Message from the Director

October 2014 ISSUE 01

FLForestryOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE News

This Issue

Message from the Director P.01

Prescribed Burning in Florida P.02 The Florida Forest Service Wildfire Risk Reduction P.04 is a division of the Florida

Department of Agriculture and Tree Hazard Prevention P.06 Consumer Services and consists Florida State Forests P.07 of more than 1,250 dedicated Friends of FL State Forests P.09 employees who manage more than 1 million acres of public forestland while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and Message from the Director: natural resources from the devas- The Florida Forest Service states while continuing to provide for the safety tating effects of wildfire is proud to present the first of Florida’s citizens. This year, the Florida Forest issue of FLForestry News, Service deployed 256 individuals to assist wildfire In addition to managing more a resource for the public suppression efforts in the Western United States. than 1 million acres of State to find helpful information The experiences that our firefighters gain out West Forests for multiple public uses about forestry and wild- will build upon their first-class training and experi- including timber, recreation and Jim Karels, State Forester wildlife habitat, the Florida Forest fire issues in Florida. The ence fighting wildfires here in Florida.

Service also provides services to Florida Forest Service has many resources landowners throughout the state, available to the public for education, safety, for- Summer rains have also set Florida up for what including technical information est and land management, recreation and more. should be another outstanding prescribed burn sea- and grant program administration. This newsletter will put new and useful infor- son for state forest lands and private lands alike. mation in the hands of the public each quarter. We are committed to continue using this excellent The Florida Forest Service’s for- land management tool to its greatest potential. estry programs are implemented The Florida Forest Service has been working by its field operations staff within

15 field units across the state. hard to become the best organization it can be We look forward to sharing updates and useful

Field personnel and equipment for Florida’s citizens. This summer, we were once information with you each quarter. Please feel free provide a more responsive and again fortunate with favorable weather conditions to visit our website at FloridaForestService.com comprehensive approach to land that kept wildfires at bay and gave the Florida or contact a local field unit office for more informa- management and wildfire control Forest Service continued opportunity for growth. tion about the many excellent programs we have statewide. available to the public. Favorable conditions in the Southeast allowed us to lend wildfire suppression support to Western Prescribed Fire Helps Grow Bobwhite Quail Banner Year Population for Prescribed Fire in Florida The Florida Forest Service has teamed up with Florida’s primary More than 2.5 Million Acres land management agencies to Across Florida Underwent enhance, promote and conserve quality habitat for northern bobwhite Prescribed Burns Last Year quail and other upland birds and By Chelsea Ealum, animals on more than 11,000 acres Communications & PR Coordinator of the Blackwater River State Forest.

This venture is part of the Upland The Florida Forest Service over- areas. Other benefits from pre- in part, to its unique Certified

Ecosystem Restoration Project sees one of the most active scribed fires include: Prescribed Burn Manager pro-

(UERP), a multi-agency cooperative prescribed fire programs in the • Disease control in young gram. This program trains and effort to increase populations of country. Prescribed fire is used pines. certifies individuals as Certified northern bobwhite quail and other to reduce the risk of wildfires and • Habitat improvement for Prescribed Burn Managers. declining fire-dependent wildlife keep Florida’s natural habitats wildlife. Certified Prescribed Burn man- species on public lands throughout healthy and growing. • Range management. agers receive certain benefits

Florida. • Preservation of endangered such as liability protection under During the past year, the Florida plant and animal species. Florida Statutes 590.125, extra time

Like many animal and plant species Forest Service reports that more to burn and the ability to submit in Florida, northern bobwhite quail than 2.5 million acres across The Florida Forest Service reg- online open burn requests. Anyone rely on frequent, low-grade fires for Florida were treated with pre- ularly manages its more than who uses prescribed fire or con- population and habitat preservation. scribed fire, one of the highest 1 million acres of ducts controlled

Prescribed fire is one of the most numbers ever reported by any state forest lands Prescribed fire is a burns on a regu- cost-effective and efficient tools state in the country. More than with prescribed fire safe way to apply lar basis should 214,000 of these acres were on while also conduct- consider enroll- available for managing quail habitat. a natural process, Prescribed fires benefit bobwhite state forest land. ing or authorizing ing in this useful ensure ecosystem quail habitat by enhancing nest prescribed burns and educational cover and brood range, improving “Prescribed fire in Florida is a on other public and health and reduce program. (See insect and seed foraging conditions, very important land management private lands. wildfire risk. “How to Become helping control hardwood inva- tool,” said State Forester Jim a Certified Burn sion into the forest midstory, and Karels. “It is a safe way to apply “Last year, we were fortunate to Manager” on pg 3) decreasing the probability of destruc- a natural process, ensure eco- experience many days with con- tive wildfire. system health, and reduce wild- ditions favorable for prescribed To learn more about the Florida fire risk for people, homes and fire,” Karels said. “Conditions Forest Service’s prescribed fire

Resource managers have used a natural resources.” can change quickly and dras- programs, visit our Prescribed combination of prescribed fire, tim- tically in Florida, so it is our Fire web page at http:// ber harvests and hardwood reduc- Prescribed fire is used to reduce responsibility to take advantage www.freshfromflorida.com/ tion to improve habitat conditions the buildup of flammable plant of favorable conditions whenever Divisions-Offices/Florida- and encourage bobwhite population materials that fuel and intensify they are present.” Forest-Service/Wildfire/ growth on the Blackwater River dangerous wildfires. Reducing Prescribed-Fire.

State Forest. Bobwhite coveys, or hazardous buildup results in Florida’s prescribed burning pro- small flocks, have been counted increased safety for surrounding gram is extremely active due,

(Continued on pg. 10) FloridaForestService.com 2 How to Become a Certified Burn Manager

The first step toward becoming

a Certified Prescribed Burn

Manager is to take the Florida

Certified Prescribed Burn

Manager Training Course.

This course is offered in two

formats: distance learning and New Changes to Open Burning Laws & Rules classroom. By Jim Brenner, Fire Management Administrator

The distance learning format There have been several signif- Forestry). F.S. 590 has always waste. The authority to delegate is a web-based self study icant changes to the open burn- given the Florida Forest Service to any municipality (city or coun- course intended for experienced ing laws and rules over the past the authority to write rules to ty) was part of the 2013 revision. burners who wish to polish two years. These changes were manage the prevention, detec- their skills and receive certifi- brought about when the Florida tion and suppression of wildfires. 5. 590.125: A definition was cation from the Florida Forest Forest Service and the Florida However, the statute change in added to the law for Gross Service. The classroom format Attorney General reviewed the 2013 specifies that the Florida Negligence, meaning conduct is a three-day course open to existing regulations and found Forest Service would authorize so reckless or wanting in care individuals of all experience that the language needed to open burning for Agriculture, that it constitutes a conscious levels. Classroom courses will be updated. The following is Silviculture and Land Clearing disregard or indifference to be offered at various times and a review of the most signifi- in Florida. life, safety or rights of persons locations across the state. cant changes made to the stat- exposed to such conduct. utes that affect open burning in 3. F.S. 590.02(3) was amended All students must either have Florida: to make it clear that sovereign 6. 590.125: A definition for smol- or obtain direct (not standby) immunity applies to all planning dering was added, meaning the experience conducting at least 1. F.S. 570.07(9)28 was amend- activities used by the Florida “continued consumption of fuels, three acreage burns before ed to include pile burning as it Forest Service when monitoring, which may emit flames and receiving initial certification. is defined in F.S. 590.125(1). or suppressing an outdoor fire smoke, after a fire is contained”. Prior to this, certain types of (whether wildfire or prescribed For landowners that frequently land clearing burns were the fire). 7. 590.125(2): In the non-certi- burn piles, the Florida Forest legislative responsibility of the fied section, the person named Service also offers a Certified Department of Environmental 4. 590.02(10) authorizes the responsible or a designee must Pile Burner program. Protection (DEP). The change Florida Forest Service to dele- be present at the burn site until gave responsibility to the Florida gate its authority pertaining to the burn is completed. Further information and appli- Forest Service. the open burning of land clear- cation forms can be found at ing debris (or the authority del- (Continued on pg 10) FloridaForestService.com or 2. In 1978, the Florida Legislature egated to the Florida Forest by contacting the Florida Forest transferred the responsibility for Service from the Department Service Withlacoochee Training all Agricultural and Silvicultural of Environmental Protection) to Center at Open Burning to the Florida manage and enforce regulations (352) 797-4172. Forest Service (then Division of pertaining to the burning of yard

about the best way to make

your home and neighborhood

safer from wildfire. From the

basics of defensible space and

sound landscaping techniques,

to research on how homes ignite

(and what you can do about it),

there are tips, tools and teach- New Online Wildfire Risk Assessment Tool ings you can use at By Chelsea Ealum, Communications and PR Coordinator Firewise.org. Recently, the Southern Wildfire their risk and take action to pro- as any common online mapping Risk Assessment Portal tect their families and homes service, with most users becom- (SouthWRAP) was unveiled. from the threat of wildfire. ing proficient within minutes.” Smokey Bear SouthWRAP is an interactive tool Turns 70! designed to provide user-friendly SouthWRAP allows users to There are currently two ver- Smokey Bear celebrated 70 public access to detailed wild- pinpoint a specific location and sions of the SouthWRAP tool, years of wildfire prevention on fire risk information for cities, identify wildfire threats based on the Public Viewer and the August 9th, 2014. The Smokey communities and homes. The landscape characteristics, his- Professional Viewer. The Public Bear campaign is the longest program was developed by torical fire occurrence, weather Viewer is available to the general running in Ad Council history. the Florida Forest Service and conditions and terrain. The site public and an account sign-in is Despite the continued success the Southern Group of State also routes users to resources not required. The Professional of the Smokey Bear campaign, Foresters, and is the first of its that can help them tackle iden- Viewer, which requires a user- wildfire prevention remains kind in the nation. tified threats and reduce wildfire name and password, is designed one of the most critical issues risk. to support the community wild- affecting our country. Smokey’s SouthWRAP allows citizens, fire protection planning needs message is as relevant today as community leaders, fire profes- “This is an easy-to-use tool that of government officials, hazard it was in 1944. Although people sionals and decision-makers to puts sophisticated mapping and mitigation planners and wildfire tend to associate wildfire issues work hand-in-hand to reduce fire risk analysis technology at professionals. Both versions of with the summer season and wildfire risk. The Florida Forest the fingertips of our citizens,” the program are available at the Western states, wildfires can Service encourages all Floridians said Jim Karels, State Forester. SouthernWildfireRisk.com. occur on any day of the year in to visit the website, learn about “SouthWRAP is as simple to use Florida. In Florida, most wildfires This Month’s Q&A Wildfire Tips are caused by human care- lessness with escaped debris

Q: What can I do to increase wildfire safety around • Cleaning all debris from your roof and gutters. burning and arson being the top

my home? • Keeping lawn trimmed and watered (according to local two causes. Although Smokey water regulations). A: Wildfire is a naturally occurring event that often arrives has been essential to the • Pruning low hanging tree branches 6-10 feet from the unannounced and moves quickly. Would your home sur- ground. reduction of wildfires in the last vive? In a single afternoon, you can improve your home’s seven decades, he still needs • Removing highly flammable plant materials within 30 aesthetics and increase the chances it will survive the feet of the home. your help reducing wildfires. For impact of a wildfire. Some actions you can take include: more information about Smokey • Make sure soffit vents, eaves, attic and crawl spaces Removing leaves, pine needles and dry fuels away from have metal screens. Bear and wildfire prevention, visit the foundation of your home and yard. Some actions you • Clearly mark your residence so emergency personnel SmokeyBear.com. can take include: can find you. FloridaForestService.com 4 Baker County Selected for Fire Adapted Communities Program

Baker County selected as one of 10 new communities in the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network Hub.

By Ronda Sutphen, Wildfire Prevention/Mitigation Coordinator

Baker County was selected as What is a Fire Adapted Community? nity to safely accept fire as part of one of 10 new communities to the surrounding landscape. participate in the Fire Adapted A Fire Adapted Community (FAC) Communities Learning Network is a community that consists of Fire Adapted Communities is hub. At this time, there are only informed and prepared citizens not a new program but rather 18 hub communities nationwide who collaboratively plan and tak- a process that involves pre- in the Fire Adapted Communities network. The Florida Forest Service in Baker County will be working with many partner agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Baker County Fire Department and other government agencies and private landowners to help Baker County become more adapted to fire. Forest Area Supervisor Larry Chestnut and Mitigation Specialist Doc Bloodworth have done an excellent job mitigating wildfires in ing action to safely co-exist with scribed burning, fuel reduction, Baker County. Their efforts have wildland fire. Community Wildfire Protection played a huge role in the selection Plans, Firewise and Ready Set of Baker County as a hub to Fire A knowledgeable, engaged com- Go! programs, and more. Adapted Communities Learning munity whose actions (in rela- Network. tion to infrastructure, buildings, To learn more about fire adapted landscaping, and the surrounding communities visit ecosystem) lessen the need for FireAdapted.org. extensive emergency protective actions and enables the commu-

How to Analyze Trees for Potential Safety Hazards

By David Conser, Senior Forester CRASH! She was sure a car had run help increase safety. may fail, splitting away. On the other hand, into her house! Rushing outside she branches that grow out from the trunk in a found, not a car, but a huge tree branch, Sick, stressed or compromised trees often more horizontal direction are likely strong- splayed across the roof. A large, dead show signs that are noticeable to the dis- ly connected. “U” shaped crotches are branch had finally given into gravity cerning eye. A tree with a full, luxurious also much stronger than “V” crotches. This thanks to all the soaking rains. Why canopy of leaves is almost always more problem is best solved with proper pruning hadn’t someone seen it ahead of time healthy than one with a thinning top. (the earlier the better). Live oaks tend to and done something about it? Foresters and arborists refer to the live have many “V” crotches, but is an excep- top of a tree as its “crown.” Crown decline tion to this rule of thumb and is a great tree Hurricane season is upon us, and in refers to a condition when a tree has a with ultra strong wood. A Live Oak with a addition to other preparedness efforts, significant number of leafless twigs scat- modest size “V” crotch may be fine, while homeowners should turn their attention to tered throughout the top of the tree. It sig- a Live Oak with a large “V” crotch may the condition of their nals that the tree is fail. It is best to prune your live oak early trees. Many home- declining, often due to force a more horizontal branching struc- owners are blissful- to root injury or the ture, or “U” crotches. A qualified arborist or ly unaware of the steady progression tree surgeon may be your best bet. hazard that may be of one or more root lurking above. Does diseases. A tree with Trees should be surveyed for dead branch- this mean we should compromised roots es, or entirely dead trees. This, however, turn our yards into is more likely to top- brings up an important consideration, in treeless pastures, or ple over. all cases, but especially with dead wood: throw our hands up Is there a target? In other words, what is in resignation? Neither extreme is neces- The trunk and branching structure of a the worst thing that can happen if this tree sary or appropriate. tree is important. One common example or branch falls? of poor structure leading to hazardous (Continued on pg 11) There are simple, tried and true princi- conditions is a “V” crotch, where two large ples for assessing the hazard a particular trunks or branches join together tightly in tree may present. That said, there are a “V-like” configuration. This means the few guarantees regarding what this nat- tree probably has a bark to bark connec- ural world may or may not throw our way. tion internally, which is very weak. One or However, taking extra precautions may more of these large trunks or branches

FloridaForestService.com 6 VOLUNTEERS Make a Difference

Thank you to all the Volunteers who contribute their time and talents to the Florida Forest Service. More than 57,000 hours of service was recorded by volunteers in the past year. It is through hard work and dedication October is State Forest Awareness Month from volunteers that our By Lorna Radcliff, Recreation Specialist agency’s programs and services are enhanced Fall weather cools down the Become a part of annual lunch time to enjoy some down to better benefit our Florida heat offering outdoor events and enjoy the traditions, home BBQ . visitors, communities enthusiasts ideal temperatures education and appreciation of and state. for their recreational pursuits. Florida’s state forests. Is your dog your best friend? Grab your gear and head out Grab the leash and take him out to Florida’s state forests for Visitors from all over drive to the to the east coast for the annual adventures that will become panhandle to enjoy the Munson Greyhound Pets of America 5K some of your fondest memories. Community Heritage Festival and Pet Walk at the Indian Lake From camping along the forest’s each year at the Krul Recreation Recreation Area of Tiger Bay waterways, to hiking meandering Area of Blackwater State Forest. State Forest. The dog contests trails through the wilderness, It is abundant with booths that will keep you entertained. there is something for everyone. offer current and historical Go further, explore with your activities that are educational For more information on these bicycle, horse or kayak and and fun for everyone. and other hosted outdoor discover the natural diversity recreational opportunities, check and abundance of resources Equestrians pull in to north out the calendar of events online within the forests. Let the central Florida and saddle-up to at FloridaForestService.com. wildlife, wildflowers and simple participate in the Breast Cancer sounds of the forest surround Awareness Ride held at Goethe you and entice your curiosity. State Forest. This year the Levy County Horse Club hosts their Are you cautious about going 14th annual ride with the same alone? Don’t be. Annual events opportunities for the public to offer opportunities to explore learn about the forests, breast with others who will share cancer awareness and Florida’s local knowledge of our forests. greenways and trails. Arrive at

State Forest Photo Contest

October starts the 2014-2015 State Forest Photo Contest where you can submit photographs taken at a Florida State Forest for a chance to be a quarterly winner. Quarterly winners are automatically entered for Photo of the Year. The contest has categories for nature, recreation, creative and employee. Find contest rules and forms online at FloridaForestService.com under Recreation.

“Kayaking Arbuckle Creek” by Theresa Carson on Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Florida’s 35 state forests provide ample opportunities for space, solitude, self reliance and physical fitness. Floridians can participate in a wide vari- ety of forest and trail activities including hiking, biking, pad- dling, horseback riding, trail running, bird watching and more. State Forest Feature: PICAYUNE STRAND By Heather Ferrand, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist “Participation in the Florida The Sabal Palm Trail, part of fire-adapted species common endangered species. State Forest Trailwalker the Great Florida Birding & in Southwest Florida, such as In 2013, the Florida Forest Program is another great way Wildlife Trail, a hiking trail muhly grass, which displays Service implemented a series for Floridians to discover our located in the Picayune its beautiful pink plumes in of improvements to the Sabal state forests,” said Jim Karels, Strand State Forest. Located the fall, and the hardy south Palm Trail trailhead to enhance State Forester. “The opportunity in the Belle Mead Tract and Florida slash pine, which pro- both the function and aesthetic to have a personal experience accessed from the trailhead vides critical habitat for one of value of the site. Notable chang- with nature is a rare opportunity on the western side of the for- the southernmost populations es include a formal parking area offered by this program.” est, the 3.5-mile Sabal Palm of endangered red-cockaded and circle drive, a new visitor Trail consists of two loops woodpeckers in the kiosk, and the remov- The Florida State Forest that traverse pine flatwoods country. Visitors can al of dozens of snags Trailwalker Program provides and cypress swamp com- view numerous spe- (standing dead trees) rewards for completing var- munities. Several palm and cies of airplants, immediately adjacent ious state forest trail lists. hardwood hammocks are also including the endan- to the trail and trail- Trailwalkers that hike and log accessible from the trail. In gered giant airplant, head. An event space ten trails on the Trailwalker’s addition to hiking, users are and epiphytic orchids was also created just Trail List will receive a special encouraged to bike the Sabal located among majes- west of the trailhead Trailwalker patch that can be Palm Trail. Some portions tic cypress trees that intersect and will serve as the home for sewn on to a favorite shirt of the trail, however, may be the trail. In addition to red-cock- Picayune Strand’s Festival in or hiking vest, plus a certif- difficult to navigate with a aded woodpeckers, notable ani- the Woods. icate commemorating the bicycle during the height of mal species that visitors may achievement signed by the the dry season due to deep see while on the trail include The Festival in the Woods is an Commissioner of Agriculture, sands. the Florida black bear, fox squir- annual event developed to cel- Adam H. Putnam. Once you rel, American alligator, swal- ebrate and educate the public have completed the first level, The Sabal Palm Trail provides low-tailed kite, wood stork, and about the ecology and manage- print out another Trailwalker’s users with opportunities to view eastern diamondback rattle- ment of the forest. The inaugural log sheet and start and the next many native plant and wild- snake. Although not commonly Festival was held in January adventure. life species that call Picayune encountered on the trail, the 2013 and was attended by more Strand State Forest home. The Florida panther calls this forest than 250 people. For more information about the pine flatwoods that surround home and visitors may observe Trailwalker Program, visit http:// the trail showcase many of the tracks and other signs of this (Continued on Pg 10) www.freshfromflorida.com/

Divisions-Offices/Florida- Forest-Service/Recreation FloridaForestService.com 8 Doug Ott, Friends Coordinator, hands Robert & Julia Grayson, the new “Friends” license tag, the first Friends member to receive one. They Friends visited our booth hosted by the Lakeland District staff, at the Big Buck Expo in July, which was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. They Quarterly Message also plan to become volunteers at the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Fall has arrived, and the Friends of to continue encouraging citizens and Croom Motorcycle Area Florida State Forests program is tourists to visit Florida State Forests Withlacoochee State Forest Friends in full swing. We are excited about and support the management and In order to make the 2,600 acre Croom upcoming opportunities to raise protection of these important natural Motorcycle Area on the Withlacoochee Donate! additional funds for the manage- resources. State Forest (Brooksville, FL) a safer, more ment of Florida’s state forests. The family friendly facility, Friends of Florida Friends program assists Florida’s Friends of Florida State Forests invites State Forests raised approximately $6,000 35 state forests as they expand citizens to join us at upcoming events. toward the installation of flashing beacons, outdoor recreation, education and Recent events have included a Fall photo eye sensors, security cameras, reforestation. Family Outdoors Day at Matanzas monitors, DVD, camera surge protectors State Forest and the Munson Heritage and electrical supplies. Helen Koehler, longtime Friends of Friends kicked off the summer with an Festival. For more upcoming events, Florida State Forests member and past appearance in National Geographic’s please visit www.freshfromflorida. board member, hands the keys of a May issue of “Undiscovered Florida” com/News-Events/Event-Calendar/ new Polaris Ranger to Bobby Cahal, featuring seven Florida state forests. Forestry Forestry Supervisor at Goethe State Undiscovered Florida is available at Forest. This donation, valued at nearly Welcome Centers throughout Florida If you want to support Florida’s State $10,000, will be used for prescribed or can be viewed online at http:// Forests, encourage others to visit, The Friends of Florida State Forests burning and state forest management. www.nxtbook.com/worth/undis- purchase an annual state forest day funds were collected from Croom T-Shirt coveredflorida/undiscoveredflori- use pass for yourself or a friend, or Sales, Firewood Sales and other various Other Donors- Special Thanks! da2014/index.php#/8 take it a step further and become fundraisers. Local agencies and vendors $1,000 Daughters of the a Friends of Florida State Forests supported the effort with monetary support American Revolution Drivers on I-10 West near Pensacola member. For more information, visit and volunteer hours to complete the (Patriot Pines Chapter) may have also noticed the newest FloridaStateForests.org, like us on project. Friends of Florida State Forests bill- Facebook or contact Doug.Ott@ $1,550 Utilities, Inc. board. This is just one way we hope FreshFromFlorida.com. The electric gate, security camera and well lit walkway will increase safety as $3,050 visitors enjoy all the Withlacoochee State Mickman Brothers Forest has to offer. The Croom Motorcyle $3,050 Area is open seven days a week and Derek Whitis offers something for every rider in the family, including a training area and young $50,000+ rider area. For more information visit Arbor Day Foundation FloridaForestService.com

Doug Ott, Program Coordinator Friends of Florida State Forests, 315 Conner Blvd, C-25, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650 (850) 681-5875 www.FloridaStateForests.org [email protected] 9 Prescribed Fire Helps Grow New Changes to Open Burning Laws & Rules Bobwhite Quail Population Continued from pg 3 Continued from pg 2 8. 590.125(3)(b)1. states that a prescribed does state that if the fire remains within the within the restoration area over the past burn can only be accomplished when a authorized area during the burn, a strong six years (2008-2013). The bobwhite den- certified prescribed burn manager (CPBM) rebuttable presumption exists that adequate sity count in 2013 showed the highest is present on site with the prescription and firebreaks and sufficient personnel and fire- number of birds per acre to date. supervises the burn until it is completed, fighting equipment were present. after which the CPBM is not required to be Changes to the Open Burning Rules as The Florida Forest Service has more present. opposed to the statutes listed above are than 13,000 additional acres dedicat- 9. 90.125(3)(b)2.a.&b., Now states that a currently going through the process approv- ed to the UERP project on Jennings new prescription or authorization is not al by the state and general public as well and Withlacoochee State Forests. The required for smoldering that occurs within as the burning community. These changes UERP project is supported by the Florida the authorized area unless new ignitions were made to bring the rule into compliance Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife are conducted by the CPBM. Monitoring the with the 2013 changes to F.S. 590, with one Conservation Commission, Department smoldering activity of a certified prescribed exception. The exception that is not includ- of Environmental Protection, U.S. Forest burn also does not require a new prescrip- ed in the statutory changes is the comple- Service and Tall Timbers Research Station tion or authorization even if the fire begins to tion time for Certified Prescribed Burns. and Land Conservancy. spread within the authorized burn area due After the changes go into effect, the new to ongoing smoldering. time for completing a Certified Prescribed 10. 590.125(3)(b)5.a -.c was added in the Burn will be two hours after sunset. 2013 revision. These three sections state We believe that these changes will clearly that a fire spreading outside the authorized define the responsibilities of the burning area does not constitute conclusive proof community in our state while at the same that there were inadequate fire breaks, time protecting the public’s health and safe- Take a or insufficient personnel and firefighting ty which is an integral part of the FFS’s forest break. equipment to contain the fire. However, it legislative responsibility. Picayune Strand State Forest Continued from pg 8 Participants enjoyed guided hikes on the a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, Sabal Palm Trail, wildlife presentations by weekend fitness warrior, or simply some- local area biologists, guided bicycle tours, one who enjoys a little time away from it and displays by more than 20 environmen- all, the Sabal Palm Trail offers something FIND OUT HOW AT VisitMyForest.org tal exhibitors. The 2nd Annual Festival in for everyone. The trail is open from dawn the Woods will take place on Saturday, until dusk, 365 days a year. A day use January 24, 2015 from 10 am to 3 pm. fee of $2.00 applies and can be paid at Additional enhancements of the Sabal the trailhead via envelopes provided. The Palm Trail, including a self-guided inter- trailhead is conveniently located 3.3 miles pretive tour, fitness course, spur trails, east of Collier Boulevard on the south side Giving our forests scavenger hunt for children, guided walk of Sabal Palm Road just east of Naples. new life program, and a connector trail that will link Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. the trail to the other 30 miles of trails in Some portions of the trail may be under the forest, are in development and will be water during the wet season. Contact the implemented over the next several years. Picayune Strand State Forest office for trail The Florida Forest Service cordially invites conditions and closures prior to your visit

The good kind of fire. GoodFIRES.org you to visit the Sabal Palm Trail in Picayune at (239) 348-7557. Strand State Forest. Whether you are Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (FLForestService) 10 Look out Above for Hazardous Trees Continued from pg 6 Is it leaning away from everything? If it will Lawnmowers and weed eaters are big-time water oak, sand pine, Carolina laurelcher- not hit anything important, it is considered culprits in this regard. Improper pruning of ry, red maple and turkey oak. Sweetgum to have no target. Dead trees are actually branches will also exacerbate this problem. and red cedar have a tendency for major vitally important to many cavity nesters, branches to break in hurricanes. Do not such as woodpeckers, owls, other birds, Cankers are sunken, misshapen areas, panic if, though, if these trees are present flying squirrels, and many additional crit- usually on the trunk of the tree. About 30% in your yard – thorough scientific surveys ters. If one can safely leave a dead tree of pine trees have cankers from a disease have shown that only 1-2% of trees that up, they should do so. After it finally falls, called fusiform rust. A canker can cause a failed during hurricanes caused damage to leave it if you can, since dead wood on the tree to be hazardous if it extends too far property. ground serves as valuable habitat for an around or into the trunk of the tree. If a can- assortment of animals. ker extends more than half way through the Do your trees have crown decline, “V” tree’s trunk, concern should be elevated. crotches, major dead branches, large areas There are some other, less common haz- of decay, cankers, or deep cracks? These ards. Does your tree have a large rotten, A deep crack through the bark of the tree, are some of the main signs hazardous decayed area? You may notice one or into the wood, may indicate the tree is trees may display. Homeowners should more mushroom-like structures in decayed already failing. It is natural for bark to look look for these warning signs. Does the haz- areas. Rotten areas of trees never heal. like it has minute cracks all over, but a long, ardous tree have a target? If so, removal The tree will fight to keep the decay from deep crack that appears to go all the way or major tree work is probably warranted. progressing further. If a tree is healthy, it through is a serious warning sign. A qualified arborist is a great resource for a will probably win the fight against decay for more in-depth analysis. quite some time. If the tree is unhealthy or Which trees will hold up best in hurricanes? stressed, the decay will win more quickly. The latest research suggests live oak and Contact a Florida Forest Service County Is the rotten area large enough and in a sabal palm are the real champs. Magnolia, Forester in your area to learn more about position to cause the failure of the tree or sand live oak, dogwood, pecan (sheltered what you can do to promote the health major limb? To help prevent this problem, in a non-orchard setting) and bald cypress of your trees. Visit FloridaForestService. try not to injure the bark of your trees. Bark are also quite sturdy against hurricanes. com for more information. is the tree’s natural defense against decay. Some of the worst include laurel oak,

Take a forest break.

FIND OUT HOW AT VisitMyForest.org

FloridaForestService.com 11