Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Farm Program MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER

Vol. 14, No. 4 December 2018

A VOICE FOR HEALTHY Proud Sponsor of the American System in Vermont vermonttreefarm.org vermontwoodlands.org VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS 2019…Really?...... 3 Inspector’s Log...... 11 Northern Saw Whet Owl...... 4 Tree Farm Standard 7...... 11 Vermont Woodlands Association Getting the Out...... 5 American Chestnut...... 12 2018 Officers and Directors VT Native Plants...... 6 Message from VT Consulting ...... 7 Tree Farmer...... 13 OFFICERS Forty Years, John McClain.....8 Parcelization...... 14 Putnam W. Blodgett, President, Hanover, NH John Buck, Co-Vice President, Waterbury Center, VT Bird Habitat and WWW...... 9 SFI Update...... 15 Allan Thompson, Co-Vice President, Waterbury, VT Welcome & Thank You...... 10 Vermont Studios.... 16 Trevor Evans, Treasurer, Newport, VT Marli Rabinowitz, Secretary, Guilford, VT Alan M. Robertson, Secretary, Sheffield, VT Front cover photos: David Paganelli, Diana Todd, Al Robertson DIRECTORS Back cover photo: Richard Carbonetti John Buck, Waterbury Center, VT Jamey Fidel, Montpelier, VT Chris Fife, Fairfield, ME Steve Handfield, Poultney, VT 2018 Advertising Rates: Luke Hardt, Hardwick, VT (per year): member/non-member Dan Kilborn, Island Pond, VT Business Card: $150/$180 • 3.625” wide x 2” tall Leo Laferriere, Waitsfield, VT 1/4 Page: $225/$325 • 3.625” wide x 4.4” tall John McClain, Randolph, VT 1/2 Page: $390/$530 • 7.5” wide x 4.4” tall David Paganelli, So. Strafford, VT William Sayre, Bristol, VT Additional charges for graphic design and printing, if needed. Allan Thompson, Waterbury, VT Membership Newsletter is published four times a year. David Wilcox, Berlin, VT Stephen Webster, Randolph, VT Send camera-ready ads and payment to VWA, Keith Thompson, Advisor, VT Forests, Parks & Rec PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702 802-747-7900 • [email protected]

Mission Statements:

Vermont Tree Farm Vermont Woodlands Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation Committee Members whose mission is to advocate for the management, sustainability, perpetuation, and enjoyment of forests through the practice of Alan Robertson, Co-Chair, Tree Farmer, Sheffield, VT excellent that employs highly integrated management practices Kathy Beland, Co-Chair, Forester, Clarendon, VT that protect and enhance both the tangible and intangible values of Jayson Benoit, Forester, South Royalton, VT forests - including clean air and water, products, wildlife habitat, Richard Bizzozero, Tree Farmer, Brookfield, VT biodiversity, recreation, scenic beauty, and other resources - for this and Robert Cowles, Landowner, Derby, VT future generations. VWA objectives are to communicate the benefits Jock Irons, Tree Farmer, Woodford, VT of working forests, recognize exemplary actions of woodland owners and managers, provide educational opportunities, and represent its Ryan Kilborn, Forester, W. Topsham, VT membership before governmental bodies. Ian Martin, Forester, Newfane, VT Kyle Mason, Bennington County Forester The American Tree Farm System, first organized in 1941, is the Nation's David Paganelli, Orange County Forester oldest certifier of privately owned forestland. Tree Farm members Mary Sisock, Burlington, VT share a unique commitment to protecting watersheds and wildlife Dave Stoner, Tree Farmer, Craftsbury Common habitat, conserving soil, and providing recreation; and at the same Allen Yale, Tree Farmer, Derby, VT time producing wood products on a sustainable basis. The Vermont Woodlands Association strives to educate, train, and support private forest landowners in sound management practices concerning wildlife, Program Administrator water, wood, and recreation. We do this by managing and enhancing the Kathleen Wanner, Rutland, VT American Tree Farm System® Program in Vermont.

2 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM

NEWS FROM VWA 2019 on the Horizon… Really? by Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director

Oh my goodness, the end of 2018 is fast know how very important each and and Christine McGowan, Director of approaching and I’m totally not ready. every one of you are to our Voice for the Forest Products Network. I expect Did this happen more quickly than Healthy Forests. that this involvement will lead to better usual, that the temperatures plunged information and opportunity for our to single digits both sides of zero and If you took our recent member survey, members. It’s also on my list to develop snow fell nearly daily? Or, is it age that thank you! Your answers are very a tax planning program for landowners impacts how I view time these days. informative and help us understand that will complement our existing The old adage, “time flies when you’re how to better serve your needs. I was succession planning programs. having fun” seems more appropriate so encouraged to see that nearly 50% for youth because in my view, time of survey respondents have been VWA Much of what has kept me busy this flies when you’re not looking. And members for more than 10 years and past year involves engagement with sometimes life is too busy to look. that more than 40% of you heard about other like-minded organizations us through your forester. We have long as partners. We are working more The best laid plans just don’t always said that our are our best closely with Audubon Vermont on work out the way we expect. During ambassadors… thank you foresters, for our Woods, Wildlife & Warblers 2018, I made several decisions that your advocacy of VWA. program; participating in a Water were designed to give me a bit more Wise Woodlands project with the folks time for relaxation and reflection. As it Your reasons for belonging are about in the Upper Winooski Watershed; turns out, Aristotle had it right when as diverse as you are. But, I find a collaborating with UVM Extension, he postulated that the universe seeks very common theme that is support VT Land Trust (VLT), and VT Coverts to fill the voids, or more commonly of our mission to provide education, on programs for women woodland interpreted as “nature abhors a encourage and promote exemplary owners; planning for a Land Ethic vacuum.” Seems it’s not only the woodland management, and represent Leaders training in 2019 as part of a universe that seeks to fill the voids but your interests as woodland owners. The state and private partnership; serving humankind as well… or at least, this services you value most, in order of on the Working Lands Enterprise human. I often find myself wondering importance, are Northern Woodlands Board and forestry committee; when I had the time to do those things magazine and our newsletter, workshops helping guide the transition of Project that came off my plate earlier this year. and events, and legislative advocacy. Learning Tree in its new home with Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI); For me, it means I’ve still not mastered You provided us with many good working with Vermont Conservation the art of letting go. For VWA, it means suggestions on how we can improve and Design partners; offering continuing we’ve had a very productive and what grow and we will strive to incorporate education opportunities for I’d call, successful year. We’re picking as many of these ideas as possible. foresters and walks in the woods for away at many of the goals that the Some of your suggestions had to do landowners; participating in the NRCS board set in the 2016 five-year strategic with greater connections to industry state technical committee meetings; plan. In the last twelve months, we have and economy. I’ve been involved in and so much more. My odometer is welcomed 122 new members. These conversations about this topic with testament to VWA’s desire to increase are landowners, friends, and resource some of our foresters, with the Working professionals who have chosen to add Lands Forestry Committee (of which their voice to yours and I hope you I am the “appointed” interim chair), HORIZON continued on pg. 18

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 3 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM NEWS FROM VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE DEPT. Northern Saw Whet Owl by John Buck, Wildlife Biologist

in daylight hours. However, if you find yourself in the forest into the night and intently, you are likely to hear the distinctive monotonal ‘peep-peep-peep- peep’ of the Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Weighing in at just 3 ounces, the saw- whet is Vermont’s smallest owl and is among the smallest owl species on the planet. It gets its name from the resemblance of its call to the sound of a saw being sharpened on a whet- stone. Saw-whets are most frequently found in older coniferous forests with a diverse understory because of the good combination of nesting and feeding opportunities. However, they are not rare in mixed and deciduous forests too. Because of their diminutive size, During these seemingly endless days also think of all the birds that will be saw-whets most often utilize the lower of winter, while checking sap lines for here staking out there particular claim and mid-canopy portions of the forest wind-fall, my mind often wanders to on forest real estate. to stay out of view of the woodland the truly long days of summer, when hawks. However, while hunting, they the landscape is a shade of green so One of those birds is a special are unabashed. rich that Crayola should have a crayon favorite of mine (if it is possible to named ‘Vermont Green,’ when the have a favorite), maybe because it is forest smells of rich conifer needles and more common than its infrequent the organics of the soil exude an earthly appearances would suggest and the OWL, continued on pg. 18 fragrance reminiscent of patchouli. I fact that it is more active at night than

4 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Getting the Wood Out by Put Blodgett, President

Put Blodgett How to get heavy wood to the mill or moraine at the east end of Telos could processor? This has taxed the ingenuity be ditched to send water down Webster and strength of loggers since the days of Brook to Grand Lake Matagamon and at intimidating the loggers and the the first settlers. from there via the East Branch of the Maine legislature finally had to set a fair Penobscot to the main river and hence tax. That ended the “Telos Cut War”. In Colonial days, the King of England to Bangor where ocean-going ships This first harvesting of the Allagash claimed the finest white pines for his could load from the headwaters happened in the 1840s. navy’s masts, much to the frustration of built on pilings that spanned the river. the colonists. They cut some anyway, But the logs further down the Allagash In 1902 a new idea was conceived sawing them into narrower boards as if had to be raised 15 feet to the level of to get logs from the Eagle/Churchill they had come from smaller . The Chamberlain. This was accomplished watershed to Chamberlain and then king’s tree wardens were very unpopular, the first time by building a dam below down the same route to Bangor. A even to the point of being tarred and Churchill Lake which was north of tramway was built from Eagle Lake to the feathered and ridden out of town on a Eagle. The two lakes are connected, so 15’ higher Chamberlain. A 6000’ 1.5” rail. the same elevation. This raised the water cable, weighing 14 tons, was brought up level all the way back to where the water Moosehead Lake by boat but proved too After the mast tree was cut, a straight from Chamberlain entered Eagle. A heavy to haul overland to the site and road was cut to the nearest river, one end lock was constructed there and another had to be cut in two and then spliced of the tree hoisted to the underside of lock built where Chamberlain water left after arrival. the axle between two giant wheels and that lake. Logs were towed up Churchill several teams of oxen hauled the tree to and Eagle and through the lower lock. The tramway consisted of two sets of the water. After arriving at the seacoast, The lock was closed and the lock at the small rails, one above the other in a the masts-to-be were loaded on ships outlet from Chamberlain was opened, wood box-like frame. Concave steel and sent to England where they were raising the level in the lock to that of trucks with wheels were clamped every gratefully received as mast trees were Chamberlain. The logs were then towed 10’ to the now endless cable. Logs were becoming scarce in . down Chamberlain to the east, across pushed onto two adjoining trucks by Telos and to the dam at the top of the men with pike poles as the trucks came As the years went by, timber harvesting Telos Cut. Water released from this dam up around a submerged wheel in Eagle extended further inland which increased propelled the logs through the Cut and Lake. At the upper end they went over a the difficulty of getting the wood out. into Webster Stream. 9’ bull wheel, powered by a steam engine, and slid into Chamberlain and the In north central Maine, the heavily- An investor purchased the township endless cable carried the trucks upside timbered Allagash watershed flowed that the Telos Cut was in and upped the down on the bottom tracks back to Eagle. north to join the St. John river. tax on logs going through this dam at The Tramway operated six seasons, 16 American loggers paid a duty to New the head of the Cut. Loggers decided hours a day, and moved approximately Brunswick for wood that floated into the to drive their logs through anyway, but 100 million feet of logs. St. John which did not sit well. the investor got word of their intent. He armed a group of 75 roughnecks A 71’ tow boat was built on Eagle to Chamberlain Lake and its tributaries are from Bangor with knives and clubs tow the logs from the Eagle/Churchill the headwaters of the Allagash. But Telos and sent them to the Cut to deter the is connected to it to the east and a glacial loggers. The roughnecks were successful PRESIDENT, continued on pg. 22

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 5 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM NEWS FROM VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS, PARKS & RECREATION Vermont Native Plants vs. Invasive Plant Look-a-likes: American Cow Parsnip vs. Giant Hogweed by Elizabeth Spinney, Invasive Plant Coordinator, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

With snow falling, autumn chores in parsnip is “flat topped”), presence of full swing, and daydreams of crisp coarse white hairs at the base of the leaf winter hikes through our woods filling stalk (American cow-parsnip lacks these our heads, it can be hard to remember coarse almost beard-like hairs), and some of the excitement of summer. number of rays within the flower cluster But our winter wanderings may bring (Hogweed has 50 or more rays within us upon tall, dried stalks—reminders the flower cluster while American cow- of what was once growing only a few parsnip has only ~15-30). short months ago. Here is a great resource to compare other When June and July rolls around in native plant look-a-likes to hogweed Vermont, many things are in bloom, from New York DEC. including suspected sightings of a {www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72766.html} rare non-native invasive plant, Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). While contact with both American cow- Around the same time in summer, a parsnip and Giant hogweed can cause a native plant, American cow-parsnip rash or burn, Hogweed sap can trigger Photo Credit: R. Westbrooks, Giant Hogweed stalks in winter, (Heracleum maximum), is also a severe chemical reaction on exposed CC BY 3.0 US flowering. American cow-parsnip skin, and even cause blindness. Brushing W. Ciesla, the flat-topped blooms of American Cow-parsnip, (common cowparsnip, cow parsnip) is up against this plant can transfer sap. CC BY-NC 3.0 US much more common than its invasive This is more worrisome than exposure plant look-a-like. Giant Hogweed can to Wild parsnip, Wild chervil or cow-parsnip, the United States’ largest reach heights of 7-20 ft., with leaves up American cow-parsnip, where you member of the carrot family. to 5 ft. across, flower clusters up to 2.5 ft. have to break the plant tissue to come {https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/ across, and stems with purple splotches, in contact with the sap. Giant hogweed species/heracleum/maximum/} and was introduced to North America in is a federally listed noxious weed, and the early 20th century, originating from is therefore part of Vermont’s Noxious Another great resource for curious the Caucasus Mountains and Asia. Weed Quarantine. minds is “Mistaken Identity” published {https://agriculture.vermont.gov/ by the Delaware Department of A few quick ways to determine what plant_pest/plant_weed/invasive_noxious_ Agriculture. This document highlights you’re observing include general size weeds/noxious_weeds_list} many common invasive plants and their (Hogweed is truly towering), the shape native plant look-a-likes. of the flower clusters (Hogweed has Check out this site if you’d like to learn {www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_ an “umbrella” shape, American cow- more about the native plant, American DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_024329.pdf}

6 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM VWA CONSULTING FORESTERS Is Consulting Forester in Your Vocabulary? by Kathleen Wanner

Growing up in suburbia, forester was program to view the forest is birds and comprehensive not in my vocabulary. Climbing the few other wildlife. And what we offer is advice. While some of Vermont’s backyard trees in my neighborhood information, access to workshops & licensed foresters work for industry, was as close as I got to the woods. woods walks, a visit from a forester, a contractors, commercial Even living in the woods of Vermont peer landowner, or a wildlife biologist. enterprise, local, state, or federal for the last fifty years, it was not Everybody would jump on that, agencies… a consulting forester really until my tenure as Executive right? Well, not so much. And here’s works for you, the woodland owner. Director that I began to understand where I circle back to my lack of Nearly ten years ago, the Consulting the value that foresters bring to our understanding. Foresters Association of Vermont working landscape. This leads me to (CFAV) merged with VWA and its the realization that there are probably The WWW team had anticipated members became VWA Consulting many woodland owners like myself certain barriers that we’d need to Foresters. You can find the list of our who didn’t know the role a consulting overcome … such as time and consultants on the website at www. forester could play or had never resources… and thought we had vermontwoodland.org. thought about hiring one. planned accordingly. But there was more that we learned during the scope So what does a consulting forester I think about this in conjunction with of this project that I think will make us want from you? Harkening back to our our Woods, Wildlife, & Warblers all better at what we do in the future. learning in the WWW program, it’s (WWW) program that’s been underway One of those things has to do with easy to imagine that some folks might in southern Vermont for the last three managing expectations about what be apprehensive about having a forester years. This project began because it means to work with a consulting come visit. The best way to alleviate landowners like you and other industry forester. If you receive this publication, any apprehension is to understand professionals told us how important it you’re already connected to VWA and/ what the consulting forester may want was to them to have more landowners or Tree Farm and may be enrolled in from you. His or her questions may engaged in active management. This is Current Use so working with a forester likely be… actually a fairly common theme around is not an alien concept. But whatever the globe as we see more and more loss our personal involvement in caring for • What are your goals and expectations of forest cover. the woods, most of us have friends or for your woodlands? relatives who may not be so involved… • What do you want the property WWW was designed to encourage and so we are all ambassadors! to look like in 10 years? 20 years? greater engagement by offering a suite Beyond that? of services for woodland owners. All Vermont foresters are licensed • Do you wish to harvest timber? Through extensive marketing in the but not all licensed foresters are • Do you have recreational objectives? four southern counties, we were able consultants. So what is a consulting Trails? Roads? to reach nearly 700 woodland owners forester? A consulting forester is an who had some level of interest in independent professional forester knowing more about how to care for whose specialty is to work with their woods. The lens we use in this woodland owners in providing VOCABULARY, continued on pg. 19

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 7 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM VWA CONSULTING FORESTERS Forty Years of Forestry in Vermont by Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director

John McClain has been a Vermont knew his future had to involve one of NEFF forester. He soon met other NEFF forester for more than forty years. He those elements – he chose the mountains foresters and in 1994-95, New England lives in Bethel and works primarily in and went back to school to finish his Forestry Consultant (NEFCO) was spun central Vermont; however, he has clients education as a forester, graduating from off. Several very generous benefactors as far north and south as the Canadian the University of Massachusetts, Amherst helped with this transition. NEFCO and Massachusetts borders. in 1977. is an employee owned entity with the company’s 14 or so foresters owning the From his Brooklyn-born roots, John As a young forester in the 70s, when company’s shares. There are currently moved a lot as a youth but always had there were perhaps only 20 or so two new NEFCO foresters sharing John’s a great love of the woods. He recalls consultants around the state, he opened office, learning from his tutelage. his Boy Scout years as a very enriching his first forestry business in Roxbury. He experience. After graduating from high sent out about 200 letters to landowners, As a NEFCO forester, John and his school in Connecticut, he attended the introducing himself and his service… fellow foresters manage NEFF’s roughly University of Colorado for two years, and got one response. So during that first 24,000 acres of forest and monitor their leaving there to work in Arizona as an year, John spent more time in the woods conservation easements. This is his archaeological assistant. And while this logging than practicing his profession. largest client. John estimates that he has was interesting work, he missed the green And, for several years thereafter, he about 300 other private landowner clients mountains and the ocean. And John worked all week for Ethan Allen grading with a land base of about 120,000 acres. lumber at their furniture factory in Randolph. While in college, he had taken When asked what he likes most about advantage of a program through National forestry, John quickly responds, “working Lumber Association and was with landowners.” His first question a certified lumber grader. Weekends were for landowners is about their goals and dedicated to the woods for the few clients objectives and he encourages folks to he had secured in his business. think about this. And whatever the goals, he aims to impart knowledge through A few of John’s classmates at U Mass conversation and walks in the woods wanted to do business in Vermont so landowners can make informed and reached out to him. Together they decisions. He knows his clients well, formed Atlantic Forestry but after a listens, and always tries to help them few years, John broke away from the meet their goals. Perhaps as a testament company and started Forest Resource to his demeanor, John just wrote the Associates with Joe Nelson and Rich fourth management plan update for the Ince. FRA had an office in Burlington family of his very first client. and Randolph. This business eventually split and in 1993 John was approached Service to his profession is an integral by Keith Ross of New England Forestry part of John’s work. As a young forester, Foundation (NEFF) to manage a timber he was chair of the Green Mountain sale. The two developed a good working relationship and John consulted with NEFF for a few months until he became a CONSULTING, continued on pg. 20

8 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM NEWS FROM THE VERMONT TREE FARM COMMITTEE Woods, Wildlife, and Warblers Project: Southern Vermont landowners embrace managing their forests to enhance bird habitat by Steve Hagenbuch, Conservation Biologist, Audubon Vermont

It’s no secret that many Vermonters are getting the help they desire. Nearing place significant value on the wildlife the end of its third year the project has habitat that their land provides. directly engaged, through technical and Knowing what to do to enhance management planning assistance, 60 the value of that habitat becomes a landowners stewarding over 6,600 acres question for which many landowners of forestland. are seeking an answer. Thanks to the Woods, Wildlife, and Warblers project, a Each parcel of land presents its own partnership among Audubon Vermont, unique opportunities for habitat the American Forest Foundation, enhancement. One of the significant and Vermont Tree Farm Committee, benefits that the Woods, Wildlife, landowners in Rutland, Windsor, and Warblers project provides is a Further north in the town of Norwich, Windham, and Bennington counties personalized set of management Audubon’s biologist pointed out to the recommendations to each participating landowner the importance of trying to landowner. Take for example a story enhance the structure of a forested area unfolding on a property in West dominated by eastern hemlock and Wardsboro. The landowner has been white pine. The density of trees and working to re-establish a number of minimal sunlight reaching the forest small apple orchards. During a recent floor have not supported the growth of walk through, the consulting forester the next forest cohort. Consequently for the property and an Audubon the seedlings, saplings, and forest biologist identified the opportunity to shrubs which provide important enhance the orchard’s habitat potential nesting and foraging opportunities for for songbirds by planting additional birds like Black-throated Blue Warbler fruit producing trees and shrubs. Native are by and large lacking. Harvesting plants such as alternate-leaf dogwood, of small groups of trees, each up to ¼ serviceberry, and highbush cranberry acre in size, will likely help address this will offer migrating species including resource concern. Wood Thrush and Blue-headed Vireo a valuable food source during their fall journey to the tropics. WILDLIFE, continued on pg. 17

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 9 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM Welcome New Information and Guidance to VWA members a Successful Timber Harvest Many thanks to all who have decided to join VWA. Our Voice for Healthy Forests is stronger because of you. No matter how you found us, we appreciate that you did. Every member makes a difference. Dan & Kristie Adams, Pittsford, VT Kate Bass, Strafford, VT Chandra Blackmer, Northfield, VT John Bloomer, Jr., Rutland, VT John & Diana Caldarelli, South Kingston, RI Steve Clark, W. Brattleboro, VT Alan & Pat Cole, Island Pond, VT Thomas Comes, Newport, VT Timber harvests come with a lot of questions–some answers Richard A. Epstein, Dummerston, VT you need to know, some you don't. To help you answer Carl H Fielder, Marshfield, VT those important questions about your woods, the Vermont Joe Fortin, East Calais, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has created Dr. Kent E. Henderson, Saint Albans, VT the Landowner Guides to a Successful Timber Harvest. Heidi Hoffecker, East Calais, VT Kathleen Osgood, Northfield, VT They’re simple and concise guides that handle topics Sara Pennington, Putney, VT including: Overview of a timber harvest, Water, Wildlife, Michael & Jean Polnerow, Thornton, PA Economics, and Working with Foresters and Loggers. Barbara Hudson Rescott, Marriottsvill, MD Download the series or just the booklets that pertain to you David Rice, Shrewsbury, VT at VTCutwithConfidence.com. Scott & Dayna Sabatino, Montpelier, VT Jack Santos, Fairhaven, MA Nancy & Edward Shyloski, Old Lyme, CT VTCutwithConfidence.com Philip Stoltzfus, Randolph, VT Craig Tomkinson, Belmont, VT Scot Williamson, Cabot, VT Richard Wiswall, Plainfield, VT Shane & Jennifer Young, Tunbridge, VT When it comes time Bob & Lois Zambon, South Ryegate, VT to sell your forest, Welcome New Tree Farmers Contact the land experts to help you achieve 1732 Charles Bronk & Tracylea Byford, Tinmouth 1733 John Calderelli, W. Wardsboro maximum value from a 1734 Shane & Jennifer Young, Tunbridge broad marketplace. 1736 Craig Coleman, Springfield

Michael Tragner Thanks to our Tree Vermont Broker and Forester Farm Inspectors 802-233-9040

The success of the Tree Farm program is totally dependent on a dedicated corps of inspectors who help us uphold the high standard of excellence. We wish to thank our inspectors who enrolled new tree farms or completed inspections for us in the last three months. Alex Barrett Kathy Beland Dan Kilborn Russ Barrett Paul Harwood John McClain Trusted Professionals in Timberland Brokerage for Over 30 Years. Rose Beatty Robbo Holleran

10 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM VERMONT TREE FARM INSPECTOR’S LOG Star Date – November 12, 2018 The Measure of a Tree Farm Program, or How Many Googly Eyes Spell Success? by Kathy Beland, Co-chair VT Tree Farm Committee and Inspector Trainer

As of the end of October, Vermont be more than a little blustery and very it “match” my sample project. Gabe was had 88 active Tree Farm Inspectors. Of wet, I planned lots of craft activities, barely in his seat before he was trying those 88, 31 of you have completed at most of which included spruce cones to paint anything in front of him. He least one inspection this year. Fourteen of assorted sizes, acorn caps, feathers pretty much covered an entire page inspectors will lose their certification (really a bad idea,) glitter (an even with paint, which in some cases ran over the next 6 months if they do not worse idea,) popsicle sticks, paint, fake together to create, well, brown. After complete one and only one inspection snow and the very entertaining googly finally getting him to slow down a little, or take an online refresher course. eyes. There was also an inordinate and he realized that I had googly eyes There are other ways to maintain your amount of glue. And yes, I harnessed to glue, he covered a paper with those! active status as well, that may involve the power of Pinterest! It is interesting However, they were for other projects, other activities, and not just how many to watch Hannah and Gabe and how namely a spruce cone reindeer and an inspections you complete. Amazingly, differently they approached their owl. With their respective approaches, those numbers are somewhat of an creations. Some of that is the difference Hannah made one owl, and two improvement over previous years. between a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, reindeer, and was very creative. Gabe Numbers can mean a lot or nothing and some is their personalities. Hannah made two owls, and would have made at all. It all depends on what is the was all about having a vision for each more, and then about 10 reindeer. He expected outcome. project. She knew what she wanted, how would have glued googly eyes on cones she wanted it to look, made a plan, had all day long if I had let him! While Gabe Last weekend, my husband and I all of her parts and pieces picked out had our grandkids for the weekend. and put them all together. She moved a Knowing that the weather was going to little slower and was all about making INSPECTOR’S LOG, continued on pg. 20

Vermont Tree Farm Standards Review Standard #7- Protection of Special Sites by Ryan Kilborn, Tree Farm Inspector

In this article, we continue the review their property, the Vermont Tree Farm Standard 7: Protect Special Sites; of the 8 Standards set by the American Committee has decided to review these Special sites are managed in a way Forest Foundation for the American standards for your education. Today we that recognize their unique historical, Tree Farm System. Because it is the discuss “Standard 7-Protection of Special responsibility of the landowner to make Sites.” sure these standards are being met on STANDARDS, continued on pg. 23

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 11 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM TOURS, FROM OUR READERS MEETINGS, & WORKSHOPS Town Forest, American WILDLIFE TRACKING WITH LYNN LEVINE Chestnut Foundation, and Saturday, January 12, 2019 (bad weather date, Sunday January 13) 1:00-4:00 PM a local school team up Dummerston, VT Limit 15: registration required by Roxanne Matthew

WOODS WALK In the spring 2016, the five members of Saturday, January 26th the Fairlee Town Forest Board, along 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Waterbury, VT with the town’s consulting forester, Contact Allan Thompson for details. Markus Bradley of Redstart Forestry, and Dr. Kerry Browne and Rachel VERMONT FARM SHOW Sanders, science instructors at Rivendell January 29-31 Academy in Orford, NH, acquired 21 potentially resistant American chestnut Photo by David Matthews CHAMPLAIN hybrid seedlings (B3F3). They were VALLEY EXPO provided by Yurij Bihun, President of town forest. Each year, the sophomore science class and instructors, members A great opportunity to meet and the Vermont/New Hampshire Chapter greet others interested in our forest of The American Chestnut Foundation. of Redstart Forestry, and members stewardship. If you’d like to volunteer of the Fairlee Forest Board meet to for a shift, please contact Kathleen Bradley, Dr. Browne, and Ms. Sanders release and measure the trees. The ([email protected]) met and developed a lesson/planting resulting data is charted and submitted program, and the Rivendell freshman to the national office of The American VWA BOARD MEETINGS Chestnut Foundation. The first year 3rd Friday of every month science class enjoyed a day-in-the- VAST conference room woods lesson while planting the Berlin, VT seedlings in three clear cuts at the site of All members welcome to attend. a recent logging operation in the Fairlee TOWN FOREST continued on pg. 19 TREE FARM COMMITTEE MEETING Friday, January 11, 2019 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM 118 Prospect St., WRJ All Tree Farmers and Inspectors welcome to attend

It’s never too early to mark your calendar 2019 VWA ANNUAL MEETING Saturday, April 6th 8:30 AM-3:00 PM VTC, Randolph, VT Photo by David Matthews

12 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM

Kevin’s experience is FROM OUR READERS heartbreaking and we wish him all the best in his recovery. VWA is exploring other features on ticks for future newsletters. This is an issue that landowners must Message from a approach with total seriousness. We all wish to be able to enjoy the outdoors and to encourage our Vermont Tree Farmer youth to do the same. by Kevin Hall, 2016 Tree Farmer of the Year

I am writing this account of my recent dirty little tick since he was carrying two no calcium, no this, no that, all in order experience to remind fellow tree farmers types of bacteria. to allow the pills to do their job. Imagine of the importance of avoiding ticks. going that long with nothing to drink but Since around the first of May I have been For the rest of May I refrained from water, and yes that means NO DESSERTS. battling severe fatigue along with constant driving, since my judgement and alertness It was a long summer without pie or flu like symptoms. Presently I take 12 pills was impaired. I had a terrible time to maple creamies. a day, and my doctor tells me that could type on the computer. The connection go on for a long time yet. I hope I can between the brain and fingers seemed It makes me very uneasy now to wallow prove him wrong. What’s wrong you ask? disconnected somehow. into the brush, or sit on the ground. We I was bitten in late April or May by a tick treat our outdoor clothing now with so small I never knew. There was no rash, For the remainder of the summer I Permethrin, made by Sawyer, check for no sign of a bite, no nothing. I had been have had to rest a lot, and most projects ticks when we shower, and use peppermint in our sugarbush most of April, and in were cancelled. Fatigue and dizziness soap. I encourage anyone spending time May we took a week end trip to L.L. Bean are the biggest issues presently. There outside to read up on the disease,and take in Freeport Maine. While at the Hotel we hasn’t been a day since May without a preventative steps. A simple little tick bite found ticks everywhere. My wife Emmy headache, although not as severe as in can be real life changer. came in off the lawn and found four on the beginning. Probably the hardest part herself, and as many on our dog. I didn’t for me has been the diet. No sugar at all, happen to catch any on me, but Emmy and the dog found as many the next day. After our car sat on the main street of Freeport, we found them walking around TIMBER SALES, on the inside of the window glass. Well FOREST MANAGEMENT, crap, doesn’t that give you the willies! We were reluctant to leave the blacktop, & CONSULTING... and didn’t go on any hikes at all.After returning home I went to the woods a few days later. I was fine in the morning, but by eleven o’clock I was so sick and Using our skills and market knowledge weak I had to return home and go to to help you meet YOUR objectives. bed.I had a fever so high it is a wonder it didn’t bust the top off the thermometer! 102-104 degrees for the first week. It JEFF LANGMAID was like the flu times ten. Never had I Montpelier, VT experienced such a head ache. It was so [email protected] intense I couldn’t touch my head. Sweats, 802.223.8644 chills, body aches like you can’t imagine. After going to a clinic and being sent to an emergency room twice, the blood test revealed both Lyme disease, and fwforestry.net fountainsland.com Anaplasmosis. It seems he was an extra

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 13 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM NEWS FROM VNRC New Report Highlights Loss of Undeveloped Woodland in VT by Jamey Fidel, VT Natural Resources Council.

A new report by the Vermont Natural VNRC worked with researchers and Resources Council highlights the state agency partners to examine increasing loss of undeveloped parcelization trends on private land in woodland tracts in Vermont through Vermont by using Grand List (tax) data parcelization, the breaking up of land and Use Value Appraisal (Current Use) into smaller and smaller parcels. The Program data from 2004 to 2016. The phenomenon of parcelization, which following are some of the key trends usually occurs through subdivision, is from the research: gaining momentum, and subsequent development is causing forest cover to • The amount of land in larger decline in Vermont. According to the parcels is shrinking, while the U.S. Forest Service, Vermont may have amount of land in smaller parcels lost 102,000 acres of forestland from is increasing. 2012 to 2017. Both the amount of land in parcels Depending on how it occurs, 50 acres and larger, and the number parcelization and development can lead of parcels 50 acres and larger are to the following impacts: decreasing, while both acreage, and Photo by A. Blake Gardner • Forest fragmentation and land the number of parcels under 50 acres, conversion, which can negatively is increasing. More specifically, the study period (a portion of this was due affect plant and animal species, number of parcels in the 2-5 and 5-10 to land shifting to public ownership). wildlife habitat, water quality, acre size categories increased by 10.25% recreational access, and the ability and 15%, respectively. • Across the state, the per-acre value of forests to sequester and store of land in Vermont nearly doubled carbon. • The number of acres in the during the study period, though • The loss of large ownership and “residential” category is increases varied greatly depending management of forest parcels, increasing, while “farm” and on location. which can reduce their productivity “woodland” acreage is decreasing, and contribution to the working with “woodland” parcel acreage During the study period, the value of lands economy. decreasing the fastest. land statewide went from $990/acre in 2004 to $1,827/acre in 2016—an An increase in the number of parcel Residential acreage increased by increase of 185%. owners, which may result in new 162,670 acres, which is a 7% increase housing, and infrastructure (roads, over the study period. The amount of Most dwellings are built on smaller septic, utility lines, etc.), which can “woodland” parcels, which represent parcels compared to larger parcels. diminish the economic and ecological undeveloped forestland (there may be The number of parcels with dwellings viability of forests depending on how a seasonal camp), decreased by 147,684 the development occurs. acres, or approximately 15% over the

WOODLAND, continued on pg. 21

14 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM NEWS FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE Vermont SFI® Update by Bill Sayre, Chair, Vermont SFI and Ed Larson, SFI VT Coordinator

SFI Vermont continues to promote Fiber Sourcing and Chain of Custody productive. Working alone is not a the principle of sustainability as our Standards work to ensure the health safe situation either. Thanks to Deputy private forest landowners manage and future of forests. Through Commissioner, Sam Lincoln, there for the future. The use of a third- application of these certification is a bright light shining at the end of party certification program develops standards, SFI’s on-product labels this long dark tunnel. We are not there confidence in buyers and consumers of help consumers make responsible yet, but the shape of a solid plan is forest products that these forestlands purchasing decisions. In a 2017 survey, coming together. Lincoln is working are well managed today and will 41% recognize the SFI Logo. SFI with regulators, industry leaders be here for generations to come. Inc. is governed by an independent and insurance companies to find a SFI® is an independent, non-profit three-chamber board of directors solution. We need to grow the pool organization dedicated to promoting representing environmental, social and by getting more businesses buying forest sustainability and supporting economic sectors equally. Learn more policies, greatly enhance Vermont’s the links between sustainable forests at sfiprogram.org. premier loggers’ education program, and communities through carefully LEAP and all of us need to realize this targeted research, direct leadership of Worker’s Compensation Remains on is a major cultural change in how we critical initiatives, and partnerships the Front Burner have been conducting our businesses that effectively contribute to multiple The costs of purchasing workers’ comp in the past. Safety must be paramount conservation objectives. Nationwide, policies is too high. Vermont rates on all logging jobs, sawmills and Forests certified to the SFI Forest are the highest in the northeast and trucking enterprises. SFI VT is doing Management Standard cover more than ranks as one of the most expensive all it can to promote Sam’s leadership, 300 million acres. Millions more acres in the nation. Because of high costs, shape the solution and promote and benefit from the SFI Fiber Sourcing fewer logging contractors are hiring support the effort. A very important Standard. SFI’s Forest Management, employees to help them be more component of SFI Certification for mills purchasing forest products is that logging contractors are trained for safety and professionalism. Currently, nationwide SFI recognizes over 11,000 loggers as trained to SFI Standards, Growing Tomorrow's including close to 200 woods workers here in Vermont. This certification Forests Today® requirement has brought many more loggers to take LEAP classes to be able www.aboutsfi.org to supply wood to SFI participating

In Vermont, call William Driscoll, mills. We all need to recognize that SFI Coordinator, at Associated although change is difficult, in this Industries of Vermont, 802-223-3441. case, it is necessary if we are to grow

SFI, continued on pg. 24

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 15 VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM FOREST SECTOR NEWS Fighting Climate Change One Rocking Chair at a Time: Vermont Woods Studios Makes a Case for Buying Local by Christine McGowan, Forest Program Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

“Buy local” is a common refrain “We thought that if we could introduce harvested from like the around Vermont, and many of us consumers to Vermont’s incredibly Amazon in South America. Timber feel good about supporting small, talented furniture-makers, we could is shipped to China where it’s independently-owned businesses, farms convince them to buy responsibly-made inexpensively made into furniture and restaurants around the state. For furniture that supported forest health, using cheap labor, and then sold to U.S. Peggy Farabaugh, owner of Vermont and ultimately the health of our planet.” consumers. “You’re paying to ship wood Woods Studios in Vernon, the idea around the world,” said Farabaugh, “not has roots that are much deeper and Sound lofty? Farabaugh makes the for craftsmanship or quality.” farther reaching. “We started this connection between buying locally- business 13 years ago because Vermont made furniture and global forest Vermont Woods Studios woodworkers were making some of health without missing a beat. She Farabaugh and her husband, Ken, the finest furniture in the country, but explains that many larger, industrial- believed they could create a market few people outside of New England scale furniture makers buy wood that for Vermont-made furniture to help knew about them,” said Farabaugh. is illegally or, at best, irresponsibly support the local community, and work to reverse the effects of global climate change. Their first move was to purchase the old Pine Top ski area in Vernon and convert the former ski lodge into a showroom for Vermont-made furniture. Well positioned just a few hours from Boston, New York and other major metro areas in the Northeast, the Farabaughs believed customers could be drawn north to buy locally-made furniture. Today, Vermont Woods Studios features furniture made by Maple Corner Woodworks, Vermont Furniture Designs, Copeland Furniture, and Lyndon Furniture as well as products made from Vermont partners such as Hubbardton Forge and Simon

Peggy Farabaugh and her husband, Ken, believed they could create a market for Vermont-made furniture to help support the local woodworking community, and work to reverse the effects of global climate change. Photo credit: Erica Housekeeper CHAIR, continued on pg. 25

16 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM

WILDLIFE, continued from pg. 9

In the examples given above the landowners, however, are in a similar landowner is provided with a checklist landowners had already been actively situation. For those who may have of “next steps” and other resources engaged with their land for many perhaps recently acquired their land toward enhancing the habitat value of years. The new information they or have otherwise not been actively their woodlands. received from Audubon through the engaged with it, the Woods, Wildlife, Woods, Wildlife, and Warblers project and Warblers project offers solutions If you are interested in learning more provided a “birds-eye view” of the to get them started. Thanks to the about what you can do to enhance forest and a very intentional focus on Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department wildlife habitat on your property or wildlife habitat in general, birds in and a group of dedicated volunteer peer would like to request a free visit from particular. This information can be landowners and consulting foresters a forest and wildlife professional please used to help inform future updates these landowners are also eligible to visit http://www.vtwoodsandwildlife.org. to their forest management plans or receive a complimentary 2 hour site as an amendment to them. Not all visit. At the completion of the visit the

Vermont Woodlands Consulting Foresters Committed to promoting and strengthening the long-term conservation and management of Vermont’s natural resources. VWA Consulting Foresters are licensed by the State of Vermont and meet all continuing education requirements.

Dan Adams Richard Carbonetti* PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702-6004 Lynn Levine* Tyler Pelland* Forest*Care LandVest Timberland Dan Adams Forestry Svc LandVest Timberland 802.747.7900 Brattleboro, VT Newport, VT Dummerston, VT Newport, VT 802-254-3502 802-334-8402 Visit the website for complete forester contact 802-254-4717 802-334-8402 information: www.vermontwoodlands.org Patrick Bartlett, TSP* Beth Daut* Ben Machin Josef Peterson, TSP* Bartlett Forestry & Wildlife M.D. Forestland Consulting How Can a Consulting Forester Redstart Forestry Timbercraft Forestry Woodstock, VT Berlin, VT Bradford, VT N. Clarendon, VT 802-291-0179 802-272-5547 Help You? 802-439-5252 802-773-0370 Consulting foresters assist private Kathy Beland* Edward Denham* John McClain* Russell Reay* Not Just Trees NE Woodland Mgmt. landowners in identifying and achiev- NE Forestry Consultants Cuttingsville, VT Randolph, VT 802-492-3323 W. Rutland, VT Stockbridge, MA ing goals for their woodlands, including 802-438-5495 413-232-4000 802-728-3742 managing for forest products, wildlife Harris Roen* Markus Bradley* Peter Everts* Elisabeth “Tii” McLane* Long Meadow Resource Mgt. Redstart Forestry Everts Forest Mgmt. habitat, recreation, water resources, and S. Strafford, VT Burlington, VT Bradford, VT Barnet, VT aesthetics. VWA Consulting Foresters 802-765-4745 802-658-2368 802-439-5252 802-592-3088 can help you meet your Len Miraldi* Allan Thompson* Tamarack Forestry Services Northern Stewards Michael Brown Charlie Hancock, TSP* management objectives. Bridseye Forestry North Woods Forestry Norwich, VT Waterbury, VT Moretown, VT Montgomery Ctr, VT 802-649-1564 802-244-8131 802-777-5240 802-326-2093 Zachary Hart Andrew Hutchison LandVest Timberland Hutchison Forestry Scott Moreau Tucker Westenfeld* Alan Calfee* Steve Handfield, TSP* Newport, VT Leicester, VT Greenleaf Forestry Bartlett Forestry & Wildlife LLC Calfee Woodland Mgmt. Poultney, VT 802-334-8402 802-247-3117 Westford, VT Woodstock, VT Dorset, VT 802-342-6751 802-849-6629 802-291-0179 802-231-2555 Paul Harwood* Addison Kasmarek* Luke Hardt* Harwood Forestry Svcs Greenleaf Forestry Ross Morgan * Ben Campbell Hardt Forestry Tunbridge, VT Westford, VT Northern Forest Conservation E.B. Campbell Hardwick, VT 802-889-5500 802-849-6629 Services Forest Land Mgmt. 802-673-7769 Craftsbury Common VT Frank Hudson, TSP* Ryan Kilborn, TSP* 802-586-9697 TSP: NRCS Technical Starksboro, VT Service Provider Not Just Trees Meadowsend Forestry Co 802-453-5591 * Tree Farm Inspector W. Rutland, VT Washington, VT 802-483-2397 802-323-3593

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HORIZON, continued from pg. 3 its outreach, public engagement, and submitted by our members about you, our members, and so we do strive partnerships across the region. relevant issues and topics. I invite you to not only meet but exceed your all to do the same and to get in touch expectations. Keep us honest by letting Looking ahead to 2019, it promises to with me anytime you have ideas to us know how we’re doing. be as busy and productive as this year pass along. I love to hear from you has been, with continued involvement and especially love meeting you at our The best to you all for a safe, healthy, in existing programs and the launch of various events around the state. and happy holiday season! a new website by end of March. We will also strive to continually improve the It’s you who helps us be our best, - Kathleen newsletter you are currently reading. working for you in ways that make This issue includes stories and photos a difference. We don’t exist without

OWL, continued from pg. 4

The Saw-whet owl’s diet is largely that of small mammals such as voles, shrews, and mice. They will occasionally take chipmunks and squirrels and small birds. Like all birds and especially their larger owl relatives, saw-whets have an extremely acute hearing ability. This trait allows them to detect and pursue their prey with extraordinary accuracy while silently gliding under the cover of nighttime’s darkness.

Saw-whets are cavity nesters. That is, they utilize holes in trees, preferably those excavated by woodpeckers, but will sometimes use cavities formed less dire than some species. Their complete. I need to head to the conifer by decay or other natural processes. population is widely distributed stand where wind has toppled some Nesting in Vermont begins in early throughout Canada and the United of the most vulnerable of the shallow- April. Following courtship the female States where coniferous forest habitat rooted fir and spruce trees. The change begins laying 4 to 6 off-white colored is found. However, they are on the is sure to have an impact on the local eggs in the cavity nest. She will perform decline as so many bird species are. In saw-whet owls. But my hope is they will most of the incubation duties over the the 25 years between the two Vermont find ample nesting and feeding habitat next 4 weeks while the male hunts and Breeding Bird Atlases (1982-2007), in the large remaining stand I have been brings food to her. Once the young have saw-whets experienced a 26% decline. managing to withstand such weather hatched and grown out of their downy That was not the case in New York and events. Hearing will be knowing. first feathers (mid-June) the female will Ontario where increases in saw-whet Sugaring season will be well underway begin hunting too. Or, she my leave to populations were reported. Vermont’s when the familiar ‘peep-peep-peep- find another mate to begin the nesting decline may likely be due to decreases peep’ of the saw-whet will next be cycle all over again. After the young in older aged coniferous forests and its heard. Instant gratification is not in the have learned to fly the male will remain accompanying cavity trees. vocabulary of forest-time so I must tone with them for a few weeks. down my need for an answer to match As I release the last main line from its that of the forest. The status of the Saw-whet Owl is wind-thrown burden my task is not

18 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM

VOCABULARY, continued from pg. 7

• Do you wish to manage for wildlife? your neighbors who they use for a a contract that details the services Do you hunt and if so, how does this forester, call foresters in your area, ask to be provided and agreed upon fee impact your management? them for client references or recent jobs structure. If there is something you • Are there any special places on your in your area, ask about their services don’t understand, ask for clarification. land that you wish to maintain? and affiliations, and get specific if • How long do you plan to keep your you wish… when can they start work A consulting forester is not there to property? Will your family inherit? for you, do they have employees or tell you what to do with your land but Will you sell? partners, are they insured, what are advise you on what’s best to do, based • Are you interested in the tax equity their fees for services and will they give on your goals, expectations, and values. program (aka Current Use)? you an estimate before they provide Their knowledge can complement • Do you want revenue from your land service? Typically, an initial visit may or enhance yours and help you make for taxes and other projects? be free or at a nominal cost but time the best decisions for managing your spent advising, educating, developing a woodlands. It took us nearly thirty VWA has always suggested that you plan, marking and monitoring a harvest years of woodland ownership to consider your relationship with a is billable service. Some foresters charge understand the value of working with consulting forester much the same by the hour and some have set fees. a forester but our woods are grateful way you consider a relationship with Educate yourself … and remember, this for the attention they’ve received. And your physician, accountant, or attorney is a long term relationship so you also I understand that even my small forest – that is, long term and based on want to get a feel for how well you can is a big deal in the greater ecosystem, mutual respect. So how does one go work together. that what I do on my land does matter about hiring a consulting forester? Do to the birds and wildlife that call your research. Look at the consulting Once you have selected a forester, and the woods their home, and in some forester list on the VWA website, ask they have accepted, you should sign miniscule way to the world’s forests.

TOWN FOREST, continued from pg. 12 of follow up measure and release explores the history of the American entry level Forestry 101 presented by was conducted by the same group of chestnut, the effects of the chestnut members of Redstart Forestry. students -now sophomores - who had blight, and some of the basic science planted the seedlings, and most of associated with the restoration project. The Fairlee forest board will be the students remembered which trees Chestnut Day in the Fairlee Forest receiving chestnut seeds from The they had helped to plant; they were is becoming a much anticipated and American Chestnut Foundation very proprietary about measuring popular lesson for the students as well in 2019. These seeds will be given and releasing “their” seedlings. The as the instructors and other adults to elementary school students at 2018 follow up was a very satisfying who attend. The class begins the day Rivendell who will attempt to get the one for the group, as some of the trees with a hike of about a mile to reach seeds to germinate and develop into had put on growth spurts which made the chestnut landing, and the hands- seedlings, which will be then planted measuring heights a bit of a challenge. on tasks begin. The student groups to become part of the Chestnut project To date, all 21 trees have survived and complete maintenance and measuring in the town forest. are thriving. tasks and make any needed repairs to the enclosures around each tree. Prior to the hands on portion of After a short lunch break, the students the project, Markus Bradley leads head back out into other areas of a classroom science lesson which the town forest for an afternoon of

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CONSULTING, continued from pg. 8

Society of American Foresters (GMSAF); were in development. He continues to in 2018 and brings a quiet, thoughtful had early involvement with the Logger serve on the CUAB and has been chair approach to all discussions. In his Education to Advance Professionalism for at least the last 15 years. He is one of non-working hours he enjoys fly-fishing (LEAP) program; was the project forester four founders of Consulting Foresters’ here in VT as well as Maine. He is also a for the first Craftsbury classroom; and Association of VT. That group was dedicated duffer on the golf course. has served on the Current Use Advisory united with VWA a number of years ago. Board since the early 80s when rules John joined the VWA board of directors

INSPECTOR’S LOG, continued from pg. 11 frantically glued eyeballs, Hannah took phone, having a 20 minute or more trained, and the 2 more happening a paper plate that had all of our leftover conversation, and removing people who soon, I have trained all of you, some glitter and fake snow, and turned it into were no longer interested, updating with the help of Paul Harwood a complete snow scene, with birds in contact information, etc. In that following the standards update in nests, bushes and trees and a wooden process, our numbers dropped. I don’t 2015. Some of these trainings were big person with an acorn hat. She is so view this as negative, but instead as an crowds, some smaller, and some have much like her mother! We had a ton opportunity to continue to build the sat at my dining room table. The most of fun, and I only lost a little bit of skin program with dedicated Tree Farmers recent group, the majority were young to hot gluing antlers but will probably with a vision of long-term stewardship. enough to be one of my kids. Nothing have glitter in my dining room forever. against those of us who may be a little Outcome? Lots of Gabe’s reindeer, and As part of our mission to “promote the gray, but I have to say it was refreshing a snow scene that melted my heart for thoughtful stewardship of Vermont’s to teach a group of young foresters Hannah’s passionate creativity. privately-owned working forests,” about Tree Farm. I only hope that I have VT Tree Farm, as well as Vermont instilled a little bit of passion and pride Every month, the Tree Farm Committee Woodlands Association, accomplishes for this program and what it means to receives a report from National, with much through the acquisition of me and many others. graphs and numbers on what we grants. Part of any grant process is have done, what goals we have met measuring the outcome when that No numbers or statistics can measure or missed, how many Tree Farms and grant is complete, and whether or not the pride in a Tree Farmer’s voice Tree Farmers, acres and comparing it was successful. Grants are written when speaking about their land and previous years’ numbers to this year, fairly specific for their purpose and all that they have accomplished or are number of inspections, types, etc. You how they measure results. But do the planning. I have heard that passion get the picture. All of these numbers numbers always tell the whole story? from Tree Farmers all over this state are important to track. However, if we I know with the Woods, Wildlife and and across the country. I heard it this looked at those numbers comparing Warblers grant, I personally believe we fall from Randy Wilcox when speaking it to a year ago, we have less acres in have accomplished and will continue about the Parker’s at the Tree Farmer of Tree Farm, less Tree Farms and less to accomplish so much through the Year celebration and heard it in the Tree Farmers. If you only address the the contacts we are making with voices of Peter and Julie Parker as they numbers, it sounds kind of bleak! But, landowners, their neighbors and the spoke. That passion and pride was also if we look at the story and the work general public in accomplishing habitat about relationships between the family behind those numbers, to me, it looks work through forest management. and the people who have worked on different. Since establishing a stand- Again, the numbers are necessary their land, and the stewardship ethic alone Tree Farm Committee, we have and important, but the personal that emanates from all of them, even completed a Strategic Plan, Bylaws, a connections and change in public down to the gentleman who planted mission statement, and have a great perception regarding management, to trees there while in high school. group of active committee members. me, are much more important. Probably the biggest job since then has been updating our database So, for you 88 active Tree Farm by contacting each Tree Farmer by Inspectors, not including the 6 just INSPECTOR’S LOG, continued on pg. 21

20 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM

WOODLAND, continued from pg. 14 increased by 20,737 parcels on tracts the UVA Program. landowners for succession planning less than 50 acres in size, which is an The report includes a number of to minimize the subdivision of land. increase of 8.8% over the study period. recommendations to help woodland • Support working forests, including owners including the following: funding the Current Use Program • The Use Value Appraisal (UVA) and the administration of new Program is playing a role in • Support diversified strategies to forestland enrollment. protecting large woodland parcels. reduce the pressures on landowners • Support outreach efforts and public to subdivide land. policy to encourage landowners to The study found that parcels enrolled • Boost investment in land aggregate land for management or in the forestland category in UVA conservation and landowner conservation purposes. in 2004 were more likely to remain incentives for conservation as undeveloped “woodland” in 2016 easements. To read the report and explore the data compared to woodland not enrolled in • Increase support to woodland visit https://vtforesttrends.vnrc.org.

INSPECTOR’S LOG, continued from pg. 20

For me that passion started when responded. But the actual answers are and develop and maintain a long-term I worked for the Maryland Forest more important than anything! However, vision for Tree Farm. Service. My coworker and I went to visit if more don’t respond- am I actually a Tree Farmer’s property somewhere in getting all of the feedback that we really Can we measure the promotion and Frederick County. I do not remember need? We need this information to thoughtful stewardship of Vermont’s his name, but clearly remember that help us help you build this program privately-owned working forests? I he had planted some kind of super with passionate inspecting foresters don’t think we can from a numerical, poplar on part of his land, to produce and Tree Farmers. If we don’t have your or statistical basis. But we surely can pulp and/or firewood using coppice thoughts- we clearly cannot elicit change by the Tree Farmers we connect with, sprouting. This elderly gentleman may and improve an already great Tree Farm and by the foresters and loggers who have been long in years, but still had program. I will be following up this are the boots on the ground, and by all the vision, energy and enthusiasm survey with phone calls to each and those who become good stewards of our for planting trees, and managing his every one of you, to discuss the survey forested landscape. forestland, but mostly, he loved being a and find out what tools we can give to Tree Farmer. And he loved that green help you engage with landowners better and white sign that announced to the world his passion and stewardship ethic. I think at that moment, even though I didn’t know it at the time, my blood began to turn to Tree Farm green. No numbers here, no metrics to count or analyze, but instead, pure passion Serving Vermont Woodland Owners Since 1968 for something I couldn’t quite put my Full Service Forestry Consulting & Surveying Firm finger on at that time. Serving all 14 VT Counties

As of this date, about 18 of the 88, Use Value, Timber Sales, Recreation & Wildlife Management soon to be officially 96 VT Tree Farm VT Licensed Forestry Staff (4), Licensed Surveyor & Licensed Real Estate Sales Inspectors, have completed a survey sent FSC Group Certified Manager & Certified Tree Farm Inspectors out to you regarding your experience Timberland Transaction Services with Tree Farm, and things we can do Newport, VT 802-334-8402 | Concord, NH 603-228-2020 |W. Stewartstown, NH 603-246-8800 to help you promote this program. Yes, I am counting the number of you who www.landvest.com

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PRESIDENT, continued from pg. 5 watershed to the bottom of the Tram. A the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Recreation, in his “Log Drives on the 91’ tow boat was built on Chamberlain 1966, it later gave orders to burn all Connecticut River,” a well-researched to tow the logs down that lake and across buildings along the river to create the history of the drives with a treasury Telos to the outlet dam. “Wilderness”. Through some horrible of old pictures. The colorful career of mistake, the shed protecting the engines George Van Dyke and his Connecticut In 1925 Great Northern Paper Company was burned which also consumed the Valley Lumber Company is included. contracted with Eduard “King” LaCroix wooden cab on the smaller engine. They The book was published by Bondcliff to deliver 125,000 cords of pulp annually sit there today, forlornly rusting away. Books of Littleton, NH. from the Allagash watershed to the West Branch of the Penobscot and New Hampshire’s White Mountains and The ingenuity and toil that went into hence downstream to its in the rocky streams on their slopes did “Getting the Wood Out” should not be Millinocket. not lend themselves to the log driving forgotten! methods of Maine. Logging railroads The East Branch was deemed too were the answer. difficult to drive and the Tramway too slow to deliver that amount of wood. Between 1870 and 1919 there were 17 First a canal was considered but then logging railroads carrying away the abandoned in favor of a railroad. wood as the lumber barons stripped the mountains of their timber. The resulting During the winter of 1926 two slash and the sparks from the engines locomotives weighing 90 and 100 tons, caused massive fires that brought howls two switch engines, 60 flatcars and of protest from tourists. The rapid eleven miles of rails were hauled from run-off of rain and melting snow from Quebec through the woods, across a the barren slopes left the down-country bridge over the wide St. John River to the mills without water for power in dry Tramway site—an incredible feat! Then times. The combined uproar resulted in the railroad was built which included an the 1911 Weeks Act (Weeks was a native 1800’ trestle across Allagash Stream and of Lancaster) and the establishment of its adjacent wetlands and a 600’ trestle National Forests east of the Mississippi. into Umbazooksus Lake where the pulp was dumped for its journey to the mill. Space is getting short for a more detailed history of New Hampshire and Vermont The Umbazooksus trestle had a 6” tilt and early “Getting Out the Wood” methods. the box cars had a 12” floor tilt so that For those interested in New Hampshire’s when the sides were unlatched, much logging railroads read “Logging of the pulp fell into the water, but bark Railroads of the White Mountains” by piled up and caused problems. To meet C. Francis Belcher published by the the contract commitment, the railroad Appalachian Mountain Club, Boston. operated round the clock from midnight Sunday to midnight Saturday. The The Connecticut River provided for its railroad operated from 1927 until 1933. watershed an opportunity for massive log drives that was wonderfully illustrated Deep in the Maine woods, it was too by the presentation at the 2018 VWA expensive to salvage and the remains, Annual Meeting. For those that missed along with the Tramway, fascinated the meeting and are interested, the canoeists for years. The two engines were story is well documented by Bill Gove, housed in a huge shed with boarded sides long-time member of the Vermont and a tin roof. But when the state created Department of Forests, Parks and

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STANDARDS, continued from pg. 11 archeological, cultural, geological, The standard states that landowners your forester and logger so they are biological, or ecological characteristics. shall consider and maintain special fully aware of the location of a special sites relevant to the property and that site and your expectations for how it Every property is unique and we all landowners shall make a reasonable should be protected. have different values and goals for effort to locate and protect special The Vermont’s Natural Heritage owning land. This all shapes what sites appropriate for the size of the Program (vtfishandwildlife.com/ might be deemed a special site on your forest and the scale and intensity of conserve/conservation-planning/ property. Some special sites maybe forest management activities. The best natural-heritage-inventory) is a great mapped and identified by a state agency way to recognize or locate special sites place to start to research if there have for unique values that make it a rare is to consult with your forester and been any preexisting reports of rare or or endangered natural community or other natural resource professionals endangered plants/animals, as well as provides habitat for a rare or endangered and to get out on the ground to natural communities, on your property. species of animal, or has historical and/ explore your property. If special For historic archeological information or ecological significances. Some simple sites are located then they should the best option is to contact Vermont’s examples (that are more pertinent to be flagged and documented on your Division of Historic Preservation (www. Vermont) are old cellar holes, dam map and within your management historicvermont.org). Another option is sites, mill sites, look outs/vistas, historic plan. Pairing this information with to also talk with neighbors or long-time cemeteries, vernal pools, various notes and/or photographs can community members that may have a wetlands and swamp communities, rare help pass knowledge onto future knowledge of the area. The combination or threatened plant and animal species, generations. Minimizing disturbance of time and lack of maintenance can areas holding special family memories, to and around these special areas is quickly erode evidence of roads, and the list goes on. important during forest management foundations, or historic structures in a operations. Have conversations with short period of time.

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SFI, continued from pg. 15 our industry and remain a strong reach out to schools and other youth component of our rural economy. Look organizations to introduce PLT and Forest Policy for more to come in the coming year assist the teachers in how to use the and be ready to do your part to assist in curricula and adopt them into their Task Force this challenging endeavor. usual course of teaching. Forest products industry folks are excellent For close to 30 years SFI VT Project Learning Tree candidates for such a role in their local and the Associated Industries As reported, just over a year ago, communities. If you have interest in of Vermont (AIV) has joined Project Learning Tree (PLT) found becoming a facilitator please let us together to bring a top-notch a new home in SFI. The American know, we do plan to put together a industry meeting, twice a year, Forest Foundation turned over the facilitator training workshop as soon as on forest policy. Members of administration of PLT to SFI. PLT is our transition team finalizes its work. the forestry and forest products a widely recognized as an acclaimed What better way to contribute to your industry gather together and education curriculum bringing town and local school than to share invited experts on policy topics understanding of our forest and your interest in child education and affecting forests and the forest forestry into the classroom. SFI and to have a valuable tool to help them products industry bring in SFI VT have embraced the additional understand the importance of the reports. We discuss various topics opportunity to reach out to community forests around them and our industry. and issues and work together members, especially our youth and on solutions and resolutions to provide a platform of activities and A major stakeholder meeting is planned affect positive change for our projects that are hands on opportunities for November 30 at the UVM Extension industry. The fall/winter meeting to learn about the importance of office in Berlin, VT to enlarge our is timely to discuss the upcoming working forests, potential careers in reach, gather more ideas and shape Legislative Session and prepare our working forests and the benefits we the final plan for making PLT a great for what issues we will be working derive from an active forest economy. program for Vermont’s youth. VFPA on with Legislators. We have set leaders are invited and anyone that has the date for Thursday, December At the same time PLT is transitioning, experience in youth education and/or 13 at the Steakhouse Restaurant the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and has a desire to become a facilitator is in Berlin, Vermont. We do expect Recreation (FPR) is also making changes encouraged to attend. to discuss important topics such in its educational programs. PLT has as workers’ compensation, Act been administered by FPR for more than 250, forest fragmentation, Use 25 years and the recent Coordinator, Value Appraisal, public lands Rebecca Roy has taken on new management, carbon trading responsibilities in the Parks Division. and taxation and transportation SFI VT is working on a transition team issues. Stay tuned for meeting that includes FPR Officials, VWA and announcements as we finalize The Vermont Tree Farm Program to the agenda and plan to attend. If reenergize PLT in Vermont to meet the you are a member of the forest needs of our community. products industry and have not been getting task force meeting The goal for PLT is to expand its reach notices in the past, please let us into more schools and to reach out know and we will add you to the to other youth organizations such invitee list. It is working together as childcares, boys and girls clubs, that gets us the best resolution summer camps, community youth and standing together that gets us centers and scouts. To do so, a big the best result. need is to recruit volunteer facilitators. Facilitators are front line people that

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CHAIR, continued from pg. 16

connect people to the story behind the furniture, we might be able to convince them to make a choice based on something other than color preference.”

Vermont forests have the capacity for increased harvesting to accommodate furniture production. According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the 2017 growth to removal ratio was 2:1, meaning that we are growing twice as much wood as is annually harvested or dies. Farabaugh, who employs a professional forester, notes that “you have to weed the forest garden” to keep it productive and healthy. The more demand for furniture made from local wood, she reasons, the more incentive for Vermont’s forests to be actively managed and, therefore, Jake Checani, land steward and facilities manager for Vermont Woods Studios, stands in front of a shed filled with 20 cords of preserved as forests. oak, ash, birch and beech firewood that was harvested from the woods behind the company’s office in Vernon. Photo credit: Erica Housekeeper

Pearce. They deliver an average of 200 Farabaugh sees an uptick in sales of pieces of furniture per month. “The local wood species, pointing to a maple furniture makers we work with are bedroom set she sold that day. “If we can CHAIR, continued on pg. 27 using both traditional methods and cutting-edge technology to make pieces that will last a lifetime,” said Farabaugh. “We have customers from as far away as California who come to us because they want to know where and how their furniture is made.”

All of the furniture at Vermont Woods Studios is made in Vermont from wood that is sustainably harvested in the Northeast, and the Farabaughs are making a concerted effort to help increase consumer demand for wood species native to Vermont. “Furniture is actually a lot like fashion,” said Farabaugh, “trends come and go. One year everyone wants cherry, the next year walnut. We try to feature Vermont woods, such as maple, in the showroom and online to encourage consumers to Peggy Farabaugh, seen here in her showroom, sells furniture made by Maple Corner Woodworks, Vermont Furniture Designs, Copeland Furniture, and Lyndon Furniture as well as products made from Vermont partners such as Hubbardton Forge and Simon think about other options.” Anecdotally, Pearce. Photo credit: Erica Housekeeper

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NEW MEMBER APPLICATION (Note: existing members will receive an invoice) Vermont Woodlands Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to advocate for the management, sustainability, perpetuation, and enjoyment of forests through the practice of excellent forestry that employs highly integrated management practices that protect and enhance both the tangible and intangible values of forests–including clean air and water, forest products, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation, scenic beauty, and other resources–for this and future generations.

ANNUAL DUES INVESTMENT (check one)

Landowners Natural resource professionals ☐ 0 -100 acres...... $40 ☐ Individuals...... $50 ☐ 101-200 acres...... $50 ☐ Firms and crews...... $100 ☐ 201-500 acres...... $60 ☐ 501-1,000 acres...... $70 Wood products companies & equipment suppliers ☐ 1,001-5000 acres...... $100 ☐ Individuals...... $50 ☐ Over 5,000 acres...... $250 ☐ Firms and crews...... $100 ☐ Friend/Supporter...... $40 ☐ VWA Accredited Consulting Foresters...... $160 (Subject to VWA acceptance. Call for details.)

Name______Address ______Town______State______Zip______Telephone ______FAX______Email______Woodland town(s) ______County(ies) ______Woodland acres ______Tree Farm member?______Enrolled in the Value Appraisal Program?______Forester______

Please make checks payable to Vermont Woodlands Association and mail with the completed form to: VWA Treasurer, PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702-6004.

MEMBERSHIP BONUS!

As a benefit of membership, the Vermont Woodlands Association offers a free subscription to Northern Woodlands, a quarterly magazine that offers readers a “new way of looking at the forest.” Northern Woodlands mission is to encourage a culture of forest stewardship in the Northeast by increasing understanding of and appreciation for the natural wonders, economic productivity, and ecological integrity of the region’s forests. Members also receive the VWA newsletter published quarterly and E-News, offering articles of interest and educational opportunities for woodland owners. northernwoodlands.org

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CHAIR, continued from pg. 27

Global and animal habitat.” She notes that their generates an annual economic output With global rainforests disappearing current partner, Forests for Monarchs, of $1.5 billion and supports 10,000 at the alarming rate of 1.5 acres every has additional synergy, as they are jobs in forestry, logging, processing, second, the Farabaughs were compelled planting trees in the oyamel forests specialty woodworking, construction to take their dedication to sustainable of Mexico where many of Vermont’s and wood heating. The new Vermont forestry practices one step further, monarch butterflies go for the winter. Forest Industry Network creates the committing to plant trees in the very space for industry professionals from same rainforests being clear cut by their “Consumers have a choice in how they across the entire supply chain and trade competitors. To date, they have planted spend their dollar,” she said, “and we association partners throughout the more than 57,000 trees in the Amazon want to give them a clear alternative to state to build stronger relationships and and other rainforests through non-profit mass-produced, low-quality furniture. collaboration throughout the industry, organizations such as Plant A Billion It’s like food. Anyone who feels including helping to promote new and Trees and Forests for Monarchs. “We frustrated by environmental problems existing markets for Vermont wood don’t just sprinkle seeds,” said Farabaugh, can start by understanding where the products, from high quality furniture “we check on our trees after three and things they buy come from.” to construction material to thermal seven years, at which point they are well products such as chips and on their way to maturity and significantly Vermont Forest Industry Network pellets. For more information please contributing to Vermont’s forest products industry visit www.vsjf.org.

AN INVITATION TO OUR MEMBERS

We welcome your submissions for the VWA and Tree Farm newsletter. If you have a story to tell or news of interest to share with other landowners, please send along so we may consider for future editions. We can accept articles, photos, or news tidbits via email to [email protected].

Photo: David Matthews HOW CAN YOU HELP VWA? HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR FOREST? Introduce a friend, neighbor, Work with a consulting forester to manage as best as possible in these difficult or family member to VWA. times. With the complexity of the problems facing us, it is imperative to have Membership really matters! professional help, just as we do for our medical, dental, legal and accounting needs. Also, your consulting forester’s assistance is needed to make sure forest Attend a workshop or walk in management is allowed if you should ever decide to put your property into a the woods to learn from and conservation easement. network with others.

vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 27 110 Merchants Row, Suite 101 NON-PROFIT ORG. PO Box 6004 U.S. POSTAGE Rutland, VT 05702-6004 PAID RUTLAND, VT 05702 PERMIT NO.144