success with his present Rochester. He attended Union Association. His duties in Albany responsibilities. College and received a BA in involved advocacy of forest Today we are privileged to present Economics in 1975, returning to landowner and industry interests, the 1991 Heiberg Memorial Award to Rochester to work for SIBLEY CORP. providing regular interaction with Robert S. Stegemann, acknowledging originating home loans for this legislators, agencies, the public, and his dedication to Forestry and mortgage banking firm from 1976- the forest community. ESFPA Conservation in New York.
JULY/AUGUST 5 COVER STORY - A 'SIP' at NYFOA Annual Spring Meeting
ByR.FOX Bathrick and has NYFOA Professor Allen Horn, NYFOA' s representation by Executive Director outgoing President prepared a great John Marchant, is expected to program replete with promise for the approve a 75% - 25% cost share and future of forestry, a tale of where the 25% may be allocated to the NYFOA has just been, outstanding planning. The effective term of the awards winners, and some forestry plan will be ten years and previous flak. President Stu McCarty and the plans may be amended to qualify. new board begin with a refreshed It is tempting to offer examples; NYFOA and an extraordinary however, such efforts would be challenge. speculative. It appears SIP is an Executive Director John exciting new approach to government Marchant' s report on NYFOA' s management/regulation of natural most recent eighteen months and the resources and land use, a leveling of three 1991 awards are detailed on the playing field for people and trees. other pages of this issue of THE NY Although Dan Weller acknowledged FOREST OWNER. It is not possible in both a lack of details and money in Daniel W. Weller, Chief, Bureau of print nor do I have the skill to hand, he asserted details will be Forest Resource Management, adequately describe the 1991 Spring forthcoming, perhaps by the end of Division of Lands and Forests, NYS Meeting; I will attempt to provide August, and the money in October. Department of Environmental Con- something of the flavor. This explanation provided little servation (DEC) ponders "Forest The featured speaker, Dan Weller, sustenance for the next speaker, Stewardship" by an urban woods with principal administrator/forester for Professor of Forest Practices, Dr. its prominent sugar maple tree and this Stewardship Incentives Program Craig Davis. Professor Davis flagstone wall, as he prepares to (SIP) was enthusiastic about the level addressed the building and explain the Stewardship Incentives of funding and the diversity of eligible rehabilitating of roads components to Program that will provide cost- projects. The SIP effort is directed at SIP. In a review of the available sharing financial support to owners of soils and water, trees and wildlife; information on SIP for this part of one acre or more of forest land for and the management of their mix. The management planning, he didn't find their stewardship efforts. representation of that management is any information. Undeterred by the (Forest Stewardship Photo by Taber) first in the mind of the owner, lack of SIP definition, Dr. Davis gave secondly, expressed in a documented a terrific presentation of ways to plan, and, thirdly, approved by a NYS access and maintain access while the Silviculture, Dr. Norman Richards. DEC forester. The cash incentive owner continues to conserve and The audience had been participating available is up to $10,000per year per enhance the resources in a woodlot. in the presentations of all the speakers owner; minimum acreage is irrele- After lunch the program 'got tough'. as might be expected; namely, vant, maximum acreage is 5000acres. Gary Goff of Cornell University questions from the audience and The money will be disbursed through Extension and the Department of answers from the speakers. NYFOA US Agricultural & Stabilization Natural Resources challenged forest Director Dr. Richards carefully Conservation Service (ASCS) Offices owners with some new options and chosen criticisms of certain SIP as are the oversubscribed Forestry intractable problems. An example of projects and their usefulness in New Incentives Program (FIP) funds. Two such problems: the sensitivity of York provided some spice and fundamental differences separate SIP certain plant and animal communities seasoning. To the credit of all the from FIP, according to Chief Forester to an uninterrupted canopy was speakers and members, they gave for Dan Weller. FIP depends upon plans guaranteed to frustrate small woodlot what they got. written by DEC foresters; and these managers. For new options there I conclude, SIP promises choices plans are designed to manage forest was: current trends in silviculture ranging from a bounteous banquet to lands for wood products. SIP, and natural resource management gourmet's garnish. however, permits plans to be written are facilitated by the use of compu- by private foresters and other natural ters and an array of software. * *"Computerized Forestry for Private, resource professionals, and by A change of pace and, despite a lack Nonindustrial, Forest Owners", a owners; and the plans will be of SIP details, useful information on Nat. Res. Research and Extension designed to manage for many soils and water was provided by Paul Series Publication may be obtained by products. SIP is a government Ray, a Soil and Water Conservationist writing a check for $2.80 payable to program designed to" "manage from Madison County. Cornell Univ. and sending it to: nature". The final hurrah on SIP was an Distribution Center - GP; Cornell The Stewardship Committee.which orchestrated review of some Univ., 7 Bus. & Tech. Park; Ithaca, is chaired by NY State Forester Bob components by Professor of NY 14850.
6 FOREST OWNERS Landowner Legal Rights: Schoharie County Liability and Duty Owed Persons State Forest Woodswalk Using Your Property The Schoharie County State Forest foundation, if for no other reason than Woodswalk is scheduled for August 24. ByDAVIDJ.COLLIGAN to avoid an unnecessary injury to We will meet at a parking lot located Perhaps the question asked most someone. Also, the law does hold on Route 30, about one mile north of often by landowners upon learning farmers liable for gross negligence or the Max V. Shaul State Park. Watch that I am an attorney is what happens reckless behavior, and failure to warn for NYFOA signs on Route 30. See the to them if someone is hurt upon their of very dangerous situations may accompanying map. The Max V. premises. An owner, lessee or constitute gross negligence. Under no Shaul State Park is located about 12 occupant of premises whether or not circumstances is malicious or willful miles south of 1-88, approximately posted, owes no duty to keep the failure to guard or warn against a halfway between Oneonta and premises safe for entry or use by condition, use, structure, or activity Schenectady. others for hunting, fishing, organized protected from liability. Just in case The "Woodswalk" will include gleaning (whatever that is), canoeing, you're wondering (most do), spring some movement by motorcade, so it is boating, trapping, hiking, cross- guns, booby traps, unleashed wolves, important to carpool as much as country skiing, tobogganing, sledding, starved and released Bengali Tigers, possible. We plan to start promptly at speleological (cave exploration) 30 foot Anacondas and other 10:00 am, stop for a bring-your-own activities, horseback riding, bicycle deliberate but passive "protective" lunch and conclude by 2:30pm. riding, hang gliding, motorized devices also create liability. The focus of the Woodswalk will be vehicle operation for recreational A very common misconception is on State Forest history and· purposes, snowmobile operation, that by giving permission to someone management. We will explore the cutting or gathering of wood for non- to use your property you create results of sixty years of forestry commercial purposes, or training of liability where there was none. This is practice on State Forests. We will be dogs. simply not the case. However, if a fee led by Charlie Boone. He is the retired The law goes on to say there is no is received for the use of the property, Superintendent of State Forests and duty to give warning of any then you do owe that person a duty to the one best able to give us a good "hazardous condition or use of or keep the premises safe. This is picture of past forestry practices on structure or activity on such important to remember as hunting State Forests. premises" to persons entering for the leases become more common. above-mentioned reasons. My advice Ref: N.Y. General Obligations Law is to warn if there is a known danger Section 9-103 which is under the owner's control, David Colligan is a NYFOA such as a structurally defective barn, Director and a practicing Attorney at a target shooting area, an old well or Law with a law firm in Buffalo.
Loggers Saw Mills
Skidders Log Trucks
Fire Liability
607 ·898-3821 315-497 -0410 evening day AGENCY DAVID W. TREGASKIS All forms of insurance 10 Central Street Moravia, N.Y. 13118 315-497 -0410
lNSURANCE Member Cayuga Chapter - NYFOA
JULY/AUGUST 7 Send Questions to: Wes Suhr, R.R. 1, Box 59B Ask a Forester Oswegatchie, N.Y. 13670 By WESSUHR areas to discourage regrowth of trees. drained to streamflow. Contrast this BIOS OR "BIAS"? And obviously, on all managed to the high soil moisture use by uncut The "clear-cut" and interesting forests, mature trees are cut to be plants in the control water shed where article by Robert Demeree in the harvested, not to be left on the ground. the soil moisture deficit was much Jan/Feb issue, Clear-cut - Myths, This is the source of most erosion and greater, resulting in a progressive Madness and Controversy, has sediment from actual silvicultural reduction of streamflow throughout stimulated some inquiries. Dick Fox harvesting - skid trails and haul the growing season. received a "letter to the editor" in the roads - therefore, they are carefully form of a clipping from a publication located, constructed and maintained or serial called BIOS, submitted by or closed by the forester or logging Paul Crear of Crear Farm, engineer. Severance, NY. The clipping you sent is an The clipping is from an article that incomplete and misleading review of reviews PATTERN AND PROCESS a good book. For example, it states, IN FORESTED ECOSYSTEMS (NY: there was" ... an increase in erosion 'Springer-Verlag, 1979) by F.H. of soils throughout the watershed " Bormann (Yale University School of and implied the result was " the Forestry and Environmental Studies) forest floor actually sank three and G. E. Likens (Institute of centimeters in depth." In fact, since Ecosystem Studies, NY Botanical logs were not removed from the Careful tree harvesting can safely Garden, Millbrook, NY). This book completely cleared watershed, there increase streamflow in northern reviews watershed research initiated was little, if any, soil movement on hardwood ecosystems. .by the authors at the Hubbard Brook the slopes - there was only slight These early watershed research Experimental Forest, located in the disturbance of the forest floor caused results have been generally observed White Mountains of New Hampshire, by felling the trees. Even with the on experimental watershed studies and operated by the US Forest "... massive flush of water ... ", as throughout the US- with careful Service, Northeastern Forest and claimed by BIOS, there were only management, tree harvesting can Experiment Station. small amounts of soil removed along safely increase water yields without a The excerpt from BIOS refers to streambanks or channels. The significant increase in streamflow only the early watershed treatments primary cause of the "sinking forest sediment. Of course, the actual that began in 1965where: floor" was NOT soil erosion but was increase in water yield (including due to the accelerated rate of •All woody vegetation was cut from nutrient and sediment gains or losses) a 35acre watershed, even the rip- decomposition and mineralization of has fluctuated widely, depending on arian or stream bank vegetation, organic matter, after much greater conditions at the site (or the location leaving all commercial stems on amounts of light, heat and moisture of the watershed). These include the the ground (none harvested). reached the forest floor following total variables of geology, soil, slope canopy removal. factors, plants, available moisture, • Herbicides were applied for three Another statement that bothers me storm factors, climate, and how successive summers after the cut, is, "The most fundamental effect of individually different treatments of allowing no woody regrowth for clearcutting was a dramatic increase plant materials affect (and are three years. in the volume of stream flow, affected by) all the other site factors. • Streamflow of this treated water- particularly during spring snowmelt So you can see this is a very shed was then compared to that of and after heavy rainstorms." It is complicated subject. The results of an adjacent untreated or control true tha t peak flows were increased research in one watershed may not, watershed for changes in water due to the clearcut, but not to the and most often have not, been closely yield, erosion and nutrient losses. extent that flooding or channel duplicated in another watershed - Now, let's understand what the damage was created downstream. even after researchers try to apply scientists were trying to do, Mr. Crear And actually, the most "dramatic the same treatment to both - they were trying to compare the increase in the VOLUME of watersheds. For example,· the results of vegetative treatment - not streamflow" occurred in the Hubbard Brook study found that if trying to replicate an actual logging GROWING SEASON, not during managers would be crazy enough to clearcut. I have never seen even-aged snowmelt runoff. This is the season completely denude an entire silviculture, using the clearcutting with the dryest soils (highest soil watershed in one year and not allow method, denude a complete moisture deficit) because of high regrowth for three years, they could watershed within one year or one water use by plants expect to increase annual water yields cutting cycle, either in Eastern or (evapotranspiration). With 30to 50+ percent but may also pollute Western US (experimental comparatively little plant use of soil streamflow with nitrate ions and lose watersheds being the exception). Nor moisture in the cleared watershed, valuable nitrogen (and other valuable have I ever experienced herbicides the soils recharged rapidly with elements), possibly lowering the being applied throughout the logged rainfall and the excess moisture was (Continued on Page 9)
8 FOREST OWNERS Ask a Forester- regard to downstream flooding, block; for example, do not remove thousands of hectares within over 25% of a given watershed area in (Continued from Page 8) individual, regional watersheds would one cutting cycle. productivity of the site for growing have to be harvested. There seems • The authors add this word of trees. The high loss of these nutrients little likelihood that clearcutting will caution: "Nutrient- removals for or ions has not been duplicated in ever be of sufficient scale in New whole-tree harvesting of northern other watershed nutrient studies, England to bring about significant hardwoods may be 2 to 3 times the even with such drastic treatment, changes in downstream spring values reported here ... and ... of because other watersheds have floods." much greater concern." different nutrients and soils and a Erosion Losses in Streamflow bundle of other different factors. Summary Conclusion Lastly, I want to summarize for all • There were only small changes This general statement concludes in turbidity readings and sediment readers the results of careful clearcut the Hubbard Brook studies to date and trapped in weir basins indicating" ... harvesting (with no herbicide should be quoted verbatim: minimal changes in sediment or treatment) in the Hubbard Brook "Commercial clearcutting of Experimental Forest, as reported in particulate losses resulting from harvest." northern hardwoods, whether by THE NORTHERN HARDWOOD progressive strips or blocks, is a FOREST ECOSYSTEM: TEN • Turbidity data indicate that severe disturbance to the forest erosion losses from both the block and YEARS OF RECOVERY FROM ecosystem. However, our study strip clearcut remained at low levels. CLEARCUTTING by J. W. Hornbeck, indicates that if care is taken during "The results confirm an earlier C.W. Martin, R.S. Pierce, F.H. logging, there should not be major conclusion from the clearfelling and Bormann, G.E. Likens and J.S. Eaton adverse impacts on site nutrient herbicide experiment on Hubbard (USFS, Northeastern Forest capital, stand regeneration, or Brook Watershed 2: northern Experiment Station, Report #596, productivity. By the 10th year after hardwood ecosystems have an 1987). Two methods of silvicultural harvest, hydrologic and nutrient inherent resistance to erosion that can clearcutting were used - progressive budgets had returned nearly to withstand cutting disturbances so strip in one watershed of 89 acres, preharvest levels, and a closed long as the forest floor is not abused." leaving a buffer strip of uncut trees on canopy had formed. Compared with • Erosion losses will be low with both sides of the stream channel, and block clearcutting, progressive strip careful logging : block clearcut of another whole cutting moderates effects on watershed (30 acres), leaving no ..••Conduct logging when soils are hydrologic and nutrient cycles ... ". buffer strips. Other than that, careful driest, in this case at end of growing logging was practiced: rubber-tired season in early autumn. skidders were used to remove logs, ..••Retain buffer strip along stream tops and branches remained on the channels and avoid streamside zones site (but removed from stream when skidding. channels), main skidder trails were located well away from streams, ..••Keep skidroads at lowest possible roads drained properly - " ... every grades and water bar after harvesting effort was made to . . . minimize is completed. damage to forest soils and streams." ..••Allow or provide for rapid revega- Both - treated watersheds were tion. compared to two untreated or control Nutrient Losses in Streamflow- watersheds, one 32acres and the other WES SUHR BIOGRAPHY 104acres with these results: Management Implications • "Overall, the nutrient losses Forester (BS, U. MN), Forest Changes in Water Yield resulting from strip cutting and block Hydrologist (MS, U. AZ) • Increases in annual water yield clearcutting at Hubbard Brook do not US Forest Service, 15 years: soil occurred mostly in the growing seem to be a major concern." survey/timber site index (NM) , forest season (June through September). • The "replacement mechanisms" administration and management • Spring flows occurred earlier (increased nitrification and (AZ), watershed and wildlife staff due to speedup of snowmelt on decomposition of forest floor due to (AZ), regional hydrologist (CA). harvested watersheds. clearcutting, and nitrogen inputs from Dept. of Watershed Mgt., U. AZ, 2 • Block clearcutting showed a 36% precipitation) are maintaining years: teaching forestry and research increase in water yield the first year nutrient pools on the site at adequate in watershed management. after harvest, while the strip levels for ecosystem growth. clearcutting was only 1/10th of this Exceptions may be nitrogen and SUNY, Wanakena Campus, Forest increase. Over the 10-year regrowth potassium - more study is needed to Technology Program (Ranger period, the block clearcut increased adequately assess the cycling of these School), 15 years: teaching forestry, water yields by 7%, and the strip elements under different cutting program director. clearcut by 4%. regimes. Private business: tree/shrub • In regard to the higher storm • The nutrient impact of even-aged nursery; presently operating forest peak flows and earlier snowmelt flows management practices can be sig- product sales and service, sole from the clearcut watershed: "If the nificantly reduced by employing proprietor. timing changes after cutting are to strip rather than block clearcutting, Wife, Carol; two daughters, Marie have a practical significance with or by reducing the size of the clearcut and Lisa, both married with families.
JULY / AUGUST Chapter Reports
The mill tour will focus on the value in the local economy the forests of Tug TIOGA CHAPTER NEWS added to wood products by the firm's Hill and the people who own them will The revamped Tioga Chapter held a dimension plants. This mill not only both be richer by the removal of the very successful Woodswalk near saws lumber, it also remanufactures low grade product. Candor on May 4. Hosts Jim Signs and that lumber into laminated kitchen Patrick McGlew led more than thirty cabinet panels, cabinet doors and WESTERN FINGER LAKES woodswalkers through several other furniture parts. Many of these Ray Wager reports in the WFL planting and timber stand oak, maple and cherry products are Newsletter that more than 200 people improvement projects. The exported to England and other attended the March meeting, due in observation of a Great Blue Heron European Countries. large part to an article in the rookery provided the thrill of the day. The economic stimulus provided by ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND It was truly awesome to see their such verticle integration is highly CHRONICLE by Jim Castor and nesting activities at close range. significant. So significant, in fact, that concerns raised by the ice storm An innovative woodswalk addition Fitzpatrick and Weller, Inc. was damage to trees. The highlight of the was the display of many books and awarded the 1990 US Commerce evening was a presentation by CPA other literature. While not for sale, Department Export Award for Jack Laschenski wherein he outlined NYFOA members were made aware comparably-sized firms in New York IRS regulations concerning tax of the existence of many reference State. considerations for loss of timber due sources on a wide range of topics. Our host will be Dana Fitzpatrick, to a natural disaster. This program GOOD IDEA. President of Fitzpatrick and Weller also featured a slide presentation on KUDOS to Jim Signs for hosting and International, LTD, the international "Wetlands" by NYS DEC Reg 8 providing shelter (assuring perfect marketing arm of the company. We Wildlife Biologist Art Kirsch and weather i) ; to Kelly Vick for her are pleased to claim Dana as a special recognitions to DEC Foresters gracious handling of registration, member of the Allegheny Foothills Mark Keister and Billy Morris. The resulting in several new NYFOA Chapter of NYFOA. May meeting examined 480A tax memberships; to Brent Henry, COOP Following the mill tour, we will legislation and the scheduled speaker EXT, for his help in organization and travel to Betty Densmore's Canada was Bill Tierson, former Forestry especially to Patrick McGlew for his Hill Road home for a family-style Manager of the 15,000acre Huntington leadership. picnic. Please bring a dish to pass and Wildlife Forest. June 1, Gary It is hoped that from the many your own meat to grill. Soft drinks and Buchanan arranged a woodswalk at enthusiastic attendees will emerge a lemonade will be provided. the Hamilton's tree farm, where few willing hands to help Pat sustain damage from the ice storm was the future of this chapter. THRIFT severe. After the woods walk, Mary and Western Finger Lakes suggests an Bonnie Colton, HILLTALK' s editor Stuart McCarty visited Howard Ward, idea of considerable value at reminds us that a previous reference founder of the chapter and past woodswalking and other events. to the "lesser Adirondacks" is never president of NYFOA at his Candor Numbered 3" by 5" index cards are used; the expression is the "lesser home. Howard was pleased to learn of distributed to all attendees for wilderness" and the meaning of lesser the successful rejuvenation of this suitable comment, the name is is restricted to size. important chapter. optional, the card is later returned for HILLTALK reports a recent On June 28, the Chapter toured its information, and the number innovative "woodsride" by car Cotton-Hanlon sawmill. A report of drawn for a prize. The potential {pr this event could not make the whereby the participants reviewed clearcut, plantation row thinning that that idea is too great for the size of the publishing deadline of this issue of card. THE NEW YORK FOREST OWNER. was too heavy, plantation row thinning that was just right, and other special forestry and forestry related Nolan's AFC/ JFC COMBINED sites. Worthy of special comment was Sporting Supplies a drive-by of the site preparation ACTIVITY finally underway for the new $42 Outdoor Equipment Specialist JULY 20, 1991 - Fitzpatrick and million Biomass Energy Plant in Weller, Inc., Mill Street, Ellicottville, Lyonsdale. This 19 megawatt NY (Cattaraugus County). 10:00 am. generation plant is being built by 37 - 47 Genesee Street This combined AFC/NFC outing will Lyonsdale Energy, Ltd., a subsidiary Auburn, N.Y. 13021 tour the Fitzpatrick and Weller mill in of the Mitsubishi Corp. and is the morning. A picnic is planned for scheduled to open in the summer of 315-252-7249 the afternoon. 1992.In addition to the improvements
10 FOREST OWNERS Membership Corner A Walk in the By DAVID J. COLLIGAN, who is willing to attend such meetings Chair, Membership Committee of other organizations and distribute Woods of NYFOA brochures (even leaving Our organization is growing both in them on a literature table designated Watkins Glen size and in the number and kind of for that purpose) can call me (716-832- By CHARLES MOWATT activities it offers its members. 3611) to receive an appropriate R.FOX Continued growth allows us even number of brochures. A booth or other The woodswalk at Watkins Glen greater choices in the future. Last display is a possibility provided you State Park on May 25 was a very year we requested every member to can arrange the schedule to tend it at successful introduction of NYFOA tell a woodlot-owning friend about our least during peak hours and the cost is members to members of the Finger organization and give them or have not prohibitive. Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC). them sent a NYFOA membership We also are looking for some The FL T Conference was organized brochure. Write NYFOA at PO Box publicity help. Our woodswalks, in 1962 as the governing body to 180, Fairport, NY 14450 with names lectures, elections, etc. are all promote, instruct, and coordinate the and addresses of prospective newsworthy events at least at the building and maintenance of the trail members and brochures will be sent local level. We have all of the state's system from the Catskills to Niagara directly to the prospects. daily newspapers, addresses and Falls. Altogether the main trunk trail There is tremendous potential for names of outdoors editors, but we and its branches total nearly 800 interaction with other organizations need someone who will take the time miles. There are some forty with common goals and parallel in advance to make the media separate individuals, groups or activities. A few of them are the contact, follow through with any help organizations that sponsor segments Ruffed Grouse Society, the American requested either in fact-finding or of the trail. Sponsors are responsible Chestnut Association, the Wild Turkey background material, and thank the for the physical layout and the Association, the Finger Lakes Trail media representative afterwards in maintenance of the trail. Our hosts at Club and a number of outdoors and order to maintain good future the Watkins Glen woodswalk, the sportspersons clubs. Opportunities contacts. If interested, please call the Finger Lakes Chapter of the present themselves whenever these undersigned. Madison Avenue Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) clubs hold meetings or have shows or experience is not required but a were the designated sponsors for that exhibitions. Anyone from NYFOA friendly, outgoing personality helps. particular trail segment. The ADK tour guides were Larry Korner, Werner Angrick, Harriet Budke, Nick S. 96 Sempronius Vandam, and Avraham Michaeli. By ALFRED SIGNOR Perhaps it would get our young'uns The NYFOA woodswalkers learned Today we dedicate a Memorial Stone, back on track how the trail was constructed and Praying that "vandals" will leave it Off their" butts", off" booze", and maintained. It was apparent that alone, "crack" . members of both organizations In memory of the U.S. Civilian Con- " Love Lfee" enjoyed similar attractions; for servation Corp. instance, the challenge to identify a May the memories live on forever calling bird or an unfamiliar plant. more There were cautious discussions of The corps really started in thirty- harnessing the water power, three, harvesting the fish and wildlife, and Roosevelt' s Tree Army," Ihe forest management; and the C.C.C.'" suitability of such practices to the We were fed" beans" and also Park and privately owned natural " stew", resources. When we were served "S.O.S." the air Typical of the balance in spirit, was was BLUE. the balance in body: 13from NYFOA, We were issued clothes the army 13 from FLTC, and 3 more of the wore; participants were members of both We scratched and dug till our butts organizations. Former NYFOA were sore. Director and previous Chairman of We worked and toiled in every way the woodswalk Committee, Alec For the mighty sum of a "buck" a day. Proskine was an early designer of a We had some time for play and fun segment of the Finger Lakes Trail. after our day' s work was done. Before the crowd; there were over Under the flag Stewardship there We always had to earn our pay 100 for the ceremony, everyone must be other organizations with it didn't come free - "Thats The Mod- received a White Spruce furnished by compatible objectives to goals of ern Way" the Cayuga County Soil and Water NYFOA. We found this to be true of I can't help but think how worthwhile Conservation District to remember the Finger Lakes Trail hikers. Lovers t'would be, the occasion. of woodland have a common bond that if we once more could have the (Photo by Mary Hart) transcends organizational structure "C.C.C." (Continued on Page 19) and individual passions.
J Ul Y/ AUGUST 11 Easy Target
By ERIC A. JOHNSON why environmentally knowledgeable avoid starvation. Far fewer, I just returned from a long drive out people would be against a practice unfortunately, feel the same way to the Midwest and back, during which transforms concentrated about the production of paper and which I was reminded that there's not carbon (living wood) into more stable furniture and lumber for shelter, even a lot of interesting scenery along 1-90 forms like framing lumber and through these are arguably almost as from New York to Wisconsin in early furniture, rather than allowing the important, and certainly a lot less April, unless you enjoy looking at mile tree to immediately start releasing frivolous than some agricultural after mile of empty fields and farms. greenhouse gasses when it dies and products and practices that come to Me, I' d much rather look at trees. decays. mind. One small consolation was that the The answer to this apparent But pointing out the average boring, largely timber-free view inconsistency in the typical logging person's blind spot doesn't explain the through my windshield gave me a opponent's approach is one or more of environmental lobby's silence. chance to think about a popular the following: 1) ignorance; 2) a knee- Ironically, those who set the agenda concern expressed by several people I jerk, philosophical opposition to inter- for the environmental movement are met during my travels. "I don't think ference by human beings in the affairs well aware that agricultural we ought to ever cut down another of Nature; or 3) a more practical production is much more damaging to tree," one guy confided, "because concern about potential problems like the environment than timber global deforestation has gotten so bad the sedimentation of waterways, soil production and harvesting. They also that we really can't afford to lose any compaction or wildlife disruption. know that the American public has more trees." Number three is a valid concern considerably more sympathy for the Looking out at a farmscape that most loggers today share, but the farmer and his way of life, than it does unbroken by anything resembling a significance and impact of such for the logger and the industry he serious woodlot, I could sympathize mechanical damage and pollution - represents. This makes the logger a with his anxiety. where it occurs pales in much easier target than the farmer. "Look," I said, "I'm no authority on comparison to the environmental In recent years the U.S. the rest of the world, but I do know disruption and destruction caused by environmental movement as a whole that this country has more than the average farmer. has become a big, powerful and well- enough trees - the big problem is that Why do we hear so little opposition financed political force. Contrary to the percentage of decent timber by environmentalists and concerned what its promoters would have you seems to be on the decline." He asked citizens to an industry that routinely believe, however, the movement's me to define a "decent" tree and I rips up the ground so that it can wash success has not come about through a explained the difference between good and blow away, pours tons of sincere policy of tackling worthy sawtimber and garbage. dangerous chemicals on each acre causes based on their environmental As we talked, it began to dawn on every year, and makes a habit of merit. Instead, its leaders have me that the quality of the tree in the leveling forests and anything else that chosen to ignore principle and ground ought to be irrelevant to the threatens to slow or otherwise impede environmental reality in order to person concerned about the production? pursue quick success - at your greenhouse effect, as long as it' s Part of the answer is that most expense. alive and growing and thus busy Americans - if you put them on the Johnson is editor of Northern converting carbon dioxide into spot and made them think about it - Logger and Timber Processor. oxygen. To the uncompromising, would agree that it' s OK to tolerate Reprinted from the May 1991 reactionary environmentalist, in fact, some environmental degradation to Northern Logger. a woodlot full of green garbage mist be preferable to one supporting quality sawtimber, since the likelihood of someone coming by and WE SPECIALIZE IN LOGGING harvesting timber from it is presumably much lower. AND ALL YOUR FORESTRY WORK That brings up the question of why environmentalists - many of whom Buyers of Standing Timber ought to know better - oppose timber harvesting in the first place. After all, A A PEPPE Timber Products cutting down mature trees frees up LOGGING and FIREWOOD younger, more vigorous specimens, which convert more carbon dioxide to Dept. F oxygen per acre than the trees they're Moravia, NY 315/497-1760 replacing. It also raises the question
12 FOREST OWNERS New York Forest Owners Association Fall Meeting Oct. 4 & 5, 1991 Allegany State Park - Salamanca, NY AGENDA Friday, October 4 4:30-7:00 Registration at Camp Alle- gany Displays and Demonstra- tions 5:00 Cash Bar 7:00 Buffet Dinner - BBQ Chicken, country style ribs, potato, broccoli, sal- ads, pies. 8:00 SPEAKER: Jim Rich, Al- legany State Park Mana- ger Saturday, October 5 7:00 - 8:00 Breakfast - Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ALLEGANY PARK french toast, home fries, fruit Registration must be received by Sept. 25, 1991.However, space limitations Prepare box lunches - tur- necessitate limiting reservations to the first 100 paid applications. There- key, ham, cheese sand- fore, your prompt attention is urged. wiches, . chips, brownie, beverage .------.' 8:45 Depart by motorcade for Return this form by September 25 with check payable to NYFOA to Betty Northeast Forest Experi- Densmore, Route 1, Box 81A, Machias, NY 14101.Phone (716) 942-6600. ment Station, Kane, PA (approx. 40miles). Name(s) _ 9:45 Arrive NEFES, Kane. Di- Address _ vide into smaller groups for tours of field studies Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Box Lunch $24.00x = $ _ carried out on the Experi- Dormitory: ment Station. Station Dir- ector, Susan Stout, plans to FRIDAY: No. female , No. male , $l1.oox = $ _ show us deer impact stud- SATURDAY: Optional $11.00x $ _ ies, control of interferring understory species and the Congdon Trail Cabins: results of various thinning FRIDAY: Each cabin, regardless of No. occupants $42.00 $, _ intensities. SATURDAY: Optional, first come, first served $42.00 $ _ 12:00 Box lunch 2:30 Conclude field tour and Total Enclosed $, _ Fall Meeting.
Fifty Years of Growing Trees...... and More than Trees
JULY/AUGUST 13 BRIEFS Selection Method Makes Uneven-Aged Forests ByP. TABER thins the unmatured trees to promote A Pause I made a mistake in the article, better diameter growth. The selection Stubborn research has uncovered "Logging for Forest Crops: What You cutting (not "selective cutting," the origin of People and Trees: Need to Know," published a few which removes the biggest, best, or Partners In Time. months ago. most valuable trees) ensures that While at the Empire State Forest In it I said that under the three things happen at each Products Association's Albany Spring silvicultural system using the treatment: Meeting, Dan Weller was pursued and selection method, trees are "even- 1. Mature crop trees are removed. interrogated on the matter. This effort aged." Do you recognize the error? 2. The best immature trees are was deferred to State Forester Bob As Ralph D. Nyland, professor of tended to by removing ones that are Bathrick, who was also in attendance. silviculture at the SUNY College of competing, deformed, slow growing, The NY FOREST OWNER was Environmental Science and Forestry, and/or low value. dutifully informed that the expression reminded me, with the selection 3. A new age class of seedlings is was the creation of Ms. Gail system for uneven-aged forest established in the space previously Vaillancourt, a forester in New management, a forest and occupied by the mature trees. Hampshire. In 1990 New York State (community of similar trees) must These are some of the key factors was designing an Arbor Day poster have at least three distinct age for successful uneven-aged and sought her permission; State classes. management. In fact, when done Forester Bathrick verified the lack of Different age classes in an uneven- appropriately, selection cutting will copyright and New York has aged forest stand exist because each result in a forest stand with trees of "claimed" it ever since. selection cutting removes mature different ages scattered throughout. Ms. Vaillancourt recalled that the trees to make space for the generation And that makes the stand uneven- idea came to her during a of a new age class. Each cutting also aged. brainstorming session in Portland, Me. in the summer of 1989.The slogan was to keynote a fall publication of the Main Tree-Spiking Law Being Pushed 20 state Northeastern Area Association of State Foresters in Maine loggers, land managers and so far, and a few spiked logs have cooperation with the USDA Forest environmentalists recently called for found their way into sawmills. Service. criminal sanctions against anyone However, New York State has who drives spikes into Maine trees in Tree spiking advocates, for their chosen to separate the slogan by a an attempt to stop or slow logging. part, say they are not frightened or likely to be dissuaded from further comma; the NY FOREST OWNER, in operations. Maine Forest Council spiking incidents in the future. "Even the past used a semicolon; and executive director Edward 1. ocasionally a dash and the original Johnston, in testimony before the before this bill, the people who did it considered the act illegal," Earth publication employed a colon. US Maine legislature's Judiciary Forest Service Forester Vaillancourt Committee, characterized tree First! member Gary Lawless was delighted to learn of New York's spikers as" spineless" and compared recently told the Associated Press. extensive use; and offered no tree spiking to poisoning medicine Jonathan Carter, an Earth First! comment on the matter of capsules and putting razor blades in spokesman, said he foresees prison punctuation. If the principal matter of apples. sentences for future tree spikers, who the moment in New York Forestry is Last year the environmental he says feel their efforts to save the our punctuation, we must have it all terrorist group Earth First! spiked forests are worth the punishment. "If together. 400old growth trees in and around the we sit back and let due process take Big Reed Preserve. Loggers equipped place it will be too late," Carter said, with metal detectors have found and adding, "What is happening is recovered only about 100of the spikes analogous to the Boston Tea Party."
Is the Sierra Club Selling Out? Dissident members of the Sierra member is quoted as saying, adding, endorsing more extreme proposals to Club, according to the Associated "The business of making deals and halt logging on federal land. "We have Press, say the environmental group is using our native forests as a destroyed 95 percent of America's selling out - compromising its bargaining chip is appalling." The forests," another Club member ecological values as it gains political critics say they want to publicize the contends. "We should be trying to -clout in Congress. " There s a climate internal wrangling over the political save every last stick of what is left," of almost revolt at the grass - roots strategy so that the 598,000-member he notes. level," one disgruntled Sierra Club organization will be shamed into
14 FOREST OWNERS Briefs - (Continued from Page 14) SUNY-ESF' Whaley Named '90 Forester of the Year Forests Forever - Forests Are Essential to Our Lives Dr. Ross S. Whaley, president of the "Forests Forever - Forests are Department of Environmental State University College of Essential to Our Lives" is scheduled Conservation; and a coordinator for Environmental Science and Forestry to be a dynamic seminar on August 16, the "Forest Stewardship Program" (SUNY-ESF) recently received the 1991 at the New York State and the "Community Urban Forestry 1990Forester of the Year Award from Woodsmen's Field Days in Boonville, Program," throughout New York the New York Chapter of the Society NY. Doors open at 6: 15 p.m. with State. of American Foresters. registration at 6:30 p.m. Speakers on According to David W. Taber, The award was presented to Whaley the program who will discuss such Cornell Cooperative Extension at the January meeting of the chapter things as maximizing the enjoyment forestry specialist with the in Kingston, NY. The award was the and benefits of our forests are as Department of Natural Resources at first of its category presented by the follows. Cornell University, "understanding chapter to acknowledge sustained, * John R. Courtney, Jr., President forest stewardship and incentives for long-term contributions to forestry by of the New York State Timber promoting increased benefits from an individual. Producers Association; and owner our privately owned forests will be an In part, the award reads, "In and manager of his own logging and inspiring part of the seminar. " recognition of your outstanding pulpwood firm in the Adirondacks. contributions to the practice and * Vincent P. Chebetar, Jr., As part of the New York State profession of forestry, the Immediate Past President of the New Woodsmen's Field Days, the semi- conservation and stewardship of York Institute of Consulting nar, which is open to the public, is forest resources in New York, and the Foresters; and a Forest-Manager sponsored by Cornell Cooperative objectives of the Society of American with FORECOM (Forestry, Extension and New York Forest Foresters. " Recreation, Ecology, and Owner's Association. For additional Whaley was chairman of the Conservation),Inc. of Avon (near information, contact the NYS Governor's Task Force on Forest Rochester), NY Woodsmen's Field Days (Phyllis A. Industry in New York, a member of * Daniel W. Weller, Chief, Bureau White, Executive Secretary), P.O. the Governor's Commission on the of Forest Resource Management, Box 123, Boonville, NY 13309 (Tel. Adirondack Park in the 21st Century, Division of Lands and Forests, NYS 315/942-4593). and a member of the Interstate Task Force on Northern Forest Lands NYS Woodsmen's Field Days - Boonville Survey. This year Whaley serves as president of the national Society of The New York State Woodsmen's recreational forestry field days, local American Foresters (SAF), a Field Days is expected to attract some facilities, and/or a flier on the scientific and educational organi- 15-20,000people interested in a variety schedule of activities at the event zation of 20,000 members. The of aspects of forestry in the state on contact Phyllis A. White, Executive SAF is the accrediting institution of August 16-18, 1991 in Boonville, NY. Secretary, ~YS Woodsmen's Field the nation's forestry education For special information about the Days, P.O. Box 123, Boonville, NY programs and vigorously promotes a educa tional, entertaining, and 13309(Tel. 315/942-4593). professional code of ethics. Whaley has written or co-authored Et tu, MeI? several dozen professional papers and Following on the heels of a recent who want it, to: the National Audubon speaks nationwide on environmental announcement and advertising Society, the National Wildlife issues. Dr. Whaley was the principal campaign by U.S. Sprint, telephone Federation, Ducks Unlimited and The speaker at NYFOA's 1988 Fall long - distance rival MCI Communi- Nature Conservancy. The APA says Meeting held at Croton Point Park cations Corp. has announced its own that two of these groups, National and The Heiberg Award Winner in environmental group donation Audubon and the National Wildlife 1990. . scheme, according to the Ameri- Federation are "the most litigious From the June Issue of The Northern can Pulpwood Association (APA). preservationist groups in the country. Logger & Timber Processor. "Through this unique and innovative To date, their combined appeal and program," MCI recently announced, lawsuit efforts have caused the " MCI, along with four of the nation's closure of 53 Pacific Northwest leading environmental groups, can sawmills and the unemployment of heighten awareness and provide fund- 4,327 Northwestern U.S. forest ing for many critically important workers. conservation and preservation Custom Signs efforts. " The APA urges concerned loggers Under the agreement, according to and others to contact William G. -- VOSS the APA, MCI will contribute five McGowen, Chairman and CEO, MCI Signs Dept. NYF, Box 553, Manlius, N.Y. 13104 percent of the monthly phone bill of Communications Corp., 1133 19th St. Ph. (315) 682-6418 new subscribers and four percent of N.W., Washington, DC 20036,to make [Monv-Frt. 9·5) the phone bill of existing customers their views known. Family Owned & Operatedjor over 25 years
JULY/AUGUST 15 NY State 1991 Envirothon - a Winning Program
By NANCY STEVENS at Casowasco Conference Center on The current environmental issues Challenging young minds through the shores of Owasco Lake. The station was hosted by George Steele, the spirit of competition is the notion students arrived on Wednesday an Environmental Educator with the behind the New York State afternoon and began their stay by NYS D.E.C. This station covered a Envirothon. While the concept may be participating in a nature walk with variety of topics including solid waste, innovative, the long-range goal is one Stephen Davison, the Region 7 hazardous waste, recycling, and that Soil and Water Conservation Forester from NYS Department of energy conservation. Districts have been striving to Environmental Conservation. Later After each rotation, the team scores achieve since their inception: that evening, the youths were treated were quickly posted which fostered a teaching our young people to become to an educational campfire program sense of competition. After the last responsible conservation-minded conducted by George Steele. rotation, the score board was taken adults. The actual competition started the down so the final winner would not be The program originated in following morning and continued into revealed until the awards ceremony. Pennsylvania in 1984 and has since the early afternoon. Five main The competition was very close, with spread to other states. The idea for a agencies assisted with the testing only a point and half difference New York State competition started in stations. The wildlife station hosted by separating the first and second place Cayuga County with James Hotaling, Dianna Ellis from the U.S. Fish and winners. director of the Cayuga County Soil and Wildlife Service asked students to The team from Greenville High Water Conservation District. Hotaling identify birds, animal tracks, and School representing Greene County notes that in 1990,the first year of the natural processes. emerged as the winner of the state New York State Envirothon, three Diane Kuehn from Sea Grant competition and will represent New counties (Cayuga, Cortland, and provided questions on aquatic York State at the National Onondaga) sent teams to the state vegetation, aquatic insects, and fish Environthon to be held in Maine later competition. In one year, the program identification at the aquatics station. this summer. Team members has expanded to include eighteen Hosting the soils station was Tyrone included Mark Duncan, Sarah Orris, counties from across the state. Goddard from the USDA Soil Conser- Heather Rauf, Erik Richardson, and For a county district team to qualify vation Service. At this station, the Brooks Wright. Cincinnatus High for the state event, a county must first teams answered questions relating to School from Cortland County placed hold a local event that is open to soil types and site suitability. second, while Weedsport High School students 9 through 12. Districts work Steve Davison, from the NYS from Cayuga County took third. To closely with high schools by providing Department of Environmental celebrate their victory the Greenville them with study materials and helpful Conservation challenged teams with High School Team threw one of their suggestions. questions on forest management advisors, Greene Co. SWCD Manager Each team is comprised of five practices, tree identification, and Rene VanSchaack, in the lake. students representing the same gypsy moths at the forestry station. (Continued on Page 19) school. During the competition, each team rotates through five testing stations where they are asked questions relating to aquatics, wildlife, soils, forestry, and current environmental issues. Each station must be completed within 30 minutes. The team with the highest cumulative score in the five subject areas becomes the local winner and represents their respective counties at the New York State Envirothon. At the state level, the Envirothon is coordinated by a steering committee composed of representatives from the NY Conservation Districts Employees Association, NY Association of Con- servation Districts, USDA Soil Conservation Service, NYS Soil and Water Conservation Society. Funding is provided by the New York Power Authority, the Power Authority, as a matter of policy, promotes projects to The Weedsport Team at the Wildlife Station. Picture shows the Weedsport protect the environment statewide. team from Cayuga County at the Wildlife Station. Shown from left to right, The New York State Envirothon Jason Smith, Kevin Harris, Andrew Andalora, John Slauson and Brian was held on May 22 and May 23, 1991 Derby.
16 FOREST OWNERS New York's Outstanding Tree Farmers Named By DAVE TABER The New York State Tree Farm Committee has selected its Outstanding Tree Farmers for 1991. Robert and Audrey Childs from Cattaraugus County are this year's recipients of the award which signifies excellence in forest management, land stewardship, and commitment to the Tree Farm Program. The award is sponsored by the American Tree Farm System of Washington, DC, as part of its national program. The Childses, of the Childs Blueberry Farm in Humphrey, NY, were nominated as the 1991 Outstanding Tree Farmers of New York State by Bruce E. Robinson and David J. Waldron. Waldron is a service forester for the New York Robert P. Childs and his wife, Audrey (couple on left) are recognized at State Department of Environmental their sugarhouse, after learning that they are the Outstanding Tree Farmers Conservation (NYS DEC), Division of in New York State for 1991. Rejoicing with them in early springtime, when Lands and Forests. In recent years, they were notified of the award, are Cornell Cooperative Extension staff of Waldron has provided technical Cattaraugus County Thomas M. Livah, a Horticulturist - Naturalist; and assistance to the Childses. Robinson, Joan S. Petzen, Agriculture Program Leader. It is April 5, and they are a consulting professional forester of gathered at the new sugarhouse (built in 1990 with custom sawn lumber from Jamestown, NY, and a member of the home - grown beech trees), as the wood fueled evaporator inside produces New York State Tree Farm the last run of maple syrup for the season. (Forest Stewardship Photo by Taber) Committee, was a former service forester with the NYS DEC and has acres that he purchased in 1991.) For maple syrup including a specialty provided professional forestry over 20 years, 20-60 face cords of product, "blueberry maple syrup." assistance to the owners since 1970. firewood have been produced from Their son Daniel, a high school In 1965when the Childses bought the forest thinnings to meet the family's teacher of business and an adjacent woodland, they immediately received needs. Their original home in East property owner, has filed for a patent technical support from another NYS Aurora (near Buffalo) was heated on his new food product, blueberry DEC forester, employed before with wood; and the family's weekend maple syrup, as part of the extended Robinson, who helped them develop a work on their Humphrey, NY family tree farm and fruit farm management plan to meet their needs property provided pleasure as they enterprise. and improve their woodland. improved the forest and obtained In 1990the family built a sugarhouse Before they bought the 100 - acre needed fuel. with beech lumber sawn on a contract woodland, it had been abused by poor In 1985they "retired" from city life basis by a local business with a logging practices. The Childses have to the country where they could spend portable bandsaw mill. The logs came cared for and managed their woods to more time cultivating the land and from trees marked for removal by improve its quality and productivity forest. On their property in NYS DEC service forester Waldron. during their 26 years of ownership. Humphrey, they moved into a new They removed the designated trees Recommendations and guidance on wood-framed and wood-sided home from the property during their silviculture, tree planting, and built according to their specifications. woodland cultivation operations to pruning were provided over the years It was especially well insulated to improve the present quality of the by the professional foresters. The conserve energy and effectively use forest and its future growth. In family's observations, experiments, passive solar heat. In addition, a addition to providing lumber for the and cultivation activities have barrel stove, made by Bob Childs sugarhouse (where sap is evaporated provided a wealth of environmental from a kit, heats the house, although into maple syrup), the trees yielded education about animals, trees, and an unused electric heating system fuel wood from small stems, lumber to wild and cultivated plants. exists as a backup. build an addition on Daniel's home, Bob and Audrey Childs and their In developing the woods, the and boards to sell for construction three children, R. Peter, Daniel, and Childses favored sugar maple trees projects to people in the community. Nancy, have actively thinned and because they were able to produce an In total, the owners have harvested pruned the family homestead's early return on their investment while 5,000 board feet of red oak on a single woodland. (R. Peter also proudly using the woods to provide maple tree selection basis. owns a 15-acre Certified Tree Farm to syrup. In 1991they had some 500 taps which he plans to add 153 additional and produced about 75 gallons of (Continued on Page 19)
JULY/AUGUST 17 The Empire State Forest Products Association's Annual Spring Meeting
ByR.FOX remarks by Lester DeCoster, VP, Program and introduced the 1991 Sixty - five people met at the Albany American Forest Council, Outstanding Tree Farmers, Bob and Hilton Hotel May 8 for ESFPA' s Washington, DC. Notable in this Audrey Childs, members of NYFOA, annuai Albany get-together. The presentation was Mr. DeCoster's Allegheny Foothills Chapter. (Page 17 morning agenda included comments reference to an urban Backyard Tree for article). on the New York State Budget from a Farm program proposed to the N.Y.C. The Program concluded with a business point of view by Edward Superintendent of Schools and the presentation of the ESFPA Reinfurt, vice president of the accompanying remark: "If we can publication, Forest Policy Summary Business Council of NYS. make it there; then we can make it for 1990, which contains a critique of Mr. Reinfurt explained the delays in anywhere. " issues and legislation, a legislator the budget process as efforts to make 1990 Outstanding Tree Farmers report card and short descriptions of new policy decisions. The major Harriet and Dr. John Hamilton, ESFPA programs. State Forester Bob portion of the morning session was NYFOA members of the Western Bathrick reviewed the Stream devoted to the role of forest Finger Lakes Chapter were invited to Crossing Permit process. Joseph management in working landscapes. give the ups and downs of tree Martens, Assistant Secretary to the The first part of the portion was farming on their land near Wayland in Governor reiterated the Governor's presented by long time NYFOA Livingston County. Harriet started support for the conclusions expressed supporter, Bob Quinn, Regional with the ups because Jack averred the by the 1989Task Force on the Forest Project Coordinator for the Tug Hill occasion was one of the few times he Industry; and to that end the Commission. Bob reviewed the role of would get the last word. After Governor announced he would create the Tug Hill Commission and the for- seniorities of 60 years for Harriet and a Forest Products Resource mation of a unique inter-municipal 40 years for Jack were compared, and Development Council to inform the agreement among fourteen townships descriptions of many Stewardship governor on ways to facilitate forest (P ATH) to regulate the forest efforts, Harriet concluded her highs industry. management practices of the region. with the comment: "We are grateful Finally a workshop for "talking to The second part of regional efforts to that we have had the opportunity to legislators" was offered for those first regulate management was downstate spread the gospel of growing better timers who wished to attend. Between and provided information on the trees for better living. Dr. Hamilton 5:00 and 7:00 PM an informal forest management of the New York reported, they lost money. Legislative Reception was held in the City Watershed. As a conclusion to the 50 year Legislative Office Building providing In the afternoon, after a short celebration, Mike Virga of Lyons an opportunity for legislators, review of the project Learning Tree Falls Pulp & Paper, NYS Tree Farm legislative aids, and ESFPA (PLT), the program celebrated 50 Committee Chairman gave a report of members to exchange concerns and years of Tree Farm efforts with the New York State Tree Farm interests.
increasing rate. I am amazed at the ever increasing. Our relationship to a NYFOA Activities - flow of inquiries into the office for wide variety of supporting agencies (Contin ued from Page 3) information about us and about how to and organizations has never been Extension Foresters in the following become members. They come from a better. Federal and state agencies, states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, wide variety of places resulting from through the new Stewardship Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Oregon and our new outreach into the entire Incentive Program (SIP), will be able Canada. environmental community. I also see to provide appreciable levels of Many of these contacts came from a new leadership volunteering itself as financial support in the near future. talk I was invited to give in Hartford, people see our presence and Connecticut last fall presenting capabilities in this outreach process. So the stage is set, the opportunities NYFOA as a case study for the effec- Capable people like to be part of an are available, its up to us, to make our tive use of volunteers. This gave us organization with valuable goals and organizational goals a reality!! And national exposure and many of the the commitment to reach them. lets not forget that those goals really attendees seemed impressed with our NYFOA is clearly presenting that do lead to getting the right things done statewide organization. It gave me the image in more and more places. And in our woodlots and on our lands. Just chance to emphasize the strong role of this image is not just coming from the growing NYFOA to a larger size is not volunteers in our chapters, which has illustrations listed above but from one of the goals, it is an important become the life blood of this everyone of our chapters and their part of the strategy. organiza tion. dedicated people who are making it *"Log Scales And Other Useful So what does this all add up to?? happen where it really counts. Information" may be ordered from: Two important things! ! Second, I truly believe we are at a The Northeastern Loggers' Assoc.; First, our organization is becoming new era of opportunity. The public PO Box 69; Old Forge, NY 13420; (315) better known and respected at an ever awareness of environmental needs is 369-3078.
18 FOREST OWNERS affiliated with the Audubon Society of s. 96 Sempronius President's Message - New York State. Bob and Audrey Childs are active in (Continuedfrom Page 2) (Continued from Page 11) the New York Forest Owners for several years, and Harold Petrie, Association (NYFOA). Audrey Childs who was particularly helpful as is secretary of the Allegheny Foothills " Lfee", as he is familiarly known, Chairman of the Nominating Chapter of NYFOA. read this poem at the ceremony held Committee for a number of years. All, Bob and Audrey are both Master Arbor Day, April 26, 1991 to an along with Dick Fox, completed two Gardeners, certified volunteers with appreciative audience. There were terms of six years. we also thank Cornell Cooperative Extension of eight former members of the Morgan Heussler who finished a year Cattaraugus County. In that capacity "C. C. c.' s" present. S. 96 as treasurer after having been they donate their time to answer Sempronius refers to the official President for two years. He said being questions about gardening and tree designation of the reforestation camp President was easier! We appreciate farming at the Cooperative Extension which was located nearby. the service they all rendered to education center. NYFOA. Their farm is composed of a variety Stuart McCarty of innovative, small-scale, crop- cultivation applications. In addition to NY's Outstanding Named- their tree and wildlife efforts, they (Continued from Page 17) grow asparagus, blueberries, currants, wild blackberries, A 35-year-old red pine plantation on raspberries and strawberries. Known the property, during two by many consumers for its improvement thinnings, has produced blueberries, maple syrup, and jams, timber for log cabins and poles for the Childs Blueberry Farm landscaping walkways. exemplifies some farming The Childses planted Christmas alternatives. And the family is active trees simultaneously with fruit trees at marketing the farm products at in an "agro-forestry" type of farmers markets in the urban areas of cultivation to develop a 2-acre Buffalo, Tonawanda, Hamburg, Olean orchard of pear, apple, plum, and and East Aurora. cherry trees.Once they harvest the Their farm has been the site of white spruce Christmas trees, the several educational events including a fruit trees that will have grown to fill NYFOA Woods Walk, Cornell "Bob Sand representing the the space will still be in production. Cooperative Extension Master NYFOA Board ended the ceremony They also grow some black and Gardener tour, and a 4-H youth tour. by recalling the responsible NYS Con- Carpathian walnuts in the orchard. On April 4, 1991, the Cattaraugus servation Department foresters of the The Childses are experimenting County Soil and Water Conservation CCC era, and passed out copies of 'The with growing shiitake mushrooms on District recognized Bob and Audrey Emergency Conservation Act' which limbs from oak trees, under the shade Childs when it honored them at its created the original Corps." of a stand of spruce trees. In addition, awards banquet as the Outstanding (Photo by Mary Hart) Bob Childs initiated a fertilization Forest Owner of Cattaraugus County. study in 1990 in his 35-year-old red On April 27 at the annual spring pine plantation to evaluate how meeting of the New York Forest fertilizer and lime affect the growth Owners Association at the SUNY rate of the trees. College of Environmental Science and NYS Envirothon They have built five ponds, Forestry in Syracuse, the New York (Continued from Page 16) including three small ones, on the State Tree Farm Committee officially property by the excavation of announced that Robert and Audrey The top three winners received a naturally wet areas. They have Childs are the Outstanding Tree plaque as well as a cash prize to be stocked the ponds with a variety of Farmers of New York State for 1991. used for environmental education at fish including large mouth bass. In For additional information about their school. Each participant addition, the ponds attract wildlife. the American Tree Farm System (the received a certificate and at-shirt. Great blue herons, wood ducks, teal, tree farm program for private owners More importantly, all the students left mallards, and wild Canada geese are of at least ten acres of woodland), with a greater knowledge and common visitors. Deer are plentiful forest stewardship, and how foresters appreciation of our environment. too. Thirty - four homemade, stra- can help you with planting and caring If you would like to learn more tegically placed wooden bluebird for woodland trees, contact any of the about the Envirothon, contact your houses have attracted four families of following: local Soil & Water Conservation bluebirds, house wrens, and 17 pairs 1. Regional Forestry Offices of NYS District or James Hotaling at 248 of nesting tree swallows. The family DEC. Grant Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021. has built five bird houses for wood 2. Michael Virga, Chairman, NYS Nancy Stevens, is the Education ducks, and one was used in 1990. Tree Farm Committee, American Program Assistant with Cayuga They are cooperators in the New Tree Farm System, Lyons Falls Pulp County Soil and Water Conservation York Nest Box Network project that & Paper, Inc., P.O. Box 338, Lyons District. works for bluebird conservation and is Falls, NY 13368.
JULY / AUGUST 19 Non·Profit Org. R.D. #1, Box 103 u.s. POSTAGE lisle, N.Y. 13797 PAID Marathon, N.Y. 13803 Permit No.2
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WOODLOT CALENDAR Although NYFOA activities end July 10, " Clearcut and TSI" CAY, Fall Meeting - Saturday afternoon, the dormitory Summerhill State Forest, 6 PM by facilities will be available for those DEC Steve Davision; W. Hatfield (315) 497-1078. Continued from Page 13) desiring to stay Saturday night. July 20, AFC/NFC; Fitzpatrick Congdon Trail Cabins. These cabins and Weller, Inc. Saw Mill Tour 10 are a part of the rentals regularly AM; Betty Densmore at (716) 942~' You are invited to choose from available at Allegany State Park. 6600. among several accommodations Congdon Trail is located within Aug. 16 - "Forests Forever - For- offered in and near Allegany State walking distance of Camp Allegany. ests Are Essential to Our Lives" Park. We have reserved all 16 cabins on NYFOA/Cornell Cooperative Exten- sion - sponsored seminar; 6:30 PM, Camp Allegany is a group camp Congdon Trail for NYFOA use on Boonville. constructed in the 1970' s to house Friday night. Aug. 16 - 18 - NYS Woodsmen's resident camper/workers in the Each cabin is 17' x 23', single room, Field Days; Boonville; contact P. Young Adult Conservation Corps. It winterized with a refrigerator, gas White, Ex. Sec. P.O. Box 123, (315) consists of two dormitory buildings, a heater and two double bunks (four 942-4593. mess hall, a recreation building and beds). Aug. 24 - NYFOA Woodswalk; 10 the meeting room recently Bathing and toilet facilities are AM, C. Mowatt at (607) 583-7006 (see constructed by the College of located in a building separate from map), Environmental Science & Forestry. individual cabins, but within easy September 25 - NYFOA Fall Meet- ing - Be sure to make reservation The dormitories will accommodate walking distance. (see map) up to six people in each room. These Cost of each Congdon Trail cabin is NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE IS heated sleeping rooms have hardwood $42 per night. You must bring your AUGUST 1, FAX TO: (315) 497-0410. floors, single cots with mattresses and own bedding and towels. You are metal wall lockers. You must bring encouraged to make cabin your own bedding and towels. Each of reservations in the name of four WANTED the two dormitories will house a occupants known to you (for example, VENEER TREES- R.O.,W.O., maximum of about 30people. two couples). These cabins will also H.M., Ash Cherry and Walnut In order to provide a bed for as be available for rental on Saturday * Any Amount of Trees many as possible, it will be necessary night, but we cannot guarantee * low Impact to reserve one dormitory for women reservations for Saturday night unless * High Profit and a separate one for men. There are paid reservations are received prior * Free Appraisals two bathrooms inside each dormitory to commitment to public rental. * Anywhere in NY and PA building. There are multiple facilities Meals, dormitory and Congdon CRAIG JOCHUM in each bathroom. Trail cabin rentals will be accepted 2668 South Apalachin Road Cost of dormitory accommoda- through NYFOA by using the tions: $11per person, per night. Apalachin, New York 13732 accompanying reservation form. (607) 687-1598
20 FORESTOWNERS