June 2004 Tree Line.Qxd

New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association June 2004

Special points June Meeting at Mountain Star of interest: The NHVTCTA June meet- and-cut and mail order markets. ing will be held Saturday, June Ben Hoyt (the Association’s As we went to press, we received 26, at Mountain Star Farms in alternate director for N.H.) is word of the death of longtime Swiftwater, N.H. (On the Web at Garvan’s partner in the business. NHVTCTA member and former www.mtnstarfarms.com.) He started on the planting crew Executive Secretary Pam Dwyer. Pam Mike Garvan founded the when he was 13 years old and passed away June 5 after a difficult bat- farm in 1982. “Throughout its his- now, more than 20 years later, tle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). tory, the farm has included two has entered into an agreement She served with distinction as pieces of owned land and various with Garvan to purchase the farm Executive Secretary for many years other leased parcels,” explains in the future. until her retirement in 1999.We Garvan. Currently, the farm owns The meeting will allow mem- extend our condolences to her or leases about 100 acres, 80 of bers to see first-hand how husband Jack and her family. which are planted at this time. Mountain Star Farms was able to, “There are around 80,000 over a number of years, change trees in the ground,” says Garvan. the spacing and layout of its The fall meeting is scheduled for “The mix is about 60 percent fras- fields. “The spacing between rows September 25 at a location in Vermont er fir, 20 percent balsam and 20 was 5 feet,” says Garvan. “We had still to be determined. percent canaan.” The balsam are to do too much by hand. It was currently being phased out expensive, back-breaking and not (replaced with canaan) because of practical.” Without simply clear- The 13-page New England Guide to what Garvan terms a “ferocious ing the field to start over (Garvan Chemical Weed and Brush Control in example of balsam gall midge.” didn’t want to lose his choose- Christmas Trees has been updated for Mountain Star sells about and-cut customers by shutting 9,500 trees each year, mainly down for a few years), Mountain 2004. The guide is available from your wholesale but also to the choose- extension forester and at www.ceinfo. continued on page 11 unh.edu/Pubs/PubsFW.htm. Getting Real About Artificial Trees

Inside this issue: The National Christmas To implement the new Tree Association (NCTA) has expansion programs, NCTA con- announced a new campaign to ducted a nationwide search for a President’s Message 2 increase sales of real trees. Nigel marketing communications Manley, of Rocks Tree Farm in agency and selected Smith & Association Contact Information 2 Bethlehem, N.H., and our associ- Harroff, Inc., an Alexandria, Va. ation’s NCTA director, reports “The strategy behind our cam- 2004 Herbicide Update 4 that growers responded enthusi- paign is to build on the emotional astically to the plan at the NCTA connection people have with Research Report: Deer Damage 6 CT PLUS winter conference. Christmas and promote Real “Our industry continues to Trees as an integral part of that Editor’s Desk 7 lose market share to artificial nostalgic experience,” said Jay trees and the national organiza- Smith, President of Smith & Intra-State Christmas Tree Meetings 9 tion decided it was time to take Harroff. “‘Nothing Says aggressive action to reverse this Christmas More Than a Real Trading Post 10 trend,” said Charles Grogan, Tree’ is our campaign theme. Key NCTA President. “And, industry audiences have been identified June Meeting Agenda 11 leaders stepped forward to invest and will be targeted with a range funds at 12 cents per tree sold of communications tactics.” Barn Fire at Walker’s Farm 12 last year.” continued on page 6 PAGE 2 JUNE 2004

President’s Message

As I write this column on problems in order to promote and declared that member regis- May 22, it appears that this will sharing and reduce conflicts. tration fees will be reciprocal. be a frost damage-free spring. We There is some concern that the A Big E concern which has must rejoice when we can. Since biennial indoor winter conference long simmered under the surface, the last issue of Tree Line in needs some diversity, such as an and occasionally come to a boil, is January, Milan Miller and I tes- opportunity to get into the field. the practice or prohibition of vol- tified before the Vermont House Discussions on this subject unteers promoting their own Agriculture Committee regarding have lead to the decision to trees when on duty. At the last amendments to the Right-To- forego the 2005 conference. NECTA meeting, Abby Tonry, Farm bill. At that time, no bill Instead, all New England and volunteer coordinator, stated her had been submitted and they other northeast growers will join view that volunteers’ primary were just gathering input. NH-VT at our two-day 50th message must always be to pro- I have been to two meetings anniversary celebration in mote real trees, but there is noth- of NECTA, the New England September, 2006. The grand ing improper about someone hav- Christmas Tree Alliance. This event will be hosted by Abby ing a good supply of business organization has only five “mem- Tonry at her farm in Hampton cards, and trying to sell their bers”: the five separate New Falls near the New Hampshire own trees. There was wide agree- England Christmas tree associa- seacoast. Walt Rockwood has ment that this practice should tions. NH-VT is represented by been promoted from Interested stand. Marshall Patmos, Abby Tonry, Investigator to General Chair of I look forward to a great and myself. NECTA’s principal the conference. turn-out at our meeting on June functions are to manage the Big To compensate for the 2005 26 at Mike Garvan and Ben E Christmas tree contest and dis- conference suspension, the five Hoyt’s farm in Swiftwater, just play, to produce the biennial New England associations will outside Woodsville, N.H. Christmas tree conference in the make extra efforts to publicize winter, and to provide a venue their meetings to all New Russell Reay, president for sharing association plans and England growers (see page 9),

New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association

2004 Officers Contact Information President Russell Reay (802) 492-3323 Jim Horst, Executive Secretary Vice President Dana Blais (603) 747-2263 569 Pleasant Valley Road Recording Secretary Carolyn Page (603) 664-2934 Bennington,VT 05201-9637 Executive Secretary/Treasurer Jim Horst (802) 447-1900 Phone: (802) 447-1900 Past President Nigel Manley (603) 444-6228 Marketing Committee Chair Walt Rockwood (802) 685-2282 E-mail: [email protected] Association Website: www.nh-vtchristmastree.org (Term Ends) 2004 Directors (2006) Mike Ahern (603) 536-2334 For matters related to Tree Line only: (2005)* Dana Blais (603) 747-2263 Patrick White, Editor (2005)* Mike Dannehy (603) 747-2457 NHVTCTA Tree Line (2004)* Mike Godzyk (603) 237-5702 (2006) Rich Hourihan (802) 563-2369 18 Merritt Road (2005) Phil Kivlin (802) 897-8031 Middlesex,VT 05602 (2004) Tom Lang (802) 223-7028 Phone/fax: (802) 223-3880 (2004) Milan Miller (802) 443-5382 E-mail: [email protected] (2004) Bill Nichols (603) 353-4832 (2006) Rich Rockwood (802) 685-4343 (2006) Susan Taylor (603) 239-4005 2004 Tree Line Publication Schedule (2005) Bob White (802) 899-4924 Alternate Directors Issue Ad/Submission Deadline Mailing Date (2004) Ben Hoyt (603) 838-6403 January --- January 9 (2004) Larry Krygier (802) 827-6123 June May 28 June 4 September August 27 September 3 *Denotes second consecutive term

PAGE 4 JUNE 2004

On Working Toward Weed-Free Christmas Tree Plantations in 2004

By John Ahrens recently received a federal regis- break (2 pints per acre for peren- tration for both products. nials), in true firs and spruces. It is impractical, if not However, state registrations will What is special about impossible, to have a Christmas also have to be obtained and at SureGuard is that it has con- tree plantation without some this writing we do not know trolled annual weeds and grasses weeds, given that hundreds of which states will have them for as well as, and usually better wild plants are potential weeds spring of 2004. than, our standard combinations and that surface soils can contain SureGuard is primarily a of Princep (simazine) plus hundreds of weed seeds in every preemergence herbicide for most Surflan, Princep plus Pendulum square foot. Weeds growing in annual weeds but also controls and Princep plus Aatrex aisles between rows may actually some weeds after emergence (atrazine). It provides us a low- be beneficialfor soil conserva- rate “single product” option to tion, support of insect predators our previous “standards.” As with and reducing compaction by any new herbicide we still have equipmentbut weeds growing more to learn about SureGuard. close to our trees (within 12 to 18 Further experiments and grower inches) are detrimental to tree use will probably turn up new growth, quality and profitability. discoveries. Whenever possible, Using weed management tools in growers should consider compar- effective ways is a continuing ing SureGuard side by side with challenge for Christmas tree their standard spring herbicides. growers. Keeping abreast of the new tools and research findings Surflan (oryzalin) vs. Pendulum is essential if we want to improve (pendimethalin) vs. Pennant our weed management skills. i.e., chickweed, moss, annual Magnum (s-metolachlor) bluegrass, seedling crabgrass and These herbicides control SureGuard herbicide some seedling broadleaves such annual grasses before emergence, Our newest weed manage- as ragweed and lambsquarters. It but all require help such as ment tool is the herbicide flu- will be of value in controlling simazine, Goal (oxyfluorfen) mioxazin which will be available groundsel, lambsquarters and and/or atrazine to control under the trade names pigweeds that are resistant to broadleaf weeds. Pennant is the SureGuard and BroadStar. Dr. simazine and atrazine. It has one to use if yellow nutsedge is a Todd Mervosh and I have been controlled Asiatic dayflower and problem in your plantation. evaluating flumioxazin over the suppressed mugwort but does not Effective rates of Pennant past four seasons for potential control most perennial weeds, Magnum range from 43 to 50 uses in ornamental nurseries and including quackgrass and yellow fluid ounces per acre, applied Christmas trees. We conducted nutsedge. Applied in April, before budbreak and preferably Christmas tree experiments at SureGuard has been effective for followed soon by rainfall. Where Hemlock Hill Tree Farm (Bill long season control at 8 to 12 nutsedge is not a problem, I and Kathy Kogut), Wrights Mill ounces (wgt.) per acre. Rates 2.7 would choose either Surflan or Tree Farm (Al and Amanda to 4 times higher have not Pendulum, which control more Amundsen), Dzen Tree Farm injured firs in our tests, even broadleaf weeds. (John Dzen, Jr.), the Valley when applied for 3 consecutive In past years we observed Laboratory, and on my farm in years. However, to avoid injury to better control of certain broadleaf Vermont. A seedbed experiment Christmas trees, SureGuard weeds such as groundsel and pig- was conducted at the State must be applied before bud break weeds with Surflan than with Forest Nursery at Voluntown. or after new growth has hard- Pendulum, but in 2003 we The sprayable SureGuard ened unless sprays are fully obtained longer control of crab- 51% water-dispersible granule is directed to avoid conifer foliage. grass with Pendulum than with the most practical and economi- Applications in spring after bud Surflan, both at 2.7 lbs. active cal form of flumioxazin for break cause severe frost-like con- ingredient per acre. We also Christmas trees or transplant tact injury to new growth. To found that the new slow release beds. BroadStar is a 0.25% gran- control perennial weeds and formulation of pendimethalin ular formulation that could find grasses and established horse- (Pendulum 3.8 AquaCap and uses in transplant beds. Neither weed, SureGuard can be com- formulation can be used safely in bined with Roundup Original at 1 seedbeds. Valent USA Corp. has to 2 pints per acre, before bud continued on page 8

PAGE 6 JUNE 2004 Research Report: Deer Damage Excerpted from Iowa State Repellents NCTA, continued from page 1 Univ. Extension; this detailed Deer repellents are generally article can be read in its entirety best suited for smaller areas; Since children are a key at www.ag.iastate.edu/departments/ may fail to protect if other foods determinant as to whether there forestry/ext/pubs/F-358.pdf. are scarce; and may be dissipated is a Christmas Tree in the home, Several actions can be taken by rain. Repellents are classified NCTA’s new program will include to reduce deer damage. as area (odor) or contact (taste) a national “Help Santa Find the Fences agents. Perfect Real Christmas Tree” Properly constructed and Taste repellents are placed contest. This program will maintained fencing is one of the directly on the plants to be pro- encourage children -- and their best methods for preventing deer tected. They are most effective on parents -- to show the Christmas depredations. However, fencing is dormant trees or shrubs, but spirit by decorating a Real expensive, and a cost/benefit must be applied when the tem- Christmas Tree. analysis should be conducted. perature is above freezing. Treat They will submit entries The “Penn State five-wire to a height of six feet or only the that include a short essay and fence” is recommended for moder- terminal growth on larger trees. photograph of their family next ate deer pressure on small to Other to the “perfect Real Tree.” The moderate acreages. This fence uti- Harvesting deer during the program will include prizes such lizes high voltage, low impedance legal season is one of the best as a trip to Washington to attend energizers, high tensile strength ways to control their numbers. the lighting of the National smooth steel wire (12 1/2 gauge, Encourage hunting in problem Christmas Tree. 200,000 psi), and special in-line areas; solicit the cooperation of To encourage sales of Real tighteners that maintain tension. your neighbors to allow hunting Christmas Trees, industry partic- A slanted seven wire fence on adjacent property. Planting ipants will receive an enhanced works well for moderate to high decoy crops or supplemental feed- marketing tool kit that will allow deer pressure on moderate to ing may also be helpful. users - retailers, choose and cut- large areas. This fence may be Other good online sources of ters, major growers and others - electrified but also reportedly information on controlling deer to expand media coverage using works satisfactorily without elec- damage include: tested consumer messages. trification. The wires are spaced -www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/ Other programs elements at one-foot intervals along a rail wldlf2/c728.pdf will include a proactive Internet- slanted at a 45 degree angle to -www.naturalresources.umd. marketing strategy; partnerships the ground (away from the tree edu/Pages/Deer_Paper.html with other industries interested crop) to an outside height of four ***If you’ve tried something in reaching similar customers; a feet. This fence covers about six that’s worked, please contact the “rapid response program” focused feet of horizontal space and pres- editor so he can pass along any on fire safety issues; and develop- ents a formidable barrier. tips in the next issue of Tree Line. ment of paid advertising. “The ultimate goal of the campaign is to encourage more and more Americans to enjoy a quality Christmas experience with their loved ones,” Manley said. “Now, we’re launching a major fund-raising effort. We need to know how much money will be available so we can start developing the campaign ele- ments in time to provide to par- ticipants for the 2004 selling sea- son.” Nigel Manley says that members who are interested in supporting this market expansion campaign may send funds to NCTA, 1000 Executive Parkway, Suite 220, St. Louis, MO 63141. The NCTA has already begun to contact growers to educate them about the initiative. JUNE 2004 PAGE 7 Editor’s Desk A number of newsworthy Trees were delivered via refriger- Farm, West Danville, scored items have crossed my desk since ated truck from the nursery in excellent. A 6-foot balsam fir the last issue of Tree Line. Until Washington State. Time will tell, entered in the youth division by next time, happy shearing... but the trees seemed of good Dan Hourihan, Cabot Tree Farm, quality and early survivability was also judged excellent. All The State of Vermont is on has been excellent. A similar members should consider enter- the lookout for a 25- to 30-foot Canaan fir group buy is planned ing a tree or wreath next year. specimen to serve as the State for next year and will be dis- House Christmas tree. It would cussed at the fall meeting. Walt Rockwood submitted be a great source of P.R. for the Contact Jim Horst if you’re inter- the following book review: Association and the industry if a ested in participating. “Christmas tree growers who like Christmas tree grower stepped John Grisham’s novels will enjoy forward. The Dept. of Forests & Richard and Stephanie a book by him that makes a com- Parks will cut and transport the Rockwood, Redrock Farm, plete departure from his usual tree, and even pays $100. The Chelsea, scored a double “Best of content. Skipping Christmas prominent display setting in Show” for Christmas tree and (Doubleday, 177 pages) is a Montpelier should provide grow- wreath at the 2004 Vermont delightful story about Luther and ers with added marketing incen- Farm Show. A 7-foot Redrock Nora Krank and the year they tive. Contact your county forester Farm balsam fir was judged decided to skip Christmas and go if you’re interested. excellent, class winner and best on a cruise. No tree, no decora- of show. Stephanie’s decorated tions, no parties--just work on a Group Buying Update: balsam fir wreath was judged their tans and get ready to 24,000 Canaan Fir P+1+1 were Excellent, Class Winner and Best cruise. It’s a hilarious look at ordered through group buying of Show. A decorated wreath by what happens on Hemlock Street from the Canaan Fir Company. Richard Hourihan, Cabot Tree as the Krank’s neighbors react.” PAGE 8 JUNE 2004

On Working Toward Weed-Free Christmas Tree Plantations in 2004 continued from page 4 be produced and would be injurious to Christmas trees than replaced by Honcho. I confirmed Roundup Ultra and PRO, which Hurdle 3.8 ACS) gave control of that Honcho has the same active contained more and different sur- crabgrass equivalent to ingredient and surfactant con- factants. The current new formu- Pendulum 60 WDG. Given these tents as Roundup Original and lations of Roundup by Monsanto findings I would choose between may cost less. The difference is will be potassium salts rather oryzalin and pendimethalin prod- that Honcho currently does not than isopropyl amine salts and ucts on the basis of cost. list Christmas tree uses on the no one knows whether this label. So, we could have a regula- change will affect selectivity in Surflan A.S. vs. Oryzalin A. S. tory problem in some states. I conifers. You may remember that also learned, however, that there Stay tuned and don’t hesi- Surflan A.S. by Dow Agro still is a large amount of tate to call if you have questions. Sciences was not available in Roundup Original in the supply Acknowledgements: Our 2002 because of a factory explo- line, even though some suppliers work has been supported with sion. In 2003 Oryzalin A.S. and could not deliver it in the fall of federal funds through the PRO were introduced by 2003. And, of course, we still National IR-4 Program that FarmSaver.com with the same have the option of using Roundup seeks to expand pesticide regis- active ingredient (oryzalin) as Original equivalent products, trations in small acreage crops, Surflan. Some growers ques- Glyphosate 4 by FarmSaver.com by Valent USA Corp., by grants tioned whether Surflan A.S. and or Glyfos by Cheminova. from the Memorial/Research Oryzalin A.S. would be equally However, Glyphosate 4 has only Fund of the Connecticut effective. In experiments at the been available in 30 gallon drums Christmas Tree Growers’ Valley Laboratory in 2003, no which restricts its use only to Association, and by the cooperat- injury occurred on fraser fir with large growers. ing growers mentioned above. either product and weed control It appears that we again will John Ahrens is plant scien- was about the same. have to compare the newer tist emeritus, the Connecticut replacement formulations of Agricultural Experiment Station Roundup Original vs. Honcho glyphosate for safety in dormant Valley Laboratory, Windsor, 860- In the fall of 2003 the Christmas trees. Our last series 683-4985. Reprinted from the Monsanto Co. announced that of glyphosate formulation experi- February 2004 issue of the Real Roundup Original, the preferred ments several years ago showed Tree Line, a quarterly magazine formulation of glyphosate for that the older Roundup Original of the Connecticut Christmas Tree Christmas trees, would no longer and Glyfos products were less Growers Association. JUNE 2004 PAGE 9

Border-Crossings As explained in Russell sharing of information across I see a lot of missed opportunity! Reay’s “President’s Message” on state borders. From year to year excellent meet- page 2, a number of state Peter Sweet, director of the ings and events are held at close Christmas tree associations in Massachusetts Christmas Tree proximity to a state borders and the Northeast have decided to Association, compiled the follow- neighboring growers are totally allow members from other states ing table of association contacts unaware.” to attend meeting at the “mem- and meeting information. He This information should help ber” rate. This reciprocal agree- explains, “I am a member of all growers take advantage of added ment is designed to promote the four states and with good reason. opportunities over-the-border.

State Time of year Type of meeting

Massachusetts Christmas June · 4 twilight meetings Tree Association geographically spread Secretary: Julie Gauld across state 978-365-5818 E-mail: [email protected] Early Oct 2004 · One annual meeting late summer or early fall

Connecticut Christmas March, first Saturday · Annual meeting, Tree Growers Association Middletown, Connecticut Executive Director: Kathy Kogut 203-237-9400 June · Two or three twilight E-mail: [email protected] meetings

July · Windsor experimental station put on by the station scientists, 6:00 PM

Late Sept or early Oct. · Saturday farm meeting

New Hampshire/ Vermont Winter · With VT Farm Show, usually Christmas Tree Association last Wednesday in January Executive Secretary: James Horst 802-447-1900 Spring, 3rd or 4th · Saturday farm meeting E-mail: [email protected] Saturday of June

Fall, usually last Sat. in Sept./ · Saturday farm meeting first Sat. in Oct.

Christmas Tree Farmers Winter, usually 3rd · Two-day convention at Association of New York Friday/Saturday of January Turning Stone Casino Executive Secretary: Bob Norris 800-484-1286 Summer meeting, usually · Two day farm meeting E-mail: [email protected] end July or first of August

· 2004 summer will be with national in Pennsylvania PAGE 10 JANUARY 2004 Trading Post Members may advertise For Sale: Wreath Supplies: goods and services related to the Center Piece Kits: #KKCO1-stan- tree and wreath industry for no dard round-4 Candle (Pkg, 6) 3 charge. Nonmembers may adver- complete kits. $20 ea. (Reg. tise items for $10. Submit ads/ $25.85 + ship.) Ribbon-15 spools questions to the Tree Line editor. #R100VV 4” #100 25 yd. $5 per spool (Red-some burgundy) (Reg. For Sale: For Sale: Kubota $8 + ship). Boxes: Kissing Ball 245DT tractor 4WD, 24 hp diesel Box: #BXKBS 10”x10”x10” (13) with bucket loader, 345 hours, $10 (Reg. 25-$24.20 + ship). $4900.00. In Woodbury, VT. Call Inserts for above: #BXKB1 (40+) (860) 242-6620, e-mail jpahrens@ $30 (Reg. 50-$52.50 + ship) Tree worldnet.att.net. Box: #BXT83.5 (4'5” tree) (9) $40 (Reg. 10-$48 + ship). Will deliver Wanted: The Association to the June meeting. Elysian occasionally receives requests Hills Tree Farm (Bill & Mary from individuals seeking to pur- Lou); e-mail: [email protected] chase a Christmas tree farm. If or call (802) 257-0233. you’re interested in selling your farm, send some basic informa- For Sale: Bachtold Mower, tion (farm size, location, related Kohler 8hp engine. It’s old (1987) housing, etc.) to NHVTCTA but not used heavily. Runs well Executive Director Jim Horst and it’s cheap! Best reasonable (e-mail [email protected]) offer. Can deliver to Spring meet- so he can pass it along to anyone ing. Jim Horst, Bennington, Vt., who inquires. (802) 447-0660. JUNE 2004 PAGE 11 Mountain Star Farms To Host June Meeting continued from page 1 ferent size classifications. make individual decisions for Root/basal pruning is also done individual trees. Star has been able improve the at this time. Garvan says, “There One key Mountain Star spacing and overall layout of the is additional time and cost to employee will not be at the June fields. The meeting will also pro- doing this work at the time of meeting, but Garvan wants to be vide insight on leasing land for planting, but we’re now 4 years sure he is recognized: Jamie Christmas tree production. into the program and it makes a Houston, a member of the N.H. In the afternoon, the meet- difference down the line.” National Guard who was called ing will move to a different field With trees of a similar size up in January and deployed to down the road where Garvan and grouped together, shearing and Iraq in March. Hoyt will explain an innovate harvesting can take place on the If you have not received a planting program they’ve estab- entire uniform group, rather than meeting registration form and lished. Prior to planting, trans- working around trees of a differ- would like to attend, contact plants are sorted into three dif- ent size and forcing employees to Jim Horst at (802) 447-1900. New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association Summer Meeting June 26, 2004 Mountain Star Farms, Swiftwater, NH 8:30-9:30 Registration and coffee, visit vendors 9:30-10:00 Business meeting 10:00- 10:30 Welcome to Mountain Star Farms - Mike Garvan 10:30-11:00 Leasing land for Christmas tree production - Mike Garvan, Ben Hoyt 11:00-11:30 Report of new NCTA Marketing Plan - Nigel Manley, NCTA Director 11:30-Noon Diagnosing and Managing Spider Mites; Update on Root Rot Investigations - Barbara Burns, Insect and Disease Specialist, VT Dept of Forests and Parks Noon-1:00 Lunch - Beef Burgundy with Rice, Stuffed Shells, Salad 1:00-2:30 Field tour Station 1 Species selection and farm layout/conversion - Ben Hoyt Station 2 Marketing-Choose and cut/wholesale/brush - Mike Garvan Station 3 Diagnosing and Managing Fir Insects - Barbara Burns 2:30-4:30 Move to the Locke Place, a 15-minute drive · New field layout · Sorting planting stock by size to increase production

Pesticide recertification credits have been applied for. 3.0 CFE credits for SAF and NH forester licensing. All participants will receive a CD-ROM with a sample land lease, fertilizer/pesticide spread sheets including calibration information, shearing crew guidelines, and other farm information. Who can say that we are not great at sharing knowledge and information! DIRECTIONS TO MOUNTAIN STAR FARMS From I-91 in VT, get off at exit 17 (Wells River). Take Route 302 into Wells River, cross the Connecticut River into Woodsville, NH, and continue on Route 302 east. About three miles out of town, turn right onto Route 112. Mountain Star Farms is three miles up the road on the right. From I-93 in NH, get off at exit 32 in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take Route 112 to North Woodstock, and continue on Route 112 west through the White Mountain National Forest. Mountain Star Farms is on the left, exactly 18 miles from the light in North Woodstock. From far northern NH, take Route 302 south out of Littleton. Go through Lisbon and Bath, turn left onto Route 112. PAGE 12 JUNE 2004 Walker’s Barn Destroyed by Fire Anyone who attended the made it over the border to NHVTCTA Fall meeting at Ian Massachusetts and sought treat- Walker’s farm in Madbury, N.H., ment at a hospital for his burns. a few years ago no doubt remem- Not only were four struc- bers the majestic 1850s post-and- tures, 300 trees and a woodwork- beam barn and unique 1840s cob- ing studio full of lumber bler’s shop structure that served destroyed, Walker lost all of his as the Christmas tree customer Christmas tree equipment in the warming building. blaze. He was able to purchase a Those buildings, along with new tractor, sprayer and fertiliz- two others, were destroyed by fire er this spring. “We’re going to go on April 8. In addition, the on,” he says. “We’re piecing it Walker’s home was damaged in together. With the help of some the blaze. Making matters worse, very good friends, we were able to the subsequent investigation plant 2,000 trees this spring.” determined the fire was no act of Walker says he will erect a nature. The blaze was started by new barn, and is searching for a a Massachusetts resident passing replacement cobblers building to through the area along the near- serve as his Christmas tree shop. by railroad tracks. The Walker’s barn, as seen at the 2002 Fall “Losing that building hurt as “He crawled into the barn meeting, was destroyed by fire in early April. much as the barn loss,” he Three other buildings and 300 trees and set a fire to stay warm,” were also lost. admits. explains Walker. When he awoke Walker advises other grow- and saw the fire out of control, he the fire eventually spread in a ers to spread their equipment didn’t even have the decency to strong wind to the back of their out, storing it in different build- knock on our door to alert us.” house. ings at different locations, to Fortunately, Walker and his wife Police pieced the series of avoid losing it all in a fire or eventually awoke and escaped, as events together after the man other catastrophic event.

There are 61,200 Good Reasons to List Your Trees and Wreaths in the Wholesale Buyer’s Guide:

-60,000 visitors logged on to the Association Web site in the last four months of 2003

-1,200 printed booklets will be sent to perspective wholesale buyers

Listing information is due by July 1.

E-mail [email protected] or call (802) 447-1900 for details