CHAPTER 6 | 186 | ORCHARD MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE CHAPTER 6 PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION This chapter describes the tools, techniques and skills necessary to safely preserve and maintain the Fort Ross historic orchards following the implementation of stabilization measures. Preservation maintenance consists of on-going or cyclic practices that perpetuate an orchard’s historic character and the individual trees within. In the Fort Ross orchards, preservation maintenance protects the extant historic fruit trees, supports new or replacement trees, and maintains the orchard spaces (including the groundcover and perimeter fencing) in good condition. Scope of Preservation Maintenance Many of the tools and techniques of preservation maintenance are the same as those used in orchard stabilization, and in contemporary horticulture generally. The difference between standard orchard maintenance and orchard preservation maintenance is the shift in priority from fruit production (commercial orchards) to landscape preservation (historic orchards). Commercial and private orchards are maintained to produce abundant, high-quality fruit for sale and consumption. In historic orchards such as those at Fort Ross State Historic Park, the fruit trees are the primary cultural resource and fruit production is secondary to preservation. ORCHARD SAFETY Working safely to avoid injury is always the top priority during orchard maintenance activities. Orchard work requires the FORT ROSS STATE HISTORIC PARK | 187 | CHAPTER 6 frequent use of sharp tools, power equipment, working aloft on ladders or underneath tree canopies, stability on uneven ground…and many other potential hazards. The first step towards orchard safety is recognizing all potential hazards, followed by the use of properly rated safety equipment (also known as Personal Protective Equipment, or “PPE”). The following section addresses some of the common hazards that are likely to be present in an orchard. Orchard Ladders Figure 6.1: (left) Working aloft is inherently dangerous. No person should Set the ladder up work on fruit trees from an orchard ladder unless they are at arms-length to properly trained in its use and wearing the correct Personal ensure level treads. Protective Equipment. Do not use standard four-legged Figure 6.2: (right) ladders for orchard work: they are designed for hard level Place body weight on the bottom rung to dig the surfaces only. ladder’s feet into the soil. | 188 | ORCHARD MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE Orchard ladders, also known as tripod ladders, are specifically designed for use on uneven ground such as an orchard floor. The articulating front tripod leg can also be carefully inserted over low scaffold branches to allow closer work within the tree canopy. Inspect aluminum ladders for dents or cracks in the metal, inspect wooden ladders for cracked or split wood, loose treads or flimsy tripod leg hinge. Remove any damaged ladders from service or repair before using. The tripod leg should be open and extended between 30˚- Figure 6.3: (left) 45˚ from the ladder treads, or far enough to be stable when Tripod orchard ladders standing on the highest permissible tread. Do not climb offer flexibility in placement as well as an orchard ladder that stands too narrowly or too splayed stability on uneven ground. out. The treads must be as level as possible. Gauge this Figure 6.4: (right) distance by standing on the ground with arms outstretched: Never ascend higher than a properly extended ladder with flat treads will allow the the red step, or place knees worker’s hands to grasp the side rails. above the top of the ladder. FORT ROSS STATE HISTORIC PARK | 189 | CHAPTER 6 Figure 6.5: The proper way to carry an orchard ladder is over the shoulder. After standing the ladder in place, ascend the first rung and gently shift from side to side to test for balance and settle the ladder feet into the soil. Climb with three points of contact (i.e. two feet and one hand on the ladder at any moment) and holster pruners and tools while climbing to avoid dropping them. Never let the knees rise higher than the top of the ladder and always stand with both feet on the treads. Many ladders include a red tread near the top that should not be climbed above. Do not extend the feet or legs outside the ladder rails to avoid tipping sideways. Orchard ladders are unwieldy by nature. Carry the ladder efficiently by balancing on one shoulder. Some ladders have a plate to make carrying more comfortable and also indicate at-a-glance the fulcrum point of the ladder. Natural Hazards Natural hazards within the orchard pose a significant threat to orchard workers’ health. The most prevalent natural hazards in the orchard are poison oak and ticks. In addition, Yellow jackets, honeybees, snakes, and larger animals may be present. Yellow jackets Yellow jackets make nests in abandoned gopher runs or other subterranean holes. Small openings provide access to the nest and can be difficult to see. Walking or mowing | 190 | ORCHARD MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE over the nest opening will cause yellow jackets to become aggressive and potentially sting or bite. Identify known nests with flags, cones or some other visible barrier. Spraying with insecticide is the most effective and expedient means of eliminating a yellow-jacket nest. Another option is to cover the entire entry hole with a large plastic sheet and secure it tightly to the ground with rocks or soil to trap the insects. This method requires several people to assist and must be left in place for a week or more to be effective. Honeybees European honeybees are often present in the canopy of a tree in bloom and should be treated with respect. Generally, honeybees will not harm a person working in the tree during bloom time, but try to schedule tree work before or after bloom time to minimize contact. Ticks Ticks are a major concern in the orchards at Fort Ross particularly in spring before the orchard grass has been mown. The Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the only species in California believed to transmit the virus that causes Lyme disease. Tick bites are painful and potentially harmful so it is advisable to conduct regular tick checks throughout the day followed by thorough whole- body checks after work or before showering. Light-colored work clothes allow the dark-colored ticks to be more readily spotted while in the field. Long pants and shirts with long sleeves are recommended. Snakes Venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes have not been observed in the Fort Ross orchards. The habitat may be too close to the water for this species. However orchard workers should be aware that snakes do exist at Fort Ross. Two species of non-venomous snake have been observed: Garter snakes and Northern rubber boas, both of which are shy and unlikely to be aggressive towards humans. Snakes provide ecosystem services by controlling small mammal populations such as voles and mice. They should not be discouraged in the orchard. FORT ROSS STATE HISTORIC PARK | 191 | CHAPTER 6 Figure 6.6: (left) Poison Poison Oak oak at base of a walnut tree with characteristic Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is endemic to three-lobed leaves. California and is present within and around the orchards Figure 6.7: (right) at Fort Ross. Poison oak oils can cause dermatitis and all Poison oak detail. contact with the plant should be avoided. The plant has a diverse growth habit and can form a shrub, a vine or even a groundcover depending upon the environmental conditions. Orchard workers should be able to recognize the plant in all its forms. Poison oak is growing at the base of the Russian Orchard deer fence in several locations, including by the entry gate. It is also growing rampantly over the grape stake fence near the orchard entrance, in the forested area along the fault, and at the base of fruit trees within the Russian Orchard. Exercise caution when conducting work within the orchard. If any contact with the plant occurs, use Tecnu lotion to disperse and rinse away oils as soon as possible after contact. Long pants, long sleeves and gloves are recommended to protect skin from direct contact with poison oak leaves and stems. Disinfect and wash all tools that may come into contact with poison oak to avoid secondary exposure. In addition, do not burn poison oak that has been cut. The smoke and ash from the plant can cause a severe reaction if inhaled. | 192 | ORCHARD MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESERVATION MAINTENANCE Large Animals The only orchard areas that provide fenced protection from grazing animals are the Russian Orchard and the Rotchev House. All other orchard areas are open to animals such as deer, cattle and wild pigs. The Call Orchard presents the highest likelihood of encountering one of these animals and workers should be cautious. Cattle regularly congregate within the Call Orchard and they may also be encountered along the forest road between the Russian Orchard and the Call Orchard. Cattle, deer and pigs are not typically aggressive but they must not be approached. Cows, does and sows are protective of their young and may charge if provoked or threatened. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is a general term for equipment and clothing utilized to ensure safety when performing specific tasks. The following range of PPE should be considered standard issue when working in the orchards at Fort Ross: a first aid kit, sturdy shoes, light- colored pants, work gloves, eye protection, ear protection, and a helmet. A basic first aid kit should always be at hand when working Figure 6.8: First Aid Kit. with fruit trees. A basic first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, waterproof tape, hydrogen peroxide, anti-microbial ointment, tweezers, anti-histamine, and saline eyewash.