The Ohio oodland Volume 27 • Number 4 • FALL 2020 WA PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO TREE FARM COMMITTEE Journal

◆ Ticks in Ohio: What Landowners Need to Know ◆ Promoting Wildlife with Forest Openings ◆ How to Successfully Market Your Timber ALPHAALPHA NURSERIESNURSERIES Species Size Type Price per 1000

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Contact us today for complete seedling list! 3737 65th St. • Holland, MI 49423 269-857-7804 • Fax 269-857-8162 • Email: [email protected] www.alphanurseries.com Fall2020 • Volume 27 • Number 4 The Ohio EDITORS Jamie Regula [email protected] ODNR DIVISION OF FORESTRY oodland Alice Glaser ODNR DIVISION OF FORESTRY Journal EDITORIAL BOARD David Apsley W OHIO STATE UNIV. EXTENSION INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mike Besonen 11 PIXELLE Tom Mills 4 Perspective from ODNR Forestry OHIO TREE FARMER by Dan Balser Bob Mulligan ODNR DIVISION OF FORESTRY 6 View from the (lawn) Chair Brad Perkins by Cassie Ridenour OHIO FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 6 Calendar Joe Puperi ADVANCED TREE HEALTH 11 Forest Openings Are (Literally) for 14 Cassie Ridenour the Birds by Laura Kearns OHIO TREE FARMER Alan Walter 14 Focus on Forest Health: Eastern White Pine OHIO TREE FARMER Health Concerns by Tom Macy ADVERTISING MANAGER 16 Wild Wonders in the Woods: The Tufted Tom Mills 16 OHIO TREE FARMER Titmouse by Marne Titchenell [email protected] 18 Tick Talk: An Increasing Health Threat in Ohio by Timothy McDermott and To learn more about becoming Marcus McCartney an Ohio Tree Farmer, visit ohiotreefarm.org or call 26 Real American Hardwood Promotion (888) 388-7337 Coalition Update from OFA by Brad Perkins 18 28 Cooler Weather Means it’s Time to Look at Designed and Printed by Janis Nein Ways of Marketing Timber by Martin Michel Alliance Printing & Mailing Service 32 Regional Woodland Interest Group 6730 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 100 Middletown, OH 45005 Updates 28 (513) 422-7611 33 Connecting Kids to Nature by Sue Wintering

The Ohio Woodland Journal is a On the Cover quarterly publication of the Ohio Fall is a special time of year in Ohio. Our diverse and scenic Tree Farm System. It is mailed at landscapes provide Ohioans the opportunity to observe no charge to Certified Tree Farmers stunning fall colors while participating in the quintessential and at no charge for one year to all activities we associate with autumn. Outdoor enthusiasts forest landowners receiving a Forest can enjoy a spectrum of brilliant red, orange, and golden Stewardship Plan. It is available hues while paddling down a river or hiking in a state forest. to all others by mailing an annual subscription fee of fifteen dollars to Others may choose to stop and view the foliage while on the Ohio Tree Farm Committee, a drive or walk through their neighborhood. In the fall, it 507 Main Street, Suite 200, Zanesville, is impossible to not appreciate our forests for their natural Ohio 43701. beauty as well as the many environmental and economic benefits we all enjoy. Photo courtesy of ODNR For subscriptions, school www.ohioforest.org/mpage/OhioTreeFarmHome sponsorships, and moving, Let Us Know! (888) 388-7337 Fall 2020 | 3 Perspective from the ODNR

Greetings! I hope that you have successfully navigated the many new experiences that have come your way this past summer and that the fall season is going well for you.

am very pleased to share information about a new Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry (DOF) project. Through Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio water quality initiative, 31 acres in The IHenry County, known as the Van Order property, were acquired by the State of Ohio to further the goals of H2Ohio in the Maumee River watershed. H2Ohio The H2Ohio initiative is an investment in targeted solutions to ensure safe and clean water for all Ohioans. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term. H2Ohio focuses specifically on Initiative reducing phosphorus and nutrient runoff, creating wetlands, addressing failing wastewater infrastructure, and preventing lead contamination. To achieve this plan, the Governor has called upon the expertise of the ODNR, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio EPA, and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. The ODNR is contributing to the initiative by directing its efforts on wetland creation, restoration, and enhancement to provide a natural filtering process Plan that prevents phosphorus and other nutrients from entering our waterways. In addition to aligning with DOF’s mission and the goals of the Van Order family, The Van Order project had to meet H2Ohio project criteria. The Van Order property, adjacent to Maumee State Forest, was an ideal fit for meeting H2Ohio program goals since restoration projects could be planned in association with 3,000 acres of sustainably managed state forest land set aside for permanent conservation. Restore& The 31 acres were owned by Patricia Van Order and her late husband, Jim. In the spring of 2019, their son Casey approached DOF’s Maumee State Forest Manager Don Schmenk about the sale of the property. Earlier this year, in partnership with our sister division, Natural Areas and Preserves, DOF developed and submitted a detailed plan. Approval to fund the project came in March 2020, and with the help of the ODNR Office of Real Estate and Land Management, the sale of the property closed on July 7, 2020. Now known as Van Order Wetland & Forest Restoration, the project

Fall 2020 | 4 Perspective from the ODNR Dan Balser State Forester and Chief ODNR Division of Forestry

Greetings! I hope that you have successfully includes conversion of 18.5 acres of actively farmed land to five acres of wetland and 13.5 acres of woodland. Site preparation for wetland restoration navigated the many new experiences that and tree planting on the former agricultural land will be undertaken by the have come your way this past summer and Maumee State Forest crew. The five acres of wetland restoration will include that the fall season is going well for you. the planting of native grasses and prairie plants. The 13.5 acres will be converted to woodland by planting white oak, red oak, black oak, black cherry, black walnut, hickory and, if available, American chestnut and butternut. Trees, shrubs, strips of grass, and wetland vegetation slow down the movement of water and capture phosphorous to prevent it from entering waterways which is one of the main goals of H2Ohio. In addition to nutrient reduction, other benefits of the project include control of non-native invasive vegetation, reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, reforestation, protection of the wooded riparian corridor, and the enhancement of wildlife habitat. On August 7, 2020, State Representative James M. Hoops (District 81) and I visited the project site while the “Van Order Wetland & Forest Restoration” sign was installed. The following week, Patricia and Casey Van Order paid a visit to Maumee State Forest. They stopped in to say they were very pleased and that Patricia’s late husband, an avid outdoorsman, would very much have approved and been proud of the plans for the property. We are excited that this partnership project contributes to H2Ohio’s wetland restoration and water quality goals in the Maumee River watershed. It is a great opportunity to show Ohioans the many benefits active forest management can have on the greater ecosystem. ◆ To learn more about Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov.

Fall 2020 | 5 Cassie Ridenour Calendar View from the (lawn) Chair – Ohio Tree Farm Committee Chair JANUARY 2021 Tree Farm National Leadership Another Successful Certification Audit Conference Location: TBD Visit www.treefarmsystem.org for updates and information

A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series** TBD Offered virtually via Zoom. Visit u.osu.edu/ seohiowoods to find more information and register FEBRUARY 2021 Ohio Forestry Association Annual Meeting Location: TBD Visit www.ohioforest.org for updates and information

A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series** TBD Offered virtually via Zoom. Visit u.osu.edu/ seohiowoods to find more information and register MARCH 2021 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference Mid-Ohio Conference Center Mansfield Visit woodlandstewards.osu.edu for updates and information

A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series** TBD Offered virtually via Zoom. Visit u.osu.edu/ seohiowoods to find more information and register

**All A Day in the Woods 2nd Friday Series are designed for woodland owners and enthusiasts, and take place at Vinton Furnace State Forest and other southern Ohio sites. Pre-registration required. http://u.osu.edu/seohiowoods or (740) 596-5212

Check the OFA/Tree Farm website for Tree Farm Inspector contact information: http://www.ohioforest.org/mpage/ OhioTreeFarmHome 147 Monte Rd. SE Colton Frink New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Consulting Forester Phone: 330-987-3309 birddogforestry.us [email protected] Fall 2020 | 6 Cassie Ridenour View from the (lawn) Chair – Ohio Tree Farm Committee Chair Another Successful Certification Audit

he closing meeting for Ohio’s Tree Farm 5-Year Certification Audit was held mid-September. The audit was performed remotely by T Price Waterhouse Cooper. This is the first time we have participated in a remote audit: it was a challenge, and no doubt less fun for all involved. We all join Tree Farm because we love being in the woods, not because we enjoy reading about them. We shared our audit with the Massachusetts Tree Farm Committee, the joint sample of the Northeast Region of the American Tree Farm System certification. Twenty-four Ohio Tree Farms of various sizes were randomly selected from across the state. We had two minor findings – these were joint findings where we had the same issues identified as Massachusetts. One finding had to do with acreage in our database not agreeing with the forested acreage observed. The second had to do with missing elements in our management plans – in particular Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI). The Ohio Tree Farm Committee will begin responding to the findings once we receive the formal report. Our many accomplishments were also recognized and commended by the auditors, including Camp Canopy sponsorship and our efforts to expand capacity by working with consulting foresters. Individual tree farms were also praised for their excellent practices that included food plots and pollinator habitats. Overall, the assessment was a tremendous success! Our state will remain certified, allowing our tree farmers to participate in markets which demand sustainable products. This has been a marketing tool not just for timber sales, but also for our maple syrup producers. None of this could have happened without Adam Beichler, who championed the whole process, Jeremy Scherf, and our area chairs – Jake Peer, Ryan Clester, Noah Mechling, and Jason Van Houten. They, and you who maintain your forests and your management plans, are the heart of our certification. Thank you! ◆

Subscription Form The Ohio Woodland Journal You may subscribe to The Ohio Woodland Journal for $15.00 per year. You can also sponsor a school (see page 34).

Four issues per year are printed: February, May, August, November.

Send a check for $15.00 made out to: The Ohio Woodland Journal c/o Ohio Forestry Association 507 Main Street, Suite 200, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 phone (888) 388-7337

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Fall 2020 | 7 Join Now! Enjoy the benefits of being a member of Ohio’s oldest and largest forestry related group.

Ohio Forestry Association is dedicated to strengthening and expanding the wood products industry for the benefit of Ohio companies, employees, customers, landowners and the general public. OFA provides information and services to members through: • Networking Opportunities • Financial Benefit Programs • Educational Programs • Trade Shows • Legislative Representation www.ohioforest.org 888-388-7337

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Fall 2020 | 8 Woodland Interest Groups in Ohio

OPPORTUNITIES: Interesting Forestry Programs • Knowledgeable Speakers Monthly Newsletters • Training Sessions • Field Days

Central Ohio Small Woodlot Interest Group Northeastern Ohio Forestry Association Southern Ohio Forestland Association Jason Van Houten James Elze Jim Meacham ODNR Division of Forestry 2145 Merle Road 4332 St. Rt. 776 2045 Morse Rd., Building H-1 Salem, Ohio 44460 Jackson, OH 45640 Columbus, OH 43229 (330) 337-8974 [email protected] (614) 265-6703 [email protected] (740) 998-2073 [email protected] Northwest Ohio Woodland Association OhioSOFA.org John Mueller East Central Ohio Forestry Association ODNR Division of Forestry Southwest Ohio Woodland Owners Association Jeremy Scherf 952 B Lima Ave. Pat Migliozzi ODNR Division of Forestry Findlay, Ohio 45840 ODNR Division of Forestry 2050 East Wheeling Ave. (419) 424-5004 8570 East State Route 73 Cambridge, Ohio 43725-2159 [email protected] Waynesville, Ohio 45068 (740) 439-9079 Joe Puperi (513) 897-1082 [email protected] Advanced Tree Health [email protected] [email protected] Muskingum River Woodland Interest Group Tim Mason Southeast Ohio Woodland Interest Group (740) 404-8592 Perry Brannan [email protected] ODNR Division of Forestry www.mrwig.org 360 E. State St. Athens, Ohio 45701 (740) 589-9915 [email protected] seowig.weebly.com

Use a Master Logger and Use the Best! Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. Ohio Master Logging Companies: Manufacturers of ne Appalachian hardwood lumber. • Have voluntarily completed a company certification Professional forestland management and consulting. program. • Receive training in safe and efficient logging practices. Corporate O ce/ Wellston Division • Will provide liability insurance at landowner’s request. P.O. Box 606 • Attend periodic advanced training and recertification Wellston, OH 43725 Phone: 740.384.5677 courses to maintain certification and remain up to Fax: 740.384.2985 date on the most current practices and technologies of Barlow Division Cambridge Division P.O. Box 75 P.O. Box 1358 the logging industry. Vincent, OH 45784 Cambridge, OH 43725 Phone: 740.445.5046 Phone: 740.439.2727 Fax: 740.445.5049 Fax: 740.439.3083 McArthur Division Parkersburg Division For information on joining Ohio P.O. Box 320 1724 Mill Run Road Voluntary McArthur, OH 45651 Parkersburg, WV 26104 the OFA or to find a Master Phone: 740.596.2561 Phone: 304.485.8110 Master Logging Fax: 740.596.2306 Fax: 304.485.0691 Logger visit Company www.ohioforest.org Program

Fall 2020 | 9 Helping you grow a better woodland

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Fall 2020 | 10 Forest Openings Are (Literally) for the Birds

Laura Kearns Wildlife Biologist ODNR Division of Wildlife

Fall 2020 | 11 n the fall of 2019, a study (Rosenberg et al.) was persistent throughout the various forest layers: understory, published in the journal Science documenting a decline midstory, and the overstory. A forest with a more diverse of 2.9 billion birds since 1970 in the United States. This structure supports a greater diversity of birds, wildlife, and Inumber included an estimated 170 million eastern forest biodiversity overall. birds, a 17 percent decline in these populations. There Many forest bird species prefer certain heights for are various reasons for these declines, but lost habitat is foraging and nesting. For example, worm-eating warblers and a primary driver for many species. Among most rapidly ovenbirds prefer to nest and feed on the ground, American declining forest bird species in Ohio are the blue-winged redstarts and hooded warblers prefer to feed and nest in the warbler, eastern whippoorwill, ruffed grouse, and cerulean under and midstory, and yellow-throated vireos and scarlet warbler, all species which rely on regenerating forest habitat and require a diverse forest structure. Unfortunately, these regenerating forest habitats, also known as early successional forests or young forests, have also become rarer as Ohio’s forests have matured over the past several decades. Today these habitat types now only make up 12 percent or fewer of Ohio’s forests. Natural disturbances such as wildfires, tornadoes, or smaller scale tree blow downs help to promote regeneration and early successional habitat. In the absence of such disturbances these openings can be created by timber harvest methods such as group selection and patch clear cuts. Mature forests with a dense overstory canopy block out light necessary for seedlings and saplings to become established and grow. As a result, mature forests are frequently characterized by low variation in vertical structure. Within human or naturally created forest openings regenerating vegetation responds to the increased sunlight in the understory to create a dense layer of seedlings and saplings. Blue- winged warblers prefer to forage, nest, and stopover in such habitats during migration. Breeding eastern whippoorwills make use of the juxtaposition of these regenerating patches with nearby mature forest. Ruffed grouse rely on the cover for nesting, brood-rearing, and winter shelter. Cerulean warblers nest high in any remaining or nearby canopy oaks, and forage for food for their young in the regenerating vegetation. Forest gaps also contribute to the structural complexity of the forest. A diverse structure means that trees and shrubs of different heights are

Fall 2020 | 12 tanagers prefer to feed and nest in the canopy. Therefore, provides an opportunity for young trees to receive sunlight having a diverse structure provides a variety of foraging and and accelerated growth. However, with the suppression of nesting habitat for a greater variety of forest bird species. fires and lack of disturbance, these types of openings are Forests with greater structural complexity also have higher less common and add to the problems of some declining numbers of insects, which are very important food for birds. forest birds. Timber harvests through methods called Other wildlife species, such as white-tailed deer, also thrive group selection, or patch cuts, a way to recreate openings in forests with more structural complexity. that will benefit a variety of forest birds. If you want to do Recent research has also shown that diversity in the a group selection or patch cut, it is important to remember forest structure creates higher quality bird habitat because a few guidelines: birds have different structural needs during different stages in their life cycles. Avian life cycles are typically divided 1. this method works best if you have a contiguous area of into two major periods throughout the year: breeding and at least 20 acres of woods, non-breeding. These can be broken up further into more specific periods including post-fledging, molting, migration, 2. remove invasive plant species (e.g. tree of heaven, bush and wintering. While structural complexity may be good honeysuckle, privet, buckthorn) from the surrounding for a variety of birds in the breeding season, the dense area before doing the cut, and vegetation created in a forest opening can also be beneficial 3. cut during winter so as not to disturb nesting birds or for a different suite of bird species at other stages of their life bats (safe dates are November 1-March 31). Even small cycle, multiplying positive impacts for the bird community. cuts (less than 2 acres) can be beneficial, particularly for For forest birds that rely on mature forest habitat during songbirds during the post-fledgling period. the nesting period, this dense vegetation can be critical during the post-fledging period. Birds are often poor fliers Most importantly, work with a qualified forester to help at this stage of their life, and dense thickets make it easier to plan the cut and any pre-harvest practices. ◆ hide and escape from predators. The dense vegetation also provides shelter for other types of birds during migratory References: stopovers and harsh winter weather. Rosenberg et al., Science 366, 120-124 (2019) Forest openings are usually created by natural https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/366/6461/120.full.pdf disturbance events such as tree windthrows from storms or fire. When an opening is created in the forest, it

Laura Kearns is a wildlife biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, where she oversees bird species of greatest conservation need in forests and wetlands. In addition to Ohio, she has worked on forest bird research and monitoring in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Virginia. She also co-owns and manages a family property that includes 100 acres of woodlands in east-central Ohio. She has an M.S. in Resource Ecology Management from the University of Michigan and a PhD from The Ohio State University in Wildlife Science.

Scarlet tanager.

Fall 2020 | 13 Focus on Forest Health: Eastern White Pine Health Concerns

ince 2017, observations and reports of eastern of health were examined, and several symptomatic white pine (Pinus strobus) discoloration and decline trees were cut down to allow for closer examination of have been on the rise in Ohio. The main symptoms the upper canopy and foliage as well as growth rings to Sare premature needle drop, canopy thinning, and determine the trees’ rate of growth over their lifespan. discoloration of the foliage (taking on a grayish-brown An ODNR Division of Forestry unmanned aerial vehicle cast rather than the bluish-green color typical of healthy (UAV, or drone) was also utilized to better view the needles). These symptoms have been termed “white pine extent of the damage across a wider area. Many branch needle damage.” White pine needle damage is most often and needle samples were collected for inspection in the reported in southeastern Ohio. field as well as later in the lab. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) The results of field and lab analysis of samples taken Division of Forestry conducts an annual forest health by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and West Virginia aerial survey to map discoloration, defoliation, and Department of Agriculture and USDA Forest Service mortality. Results from the 2019 aerial survey showed revealed an extensive list of fungal pathogens infecting white pine needle damage in 438 mapped polygons the eastern white pine needles. The list of fungal diseases totaling 2,589 acres. In 2020, 368 polygons totaling (and the pathogens that cause them) included brown spot 10,118 acres were mapped as either white pine needle needle blight (Lecanosticta acicula), dothistroma needle damage or discoloration, defoliation, or mortality of blight (Mycosphaerella pini and M. dearnessii), diplodia conifers due to an unknown causal agent (not all areas tip blight (Diplodia pinea and Septorioides strobi), dooks have been ground-checked at the writing of this article, needle blight (Lophophacidium dooksii), pestalotiopsis though it is suspected that white pine needle damage is needle blight (Pestalotiopsis spp.), and lophodermium the main damage-causing agent). Recent investigations needlecast (Lophodermium seditiosum). Many of these have helped shed light on the reasons for this observed fungi are included in a suite of fungal species known to decline, management options, and the outlook for cause needle damage which can cause discoloration and eastern white pine in the Buckeye state. summer needle drop. This defoliation can harm white pine In the fall of 2018, the ODNR Division of Forestry trees by decreasing growth rates which contribute to their convened a group of forest health experts and decline and mortality after several years. pathologists from the USDA Forest Service, State and It is important to note that these are all native fungal Private Forestry, Ohio Department of Agriculture pathogens of pines – currently, research suggests that the and West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and white pine needle damage responsible for the widespread individuals from the private sector to examine white pine white pine decline observed in Ohio is not caused by needle damage at Zaleski State Forest. While this initial non-native invasive insects or diseases. This is important inspection revealed some key findings, the pathologists because, typically, native diseases (and insects) do not recommended returning in the spring, when white pine cause significant, long-term damage to native forest needle pathogens would be more readily observable. As ecosystems, unless there is some unusual factor allowing a result, the group reconvened in June 2019 at the Wayne for an “outbreak” that has caused stress to the host plants, National Forest in southwest Ohio. As part of their making them more susceptible to infection. In the case of continued research, multiple white pine sites were visited, white pine needle damage in Ohio, both situations may be forest stand history was discussed, trees of varying states occurring to some extent.

Fall 2020 | 14 Tom Macy Forest Health Program Administrator Focus on Forest Health: ODNR Division of Forestry Eastern White Pine Health Concerns

Most fungal plant pathogens thrive in moist conditions. Ohio has experienced greater than normal rainfall in the last several years, with June 2018 through May 2019 being the wettest 12-month period recorded in Ohio’s history. In forested landscapes, the additional rainfall and accompanying higher relative humidity create ideal conditions for fungal infections during the growing season which lead to higher infection rates and increased damage by foliar diseases. Other fungal diseases impacting trees, such as anthracnose on oak and sycamore, have also been increasing across Ohio in recent years. In addition to the very wet weather, many eastern white pines in Ohio are growing in dense plantations that have not been managed or thinned since being planted Ü (many were planted from the 1930s through the 1960s). Miles While eastern white pine can tolerate relatively dense 0 25 50 100 spacing when young, as they age, they require more space Documented areas of white pine needle damage in 2019 and conifer discoloration, defoliation, and mortality mapped in 2020 to obtain adequate sunlight to remain healthy. It is likely (in red). Data collected in ODNR Division of Forestry’s forest that the combination of stress induced by overcrowded or health aerial survey. overstocked forest stands and the extremely wet weather have allowed for the perfect storm of white pine needle damage to ravage Ohio’s eastern white pine. It is also important to note that there have been quite a few cases of white pine needle damage impacting white Continued on page 24

Discolored eastern white pines at Zaleski State Discolored eastern white pines at Forest. Photos and map courtesy of ODNR Lake Hope State Park.

Fall 2020 | 15 Wild Wonders in the Woods

The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

he feature of this article’s wild wonder always brings Ta smile to my face. I have watched many a tufted titmouse from my kitchen window, flitting about the nearby crabapple tree to feast on the largest seeds found in my feeders. For me, their stout little bodies, big round black eyes, and bouncy demeanor exude positivity and simple delight, two things I’m not turning away from, especially these days. I also watch them because in addition to the pep in their step (or rather flight), they are also a bit fierce. But why is that a surprise? When it comes to wild wonders in the woods… there is usually more than meets the eye!

The life of a tufted titmouse The tufted titmouse has a silver-gray back and crest, white undersides, and a tinge of tan along its sides. Adults have a swatch of black, just above the bill. These little gray birds are commonly found in deciduous forests as well as mixed forests, parks, orchards, and backyards. They belong to the family Paridae, along with the chickadees. Like chickadees, tufted titmice are cavity nesters. They do not excavate their own cavities, but instead rely on naturally occurring cavities, or a woodpecker that Fall 2020 | 16 Wild Wonders in the Marne Titchenell Ohio State University Extension Woods Wildlife Program Specialist

DID YOU KNOW? Many birds practice social monogamy, in recently put out the vacancy sign on their nesting cavity. Birds like the tufted titmouse are called secondary cavity which pairs are dedicated to one another and nesters. their young. This does not however, imply Their nests are constructed with stripes of bark, moss, sexual fidelity, and extra-pair copulation grass, and leaves, and lined with fur. The following is why I call these birds fierce. Titmice may easily come upon does occur. That said, knowledge of the fur snagged on a shrub or some other location, but not tufted titmice breeding behavior is scant, always. They will sometimes go straight to the source but one study reported a lower rate of extra- – say a raccoon — grasp the needed fur between their bill…and pluck! Pretty brave for such a small bird. pair copulations when compared to other Tufted titmice lay eggs that are white to cream in songbirds with the same mating systems. color with overlaying spots that can be brown, chestnut, and even purple. The female incubates the eggs for 12-14 days, and the young remain in the nest for a little over two weeks after hatching. Sometimes, a young bird from that year’s nest will stay with mom and dad to help Foraging tufted titmouse. them raise the next year’s young. Image by Mohan Nannapaneni When it comes to foraging for food, tufted titmice are via Pixabay quite acrobatic, an advantage that allows them to access a variety of foods. During the summer, they feed mostly on insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, ants, stinkbugs, spiders, and snails. They also incorporate nuts and seeds into their diets, and apparently, they always choose the largest seed they can find. It is amusing to watch a tufted titmouse or chickadee eat a seed. Perhaps you are a person that likes to eat in Continued on page 25 DID YOU KNOW? The list of species whose fur has been found in tufted titmice nests is quite extensive – raccoons, opossums, mice, woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, livestock, dogs, cats, and yes, even human hair! Fall 2020 | 17 Tick Talk: An Increasing Health Threat in Ohio

Timothy McDermott DVM icks and the diseases they pass to livestock, companion animals, and humans OSU Extension Franklin County are an increasing public health risk. Making sure that Ohio residents are Agriculture and Natural Resources Taware of this threat and how to protect their farm and families is an outreach Marcus McCartney priority for Ohio State University (OSU) Extension. Let’s discuss a little bit about ticks OSU Extension Washington County in general, what tick species are found in Ohio, the diseases they vector or transmit, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the ways that you can protect yourself from the threat of tick-borne disease when enjoying Ohio’s great outdoors. Several species of ticks are the primary threats for disease transmission. These fall under the category of hard shell ticks. The most common ticks found in Ohio include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), black legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Two tick species have recently been discovered in Ohio that researchers believe are new to our state and have the ability to cause us some trouble. These two newcomers are the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) and the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). There are several common misconceptions about ticks. The first is that ticks are only active in the spring and summer. Be sure to keep this information in mind when you are outdoors in all seasons of the year, whether you are working your land, hiking, camping, or hunting. While ticks are more active in April through September, ticks have a multi-year life cycle and you can potentially encounter them in any month of the year. Ticks hatch from eggs as larvae. As they feed and mature, ticks progress through their life cycle to the nymph and adult stages. They can feed from multiple hosts, and depending on the tick species, it can take two to three years to fully complete this process. Ticks are not actually insects; they are in the taxonomic class Arachnida. When fully formed as an adult, they have four pairs of legs just like spiders. They do not fly and are generally not fast runners, preferring to hunt via questing. Questing is a hunting method where the tick uses its back two pairs of legs to hold onto vegetation and its front two pairs of legs to grab prey as it walks past. Let us learn more about each of the five species of ticks that are of major concern to Tick Card (5-30-2018)_tick card May 2018humans, 6/6/18 11:54 companion AM Page animals,1 and livestock in Ohio. Tick Card (5-30-2018)_tick card May 2018 6/6/18 11:54 AM Page 2

Fall 2020 | 18 Tick Talk: An Increasing Health Threat in Ohio

American Dog Tick The American dog tick has a large host range in the United States. It is commonly thought that ticks all prefer living in the woods, but that is not true in every case. The American dog tick prefers a more open habitat including pasture, meadows, and lawns. This tick is a prominent vector of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. Black Legged (Deer) Tick This species of tick prefers to live in deciduous forest areas and has been found in most counties in Ohio. This species is the primary vector for Lyme disease. The black legged or deer tick can also vector Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis to humans, companion animals, and livestock. It is estimated that over 300,000 cases of Lyme disease occur in the United States each year. the Alpha-gal or Mammalian Muscle Allergy reaction. A person who has an allergic reaction to the saliva in the tick Various stages of the blacklegged tick, clockwise from left bite can become allergic to meat including beef, pork, and to right: unfed larva, unfed nymph, fed nymph, adult male, venison. adult female, partly fed female, and fully engorged female. For size reference, the center dot is approximately 0.8 mm Gulf Coast Tick diameter. Photo by Jeffery Alfred, used with permission from The Gulf Coast tick has recently been discovered in Iowa State University Extension southwestern Ohio. This tick is worrisome as it has the potential to vector the zoonotic disease, Leptospirosis, Lone Star Tick to multiple species. Normally native to southeastern The lone star tick is an aggressive feeder which prefers coastal states, it has been slowly expanding its host range a wooded habitat. Originally a southern species, it has and adapting to new habitats including hotter and drier expanded its host range throughout the eastern half of environments. This is another tick that prefers an open the U.S. and the entire east coast from Texas to Maine. environment including grass prairies, meadows, and This tick is a prominent vector of Tularemia as well as lawns. There are several diseases this tick can vector, Ehrlichiosis. It is also the reported causative agent for including Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis.

Fall 2020 | 19 beech, or other shade-tolerant trees will dominate the gaps created during the harvest, and thusAsian come Longhorned to dominate the Tick The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive tick recently future stand. A white oak stand with Focus on Forest H discoveredMany foresters in the learnedUnited States.about In the summer of 2020, shade tolerant maple theit was shelterwood identified techniquein Gallia County,as Ohio. This tick has the potential to spread across a large host range quickly due regeneration dominating the primary tool to encourage the understory. oakto its regeneration. unique ability References to reproduce to via parthenogenesis, Oak Wilt— shelterwoodmeaning the harvestsfemale does for notoak need a male to breed. It is regenerationnot thought to can be bean foundaggressive in feeder on humans but allhas the been silviculture found on (forestry’sa large range of livestock and wildlife. detecting and treating in your woodlands equivalentWe are still to learning agriculture) what local diseases can be vectored by this tick although it has been discovered to transmit hen it comes to forest health is sues, there are no very fragrant and attract sap-feeding beetles in the family textbooks, but until recently Theileria to livestock. shortages in the state of Ohio. The list can seem Nitidulidae. While on the spore mats, these beetles become shelterwood harvests were rarely Wendless and ever-growing – from invasive plant covered in spores and transport them over ground to newly implemented. Shelterwoods species, to e�o� c insects that wreak havoc on certain trees, wounded trees. If an oak is wounded down to the xylem layer usually consisted of a two-cut to newly discovered diseases. One disease that has been during the growing season, the sap feeding Nitidulid beetles harvest: the fi rstPrevention cut is made to Strategies List – A Personal and Family Biosecurity Plan present in the state since at least ���� is s� ll relevant and can be attracted to the wound. This feeding on a deeply remove• aW portionear light of colored the canopy long sleeve clothing when entering tick habitat. Tuck your shirt into your pants and tuck your s� ll causing mortality in Ohio’s forests today. This deadly wounded oak introduces the spores to the tree and starts a to get lightpants to intothe forest your socks. fl oor, disease is oak wilt. new infection center. • Make sure to wear permethrin treated clothing and use repellants as labelled for prevention. Be sure to read the What is oak wilt? Bretziella fagacearum is a fungus that Oak wilt symptoms usually occur in late June and can Continuedpermethrin on page 28 application instructions before use! causes rapid mortality in all oaks, with the red oak subgroup be seen until early October. Figure 2 shows northern red being the most susceptible. Other tree species such as oak leaves that have wilted and fallen off the tree during • Do a thorough tick check immediately after exiting tick habitat and again when you shower. Chinese chestnuts and Allegheny chinquapin are also the summer. Figure 3 shows a northern red oak that was affected by the disease. Oak wilt kills trees by blocking the defoliated during July of 2019. Symptoms start at the top and • Familiarize yourself with the proper removal methods for embedded ticks: using pointy tweezers or a tick water conducting vascular tissue (xylem). Figure 1 shows a outside of the crown and work their way down and into the removal tool, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, and gently but firmly pull straight up to remove the cross-section of oak wilt in the xylem layer of a bur oak. In crown. Leaves begin to turn a brown to bronze color on the tick. Then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water. A shelterwood regeneration harvest this picture the oak wilt appears as black dots blocking the edge of the leaf and can continue into the center of the leaf. in a white oak dominant stand. xylem. Once this occurs the leaves wilt and the tree will die Other diseases mimic these symptoms, so it is important to • Save the tick for identification. shortly after. have samples sent to a lab to verify if the suspected tree has • Contact your physician if you have removed an embedded tick or suspect tick vectored disease to discuss a Oak wilt enters a tree in one of two ways. Ninety percent oak wilt or not before moving on with management. treatment plan. of the time it enters underground spreading from an Samples should be taken from multiple locations on the infected tree to a non-infected tree through root grafts. tree since the disease is not always present in all portions of • Make sure to add companion animals to your personal biosecurity plan – talk to your veterinarian about what Many trees the crown. Select branches that are ½ to 1 inch thick products you can use for your furry friends. are connected in diameter and cut to a length of 8 to 12 inches. underground Once the branches have been cut, they should through these be shipped overnight to the C. Wayne Ellet Plant grafts where BUYERS OF STANDING TIMBER the fungus ~ Specializing in Pine and White Oak ~ travels 27 to 40 feet per year. Call for a free consultation or estimate 419-651-0452 The second way this disease YOUR WOODS to SOMEONES DREAM HOME! can be spread is above ground via insect vectors. Trees killed from the disease may form pressure pads beneath the bark. These pads are Figure 1: Oak wilt appears as black dots that block the Figure 2: Wilted northern oak leaves that xylem from conducting water through this bur oak. have fallen off the tree during the summer. Winter 2020 | 18 Winter 2020 | 23 Fall 2020 | 20

Dave Apsley Natural Resources Specialist Ohio State University Extension Barriers to Oak Regeneration Dr. Todd Hutchinson Research Ecologist How can we reduce them? USFS Northern Research Station

A bit of review Oaks currently dominate the canopy of many of Ohio’s woodlands, and they provide were: presence of competitive sources of oak Barriers to oak regeneration -- what are many benefi ts from food for wildlife to valuable timber products like bourbon barrels. regeneration; and timely and suffi cient release of these they and how can we remove them? The acorns they produce have been described as “manna from heaven” for wildlife, and sources. The sources of competitive oak regeneration are So, what prevents newly germinated seedlings oaks contribute greatly to Ohio’s $27 billion forest products industry (Mehmood 2018). seedlings and sprouts that are large enough to compete from getting larger and becoming more competitive? Oaks are especially important in Ohio’s Appalachian counties in the southeast where with other species of trees once a harvest or natural Obviously, this can vary by species of oak where they are they are dominant in 66 percent of the woodlands. There is convincing evidence that oaks disturbance creates an opening in the tree canopy. growing. The long answer is competition from trees and have occupied much of this landscape for millennia, but there are some serious concerns Releasing trees essentially means that the overtopping shrubs for light and other resources. The short answer is for the future. In many woodlands, oaks are not regenerating suffi ciently to sustain their trees are removed in order to give competitive oaks too much shade. dominance in the next forest (Figure 1). There are several factors that are contributing adequate space and light to continue their journey into If acorns germinate and new seedlings are exposed to to this problem including a lack of fi re and other disturbances that historically favored the canopy (Smith 1986). low light conditions, they will languish and not survive oak, as well as timber harvesting practices that target oaks and create more favorable For an oak seedling to successfully compete it must for long. On the other hand, if there is partial sunlight, conditions for shade tolerant species like red maple, sugar maple, and beech. have a well-developed tap root that allows the shoot to they will have the potential to develop a large tap root grow rapidly once it is released. The journey from new and are capable of sprouting vigorously following Oak regeneration germinant to a large competitive seedling can take a few disturbance. Unfortunately, current conditions in the years to a decade or more depending on oak species, soil understory of many of our oak woodlands are very strategy -- it’s a conditions, and light availability. numbers and size game OHIO FORESTS In most years, nearly all Figure 1. Relationship between oaks ≥15 inch diameter and maples by diameter groupings in 17 the acorns produced in counties in southeastern Ohio. oak dominated woodlands are damaged by insects 5-14.9 inch diameter Note: For each canopy tree (>15 inches or consumed by wildlife. d.b.h.), there are approximately  ve mid-story trees (5-14.9 inches) and 15 understory trees However, in bumper crop 1-4.9 inch diameter (1-4.9 inches). Each leaf represents about years that occur at irregular 3 million trees. Oaks and maples combined intervals, a signifi cant make up approximately 50% of the total number of the acorns 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% canopy trees in the forest. Data provided survive and germinate. This by Thomas Albright USDA Forest Service, can result in large numbers Maples Oaks Each leaf represents about 3 million trees. Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis. From 2017 FIA Ohio data. of new oak seedlings, but Source: Thomas Albright. 2018. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis. From 2017 FIA Ohio Data. these must overcome many Continued on next page barriers to grow into a mature tree. In forests with inadequate oak regeneration, it is important to design harvests In 2004, David Loftis, a U.S. Forest Service that retain enough oak in the canopy to produce acorns for future generations of researcher, theorized the oak forests two biggest hurdles for ƒ If no or few oaks remain in the canopy, regeneration becomes much more dif cult successful oak regeneration and expensive ƒ Unfortunately, oaks (especially white oak) have a “bounty” on them, so they are often removed disproportionally to other species

Winter 2020 | 20 Winter 2020 | 21 C M Y K Below are the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - the most common tickborne diseases in Ohio. This information was taken directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. More information about other tickborne diseases, such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, can be found at www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases.

Lyme Disease Lyme disease is most frequently reported from the Upper Midwestern and northeastern United States. In 2015, 95 percent of Lyme disease cases were reported from 14 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Incubation Period: 3-30 days Signs and Symptoms: Each purple dot represents one • Erythema migrans (EM)—red ring-like or homogenous expanding rash; case of Lyme Disease. Cases classic rash not present in all cases. are reported from the infected • Flu-like symptoms—malaise, headache, fever, myalgia, arthralgia person’s county of residence • Lymphadenopathy (where known), not necessarily the place where they were infected. Map acquired from the CDC website

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) RMSF is most often transmitted by the American dog tick in the eastern, central and western United States. RMSF can be rapidly fatal if not treated within the first 5 days of symptoms. Typically appears 2–5 days after onset of symptoms; approximately 10 percent of RMSF patients never develop a rash. Allergic reactions associated with consumption of red (mammalian) meat have been reported among persons bitten by lone star ticks. Incubation Period: 3-12 days Signs and Symptoms: Early (1–4 Days) • High fever • Severe headache • Malaise • Myalgia Each red dot represents one case of Spotted • Edema around eyes and on the back of hands Fever Rickettsiosis. Cases are reported from • Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, anorexia) the infected person’s county of residence Late (5 Days and Beyond) (where known), not necessarily the place • Altered mental status, coma, cerebral edema where they were infected. Map acquired • Respiratory compromise (pulmonary edema, ARDS) from the CDC website • Necrosis, requiring amputation • Multiorgan system damage (CNS, renal failure) Continued on page 23 Fall 2020 | 21 Meet UNITSREADY IN STOCK TO GO! DINO RXT Higher. Lighter. Smarter.

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Fall 2020 | 22 Tick Talk continued from page 21

An OSU Extension Educator’s

firsthand account of LymeMarcus disease McCartney OSU Extension Washington County, Agriculture and Natural Resources

My experience with Lyme disease had detrimental effects on me, my spouse, and my family. In 2018, my wife and I contracted the neurological disease and although we have both since recovered, my family dynamics have been forever changed. Towards the end of 2018, my wife and I started feeling off or sick. At first, we both dismissed how we felt as either a cold or a virus. However, as time went by, we never recovered from the initial sickness and slowly our health deteriorated. My symptoms included severe fatigue, increased blood pressure, weak muscles, extreme light-headedness, and it was hard to sit up for extended periods of times. I felt disconnected, like my head was in a constant state of fog. My wife exhibited most of the same symptoms, but eventually her symptoms became more severe. She developed Bell’s Palsy and eventually Lyme meningitis. It was not until she was diagnosed with Lyme meningitis that we finally got answers to what was affecting our health. We never developed the bulls-eye rash associated with Lyme disease nor could we recall even having a black legged tick on us. Before the accurate diagnosis, via spinal tap due to meningitis, the standard Lyme disease test came back negative and our diagnosis kept coming back as the same thing — a sinus or ear infection. After I personally took antibiotics for over 70 days, I was finally given a 28-day prescription of doxycycline, the antibiotic for Lyme disease. Towards th the end of my 28 day, I finally started to feel better after four months of barely functioning. Being able to function again was such a huge relief and blessing. Life seemed normal again. During my ordeal with Lyme disease, I learned there was an outbreak where I live. Now when I am outside, I make sure I take preventive measures, so I do not contract the disease again. This experience has given me a tremendous respect for tick vector disease as well as those animals who consume these ticks. My advice is whenever you are outside, especially in wooded or high grass areas, please protect yourself from ticks and always check yourself when you come back inside. I found through my experience with Lyme disease that no matter how healthy you are, this disease will bring you down rapidly and affect every aspect of your life; potentially life changing as in my case. ◆

Informational Links • Ohio State University fact sheet on ticks: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2073 • https://tickencounter.org/– resource for identification and biosecurity • To submit your tick for testing: https://www.tickreport.com/ • Ohio Department of Health Tick Page: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/ know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/resources/tickborne-diseases

Fall 2020 | 23 Focus on Forest Health continued from page 15 pines in well-managed plantations or those that are open- grown in yards. It seems the “plant stress brought about by overcrowding” theory doesn’t really apply here, however, there are likely other stressors involved, such as compacted or poorly drained heavy soils or soils of high pH (conditions unfavorable for eastern white pine health). Trees, which may otherwise have remained healthy growing in unfavorable sites may have been stressed and therefore made more susceptible to disease by the extra rainfall. Management of white pine needle damage should focus on quality silviculture of eastern white pine stands. Forest management practices such as thinning can increase openness allowing for greater air movement and quicker drying of foliage, creating an environment less conducive to fungal infection. It can also improve the health of residual trees by increasing the amount of sunlight they receive. Some research has shown that residual trees should have greater than a 25 percent live crown ratio, as those with less are not likely to recover from white pine needle damage. Ohio is not alone when it comes to eastern white pine decline. White pine needle damage is well-documented in recent years in most areas of its native (and planted) range. Concern over sustaining eastern white pine has led to some range-wide efforts to monitor its health and implement management practices that can improve health and regeneration. A recent University of Maine publication “Field Manual for Managing Eastern White Pine Health in New England” outlines some strategies that could offer some applications for white pine management in Ohio. It seems the future of eastern white pine health in Ohio will depend largely on the climate and forest Discolored eastern white pine management practices. ◆ at Zaleski State Forest.

Further reading:

Livingston, W.H., Munck, I., Lombard, K., Weimer, J., Bergdahl, A., Kenefic, L.S., Schultz, B. and Seymour, R.S., 2019. Field manual for managing eastern white pine health in New England. University of Maine, Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, Orono, ME. Miscellaneous Publication 764. 20 p.

Costanza, K.K., Whitney, T.D., McIntire, C.D., Livingston, W.H. and Gandhi, K.J., 2018. A synthesis of emerging health issues of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in eastern North America. Forest Ecology and Management, 423, pp. 3-17.

Brazee, N.J., 2016. Dramatic needle browning and canopy dieback of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in southern New England. University of Massachusetts Extension, Amherst, MA. 5 p.

Fall 2020 | 24 Wild Wonders in the Woods continued from page 17 peace, without the noise and presence of others? Titmice are the same way. After finding a choice seed, they will fly to a private location. It’s there that they take to the seed like a woodpecker to a tree! The titmouse holds the seed firmly between its feet and proceeds to crack it open with repetitive thwacks of its small but mighty bill. Tufted titmice are year-round residents of Ohio. Come winter, they spend much of their time in search of food, caching any extra food they find. Many mated pairs remain in the territory they defended during the nesting season.

Signs to listen for Tufted titmice are often described as being very vocal. Perhaps their most common song is the clear, repetitive Tufted titmouse. Image by whistle that sounds like, “Peter! Peter! Peter!” As with Jack Bulmer via Pixabay most songbirds, they have multiple songs and calls. Their calls are nasal, and sound similar to a chickadee’s call - t-see (whistled) de-de-de (nasal). trees in your woodland. This is great practice that will benefit many other wildlife species as well. Wrapping it up • Consider building a nest box for tufted titmice. Are you interested in bringing more birds into your Place boxes within the woods, near large, woodland and backyard? Now more than ever, birds need deciduous, mast producing trees (i.e. oaks, our help in providing much needed habitat. Below are a hickory, beech). Mount boxes 5-8 feet tall, with a few suggestions, but I would also recommend a visit to 1 ¼ - 1 ½ inch diameter entrance hole. For more the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative’s website. There you information on nest boxes, visit the Cornell Lab will find publications on managing for birds in large and of Ornithology website at www.nestwatch.org. small forest patches (www.obcinet.org). Titmice are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially • Manage for a diverse and healthy woodland. during the winter. They can access a variety of feeder Work to remove non-native and invasive species. types and aren’t picky when it comes to food. Black oil Incorporate a diversity of plants that provide, sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, berries, seeds, and nuts. Work to create layers thistle, unshelled peanuts or peanut hearts, mealworms, within your woodlands – herbaceous layers, and suet are all good food options. For more information shrub layers, and trees of various ages. on feeding birds, visit www.feederwatch.org, from the • As tufted titmice are reliant on deadwood for Cornell Lab of Ornithology. ◆ nesting cavities, aim to leave some dead standing

Fall 2020 | 25 Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition Update from OFA

n the Winter 2020 edition of The Ohio Woodland Journal, I introduced readers to a national level promotion designed to increase markets and sales of hardwood products by raising the awareness Iof the benefits of real American (and Ohio) hardwoods, enhance consumer perception of these products, generate new products, and improve industry stability. In the past several months, over 1000 consumers and prosumers (a person who both consumes and produces a particular commodity or is involved in the design of a company’s product) participated in a nationwide study to help researchers understand what drives consumers to purchase hardwood products. Data was collected using a national online survey of home renovators and nationwide online bulletin boards for architects and designers. Researchers also conducted focus groups in Chicago and Nashville with home renovators, architects, designers, and contractors to gain an in-depth understanding of consumer and prosumer preferences.

The findings from this research indicate that hardwood products receive high ratings for:

• Attractiveness • Warmth and appearance • Durability and lifetime lasting • Being healthy for the home

The weakest attributes for hardwoods identified in the research was the perception that hardwood durability does not translate into good value for the money. Other research findings included:

• Material quality was a factor, but cost was more important • When looking at fake wood products, if the cost was better, then “close enough was good enough” • Millennials rank environmentally friendly materials low in buying decisions • Customers do their homework when planning a build or renovation by visiting big box stores, viewing renovation shows, looking on Pinterest, looking at magazines, and other references

Fall 2020 | 26 Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition Update from OFA

Brad Perkins Ohio Forestry Association Executive Director

The results of this research provide the foundational information which will drive future marketing strategies and plans developed by the coalitions. Focusing strong messaging around the highly rated attributes of hardwood products, specifically the “Healthy Home” component, will set our products apart from the competition.

All of this leads to the coalition’s next steps which include:

• Develop the brand • Develop consumer-facing materials based on what we know is important to consumers/prosumers • Develop industry-facing materials for current and future stakeholders • Launch the brand • Implement a tactical marketing plan to include: paid media, social media, influencers, media relations, and partnerships.

The results of this will be a Go-To-Market Playbook which will allow the hardwood products industry to better market our products and services to consumers. Stay tuned for more updates as the coalition completes the “next steps” process in promotion of Ohio’s hardwood resource and industry. ◆

A pdf link with more detailed information on the research findings and the plans moving forward can be viewed at ohioforest.org/page/Industrylinks, then click on Hardwood Promotion Research Findings - Next Steps Slides.

Fall 2020 | 27 Cooler Weather Means it’s Time to Look at Ways of Marketing Timber

ith the arrival of cool weather and the harvest season, you may decide that the time is right to market your timber. You could sell your timber directly to a sawmill or papermill get a forester to mark the timber before Wyou sell it or sell your timber “on-the-scale.” Each method has its advantages, but which method is best for you? Direct marketing is probably the most common method of marketing timber. Often a buyer initiates the timber sale by making an offer on your timber. You may or may not get other bids before you sell the timber. The obvious advantage of directly marketing your own timber is that all the timber income is yours (if you can avoid taxes). One problem in marketing your own timber may be that you do not know its true value. It also can be difficult for you to decide what part of your timber is mature and ready for harvest. During direct sales, some timber buyers may try to change the terms of the sale, making it difficult for you to compare apples-to- apples. The second method of marketing timber is to get a qualified and experienced forester to mark the trees, which are then sold as they stand. The Ohio Society of American Foresters (osaf. com) and the Association of Consulting Foresters (www.acf-foresters.org) have lists of foresters providing a variety of professional services to landowners. State and county foresters provide limited marketing services. Consulting foresters can mark your timber and timber sale boundaries, solicit bids, draw up a contract, and supervise your timber harvest to make sure that best management practices are being followed. Most consultants provide these services for a ten percent commission. Industry foresters do not charge for these services, but you will have to solicit other bids for yourself.

Fall 2020 | 28 Cooler Weather Means it’s Time to Martin Michel Selective Forestry Service Look at Ways of Marketing Timber Consulting Forester

There are advantages to marketing timber. When The disadvantage of selling marked trees is that any selling marked timber, you have bids that you can consider of their internal defects are unseen. In some cases, this before the trees are cut. If the bids are too low, you can uncertainty can lead to lower timber bids. reject the bids, then market the timber at a future date. Timber can be sold on-the-scale. In this marketing If you accept the bids, you are paid in full before the method, a third party is hired to cut skid, and then sell the timber is cut. The consulting forester is paid (part of the logs for a pre-arranged percentage of the timber income. commission) to guard your interests during the timber Selling on-the-scale also has advantages and harvest. The forester can mark trees to meet your objectives disadvantages. When the trees are cut and logs are laid out, such as wildlife management and improved timber value. there is little uncertainty about their quality. This can lead to a higher sale price. If your pre- arranged percentage is high enough, you will net more income for your timber. There are risks involved in on- the-scale timber marketing. Often, the trees are cut before you have cash in hand. Once the trees are cut, they must be sold regardless of market conditions, or the logs will deteriorate. You can reduce your risk by getting an up-front cash deposit. Before choosing any method to market your timber, consider time of year and current market conditions. Also, consider if there will be full utilization of your timber including payment for the tops, poorly formed trees, and defective trees which may have potential for pulpwood or firewood. In 2020, changes in foreign log and lumber markets can raise or lower prices paid for standing timber. Finer grades of timber sell better in cool weather (fall through winter), when there is less stain. Stain and discoloration are caused by molds that grow on cut logs and lumber. Because stain is not a defect in pallet lumber and industrial timbers, they are

Continued on next page Fall 2020 | 29 often sawed in the summer. Sawmills bid higher on your timber when their log yards are almost Definitions from the Ohio Society of American empty. Storms and other events may force other Foresters website osafdirectory.com: landowners to market their timber, driving down • - a professional engaged in the practice of the the price that you will get for your timber. Forester Regardless of which timber marketing method art and science of forestry. A forester typically has earned a that you choose, use a timber sale contract to Baccalaureate Degree in forestry from an accredited university. protect yourself. These contracts are available • Consulting foresters and technicians are self employed or through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources work for a private consulting company. They have no interest in Division of Forestry, OSU Extension Service, or a timber purchasing or procurement entity. They provide forest your Soil and Water Conservation District. resource management recommendations and assistance to You can market your timber directly, get a forester to mark the timber, or sell it on-the-scale. landowners for a fee. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. • Industry foresters are employed by one of the forest You must choose the timber marketing method that industries (e.g., logging company, paper mill, or sawmill) is the best for you. ◆ and are often responsible for procuring wood fiber for their company and or managing company owned lands. They may provide forestry services to landowners such as timber harvest Marty Michel is a consulting forester in planning, tree planting advice, and forest resource management north-central Ohio and a frequent contributor to The Ohio Woodland Journal. recommendations.

Ohio Woodlands Journal 2020.qxp_OhioCheck the Woodlands Ohio WoodlandJournal 1/4 pg 12/11/19 Stewards 4:02 Program of Ohio State University Extension

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Fall 2020 | 30 MOISTURE PROTECTION FOR BAREROOT AND SEEDLINGS

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Fall 2020 | 31

Regional So much to learn – Woodland from each other and Interest Group natural resource experts! Updates Southern Ohio Forestland Association

Northwest Ohio Woodland Association The Southern Ohio Forestland Association recently began meeting The NWOWA typically meets four times a year but again after a four-month hiatus. In unfortunately our last meeting on October 17, 2020 August, the board held a planning at the Lima Metro Park District was cancelled due to meeting to discuss programming for COVID-19. next year. However, a finalized schedule While our regular meetings have been canceled, has not been set as we are still unable to we have been sharing interesting and relevant virtual use the OSU building due to COVID-19 programming on our Facebook page. Hopefully the restrictions. The group has been meeting presentations have been interesting and helpful. in outdoor spaces but will soon be The NWOWA will begin planning programming for moving indoors to a local church due to 2021 in the next few months. Stay tuned for updates! cooler temperatures. For more details on the Northwest Ohio Woodland Association and future meetings contact Keshia Krout at Please visit our website at ohiosofa.com (419) 424-5004. to find updates and more information.

East Central Ohio Forestry Association

In September, ECOFA board members met to discuss programming for the remainder of 2020 and began planning for 2021. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the group is unable to convene at our normal meeting room at the Dover Public Library. We are currently investigating alternative outdoor venues where members can meet safely and comfortably. Please refer to our newsletter and public Facebook group for updates. If you would like additional information or have questions about ECOFA, please contact Jeremy Scherf, Central Region Service Forestry Coordinator, at [email protected]. Stay safe!

WALK LEARN ENJOY JOIN Fall 2020 | 32 So much to learn – from each other and natural resource experts! Connecting Kids to Nature

Nature is a great teacher! Try this outdoor activity – it’s safe, fun, and educational. Project Learning Tree® activities build children’s creative and critical thinking skills while they learn what the environment needs to remain healthy and sustainable.

Figure 1. Sample Sketch Reduce Your Utility Costs with i-Tree

Did you know you can reduce heating and cooling costs by strategically planting trees around your home? In this activity you will use i-Tree Design – a free online tool by the US Forest Service – to determine where to plant trees for maximum energy savings.

Go outside with your family and create a quick sketch of the perimeter of your home or building where you live. Identify a few spots where you could plant trees and mark them on the sketch (see Figure 1).

Back inside, go to https://design.itreetools.org/, input your address and press “Go!” Hint! Know the best species to plant around your home When asked, “Would you like to calculate the impact of trees on your cooling and heating by completing the activity utility bill?” click “Yes.” “Draw” the building structure using the online tool by following “What Tree Should I Plant?” the instruction on how to outline the perimeter of your home. available from www.plt.org.

Next, select “Plant Trees.” As you input information about the tree you’d like to plant, you’ll see bands around your home, colored according to the potential energy savings provided by the tree. Hover over each zone to see the energy benefit information displayed below the map.

Next virtually plant the tree by “placing” it on the map as instructed (remember to change tree species and circumference for each new tree). Ask your children to select the spots they previously identified on the blueprint, as well as those that i-Tree shows to provide maximum benefit.

Once all the trees have been “virtually planted,” calculate the monetary and environmental benefits of each tree by selecting “Estimate Benefits” and entering the number of years for which you would like to calculate benefits into the future (e.g., 25 years) and register it in the chart below. Utilities Savings Chart Common Tree Name Circumference Where we will plant it Savings ($)

In Ohio, PLT is sponsored by the Department of Make Learning Fun! Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Project For more activity ideas and materials: Learning Tree — Ohio • Attend a PLT workshop: www.plt.org/ohio • Contact your Ohio PLT State Coordinator: Sue Wintering, [email protected], 614-265-6657 • Visit shop.plt.org www.plt.org WALK LEARN ENJOY JOIN Copyright 2018 © Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. Adapted from Activity 3: Land Manager Role Play from Project Learning Tree’s Teaching with i-Tree unit. Fall 2020 | 33 OWJ Sponsors Needed Be A Proud Sponsor of OWJ! The editorial board of The Ohio Woodland Journal is looking for businesses or individuals who are willing to sponsor annual subscriptions of the Journal for all of their county public and private high school libraries. Partial sponsorships are certainly welcomed from those who reside in urban counties with numerous school districts. Individual subscription rates are $15.00 per year for four issues. Each high school principal will receive a letter prior to their first issue of The Ohio Woodland Journal announcing that you or your business is generously supporting the county’s schools by supplying four free issues to their library. You will also be listed in the Journal as a sponsor. If you would like to assist in placing the Journal in your county schools or need additional information, please contact: Gayla Fleming, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, 507 Main St., Suite 200, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 • (888) 388-7337 • [email protected] Thanks to the following businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsor the OWJ for these counties:

Brown Forest Products...... Adams, Scioto Schulte’s Logging...... Allen, Putnam Jim & Pam Meacham...... Jackson David & Brenda Roberts-Gotter...... Ashland Phillip Chase...... Knox Meadowview Farm...... Athens Southern Ohio Forestland Assn...... Lawrence, Pike, Ross E. Aderer...... Athens, Meigs Chris Hodgson...... Licking Metzger’s Logging...... Auglaize Cody & Denise Hacker...... Logan Belmont County SWCD...... Belmont Lucas SWCD...... Lucas Timothy & Lynn Wilson...... Brown David & Pamela Schatz...... Meigs John Sommer...... Carroll Doyle Melick...... Meigs Victor & Judith Gasior...... Columbiana Mike & Vickie Kilroy...... Montgomery, Preble Bob Hum...... Columbiana Michael Thomas...... Morgan, Noble Tiverton Timber Ltd...... Coshocton, Monroe William Houk...... Morrow Defiance Cty. SWCD...... Defiance Ronald & Susan Colby...... Morrow David Orndorf...... Delaware, Franklin, Marion, Morrow Muskingum County SWCD...... Muskingum Deer Haven Ltd. Tree Farm...... Fayette Barry Gierard...... Perry In Memory of Linda Readey...... Franklin Mike Besonen...... Pike Fulton County SWCD...... Fulton Jack Sedlak...... Portage In Memory of Walt & Donna Lange...... Fulton, Williams Dave Embree...... Ross Greene County SWCD...... Greene Greg Smith...... Ross Marcus P. Hoholick...... Greene ECOFA...... Tuscarawas Hancock SWCD...... Hancock Union County SWCD...... Union Dennis & Jan Bishop...... Hancock, Lorain, Marion, Wood Wayne & Lynn Oney...... Vinton Duckworth Farms...... Highland Vinton County SWCD...... Vinton Mark Puhl...... Hocking Wayne County SWCD...... Wayne 4-J Farm...... Holmes The OhioW oodland Journal AdAd RatesRates The Ohio Woodland Journal is a quarterly publication of the Ohio Tree Farm System. Contact Information It is published and mailed each year in February, May, August, and November. for reserving your place in the magazine: Standard Black and White Ad Rates Premium Color Ad Rates Tom Mills Size (approximate) Single Insertion Four Insertions Size (approximate) Single Insertion Four Insertions Advertising Manager 1/8 pg. (2 ½”H x 3 ¾”W) $60 $220 1/8 pg. (2 ½”H x 3 ¾”W) $100 $350 The Ohio Woodland Journal 1/4 pg. (5”H x 3 ¾”W) $90 $300 1/4 pg. (5”H x 3 ¾”W) $200 $700 Ohio Tree Farm Committee 1/2 pg. (5”H x 7 ¾”W) $155 $500 1/2 pg. (5”H x 7 ¾”W) $300 $1,000 Phone: (419) 423-3422 1 pg. (10”H x 7 ¾”W) $300 $990 1 pg. (10”H x 7 ¾”W) $500 $1,750 Email: [email protected] To submit an ad, send a high resolution PDF.

Interested? CHECK US OUT! To view past issues, please go to ohioforest.org Fall 2020 | 34 ALPHAALPHA NURSERIESNURSERIES We Buy White Oak Logs! Species Size Type Price per 1000

Bitternut Hickory 12-18” Seedlings $1140.00 Independent Stave Company Tulip Poplar 18-24" Seedlings $740.00 welcomes all white oak suppliers! Allegheny Serviceberry 12-18" Seedlings $720.00 Black Walnut 18-24" Seedlings $730.00 9 Top prices for your logs Silky Dogwood 12-18" Seedlings $490.00 Experienced log buyers River Birch 18-24" Seedlings $690.00 9 Swamp White Oak 12-18" Seedlings $610.00 9 Professional service Bald Cypress 18-24" Seedlings $730.00 White Pine 8-12" Seedlings $285.00 www.independentstavecompany.com Black Chokeberry 18-24" Seedlings $740.00

Contact us today for complete seedling list! Dakota Sowers 3737 65th St. • Holland, MI 49423 Travis Bethel Central & Northern Ohio Southern Ohio 269-857-7804 • Fax 269-857-8162 • Email: [email protected] www.alphanurseries.com 740.328.9344 740.577.8077

Protecting the Environment

AEP is committed to delivering electricity to more than 5.4 million customers in 11 states, while maintaining an impressive record of environmental stewardship.

Through our sustainable woodland management programs of 160,000 forested acres, we have planted more than 63 million trees, enhanced wildlife habitats, and provided in excess of 113 million board feet and 1.4 AdAd RatesRates million tons of wood products to the forest manufacturing industry. AEP's long-standing partnerships with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other organizations help us fulfill our mission of caring for our customers, building strong communities, and protecting the environment.

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Wild Cassie Ridenour OTFC Chair Wonders i he Marne Titchenell – Dan Castellucci Ohio State University Extension Woods Wildlife Program Specialist

Oak Mast and Wildlife ak forests hold special signifi cance to me as I spent a great deal of time in them conducting my graduate research. I logged many hours measuring trees, craning my neck back to Orecord tree canopy sizes, and counting oak seedlings on the forest fl oor. Unfortunately, these grand systems are in decline, due largely to human-induced changes in disturbance regimes, such as a lack of both fi re and even-aged forest management practices (think clearcutting). In terms of wildlife, oak forests support a diversity of species, both vertebrate and invertebrate, that are at risk should these systems disappear. Mother Nature is facing many challenges these days, and oak decline is one that we – wildlife enthusiasts especially – should pay attention to. Why? Within these forests is arguably the most important food resource for birds and mammals during the dormant season…the acorn, and this issue’s Wild Wonder in the Woods. The life of an acorn Let’s be frank. Life as an acorn is pretty rough. If you are lucky, you will grow into the majestic oak tree you were destined to be, but odds are strongly in favor of you ending up in someone’s belly. Tree nuts are an incredibly valuable, energy-rich food, and these days, acorns top the charts. In fact, oaks have a long history of importance within eastern forests. During the time of European settlement, oak (ueru), along with hickory (ara), beech Dan Castellucci with his dogs and his favorite tree species – white oak. (au), and chestnut (aanea) provided the most abundant and widespread mast (fruit from a tree) crops. How abundant and widespread do you ask? Combined, they were able to support billions of the most abundant bird in North America at the time – the passenger pigeon. Over the years, chestnuts have disappeared, and in some parts of the eastern U.S., the abundance of American beech has been greatly reduced. While hickories still provide valuable mast, the nuts are encased by a hard shell that is diffi cult to crack unless by rodents. Acorns, with their ready-to-eat, no-hassle packaging, currently fi ll a unique and critical role when it comes to wildlife food.

DID YOU KNOW? Passenger pigeons existed in such numbers, that during migrations, their fl ocks were said to darken the skies during the hours they took to pass over a single spot. Their communal nesting ground in Wisconsin spanned 850 square miles! Good eats – the acorn eaten along with the meat by large meal during fall and winter, when Acorns are little orbs of easily animals like bears. Other species, many wildlife species need to build digestible, high-energy food. With such as deer and turkey, focus on energy reserves. Fall is a critical time an eye to an acorn for food, they the shell and meat, while others like for bears, as they must build the have three parts: the meat, the rodents and songbirds prefer the fat reserves they will survive on for cup, and the hard, outer shell. The meaty center. the next 3-4 months in their winter shell and the cup are high in fi ber Acorns are low in protein, but high dens. Female bears must especially and less digestible but are still in fat, making them an excellent be diligent in feeding, as they may

Winter 2020 | 16 Winter 2020 | 25 C M Y K Y K C M

THE OHIO WOODLAND JOURNAL NON-PROFIT ORG. Ohio Tree Farm System U.S. POSTAGE PAID 507 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, OH Zanesville, OH 43701 Permit No. 83 Change Service Requested The Ohio Dated Material Enclosed oodland VolumeV 27 • Number 1 • WINTER 2020 WA PPUPUBLICATIONUUBLICATIONBLICATION OOFF TTHEHE OOHIOHIO TTREEREE FFARMARM CCOMMITTEEOMMITTEE Journal

If you can’t see the forest for the trees, work with a Pixelle forester to get a clearer picture.

Pixelle Landowner Assistance program. Working with private landowners to provide good, effective, creative answers.

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The Future of Oak

FallWinter 2020 2020 | 36 | 40 is in Our Hands!

Dr. Sayeed R. Mehmood School of Environment and Natural Resources Wild Wonders in the Woods continued from page 17 Implications for Oak Sustainability The Ohio State University

The downside of acorns forest management. While cost share programs are not Year-to-year acorn production is unpredictable. There are many make any signifi cant progress. Second, there must be factors that infl uence the acorn crop, such as genetic make-up of the combined and coordinated efforts from all agencies always the favorite instruments for policy makers, some tree, freezing temperature during the fl owering period, disruption and stakeholders toward this common goal. The federal and state investments for oak sustainability of pollen distribution or damage to males fl owers (caused by should be of tremendous help. ◆ high winds/excessive rainfall), insects like acorn weevils, and soil traditional model of working within individual silos moisture to name a few. would simply be counterproductive. Formation of The ODNR Division of Wildlife conducts annual surveys of the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team is an important Sayeed is Associate Professor of Natural Resource Economics and mast production on wildlife areas around the state. The 2019 study Extension Specialist at the School of Environment and Natural reported a nearly 50 percent decrease in white oak acorn production step in this direction. Third, there must be ample from the long-term average. Red oaks, on the other hand, were opportunities for the woodland owners to gain Resources, The Ohio State University. average in their production this year, with 64 percent of trees the necessary technical knowledge and fi nancial bearing acorns. This cyclic crop production is yet another reason why diversity within a forest is so important (other reasons include incentives to assist them in performing the required disease and invasive species). Don’t worry, wildlife has adapted to oaks’ unreliability in food production, which is why many diets are composed of a diversity of mast.

DID YOU KNOW? American chestnuts were much more reliable as a nut crop because they fl owered later in the season, well after the latest frost dates.

More than the acorn While the acorn is a mighty thing, oak trees offer even more to wildlife. Over 500 species of lepidopteran caterpillars use oaks. Some of those lepidopterans are pollinators. Caterpillars in general are an incredibly important food source to many species of songbirds, especially during the Figure 1. Real, nominal, and moving nesting season. The furrowed bark of oak trees provides many a nook and average of white oak stumpage cranny for insects to hide out in, and food for chickadees and nuthatches prices, 1960-2018. to seek out. Oak leaves take longer to decompose on the forest fl oor than other species (i.e. maples), creating a rich leaf litter that provides arthropod resources for ground foraging birds (ovenbirds and towhees) and amphibians (salamanders). Many other wildlife species are important components of oak forest ecosystems, such as bats, reptiles, and a long list of birds.

Wrapping it up Oak forests are a critical resource to wildlife. From blue Figure 2. Real white oak saw log jays to bears, the distribution, abundance, and behaviors of prices for different grades. many species are tied to oaks. I’m encouraged by research taking place in Ohio, working to fi nd the best ways to manage and maintain oaks. Subsequent outreach efforts to keep the public informed are equally important as some practices required to restore oak forests, such as fi re and clearcutting, don’t often garner public support. If you have White oak is a crucially important an opportunity to learn more about the restoration of these species for both the furniture and the incredibly important forests, I highly encourage you to do so. bourbon (as in barrels) industries. The acorns (and the wildlife munching on them) will thank you! ◆ If we were to have any hopes of sustaining oaks into the future, we must adopt comprehensive strategies Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock and Pixabay.com unless otherwise noted. across multiple fronts.

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