The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forest Education => Topic started by: Ron Scott on December 18, 2001, 05:24:06 PM

Title: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 18, 2001, 05:24:06 PM
California

The Board of Forestry now requires the landowners to obtain, and pay for, state permission to cut down old-growth trees. An environmental review must be conducted by a registered professional forester before harvest of trees that existed before 1800 and are at least 4' in diameter. For redwoods the diameter is 5'.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on December 19, 2001, 05:59:53 AM
That same sort of "crap" was tried here in Oregon a couple of years ago with a signature pattition called "Measure 64".  It would have not allowed me to harvest any tree on my place that was over 24"dbh.   That would have included 80% of the growing fiber I have.  That included: Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Gary Oak, and Western Big Leaf Maple.   As far AS I am concerned that is a taking of personal property, but the "Tree Huggers" felt great about it.   The measure was defeated 2 to 1.   I was sure happy about that, because I did not want them to have to bring a lunch to try and stop me from harvesting any of  "my" timber.  They probably would have left wrappers as the trees would have been falling in their direction. :D :D :D >:(
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on December 19, 2001, 06:45:06 AM
It amazes me that legislatures can't see the other end of the stick.

When conservationist start stirring the political waters here about the prohibition of cutting trees,  trees begin to fall everywhere.

It's a "cause and effect" that ends up with trees on the ground that wouldn't have been put there if everything had been left to the owner of the tree.

Cause:  Road work on one side of town. "We're going to stop this cutting of the trees in the right-of-way"
Effect:  All the trees in the Right-of-way on the other side of town, where no road work is being done yet, fall.

Cause:  To conserve a woodpecker. "We're going to stop the cutting of all Old Long Leaf and the harvesting of trees within 500 feet of it."
Effect:  All the concerned Tree Farmers search out the Long Leaf and immediately cut all of what were their prize trees.

Cause:  Save Wetlands by the association of wetlands trees..  "We're going to  disallow the use of property that has wetland trees to protect the planet but still be able to get the taxes for the ground."  "It'll be great"
Effect: The farmers and developers immediately cut down all the cypress, gums, bays or any other plant that may hint of wetlands so they will not be put out of business. Trees that they had left standing for esthetic purposes or for shade for cows.

The elderly mother of one of my customers in a neighboring community is in court because she had a diseased Live Oak that was leaning over her house cut down. Her fine is in excess of $1000 and she has been mandated to plant a tree for every inch of circumference of the old tree, or some rule like that. She has lived in this house forever and there is a good possibility that she planted the tree when she was a young girl. Because she hasn't the room on her lot to hold all these "new" trees the city may let her plant them along the streets for decoration, if they meet city specifications.

Where's the logic?  It escapes me.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: swampwhiteoak on December 19, 2001, 07:16:59 AM
I agree, Tom.  It's amazing how people are unable to grasp basic logic.  If any "old-growth" is prohibited from logging, the state has created a situation where it is unwise for a landholder to have a long rotation age for fear of being branding as having old-growth trees.  

If society (the government) decides that these trees should be left standing, then it should be up to that party to pay the landholder market value for the resource as well as the expectation value for future harvests.  Without doing that, it is equal to applying emminent domain without compensation.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Wenrich on December 19, 2001, 02:24:17 PM
You've brought up a bunch of issues.  And it all revolves around how governments currently try to work.

On wetlands, the Feds have an unfunded mandate.  Although the premiss is worthwhile from a societal and even an environmental standpoint, the burden falls on the landowner.  

The second point is trying to govern all situations from one central area.  Central governments are inefficient.  They cannot not manage on a local level.  That should be left up to the local governments.

Then you have the problem that the locals are ignorant.  I've seen a ton of tree cutting ordinances that are totally worthless and usually counterproductive..  No clearcutting will result in highgrading.   They would benefit greatly by putting a consulting forester on their payroll to write and oversee local harvesting practices and make sure they are in line with local sentiment.

You can manage for old growth.  But, maybe that is best left on government properties.  Some areas in Canada use a 400 year rotation cycle.  We've reduced ours to less than 75 years in the North and much less in the South.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 24, 2002, 05:58:27 PM
Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Mead Works With The Nature Conservancy

The Mead Corporation Foundation, together with its subsidiary the Escanaba Paper Company, will help to fund a forest ecologist for the Nature Conservancy. According to a formal agreement signed by leaders of all three organizations, the ecologist will "assist in protection and management of forestry resources on Conservancy property in the Upper Peninsula and assist in sustainable forestry strategies for other U.P. landowners."
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 30, 2002, 05:11:46 PM
Ohio

Ohio Extension Hires More Staff To Serve Woodland Owners

Ohio State University has hired several new Extension personnel in the past year to work with existing OSU Extension program staff and the Ohio Division of Forestry to increase the educational assistance available to the over 330,000 private non-industrial woodland owners in Ohio.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: swampwhiteoak on January 30, 2002, 07:59:35 PM
OSU hires a few extension foresters, ODNR loses around 20 field foresters.  

The two aren't really connected, but still not a good trade :(
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: craigc90 on January 31, 2002, 09:33:55 PM
 swampwhiteoak  I was reading a post and your profile fits  The state forester that did my first American tree farm inspection. Were you preveously the Jefferson county Forester.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: swampwhiteoak on February 01, 2002, 11:43:28 AM
Nope, I work in NW Ohio.  Would it have been Jeremy?
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: craigc90 on February 01, 2002, 03:25:54 PM
Jeremy is my Forester now. The preveous Forester was Scott
Costello he took a different county in Southeren Ohio. I think he said he was from Kentucky.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: swampwhiteoak on February 01, 2002, 03:48:41 PM
Yeah, they moved Scott over to the SW corner.  We're two of the few KY educated foresters working in Ohio.  We have to keep the Ohio State boys in check ;)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: L. Wakefield on February 02, 2002, 03:56:03 PM

QuoteIt amazes me that legislatures can't see the other end of the stick.

When conservationist start stirring the political waters here about the prohibition of cutting trees,  trees begin to fall everywhere.

It's a "cause and effect" that ends up with trees on the ground that wouldn't have been put there if everything had been left to the owner of the tree.

   Tom, most of the examples that you give of the landowner's reaction imply that they are driven only by profit or defiance- that they are unwilling to continue with what had formerly been an ethical, well-thought out plan incorporating prized or aesthetically pleasing trees. Do you mean that once they see confining legislation coming they can no longer think that way? I would hope that someone, somewhere, has more sense than to be driven like that.

   example- I have a plan in place with certain trees here that I like. I fear a tale that the government will soon be telling me I can't cut those trees. So I immediately go cut them? Uh- not if I wasn't planning to...lw
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on February 02, 2002, 06:35:27 PM
The reason the trees get cut, LW, is not because someone said they couldn't be cut but because the legislation says that the ground they stand on can't be used because the trees are protected.

The scenario would fit your situation more appropriately if you were confronted with a mandate that disallowed you to enter or disturb the area where you had your trees planted.  You could look at them from the road if you liked but the only thing you could do with the property would be to pay taxes on it.

Say you had a forest that you had manicured for years as a retirement income and were told that an inspector was to be in your county to look for Joblewackey birds that lived in certain trees such as you had in your plantation.  If they found Joblewackey birds then you were not allowed to disturb any trees or understory or enter within a quarter mile of the area containing the Joblewackey.  You knew that you might have Joblwackeys and since your property was less than a quarter mile square, might lose access to your property. Wouldn't you try to save your retirement ASAP before someone told you that you were no longer allowed to harvest your land?

You had a Southern Yellow Pine growing next to your garden of tomatoes and corn.  SYP doesn't grow in Maine.  You had planted it and nursed it to maturity. Word has come that an inspector is looking for SYP in Maine because it once grew there 3 million years ago.  If they happened to find a stand of SYP they were going to disallow the use of the land, possibly confiscating it, for a distance of 100 feet around the stand.  Do you think you might  harvest your treasure and find a sawmill or would you give up your garden, go home and look at the pictures of tomatoes you grew.. You could always show your album to your kids and tell them that once you were a truck farmer.

I know that we don't always do what seems to be logical to someone else but each persons priorities are different and most folks still believe that their land is theirs.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 17, 2002, 08:13:18 AM
Oregon

Oregon to Examine Clearcutting

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) introduced draft regulations last month that it will use to restrict and manage timber harvesting on private lands. The rules allow ODF to enact Senate Bill 12, which was passed to address concerns that clearcutting can cause landslides and smaller debris flows. The agency will accept public comments on the draft regulations until March 31.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 18, 2002, 06:48:22 AM
Minnesota

Ecoterroists Burn University of Minnesota Lab

The Earth Liberation Front (EFF), an envirronmental group with a history of ecoterrorism, has claimed responsobility for a fire that damaged a University of Minnesota lab research facility.

The ELF sent an e-mail message to the university saying its members set the blaze that destroyed a trailer and heavy equipment on the construction site of a new microbial and plant genomics research building. The arson also heavily damaged faculty and student research and a soil-testing laboratory in an adjacent crops research building.

The fire is the group's latest action in its six-year campaign of vandalism against those it says are threatening the environment. It is the ELF's second arson at the university's St. Paul campus. Two years ago, the ELF took credit for a fire that destroyed a greenhouse at the school.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on February 18, 2002, 07:03:08 AM
ELF  nothing but a bunch of Vandals.  Environmentalist?  No, I can't see them as that.  A group that destroys educational material that teaches about the environment has their goals all wrong.

When individuals or groups destroy the home, livelihood or life of others, I call it terrorism.  Perhaps the Feds should look into this activity under the same auspices that they look at Al Queda.  Those that survive could be tried in a court of law.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on February 18, 2002, 08:26:08 AM
Tom Ridge is on their trail !!
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Gordon on February 18, 2002, 12:04:28 PM
Tom I'm in total agreement on this with you. It's one thing to have a strong feeling for a certain cause. It's the U.S.A. and everyone is entitled to their own opinion be it right or wrong in others eyes.

But to cause harm or damage to others property is DEAD WRONG. Just goes to show they are a bunch of punks. After all actions speak louder than words. Guess that is what they are trying to convey.

How do they actually think they are getting their point across? I have no respect for actions like that and I for one hope they end up where they really belong and thats in PRISON!

It's sad that people don't channel there energy to good use instead of tearing up others hard work and sweat. The sooner they realize that the better. But they are the type that can't stand in open, they have to hit and run. Then hide behind the scenes. They may talk the talk but they darn sure can't walk the walk.

Sorry but stuff like that really runs me hot
Gordon
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 26, 2002, 01:19:50 PM
Michigan

The Sierra Club has moved its Midwest regional office to Traverse City, Michigan, under new Regional Director Alison Horton.

The nine-state Midwest regional operation has a staff of 22, with two at the Traverse City office.

There is also a new local Chapter in Traverse City.

The Traverse City Regional Headquarters is located at:

229 Lake Avenue, Suite 4,
Traverse City, Mi 49684
(231) 922-2201
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 26, 2002, 01:27:09 PM
Pennsylvania

Twenty-seven of 30 license holders took an elk in Pennsylvania's first elk hunt in 70 years.

The one-day hunt last November produced 15 bulls and 13 anterless elk. Patterned after Michigan's hunt, license holders were required to attend a pre-hunt orientation program.

The state's elk heard is estimated at around 700 animals.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Wenrich on February 27, 2002, 03:09:44 PM
That herd is pretty localized.  It is mainly in one county in the NW portion of the state.  In the past few years, they have expanded the herd into the central part of the state, where there is a good portion of state land.

There is a pretty bad problem with ag damage due to the elk.  There was one farmer who shot several of them.  The state tried to cart him off to jail, but the farmer prevailed.

Pennsylvania also started a bobcat season.  It is the first one in several decades.  It is not too popular with the hunters, who don't think there is large enough population to support hunting.

There are also reports of big cats in several areas of the state.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on February 27, 2002, 03:43:55 PM
Arkansas and Tennessee have introduced  Elk herds that have reached harvestable herd sizes as well.  Sure is suprizing  to see your first one when it happens,   :D :Dhad a guy that shot one and was thinking he had a world record whitetail untill he checked it in to a check station.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: swampwhiteoak on February 27, 2002, 05:07:36 PM
They introduced them to KY a few years back.  They allowed a hunt this season, but I never heard what came of it.

Funny thing is they introduced some of them very close to Virginia.  Virginia doesn't want elk.  So in KY you have to be lucky and get a permit and probably pay an arm and a leg to shoot one.  But if they cross the state line you can shoot them any time of the year.  At least that is my understanding.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on February 27, 2002, 07:40:45 PM
Tennessee herd is on Kentucky border in the Land Between The Lakes Area. They have a drawing for very limited amount . Fee is $110  I think (Residents Only). The Elk are on an area almost surrounded by water and they are about as tame as zoo animals.  Doesn't look too sporting to me !!  Arkansas herd is in N.W. Ozarks, Permit about $1000, and if you get one you earn it because ot the tremendous and difficult terrain you have to cover  !!  
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: psychotic1 on February 28, 2002, 09:48:27 AM
Elk, moose, caribou, reindeer, sitka black tail deer, black and brown bears, more fish that you can kill.  Deer season from August first through the end of the year- "take four, They're small".  
In order to get the elk, moose etc, I'd have to drive (ferry) up to fairbanks and hire a float-plane to fly me in to the hunting area.  Expensive.  But if you get a couple of guys together, it ain't too bad.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on February 28, 2002, 12:20:27 PM
While driving about 60 miles East of Memphis (1999) my attention was drawn to some critters in a field.    I pulled over to glass the field and discovered 3 Rhinos and about 20 Elk type critters of the 500 lb. type (species unknown).    Thought about harvesting the lead Rhino but realized my vehicle wasn't big enough to get him in the back, and that he probably would crush the hood or roof.  Next time I go that way I will pull trailer with big winch.   Wonder how much a Rhino tag goes for. :D :D
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: psychotic1 on February 28, 2002, 10:57:41 PM
I'm not worthy

I just can't even imagine seeing that in a field.  And I DanG sure don't want to have to hang it and skin it out.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: CHARLIE on March 01, 2002, 10:11:06 AM
Here in Southeastern Minnesota there are several ranches that raise buffalo and one that I know of that has a huge herd of elk.  Up in the iron range area and on up to Canada there are quite a few moose.  A few years back, my cousin and I were cross country skiing, came around a bend and there was a moose. :o  He lumbered away from us and went into the woods and MAN was I glad. I've heard about moose getting all ticked off over nothing and going into an attack phase.  There was one moose in Northern Minnesota that attacked a moving train one time. Notice I used the word 'was'. I think the moose lost that battle.   ;D
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Don P on March 01, 2002, 02:30:35 PM
I remember a story from India involving an elephant and a train,  she T-boned the engine, the train lost :D
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on March 03, 2002, 03:11:30 PM
That elephant and the train duel is what claimed the life of P.T. Barnum's famous 15 ton  elephant "Jumbo", didn't say what effect it had on the train, but bet it took a while to clean up !!
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: L. Wakefield on March 03, 2002, 03:33:03 PM
   (3 giant steps ot)- saw a show last nite where 2 young lions were trying to get to maturity. They'd made their first kill near a waterhole- took down a water buffalo or something- I missed the first part of the show. There was some VERY interesting footage of both elephants and rhinos at the same waterhole registering their displeasure at the lions' actions- and blocking their access to the kill. It reminded me of my herd's actions this winter when I was traversing the pasture with the remains of my butchering of the herd bull. They'd gotten very agitated and were trying to block my way. It was so weird.. but it is interesting that, if big enough, even herbivores will have a take-charge attitude about what goes on in carnivore behavior. Size matters!   lw
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Bud Man on March 03, 2002, 03:48:49 PM
Lw -  Almost all animals of any species have a reaction to the smell of blood or  distress call from one of their own.  Heard of some strange reactions within cows in the close proximity of a butchering occuring within their midst.  Not big on giving advise but even tame cows get testy and can become unruly or dangerous real quick(especially bulls). They will re-establish a pecking order almost immediately.  Be Carefull !!!
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 09, 2002, 12:16:20 PM
Michigan

The Sierra Club is urging Michigan's U.S. senators to require increased use of wind and solar power.

In ads running this week-end, the Sierra Club asks senators to support a bill that would require 20 percent of the nation's energy to come from renewable resources by 2020.

The Sierra Club is spending several thousand dollars on the ads, which are running in Michigan, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Florida.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: psychotic1 on March 09, 2002, 12:28:05 PM
That's great..  As long as the Sierra Club is gonna help pay the tax rebates required to get people to set up the equipment.  Renewable energy is great (and I do include wood heat, though I doubt the SC does)  But it's still quite expensive.  There are several states which are offering rebates and incentives of up to 50% of the initial costs, but you're still looking at 8-10,000 bucks for a integral roof/solar panel setup pulling in 2KW on sunny days.  If they'll help pay for it, or if they'll use it in their own homes first, I'm all for it.

I get upset every time wind power is mentioned up here.  One of the windier places in the country, and the city/borough have outlawed windmills.  GRRRR >:(

Bruce
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Corley5 on March 10, 2002, 05:12:58 PM
I haven't been keeping up on this thread til tonight.  Elk what a pain in the a$$.  Much of the work I do as a MDNR Wildlife Div. employee is directly related to them so they do pay the bills but...  I also farm a little and we've got a herd of bulls here west of Wolverine that is really hard on crops.  Especially corn.  If it wasn't for the fact that I work for the DNR I'm pretty sure I would have started killing them years ago.  I can sympathize with the farmer in Pa.  Last year I only had four of them but in previous years there have been as many as 14.  A ten acre corn patch doesn't stand much of a chance.  There is an early season aimed at killing these beasts that have strayed from the core area that is the Pigeon River State Forest but these early hunts are tough and many of the hunters are VERY inexperienced.  Added to that my bulls split from this area like clockwork.  As soon as the rut starts the first week in Sept they are gone in search of cows and the season doesn't start til the second week >:(.  I did get one of them killed in the Dec hunt.  He was an 825 7X8.  I'm sure he tasted good as he ate on my corn most of the summer and fall.  
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on March 10, 2002, 08:08:54 PM
The darn things keep pushing over my 12' Cottonwood Whips.  I have had to replant 3 years in a row.  >:( I put 5' high corrigated plastic raps around them to keep them from getting horned to death by the deer but the Elk are a different story. :'(  Out of about 300 planted each year, I am able to possibly save two or three.  At that rate I will have to replant for about the next thirty years.   Heck, I'll be 77 and still trying to get the darn things to grow, without the critters doing the early thinning and selective logging for me. :-[
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: L. Wakefield on March 11, 2002, 05:20:24 AM
   Yay! The map is growing, and quite useful! I was just reading Corley5's post about elk as PIA. So I jumped over and found him (Corley5 ) on the map and said to myself 'elk hunt, hmm, elk hunt'... makes one to wonder. What are the terms on that? Is it residents only? I'd only thought of elk hunts in terms of Montana and etc.   lw
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Corley5 on March 12, 2002, 08:23:51 AM
It's a residents only hunt.  Licenses are given on a lottery system.  You apply for one by paying a four dollar fee.  If you're name is drawn your license will be either antlerless only or hunter choice.  That is after you pay another $100.00 and attend the mandatory orientation.  The DNR tries to keep the herd around 1,000 animals.  Usually there are 200-300 permits issued per year.  These permits are spread over two or three hunts.  There is a hunt in mid to late Sept and the big hunt in Dec.  The last two years there has also been a late Aug. hunt.  Two years we also a Jan. hunt to clean up some of the animals that were straying into farm country but we didn't have one last year.  I'm not sure if the Aug. hunts are going to continue either.  
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 12, 2002, 01:58:54 PM
Corley,
Do you do any guiding for the elk hunters? Allow them to hunt on your property?
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Corley5 on March 12, 2002, 03:36:21 PM
I don't do any guiding but considering I spend most every day in elk country I can give some pretty hot tips 8).  The last couple years I've let a hunter on the property for the Aug. and Sept. hunts.  They haven't done any good.  In Sept. my herd is off chasing cows somewhere and my selection of a hunter for Aug. wasn't as good as I thought :(.  The December hunt usually runs pretty close to the muzzleloader deer season and having someone chasing elk on the place screws up Dad's deer hunting so Dec. if off limits.  It was during last years Dec. hunt that the big one was shot just a little west of us 8).  Frank, you speak of elk tearing up your cottonwood whips.  In the Pigeon River State Forest the state foresters have been complaining that they haven't been able to get good aspen regen in some areas because of elk browsing.  I've seen this.  Clearcuts end up as grassy openings because of it.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 12, 2002, 05:28:34 PM
I've seen them walk 4-6" aspen right down to ground level there in the Pidgeon River State Forest. A little tough on the regen.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 19, 2002, 05:29:31 PM
North Carolina

In an unusual move, the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) recently adopted a resolution against financial support of organizations opposed to active forest management.

Noting that american companies are increasingly looking for opportunitiies to demonstrate their concern for the environment by funding non-ptofit organizations, NCFA cautions corporations to look carefully at how their dollars are being spent and the impact on those practicing sound forest management.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: woodman on March 19, 2002, 07:54:09 PM
    Glad we don't have jobiwackeys here in Mass. But we do have birds that live on sandy beaches on Cape Cod (can't get that all over tan) :) :) :) :D 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 11, 2002, 06:29:49 PM
Michigan

The Michigan Forest Association (MFA) has taken a strong stand opposing the Sierra Club's lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service's management of aspen forests.The suite is attempting to block aspen timber sales on National Forests in the Lake States, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 13, 2002, 07:15:59 PM
Michigan

Results of the most recent Wolf Survey conducted by the Michigan DNR indicates there are at least 278 wolves now roaming Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 13, 2002, 07:20:30 PM
Wisconsin

Wisconsin DNR Secretary Darrell Bazzell announced that the department would begin issuing special deer harvest permits during the week of May 6 to landowners to reduce the deer herd within a core area where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been documented in western Dane and eastern Iowa Counties.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Corley5 on May 14, 2002, 10:39:56 PM
I hope that s*#t never shows up over here.  Our TB problem sounds mild compared to it
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Jeff on May 15, 2002, 04:09:24 AM
CWD, never heard of it. Do you have information on this Ron or Corley5? Might be good to post it in a new thread if you do.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 15, 2002, 07:36:25 PM
Jeff,

I don't know much about it, except that it is "bad" stuff. It affects a deer or elks brain and their physical nourishment. I'm told that the Wisconsin DNR web site has information on it. It should be in the Forum links. I'm sure we'll hear more on this.

Wisconsin's Governor is currently seeking Federal aid to fight the disease. He states that "we are facing the most serious animal health crisis in our history". As Corley5 said, our TB problem here will be insignificant to this and he may know a lot more about it.

It may be time for the MDNR Commission to take a serious stand on the deer baiting issue.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Corley5 on May 15, 2002, 08:44:58 PM
I don't know much about it other than it's bad.  I'll ask the biologist about it and see what he has to say.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 03, 2002, 05:01:36 PM
West Virginia

The legislature has added a new criminal penalties section to the Logging Sediment Control Law.

A new "Bad Actors" amendment makes it a misdemeanor to harvest timber without a valid logging license, or without having a certified logger supervising, or failing to file a notification form, or continuing to operate when a suspension order has been issued. Changes effective July 1, 2002.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on June 03, 2002, 05:09:19 PM
Yep, that's how the governments get involved in Industry Supervised (Policed) programs.  I'm a little surprised that it came from West (by God) Virginia though. I thougt they were a state of Individualists.

Do you reckon that we are seeing the decline of individual wood lots and managed forests in WV now?  Intimidation is a great supressor.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Wenrich on June 03, 2002, 06:18:28 PM
I'm not sure there is an industry supervised program that has any teeth.  SFI is pretty much disregarded unless you want to sell some pulpwood, in my area.

Intimidation does not surpress nearly as well as taxation.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 03, 2002, 07:30:02 PM
Minnesota

The Minnesota Supreme Court is allowing forestry products company Boise, formerly known as Boise-Cascade, to increase its timber harvest near International Falls.

The ruling reverses a lower court order to further scrutinize the company's plan to increase its harvest in the area by 16 percent per year.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 16, 2002, 05:12:04 PM
New York

The Nature Conservancy of New York has announced a landmark deal to preserve 44,650 acres of forestlands in the Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis County, approximately 30 miles north of Syracuse.

This is the largest land acquisition that the conservancy has negotiated in the state of New York.

The conservancy, with the help of New York State, will buy the properry for $9.1 million from Hancock Timber, a private timber investment company that has owned the land since 1966.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: L. Wakefield on June 17, 2002, 06:24:25 AM
   Nothing wrong with that. Too bad there isnt an owner/manager of another similar parcel 'next-door' who would do active management for however many years and see whose looked better at various stages. 'Looked' on a lot of levels- animal habitat, productivity in terms of bd ft, resource for receating and etc. It would be a great 'put up or shut up' study.   lw
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 17, 2002, 07:22:44 PM
New Hampshire

The White Mountain National Forest has been enlarged by 325 acres, purchased with $360,000 from the federal Land And Water Conservation Fund. The additional land will help protect the trails system within the forest and prevent it from being sold for development.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 01, 2002, 06:04:44 PM
Idaho and Montana

Environmental groups in Idaho and Montana have filed suit to prevent forest products companies from harvesting a stand of charred trees in the Burnt Flats area of Idaho's Nez Perce National Forest.

The sale of 3 million board feet of timber from 3,440 acres was approved bt Nez Perce Forest Supervisor Bruce Bernhardt last February.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 06, 2002, 07:32:36 PM
Ohio

Ohio's native black bear return. Gone for 150 years, black bears are slowly returning to woodlands in Ohio. Once native to the region before settlement, bears were hunted out by 1850.

Their habitat was cleared for farms and communities. Now with forests returning to the eastern and southern parts of the state, black bears are making a comeback too, migrarting in from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Some 41 sightings were reported in 2001, and bears have been seen in 32 counties since 1993.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 07, 2002, 06:47:24 PM
General

The Northern Logger magazine reports that land clearing for development ranging from homes to highways is increasingly becoming a bigger part of the logging business.

While good news for the short term, it obviously is not a positive trend for long term forestry enterprises.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 22, 2002, 05:31:14 PM
Washington

The Washington Environmental Council (WEC) has filed suit against the DNR and its timber sale program.

The WEC is made up of most environmental groups in the state including the Audobon Society, Wilderness Society, Lands Council in Spokane (Dr. Osborn's no cut group) and Friends of ........(everything).

Their intentions are to stop logging.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 22, 2003, 03:02:09 PM
Michigan

As one of his last acts in office, Governor Engler signed House Bill 5953 into law, effective March 31, 2003.

The "Right to Forest Act" specifically provides for "circumstances under which certain forestry operations shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance...."

Of special interest is Section 5, an explicit provision for landowners to recover operation and legal expenses incurred in a court challenge in which the plaintiff is not successful.

The law was endorsed by the Michigan Forest Association and had the support of the entire forestry community. Significantly it passed the House unanimously.

Copy posted: www.woodlandowners.org
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: OneWithWood on February 24, 2003, 05:28:15 AM
Way to go Michigan! 8)

I sure hope some of that good sense flows down hill to Indiana.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 22, 2003, 01:52:58 PM
West Virginia

The late February ice storm that swept the western and central portions of the Mountaineer State has done more damage to hardwoods than first reported.

Air surveys conducted by the WV Division of Forestry confirm widespread damage.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 23, 2003, 06:58:46 PM
Kentucky

The Blue Grass State is the first to publicly publish a Bad Actor Logger's List. Compiled by the Division of Forestry from records relating to the  Forest Practices Act.

Loggers are allowed three infractions before they make the "better avoid" list. In addition, they are given chances to correct their logging problems before receiving a violation notice.

The information is shared with landowners through Kentucky Woodlands Owners Association publications and Extension Service reports.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on May 27, 2003, 08:56:42 PM
Thgast would sure get people to clean up their act.  I would like to implement tht idea here in Oregon.  What do some of you think the chances are of that happening? ???  I had better keep my mouth shut.  I might just make the list. :-/
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frickman on May 27, 2003, 09:19:22 PM
Are the individual loggers names on this list, or a company/mill name? It seems that in our area that logging companies and sawmills come and go alot, but the same people are always behind them. They run afoul of the law until it catches up to them and then reorganize under a different name.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 09, 2003, 07:23:57 PM
California

A new study by researchers at California Polytecnic State University-San Luis Obispo has found that California has among the most extensive private forest land regulations in the world.

But, according to the study's authors, the stringent nature of these regulations may actually threaten the forest lands they were created to protect.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on July 06, 2003, 09:38:22 PM
You know, Ron, some of us that work in the field all the time have truly believed this was happening for years.   Now it sounds as though we have some rather sound scientific evidence to begin to back us up.  8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 07, 2003, 07:11:06 PM
Frank,
Hopefully Forest Management will be understood. What will replace the abandoned mill sites as noted in Oregon's recently passed "Mill Bill"?

Oregon

Oregon's "Mill bill" becomes law. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski recently signed HB 2691, also known as the "Mill Bill" into law.

The new law places abandoned mill sites in rural communities on the fast-track to be redeveloped for other industrial purposes.

There are currently more than 150 closed mill sites throughout the state, many of which still have their existing and other qualities enabling them to be used for new industrial uses.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on July 10, 2003, 07:37:28 AM
We have such a site in this county, right now.  It has beeen up and running for the about two years.  It was a mill site for decades in Independence.  They had been hauling  the mdajority of its timber more than 150 miles from the Eastern slops of Mt Hood area. It has been converted into a cabinet manufacturing site, employing well over a hundred people.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 12, 2003, 08:30:09 PM
California

A federal judge in Sacramento temporaily blocked the U.S. Forest Service from logging "fire-damaged trees" in a remote area of the Tahoe National Forest. Removing the trees could increase--rather than reduce--severe wildfire risk, the judge ruled.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on August 12, 2003, 10:10:40 PM
It is absolutely amazing, to me, Ron where some of these kinds of peoples minds actually generated from. :-/   I even wonder if their electrical impus systems are correctly wired or simply unpluged, somehow. :-[
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 13, 2003, 05:33:06 PM
Yes, very hard to understand such thinking. I guess, leave the wood to the "bugs" or have another reburn from a lightning strike and have to suppress the fire again at taxpayers expense. "But don't let anyone salvage the wood or remove the fuel load".
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 27, 2003, 09:48:23 AM
Michigan

The Michigan Forest Foundation, sponsored by the Michigan Forest Association, is building an educational trailer for mobile display at fairs and events throughout the state.

The MFA (with DNR and USFS) is getting the word out of the importance of forestry to both landowners and the general public.

(Jeff, are you involved in working on this??)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 05, 2003, 09:23:01 AM
California

"Save The Forests". I recently noted this vehicle parked in front of the post office in the historical mining and logging town of Nevada City, California. 9/03.

(https://forestryforum.com/images/04_01_03/save_the_forests_california.jpg)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 18, 2003, 05:14:57 PM
Texas

The Texas Forest Service recently received the "Golden Smokey Bear" award form the USDA Forest Service.

The award recognizes wildfire prevention programs of national significance and was given to the agency for its advances in wildfire prevention after the 1998 and 2000 fire seasons.

To decrease the number of wildfires caused by accident and arson, the Texas Forest Service developed a program that focused on educating county judges, home owners associations and the public about wildfire prevention.

The agency's efforts were so successful that the plan has become a national model for preventing wildfires.

The Texas Forest Service was the only agency to receive the award this year.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on November 19, 2003, 06:28:44 AM
I would thing that someone in California would possibly like to have that award given out in their state after what has just been happening a short few weeks ago.  ..."Narrow minded people,  down narrow minded streets".. :-/.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 28, 2004, 08:24:19 AM
Wisconsin

2004 marks Wisconsin's Forestry Department "100th  Anniversary".

Its first tree nursery started at Trout Lake in 1904 when a reforestation program was started on the barrens created by past logging and fires.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 17, 2004, 04:38:00 PM
Minnesota

The last big log dry in the state occured in April 1937 on the Little Fork River, when International Paper Co. workers floated about 16 million board feet of white pine down from upstream lumber camps.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 18, 2004, 01:20:37 PM
North Dakota

The state has 63 national wildlife refuges, more than any other state. They cover about 290,00 acres.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 19, 2004, 05:09:46 PM
South Dakota

The Black Hills are the highest mountains east of the Rockies.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 07, 2004, 12:21:16 PM
Wisconsin

Wisconsin's forests are 100 years old this year.

Governor Doyle declared 2004 as the "Year of Wisconsin Forestry".
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 12, 2004, 07:08:19 PM
Mississippi

Survey Says Southern Forest Landowners "Underserved".

A survey by researchers at Mississippi State University (MSU) has revealed that nearly 75 percent of forest landowners in four states --Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee--do not consult with professional foresters, use forestry-related educational programs, or belong to any forestry-related organizations.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on September 12, 2004, 09:31:03 PM
In some respects it is a bit sad sabout your last post.  Management could well be helter-skelter? :-/
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Stephen_Wiley on September 12, 2004, 09:48:31 PM
Unfortunately, I think many folks have the misconception that state foresters are another form of  government intervention to limit their freedoms. Rather than a source of information to help them in decision making.

Partly, this is due to the vast difference of knowldege between state and federal foresters. Most folks do not discern the difference. Unfortunately here in Oregon 'the State' (by far more knowledgeable) lacks the needed personnel to be available for all concerns.

Other misconceptions are:  not recognizing trees as 'living organisms', valuing or knowing the benefits that trees are beneficial in producing oxygen and removing pollutants which are life sustaining for them.

It is sad none the less that many are dulled by today's standards and fears.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 13, 2004, 07:15:28 PM
Florida

Study Shows Relationship Between Forest Fragmentation and Disease.

New research from the University of Florida suggests that forest fragmentation may increase the risk of parasitic infection to animals living in fragmented habitats as a result of increased environmental stress.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 12, 2004, 04:17:50 PM
Hawaii

The 50th state celebrates 100 years of forestry this year. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the islands are home to more htan 10,000 plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: rpg52 on December 30, 2004, 03:56:57 PM
California:  The two state forest tree nurseries in California are being closed to safe money for the State.  One nursery in Davis, near University of Calif, Davis, grew containerized trees and (mostly) native shrubs, has already closed.  The second, located in Magalia, Butte County in the Northern Sierra Nevadas, grew a variety of bare root trees for reforestation.  The Magalia nursery is having a "going out of business" sale, liquidating all bare root stock.
Penny wise and pound foolish to privatize reforestation stock, in my humble opinion.  There are some things that we as a society should subsidize or at least make as easy as possible.  Preventing soil erosion is one of those things, reforestation is another.
Ray
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on December 31, 2004, 01:32:13 PM
You know Ron, there is some of that same sort of talk beginning to take place here in Oregon concerning their Nursery at Elkton, Oregon.  
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tillaway on January 01, 2005, 10:32:44 AM
Regarding the state nurseries, Magalia nursery produced poor quality seedlings.  Most foresters avoided using thier stock.  Closing Magalia down was a good thing.

The Elkton nursery is hurting because industry and the state lands themselves have all moved to planting container stock.  Elkton does not produce these, its a marketing thing.  The container stock performs much better.  The state would have to make a major investment to retool the nursery.  Private sources currently produce very good product at prices the state could not touch.  Elkton will stay around a while filling the spec. market for small landowners.  Custom orders have declined so the spec market is all they have left.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on January 01, 2005, 07:56:36 PM
You are correct, John.  That is were most of the concern is coming from, the dollars coming in verses the dollars going out.  It just might be that the state will have to invest in the container procedures to keep competative.   There is also the issues of privates complaining tha the state should not be in competition with private industry.  That may be where the biggest rub is coming from as well as the market place dictating a different type of tree to be grown.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 02, 2005, 10:17:10 AM
Many of the National Forest system nurseries have been already closed over past years. There is only one still open here in the Lake States, Toumey at Watersmeet in the UP and it has downsized to minimum use.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: rpg52 on January 02, 2005, 04:37:53 PM
Tillaway - "Magalia nursery produced poor quality seedlings"  Enlighten me please, were they poorly grown, poorly selected seed, or ??  What private alternatives are there available for small landowners of forested lands?  I'm not defending anyone, but sincerely would like to know.  Thanks,
Ray
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tillaway on January 03, 2005, 07:31:31 AM
Ray,
Magalia used poor cultural practice and grew in poor soils.  They just did a poor quality job overall.  The bed knives used for root pruning were so dull they "J" rooted the tree.  It just bent them and did not cut them.  The seedling root sytems were very poorly developed, sometimes just a bent tap root.  They kind of looked like a bent carrot.  Poor root crown ratio.  The heavy soils prevented good root growth.  Overall a poor growing site for a nursery managed by folks that obviously did not care.

There is a private nursery up in Etna that produces good quality container stock, I can't remeber thier name.  Also PRT (Pacific Reforestation Technology) is a very large company base out of BC.  They have operations throughout the western US.  Ironically they were going to put in a big nursery in Nevada, don't know if they have or not.

Go with container stock, you will have much better success.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: SwampDonkey on January 04, 2005, 12:01:27 PM
Our Provincial Seedling nursery would't sell to private since 1993 and they provided some of the best seedlings. Their red pine bare root where top notch and we had the best success with those on abandoned fields. The red pine container stock we get now are about 3 to 4 inches tall and not big enough to plant in field situations. It's a slow tree to get started apparently in the nursery. The provincial nursery got flack from private nurseries who complained they were in competiton. Now they provide stock for crown land only. We used to purchase seedlings from a private nursery owned by a forest company and all we'de receive was the culls. The black spruce seedlings where always too tall and spindly and the white spruce where always short with very poor root development (all conatiner stock). The local marketing board no longer buys from them. The North Shore Marketing Board purchased a provincial nursery 3 years ago to provide private container stock for private woodlots. They've had some issues too and have been ironing them out. Their problem is the lack of experienced staff. In recent years our board has been getting seedlings from Quebec and some from the provincial nursery at Staflorne in , NS. and they have issues with handling and shipping. The way they are shipped the trays are usually all up-ended in a big heap'n mess on the floor of the van after they bounce out of their shelving. ::)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: rpg52 on January 04, 2005, 12:58:47 PM
Interesting discussion, it seems that both public and private forestry nurseries have their foibles.  In my particular case, I've had fairly good luck with the stock from the public nurseries.  I know that at least they paid attention to ecotypes when selecting seed sources, e.g. elevation and latitude, which may be more relevant here in the Sierra Nevada than in a more continental climate.  My problem(s) are that I have a very challenging site due to past "management" which consisted of clear cuts and goldmining in the 1850's, which swept away much of the topsoil from a medium timber site, which was then invaded by Scotch Broom (a very invasive and highly flammable wildland weed) and again cut and high graded in the '50's.  My challenge is to find a reasonably priced source of seedlings of mixed species to replant, funded from out of my pocket, since there is little merchantable volume left from previous operations.  I know there are thousands of other small landowners that should be encouraged to replant and control the rampant brushfields remaining from 150 years of timber liquidation in low elevation forests here in the Sierra.  Personally, I believe it is in the best interests of society to encourage this, and possibly even subsidize it to a moderate degree.  I am confident that it is in the long term interests of all to reduce potential wildfires and invest in forests that may not be available for harvest for another 60 - 100 years.  Just my $0.02.  Thanks,
Ray
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tillaway on January 04, 2005, 08:26:07 PM
Good attitude Ray 8)

The problem is California, as a whole, does not value the timber industry or the small woodland owner.  Very few landowners, private and industrial, manage for the long term there.  This is due IMHO that California's Forest Practices Act is not condusive to good forest stewardship.

Soper-Wheeler issued a statement something like this " We do not think it is prudent to put any further investment in California timber lands".  They have managed timber lands for about 100 years in the Sierras.  Thats pretty much what most people think.  Invest in timber production only to find you can't benefit from it in the future due to a rule change or some proposition spawned from the concrete jungle.

There used to be funds available from CDF for the projects you have in mind.  Environmentalists sued the state regarding their compliance in regards to operating plans on the Jackson state forest.  Proceeds from this forest was the sole source of  funding for programs and grants supporting exactly what you want to do.

Check with an RPF, there may still be funds available for your project but the well was basically dry when I left.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 16, 2005, 07:30:46 PM
Michigan

Buck Stop Lure Company founder Don Garbow, Stanton, Michigan is being inducted into the Bowhunters Hall of Fame.

Garbo started bottling scents for hunting and trapping in 1953, primarily for his own convenience. But they caught on and sold. Buck Stop is now the industry's giant.

With more thatn 120 scents, more than two million small vials are reported sold annually.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 18, 2005, 12:25:06 PM
Michigan

MeadWestvaco Corporation today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its Papers business and associated assets for $2.3 billion to a new company controlled by Cerberus Capital Management L.P., a private, New York based investment firm.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: sprucebunny on January 20, 2005, 07:20:23 PM
Meadwestvaco sold five mills in this deal
Rumford , ME
Escanaba , MI
Chillicothe , OH
Luke , MD
Wickliffe , KY
The deal also included 900,000 acres of land in Illinois ,Kentuckey ,Michigan , Missouri ,Ohio and Tennesse
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 27, 2005, 04:22:29 PM
Michigan

RE:  NEW PUB - MICHIGAN FOREST COMMUNITIES: A FIELD GUIDE AND REFERENCE

It's an MSU Extension publication authored by Don Dickmann.  The MSUE number is E-3000.  The book is 158 pages and loaded with photos.  

You can try to order it through the clunky MSUE Bulletin office website [ http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/intro.cfm], but I can't tell you the steps because I've not had the patience to work through the protocol.  The better bet is to talk to the county Extension office and have them order it.  The cost is $14.95 .  Over 5,000 shown in stock.  Use "E3000" as the "inventory number".  Doesn't show up on Amazon.com, yet.  
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 22, 2005, 07:00:47 PM
Alaska

Forest Service to Inventory 7.5 Million Acres of Alaskan Wilderness



February 11 - The USDA Forest Service has announced that its Alaska Region, in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Research Station, will begin a congressionally mandated, 10-year program to inventory and analyze the 7.5 million acres of Alaska national forest wilderness and wilderness study areas during 2005. The survey, which is intended to provide baseline information about the region's forest health, will entail monitoring up to 93 plots, some of which are known to be remote and difficult to access. In fact, it is for these very reasons that Alaska's national forest wilderness areas have not been inventoried as part of the congressionally mandatory forest inventory analysis.



For more information on the Forest Service in Alaska, visit the Alaska Region website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 28, 2005, 06:51:30 PM
Montana

Bark Beetle Infestation Called an "Epidemic"

March 17 -- The Independent Record of Helena, Montana, recently reported that infestations of various bark beetle species have become an "epidemic" within the Forest Service's Northern Region, an area containing national forests in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. According to agency surveys, as many as at least 1.6 million acres are infested. In 1999, the number of acres infested was estimated at 400,000. Regional Forest Service officials blame the increased beetle populations on an aging forest, coupled with dense, overgrown stands and drought. Bark beetles are said to be a normal part of forest ecosystems and, in lower numbers, help create snags, which provide habitat for other wildlife.

To learn more about bark beetle management in the West, visit the website of the Forest Service's Bark Beetle Disturbance Ecology Work Unit.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 28, 2005, 06:55:43 PM
Quebec, Canada

Quebec to Reduce Timber Harvesting by 20 Percent

March 18 -- According to the Canadian news service Canada.com, Quebec's provincial government has accepted the recommendation of the Coulombe Commission (a body organized in 2003 to examine the economic, environmental, sustainable, social and regional aspects of Quebec's forests) which advocates a reduction in the amount of harvesting taking place in Quebec's forests. In a report released last December, the commission said that forests in the province were over-harvested. As a result, Quebec Natural Resources Minister Pierre Corbeil, introduced legislation last week that would reduce timber harvesting in the province by as much as 20 percent. The legislation passed and the reduction is scheduled to begin April 1.

The Quebec Forestry Industries Council, a group opposed to the reduction, estimates that as many as 10,000 jobs will be lost.

For more information about the Coulombe Commission's report, visit the Forest Certification Watch website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 02, 2005, 09:07:52 PM
Florida

Florida Forest Industry Overtakes Citrus in Revenues

April 27 -- According to a University of Florida study, citrus is no longer the top moneymaker in Florida's $67 billion agriculture industry. Forests and the products made from them generated $16.6 billion in economic activity in 2003, creating 133,475 jobs, the study said.

Based on an article that appeared in the Times Union (Jacksonville, Florida), Alan Hodges, an economist at the university's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services, said "Citrus is the crop most people associate with Florida ... but our study indicates forestry is now the economic heavyweight in the state's $67 billion agricultural and natural resources industry."

Hodges added that forestry has been maintaining a steady growth while citrus has been declining and said part of the reason is the demand for lumber generated by the four-year housing boom in the state.

To read the University of Florida study, visit the Institute of Food and Agricultural Services website.







Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 03, 2005, 07:19:31 PM
Arkansas

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Thought to be Extinct, Rediscovered in Arkansas

April 28 - More than 60 years ago, biologists said the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was extinct in the United States. Yet, a group of wildlife scientists recently made seven firm sightings of the bird in central Arkansas.

According to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), "after an intensive year-long search in the Cache River and White River National Wildlife Refuges involving more than 50 experts and field biologists working together as part of the Big Woods Partnership, an ivory-billed male has been captured on video."




Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 04, 2005, 09:37:47 AM
Michigan

FINALIZATION OF PURCHASE

DAYTON, OH- May 2, 2005. NewPage Corporation announced today that it will begin operation as an independent company focused solely on the coated and carbonless paper business. This follows the MeadWestvaco (NYSE: MWV) announcement of the Papers Group sale to Cerberus Capital Management L.P., a private, New York-based investment firm.

NewPage has fully integrated pulp and paper mills in the eastern United States, supported by 6,300 employees. It made nearly 2.5 million tons of paper last year and generated about $2.3 billion in annual sales.

This transaction includes the pulp and paper mill in Escanaba, formerly a MeadWestvaco mill.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 04, 2005, 11:19:32 AM
Michigan's  U. P.

SALE OF FORMER MEADWESTVACO TIMBERLANDS IN THE U.P.

Plum Creek to Buy Timberland in Michigan

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase approximately 650,000 acres of timberland in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Escanaba Timber LLC. The transaction, valued at approximately $345 million, is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The forestlands, which have been certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) standard, contain an attractive mix of timber species and age profiles including mature mixed hardwood.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Jeff on October 04, 2005, 02:00:35 PM
More on the Plum Creek deal:
http://www.paperage.com/2005news/10_03_2005plumcreek.html
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: pasbuild on October 04, 2005, 05:34:06 PM
WHOW what a wealth of info :o
Thanks Ron
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 05, 2005, 11:08:53 AM
Mississippi

In initial surveys, the Mississippi Forestry Commission found that about 7 million of the state's 19 million acres of forestland were damaged from hurricane Katrina.

The Commission noted that the downed trees and derbis had created extremely dangerous wildfire conditions.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 05, 2005, 11:45:09 AM
Oregon

According to the president of the Oregon Chapter of the Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative, at current prices, 30-40 percent of the cost of operating a truck is spent on fuel.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) says that higher fuel costs make it tougher for US Companies to compete in world markets.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on October 05, 2005, 12:14:39 PM
........and I was always told that 1/3 of the cost of the board was in the transportation.

It has to get from the stump to the store someway.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 17, 2005, 05:13:25 PM
Louisiana and Mississippi

Timber Companies Rushing to Reach Trees Knocked Down by Hurricanes

Timber companies are rushing to reach the millions of trees knocked down by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita before they start to decay, making them worthless as lumber and adding to the region's risk of catastrophic wildfire.

State officials estimate the value of the fallen trees at about $900 million in Louisiana and $2.4 billion in Mississippi.

The region's processing facilities have been scaled back in recent years and the storms have made it difficult to bring plants back into operation. In response, Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific Corporation plans to restart two of its plants and Weyerhaeuser Company is hiring more contractors to clear damaged forests in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Officials say the unusually hot weather and lack of precipitation since the hurricanes have led to dry conditions that, combined with the downed timber, make the area more susceptible to wildfires.

For more information about the effects of the storms, visit the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Louisiana Forestry Association.




Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Frank_Pender on October 17, 2005, 10:41:55 PM
You got is Ron on the cost of hauling here in Oregon.  Right now all the independent drivers are charging a sir charge for fuel.  I am sure the big boys are adding it up some as well. :'(
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 05, 2005, 06:07:34 PM
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama

Forest Products Industry Works to Recover After Hurricanes

November 19 – In the wake of the hurricanes Katrina and Rita, timberland owners large and small are rushing to sell their downed lumber—in some cases for less than half what they normally would make—before the wood becomes worthless.

According to the Associated Press, the hurricanes damaged about 5.7 million acres of timber in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama—enough to produce nearly 900,000 single-family homes. Officials estimate that the total timber loss in the four states is nearly $6 billion. The amount of acreage damaged represents 20 percent of the private, state, and federal forest land in those states and 1 percent of the nation's forests.

Some industry officials worry that landowners will now find new uses for their land given the high cost of recovery and reforestation. As a result, regional forestry officials are lobbying for changes to federal aid regulations so timber land owners can receive assistance following natural disasters.




Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 06, 2005, 08:01:30 PM
California

New Experimental Forest in California, First in 40 Years

November 30 – The US Forest Service, in collaboration with the University of California–Berkeley, has created the Sagehen Experimental Forest, an 8,100-acre forest located about 10 miles north of Truckee and 30 Miles west of Reno, Nevada.

The experimental forest is California's 11th experimental forest and the first since 1962.

Managed by personnel from UC Berkeley, Tahoe National Forest, and the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station, the land will facilitate the study management techniques and the design of a strategic fuels reduction plan to decrease the intensity of wildfires in the Sierra Nevada.

To read the full story, visit the Union Tribune website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 22, 2005, 10:26:18 PM
Wisconsin

RE:  Wisconsin Right to Practice Forestry Act Passed

On 21 December, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle passed the Right to Practice Forestry Act.  This law establishes that no ordinance be enacted or regulation adopted that may prohibit forestry operations that are in accordance with generally accepted forestry management practices.  In some instances in the past few years, local town boards had passed ordinances prohibiting a private landowner from harvesting timber off their property.  This new law allows sound harvests to occur without interference.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 18, 2006, 06:35:52 PM
Michigan

Michigan State Forest Receives Dual Certification

January 11 – More than 1.5 million hectares of Michigan's state forests have been certified to both the SFI and FSC certification programs.

The certification standards overlap enough so that the area could be audited by the same group of auditors for both programs. The state forest still has some improvements to make. There will be an annual audit and the state must seek recertification every five years.

"It ensures a market for Michigan's timber, which keeps us competitive on a national and worldwide basis," says Lynne Boyd, forest management division chief with the Department of Natural Resources. "Without certification we could and ultimately would lose our market."

To read an Associated Press article about the certification of Michigan's forests, visit the Michigan Live website for the entire article.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 30, 2006, 06:08:57 PM
Minnesota

Minnesota's State Forest Lands, Largest Certified Forest Land Base in US

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently announced that more than 4.8 million acres of the state's forestlands have been certified by both the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The dual certifications make it the largest certified land base in the United States.

The lands are multiuse, serving both recreational and economic functions, and, according to a press release from the Governor's office, the wood products they produce "will be marketed to conservation-minded consumers, providing premium pricing to the producers."

To read the entire press release, visit the Governor of Minnesota's website. 

For more information on the certification of Minnesota's State Forests, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.






Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 18, 2006, 02:53:17 PM
New York

Alien Wood Wasp Found to Be "Well Established in Upstate New York"

Last year while sifting through insects from a trap from Fulton, New York,  E. Richard Hoebeke, a Cornell University expert taxonomist, discovered a single specimen of an alien wood wasp that devastates conifers. It was the first such wood wasp, Sirex noctilio Fabricius, ever found in the wild in the United States. Since then, Hoebeke has identified 85 specimens from traps, and hundreds more emerged from bolts of wood collected from the field. That's bad news for conifers nationwide.

For more information about the wood wasp's growing presence, visit the Cornell University website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 24, 2006, 12:45:19 PM
Michigan

Beach Walking: The US Supreme Court has left standing the more than century old right of the public to walk privately owned Great Lakes beaches up to the high water mark.

A Saginw Bay property owner's challenge of a lower court ruling was rejected by the high court.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: pappy on March 28, 2006, 09:06:37 AM
The University of Maine

has received $10.35 million to conduct research on using wood to make ethanol, plastics, industrial chemicals and other products that now are made with oil.

http://www.bangornews.com/news/templates/?a=131199

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 29, 2006, 09:54:33 AM
California

Environmental, Conservation Groups Buying Forests to Keep Them Undeveloped

As forest products companies and other landowners sell off parcels of forestland that are worth more as real estate than sources of lumber, environmental conservation organizations have been working hard to raise money to purchase these tracts of land and keep them from being developed.   

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, competition from "cheap lumber imports, soaring land prices, and pressure from Wall Street" are now prompting forest products companies like the St. Joe Company and International Paper to sell their land.  The article goes on to say that organizations such as the Conservation Fund, the Nature Conservancy, and the New England Forest Foundation are trying to purchase those parcels of forestland that hold the greatest ecological value.

According to a recent study conducted by the USDA Forest Service, more than 44 million acres of private forest land will be sold over the next 25 years. The Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences recently released a similar study regarding forestland in the Northeast which found that 23.8 million acres—an area equivalent to 85 percent of the Northern Forest— changed hands between 1980 and 2000.


To read the Washington Post article, visit the newspaper's website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: TexasTimbers on April 01, 2006, 10:55:54 PM
Ron, can you find anything on the "Sudden Red Oak Death" going on in Texas. I googled it several months ago but couldn't find what I'm looking for. I haven't called the Texas Forestry Service I guess that would be the easy way, but since you seem to be on the pulse of statewide happenings ..... Texas Ranger would probably know too.

I was told  (there's that watch-phrase "I was told") that it was a serious problem in East Texas and that limbs can start falling off trees that were healthy only days befoire. I can't imagine that. I sure haven't heard anything about it when I go to East Texas to log pine, and I haven't noticed any unusual number of dead Red Oaks.

What I'm looking for is, if there IS such a thing going on, I'd like to see a map which identifies where the cases are occurring the most, if at all.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Minnesota_boy on April 02, 2006, 09:41:10 AM
Kevjay,  Here is a website from Texas A&M that has some useful information on Sudden Oak Death.  Since it is from an Agricultural university in the state of Texas, they should have the best information on its impact in Texas. http://suddenoakdeath.tamu.edu/default.asp
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 02, 2006, 12:53:50 PM
Yes, your local Universities and their Extension Services would have the latest information for your area. Also be sure that you are not confusing Sudden Oak Death with Oak Wilt.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 06, 2006, 06:18:45 PM
Michigan's U.P.

INTERNATIONAL PAPER TO SELL QUINNESEC MILL TO CMP HOLDINGS, LLC

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=2015

QUINNESEC ­ International Paper Co. has signed an agreement to sell its papers business to CMP Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Apollo Management L.P. for approximately $1.4 billion. 

The sale, which includes the Quinnesec mill, is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, officials said in a written statement today.

The coated and supercalendered papers business also includes three other paper mills, located in Jay, Maine; Bucksport, Maine; and Sartell, Minn., and generated $1.6 billion in sales in 2005.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-summer, subject to various closing conditions including receipt of financing, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, company officials said in a news release.




Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 11, 2006, 12:07:09 PM
Michigan's U. P.

The DNR is harvesting 156 acres of jack pine in Iron County along US 2 just south of Crystal Falls to control a concentrated infestation of jack pine budworm and to harvest the trees while still marketable.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 02, 2006, 03:28:07 PM
Michigan

RE:  INTERNATIONAL PAPER SETTLES QUINNESEC PULP & PAPER MILL SALE

Verso Paper, A Leader In Coated Papers
CMP Holdings LLC completes acquisition of IP's coated papers business

QUINNESEC, Michigan, 1 August 2006

Introduction
Verso Paper Holdings LLC's subsidiary, CMP Holdings LLC, has completed the previously announced acquisition of International Paper's coated and supercalendered papers business for approximately $1.4 billion, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.  The coated and supercalendered business includes four paper mills, located in Jay, Maine; Bucksport, Maine; Quinnesec, Michigan; and Sartell, Minnesota. Verso Paper Holdings LLC is an affiliate of Apollo Management L.P.

Verso has leading market positions in the North American magazine publishing and catalog markets.

"We are a new company, but we have the same commitment to our customers and dedication to the industry that we have had for years," said LH Puckett, president and CEO of Verso Paper.  "We will continue to provide our customers with the excellent service and high quality products they have come to depend on."   

At Verso Paper, we give customers the power to create, communicate, and work productively to achieve their highest aspirations and potential. We offer a broad, diverse selection of coated freesheet, coated groundwood and supercalendered papers.   Our brands include Advocate®, Influence®, Liberty®, Savvy®, Trilogy® and Velocity®.

New Name
Verso is a word that comes from the print and publishing industry -- which is now our singular focus.  Verso actually means "the other side of a sheet of paper".  As we enter "the other side" of the transition to a stand alone business, great opportunity lies ahead for Verso Paper.  Our brand has been built around energetic people working together to provide great products and services to our customers. 

Verso is also associated with the Latin root Veritas, which means truth, honesty and integrity. As Verso Paper, we remain committed to the excellence to which our customers have grown accustomed.  We're proud of our tradition of excellence, and, as we turn the page in a new chapter of our history, we look forward to a future of opportunity as Verso Paper.

Our Vision
Thousands of people working together to create value for our stakeholders by providing superior business solutions every minute of every day. Promises made, promises kept. No excuses!

Our Mission
Our mission is to create value for customers by providing superior business solutions and developing products and services that exceed expectations.  We are the most responsive and flexible paper manufacturer in the industry.  We are more than your supplier.  We are more than solutions providers.  We are paper.people.partners.

Environmental Commitment
Sustainability is core to Verso Paper's business philosophy.  We assure our stakeholders that our business supports sustainable practices from the forest to the final disposition of our products.  Verso Paper is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability.

Health & Safety
Above all we are committed to providing safe and healthy workplaces for our employees while providing environmental stewardship that will ensure healthy and thriving communities for future generations.  Three of the four mills where our products are manufactured – Androscoggin, Quinnesec and Sartell – are partners with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the Voluntary Protection Program. The VPP concept recognizes that safety management programs that go beyond OSHA standards can protect workers more effectively than compliance alone. VPP Participants are a select group of facilities that have designed and implemented outstanding health and safety programs. The VPP application process is rigorous, and only the best programs qualify.

General Facts
Verso Paper is a leading supplier of coated papers in North America, servicing customers in the catalog, magazine and commercial print markets.
Verso Paper brands include Advocate®, Influence®, Liberty®, Savvy®, Trilogy® and Velocity®.
Verso Paper is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., operates four paper mills in the U.S. and employs approximately 3,000 people.
Verso Paper's customer service team is located in Cincinnati, Ohio and its field sales offices are in Stamford, Conn.; New York, NY; Chicago, Ill., Philadelphia, Pa.; Atlanta, Ga.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Los Angeles, Calif.
The company operates manufacturing facilities in Jay, Maine; Bucksport, Maine; Sartell, Minn.; and Quinnesec, Mich. These mills have a combined annual capacity of approximately 1.7 million tons of paper.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 28, 2006, 07:10:01 PM
Mississippi

Mississippi Forester Advises Keeping a Close Watch on Beetles

August 25 -- The combination of high temperatures, drought, and woody debris from Hurricane Katrina is the perfect recipe for South Mississippi's worst bark beetle outbreak in more than a decade, says a forester from Mississippi State University. 

"Pine trees are severely stressed due to the hurricane and the drought that followed," said Glenn Hughes, Mississippi State University Extension Service forester. "Pine bark beetle populations exploded immediately after Katrina as beetles infested snapped pine trees. Last fall, these beetles moved into isolated live trees due to the post-Katrina drought."

This summer's drought is rated severe or extreme for South Mississippi and has resulted in increased numbers of forest fires, adding to the stress on trees, Hughes said.

Coastal areas subjected to the storm surge from Katrina have the greatest tree mortality, with thousands of dead trees documented in the area.

For more information, visit the Mississippi State University website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 28, 2006, 07:18:35 PM
Michigan's U.P.

FOREST SERVICE OPENS UNDERGROUND LAB: The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled it's new subterranean research facility recently. About 50
people, including USDA Forest Service representatives, community
members, and Tech staff gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the
USDA's Forest Service Northern Research Station on MacInnes Drive. The
facility, which sits behind the lab and is known as rhizotron, allows
Forest Service and Michigan Tech researchers and scientists access to
the underground without disturbing the soil. The $500,000 tunnel, which
is paneled with glass windows, stretches 75 feet into the hillside
behind the lab, and exposes the roots, fungi, insects and worms deep in
the soil. Alex Friend, project leader and research ecologist, said in a
written statement that researchers plan to study carbon sequestration,
the process by which plants "inhale" carbon dioxide out of the
atmosphere and store carbon in the soil. He said maximizing carbon
sequestration could be a way to reduce the amount of atmospheric carbon
dioxide and partially mitigate global warming. "The rhizotron will help
us understand how carbon is transformed during this process, "said
Professor Kurt Pregitzer, director of the Ecosystem Science Center in
Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.
"It's a cross-section in the soil from the surface down five feet,"
Friend added in a later interview. "Most people never see that. It's a
window into the way the soil works." The Northern Research Station is
part of the research and development arm of the USDA Forest Service,
which works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of
the nation's forests and grasslands.


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 10, 2006, 09:58:22 PM
Florida

Auburn Scientists Publish Evidence of Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers

Auburn University (AU) has reported that a research team led by Geoff Hill, a professor and ornithologist in AU's College of Science and Mathematics has compiled evidence that a population of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers exists in a remote river basin in the panhandle of Florida.

Although the Auburn scientists are confident in their discovery that Ivory-billed Woodpeckers persist in the swamp forests along the Choctawhatchee, they realize that the evidence amassed to date is not conclusive proof. Nevertheless, they encourage interested parties to listen to the recordings and view photographs taken during the expeditions.

For more information, visit the Auburn University website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 10, 2006, 10:04:07 PM
Florida

The University of Florida (UF) has released a new booklet offering advice on how to protect trees from storm damage–and what to do if they're damaged despite your best efforts.

The 12-page, color booklet, Assessing Damage and Restoring Trees after a Hurricane, begins with the worst-case scenario of a hurricane's aftermath and how to safely remove felled trees, then moves on to how to distinguish storm-damaged trees that should be removed from those that have a chance for survival. It gives detailed information on pruning, specialized advice on pine trees and palms, and the final section is on prevention: how to choose the right trees for your yard, how many to plant and where to plant them.

UF researchers have been tracking tree damage since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and much of the advice in the booklet stems from that work.

The booklet can be downloaded at the Florida Cooperative Extension Service's website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on October 10, 2006, 11:34:38 PM
The poor Ivory Billed won't find any peace and solace now (apparently needed to survive). Every birder will be trying to find one and add it to their 'list'. Suspect the one (s) found in Arkansas will have the same fate. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 06, 2006, 08:23:29 PM
Oregon

OSU Extension Publishes New Version of Woodland Handbook

The Oregon State University Extension Service has published an updated version of Backyard Woodlands: A Landowner Resource Notebook. The guide covers stewardship and woodland planning, woodland ecology, tree and shrub identification, woodland health, tending woodlands, caring for trees, planting and establishing new trees, harvesting forest products, enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting against wildfire, water quality, regulations and laws, where to get assistance, managing invasive plants and business and tax considerations. Additional learning materials from other agencies are in sleeves next to each chapter.

A preview of the guide may be downloaded from the Oregon University Extension Service website. The website also contains more information about the guide.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 21, 2006, 10:59:37 AM
Verrmont, New Hampshire

Wilderness Areas Expanded in Vermont, New Hampshire

Thousands of acres of wilderness will be added to the national forests in Vermont and New Hampshire as a result of the New England Wilderness Act of 2006, which passed in the US House of representatives.

The legislation calls for expanding wilderness areas in the 400,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest by about 42,000 acres to a total of 101,000 acres, or a quarter of the overall forest. The 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest's wilderness areas are slated to grow by 34,000 acres to 115,000 acres.

Environmental groups and political leaders praised the bill, some in the forest products industry denounced the legislation on the basis that it prohibits the use of valuable resources.

To read an article about the bill's passage, visit the XCAX-TV (Vermont) website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 21, 2006, 11:04:13 AM
Massachusetts

Website Helps Landowners Make Forestry Decisions

A new website launched by the University of Massachusetts Extension's Forest Conservation Program targets private landowners facing critical decisions about their land.

MassWoods.net provides valuable information about local and statewide resources to support landowners facing the two most critical conservation decisions of land ownership: selling timber and planning the future of their property.

For more information, visit the Harvard Post website.

or www.MassWoods.net

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: mdvaden on November 22, 2006, 03:56:12 AM
Quote from: Frank_Pender on December 19, 2001, 05:59:53 AM
That same sort of "crap" was tried here in Oregon a couple of years ago with a signature pattition called "Measure 64".  It would have not allowed me to harvest any tree on my place that was over 24"dbh.   That would have included 80% of the growing fiber I have.  That included: Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Gary Oak, and Western Big Leaf Maple.   As far AS I am concerned that is a taking of personal property, but the "Tree Huggers" felt great about it.   The measure was defeated 2 to 1.   I was sure happy about that, because I did not want them to have to bring a lunch to try and stop me from harvesting any of  "my" timber.  They probably would have left wrappers as the trees would have been falling in their direction. :D :D :D >:(

I think I was out of the state for a short fragment of time when that measure was around, and didn't get to vote on it. There sure were a lot of signs by the roadside for that.

Was it in Oregon, or somewhere else - but in the past few months or so, I'd swear I saw a video clip on the news or cable tv, of a tree hugger being either cut out of a tree, or dropped with a tree.

That wasn't at your place was it?  8)

By the way, I am familiar with The Dalles. My dad had a restaurant and motel in Arlington to the east, about 1977. I drove from Beaverton every week, to Arlington to work for him on a couple of days. One of which included going to Pendleton to swap the motel laundry and get groceries from United Grocers. So I've been in your neck of the woods a lot, often stopping on my return trip.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 12, 2007, 12:28:45 AM
California

Santa Cruz County Sets Toughest Logging Rules in California

May 23 – According to the Mercury News, Santa Cruz County Supervisors recently approved the "toughest logging rules in the state" by limiting the size of properties on which owners can cut trees.

As the paper reported, supervisors voted 3 to 2 to prevent owners of parcels smaller than 40 acres from rezoning their land for timber production, a requirement that essentially bans logging on those properties if they are not approved for timber harvesting by January 1.

The decision will affect up to 1,500 parcels and almost 19,000 acres around the county, according to the county Planning Department. Most of the land is concentrated in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

To read an article about the logging rules, visit the Mercury News website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 13, 2007, 12:35:51 AM
West Virginia

WV Timber Industry Hits Hard Times

May 29 – The Charleston Daily Mail has reported that shrinking interest in oak hardwood for building material and growing foreign competition are having a negative effect on West Virginia's $4 billion timber industry.

According to the newspaper, the average price of red oak lumber—the state's most prevalent species—has dropped by at least 50 percent over the last year. As a result, the state sawmills, which employ an estimated 30,000 people, are cutting back on production.

A change in customer preference toward lighter-colored wood is said to be the chief cause of the downturn.

For more information, visit the TimesWV.com website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 13, 2007, 08:57:10 PM
South Carolina

Cogongrass Threat Alarming Scientists across the Southeast

Researchers associated with the South Carolina Forestry Commission are urging all South Carolinians to brace themselves for an invasive plant species thought to pose a greater threat to the Southeast than kudzu. The species is called Cogongrass and it is known to spread aggressively, choking out virtually all other plant species. It forms dense mats of undergrowth which also sabotage wildlife habitat. Cogongrass is much harder to control than kudzu. It is also extremely flammable, posing a serious wildfire threat to developed areas and forestlands alike.

For more information, visit the South Carolina Forestry Commission website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 13, 2007, 11:55:55 AM
Michigan

ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING FORESTERS AWARDS THE MICHIGAN CHAPTER

The Michigan Chapter was chosen as the 2006 ACF Chapter of the Year. 
Thanks to all of the newest ACF members, as that is what made the Michigan Chapter stand out. 
Thanks to all of the older members for their support and dedication to ACF.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 23, 2007, 08:51:15 PM
Michigan

LANSING Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Mascoma Corporation CEO Bruce A. Jamerson today announced that the Massachusetts based company will build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Michigan in its race to be the first in the nation to produce ethanol from wood on a commercial scale.  The plant will turn the state's abundant, non food plant life into clean burning fuel.  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), led by President and CEO James C. Epolito, is working with Mascoma on a tax incentive package for the project.
     Unlike most current biofuel production operations, Mascoma's Michigan cellulosic plant will make ethanol from mainly wood chips and other non food agricultural crops.  Most of the nation's biofuel facilities now in production, or under construction, convert corn and other food crops into fuel.  Because cellulosic ethanol production uses non food agricultural feedstock, it is critical to producing ethanol on a scale that could substitute for imported oil.
     "
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 03, 2007, 02:03:00 PM
Michigan's U.P.

A Prehistoric Forest Rises From a Farmer's Pond

Dennis Myllyla thought he'd struck a fine bargain with the Michigan Department of Transportation. MDOT would get fill for a nearby highway construction by dredging a pond on his farm near Arnheim, Mich., and Myllyla would get the pond.

Neither Myllyla nor MDOT expected to find a prehistoric forest too. But that's exactly what they uncovered, about 15 feet down.

"We ran into logs, lots of logs. It was like a forest down there," said Myllyla, who has been farming in the Arnheim area since 1948.

Forestry consultant Justin Miller was on site when the MDOT heavy equipment operators found themselves dredging up more logs than sand. Miller, who had been preparing a management plan for the forested sections of Myllyla's property, was a 2000 graduate of Michigan Technological University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, and he knew just whom to call.

"I'll rush right down and take a look," James Schmierer responded. The forester from Michigan Tech was there within 24 hours.

What he saw amazed him. "We find a lot of trees lying on the forest floor, but this was the first time I've seen so many trees thousands of years old and so well preserved in the soil," he said. Dozens were tangled together, some of them 20 feet long and more than 2 feet in diameter.

"What could bury a whole forest 15 feet underground?" Schmierer wondered. "It had to be a single catastrophic, violent event, and it must have happened a long time ago for 15 feet of soil to build up."

Schmierer and his colleague, Michael Hyslop, a GIS analyst and instructor of geomorphology and vegetation at Michigan Tech, speculate that the trees were either transported or mowed down by the last glacier to move across the Keweenaw, before Lake Superior covered the peninsula. "That would make them more than 10,000 years old," he said.

Schmierer and Hyslop have recovered some of the logs and are hoping to carbon-date them. Schmierer also hopes to identify the species of tree.

"If I had to guess, I'd say it was an elm," said Miller, "but I really don't know. I'll be real curious to find out how old they are and what species."

Schmierer plans to make two displays from chunks of the ancient trees, one to put on exhibit at Alberta Village, the Michigan Tech forestry field site, and the other for the atrium of the U.J. Noblet Forestry Building on campus.

"And Michigan Tech is going to give me one as a momento," said Myllyla.


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 14, 2008, 08:46:51 PM
OHIO

Ohio Gov. Authorizes Certification of State Forests

December 13 – Governor Ted Strickland recently directed the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to begin the process of attaining third-party certification for the state's forests. The ODNR Division of Forestry will seek certification through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council.

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Resources website.



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 28, 2008, 11:35:53 AM
Alaska

Jan 25th- The Forest Service has released its new management plan for the Tongass National Forest. The new plan would allow logging on 3.4 million of the 17 million national forest acres. The plan would hopefully assist in stabilizing Alaska's timber industry while allowing for the sustained health and diversity of the forest and providing a source of recreation for Alaskan residents and tourists.

For additional information visit: http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/294231.html

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 28, 2008, 08:07:33 PM
West Virginia

According to the Charleston Daily Mail, Rep. Nick Rahall plans to introduce legislation that would designate an additional 47,000 acres of the Monongahela National Forest as wilderness. The paper reported that the legislation would expand the Cranberry, Dolly Sods, and Dry Fork wilderness areas and create four new wilderness areas, and that the proposal would increase the forest's wilderness area by about 60 percent. The Monongahela currently has 78,000 acres of designated wilderness.

For more information, visit the Charleston Daily Mail website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 25, 2008, 02:46:38 PM
Kentucky

Kentucky Considers Timber Theft Law

The Kentucky Legislature is considering a timber theft law that would require landowners to notify their neighbors before logging adjacent property. Logs would need to be branded to show their place of origin.

The E Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 25, 2008, 02:51:33 PM
Michigan's U.P.

Prehistoric Forest in a Farmer's Pond

A crew from the Michigan Department of Transportation was to take some fill from Dennis Myllyla's property near Arnheim, MI in the Upper Peninsula for a nearby construction project. In the process, they were to create a pond for Mr. Myllyla. As they dug, they encountered a hardwood forest about 15 feet below the surface
of the ground.

Consulting forester Justin Miller was there working on a management plan for nearby woodlands and saw the first logs to emerge. He notified Jim Schmierer at Michigan Tech, who came down to have a look. Schmierer and a colleague, Michael Hyslop, speculate the trees were either transported or mowed down by the last glacial advance, which happened about 10,000 years ago. They plan to carbon-date some samples of the wood.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 08, 2008, 05:44:17 PM
Montana

Apr 1st- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit regarding road management in timber salvage sales in the Flathead National Forest. The Swan View Coalition and Friends of the Wild Swan filed the case claiming that the timber salvage projects violated road density standards for grizzly bear habitat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the projects and determined that they would not affect grizzly bear populations. The case has been appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

For additional information visit: http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/04/02/news/news03.txt

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 29, 2008, 07:21:54 PM
Washington

WSU Forestry Major "at Risk"

April 17 – The Daily Evergreen (Washington State University) has reported that "recent budget cuts and restructuring at Washington State University have put the forestry major at risk of termination. The cuts will affect the forestry undergraduate and graduate degrees and eventually the forestry extension and research programs."

According to the paper, part of the reason this is happening is because "there are misconceptions about foresters, what they do, and their continued importance as stewards of the natural environment."

To read more, visit The Daily Evergreen website.

The Forestry Source
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 30, 2008, 05:46:16 PM
Nevada

Incline Lake in Nevada to Become Public Land

The Incline Lake Corporation and the Forest Service have finalized an agreement on May 21 to make more than 700 acres of land public by mid-summer as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Funding from the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (SNPLMA) will be made available for the Incline Lake acquisition. The scenic alpine lake is located on a ridge between Lake Tahoe and Reno, and offers spectacular views of Nevada. Incline Lake is the largest tract of private land on the Nevada side of Tahoe.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 16, 2008, 07:27:43 PM
Colorado

Judge Stops Colorado Pipeline Work

June 7 – The Aspen Times has reported that a coalition of environmental groups in Colorado has received an injunction to stops a natural gas producer from building a pipeline across national forestland in western Colorado. A coalition of environmental groups sought the injunction on the basis that the proposed pipeline would create eight miles of roads in what is supposed to be a protected roadless area. They claimed the approval by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management violated federal law.

For more information, visit the Aspen Times website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 24, 2008, 12:14:56 AM
Michigan's U.P.

U.P. WOODY BIOMASS WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED

The Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council announces the launching of a new website, dedicated to promoting woody biomass as an alternative fuel source.  It's purpose is to stimulate the development of a sustainable woody biomass industry in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, by providing a central clearinghouse for information on all aspects of woody biomass production and utilization in the region.  You can access the site by going to: www.upwoodybiomass.org.

In addition, the website contains:
*       UP Woody Biomass Exchange - An free, interactive service for buyers & sellers of woody biomass in the UP
*       Woody Biomass Users - Information about schools & other facilities using wood for fuel in the UP
*       Woody Biomass Harvests - Information on past, present, and future woody biomass harvests in the UP as well as guidelines for maintaining the sustainability of woody biomass harvesting in the UP
*       Information Sets - A searchable collection of information on many aspects of woody biomass production & utilization, categorized into four main topics and 13 subtopics.

For Further Information, Contact:

Marilyn Shy, RC&D Coordinator
USDA - NRCS
Assisting the Upper Peninsula RC&D Council
780 Commerce Dr.
Marquette, MI 49855
ph. (906) 226-8871 ext. 124
marilyn.shy@mi.usda.gov

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 27, 2008, 12:10:44 PM
Michigan's U.P.

Granholm Says Mascoma Agreement Puts Michigan at Forefront of Next Generation Fuels  

Historic investment set for production facility in U.P.s Chippewa County

LANSING: Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Mascoma Corporation CEO Bruce A. Jamerson today announced that the Massachusetts-based company has entered into a series of key strategic relationships to further Mascoma's efforts to build its first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Agreements with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), JM Longyear, and alliances formed with Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Technological University (MTU) will help bring the plant to Chippewa County, south of Sault Ste. Marie, where clean-burning, fuel-grade ethanol will be produced from wood fiber. The agreements build on Mascoma's decision announced last July to locate in Michigan.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 15, 2008, 01:26:53 AM
Michigan

July 10- A federal judge reversed a decision to allow oil and gas drilling near a forest and river in Northern Michigan.  Judge David Lawson ruled Thursday that the U.S. Forest Service was "arbitrary and capricious" during the permitting process to allow Savoy Energy LP to drill an exploratory well near the Au Sable River in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The judge ruled that the Forest Service did not consider the impact of drilling on the nearby Mason Tract wilderness area, the endangered Kirtland's warbler or tourism in the area. The suit against the Forest Service was brought by The Sierra Club and the Anglers of Au Sable.

The full text of this article is available on the web: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1822584,00.html

SAF Policy Update

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 19, 2008, 12:16:01 AM
Michigan

Anglers of the Au Sable, et al. v. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
On July 10, 2008, Judge Lawson (United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division) issued his decision on Savoy Energy's project to drill an exploratory gas well to its subsurface mineral leases.  On June 8, 2005, the plaintiffs Anglers of the Au Sable, Tim Mason, and the Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club filed a complaint against the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The complaint alleged the Forest Supervisor's decision approving the Surface Use Plan for the South Branch Well was in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), and the Mineral Leasing Act.  The proposed location (Crawford County, Michigan) includes a portion of the South Branch of the Au Sable River, a popular site for fly fisherman.  The plaintiffs' claims as they pertain to NEPA were upheld.  More specifically, 1) The Forest Service acted arbitrarily and capriciously in finding that Savoy Energy's project would have no significant environmental impact.  The Forest failed to adequately address the Council of Environmental Quality's intensity factors;  2)  The Forest Service did not consider an appropriate range of alternatives (i.e., did not take a "hard look" at the "No Action" alternative; did not consider alternative locations for the well's bottom hole).  In contrast, plaintiffs' claims related to the National Forest Management Act (i.e., the drilling project contradicts the Forest Plan) and the Mineral Leasing Act were denied.  The Forest Service and BLM are enjoined from taking action using the current Decision Notice/FONSI and Environmental Assessment. 

Chief's Newsletter

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: BCCrouch on August 04, 2008, 03:52:44 PM
What's your take on the Sierra Club, Ron?
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 05, 2008, 12:21:30 AM
They are not advocates of Multiple Use Management. ;)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: TexasTimbers on August 05, 2008, 09:23:07 PM
;D
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: BCCrouch on August 07, 2008, 02:31:40 PM
Quote from: Ron Scott on August 05, 2008, 12:21:30 AM
They are not advocates of Multiple Use Management. ;)

Awww, c'mon, Ron!  What's reaaallly lurking behind those bushy eyebrows?  The pot is there on the stove right in front of you and is absolutely begging to be stirred up a bit...     smiley_devilish
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 09, 2008, 03:10:55 PM
Michigan's U.P.

Ottawa National Forest Celebrates Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River Land Acquisition

In FY 2008, the Ottawa National Forest (Upper Peninsula Michigan) will finalize one of its most significant land acquisitions by accepting the title for nearly 2,000 acres of land within the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River.  This land acquisition was made possible by support from the Trust for Public Lands (TPL), We Energies, Senators Stabenow and Levin, and Congressman Stupak.  August 15, the Forest will celebrate this land acquisition with a dedication ceremony.  Representatives from our partners and the Forest Service will be present.  This event will also commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers (W&SR) Act.  The Forest Service's ability to secure this wilderness and wild and scenic river inholding to preserve the character and namesake of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness for future generations is a significant act of cooperation, support, and commitment to the natural resources. 

Chief's Newsletter
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 19, 2008, 08:15:01 PM
New Hampshire

August 18th-The New Hampshire Sierra Club's attempt to halt two logging operations in White Mountain National Forest was unsuccessful. On August 15, Federal Judge Steven McAuliffe did not support the Sierra Club's argument that timber operations cause irreparable injury to the White Mountain National Forest.

However, The Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society and the Center for Biological Diversity called for timber operation to be suspended while they prepare an appeal to Judge McAuliffe's decision.

This decision follows an order issued by McAuliffe in June denying claims that the logging plan did not receive sufficient review by the U.S. Forest Service and other interested groups. He said that the possibility of harm to the environment does not guarantee irreparable injury. He added that if the courts were involved every time an environmental group in the United States argued potential harm, timber operations would not exist.

Full text of the article available on the web:
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?ID=/20080818/GJOPINION_01/23105

SAF Policy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on August 20, 2008, 09:47:47 AM
McAuliffe is right, methinks.  :)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: SwampDonkey on August 20, 2008, 01:05:14 PM
Well it good to know there are a few sensible judges.  :)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 22, 2008, 09:57:05 PM
Georgia

Two wood-to-electricity plants on tap for Georgia

September 19 – According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue recently announced that the state could get two more wood-burning power plants by 2015. Tucker-based Oglethorpe Power Corp., the nation's largest power supplier to co-ops, is ready to spend about $1 billion to build the plants. They would generate enough electricity from Georgia wood to power between 100,000 and 120,000 homes. A third plant is under consideration.

For more information, visit the newspaper's website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 23, 2008, 07:22:43 PM
Montana

Federal Study Says Grizzlies Thriving in Montana

The Associated Press has reported that the grizzly bear, once thought to be headed for extinction, is now thriving in Montana. According to researchers with the US Geological Survey, there are approximately 765 bears in the northwestern part of the state. That's the largest population of grizzly bears documented there in more than 30 years, and a sign that the species is recovering.

For more information, visit the Yahoo News website.

For additional information, visit the USGS website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 27, 2008, 12:16:39 AM
Michigan

MTU CONCLAVE MAKES ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/timbersports/news/story?id=3592705 ].





Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on September 27, 2008, 10:29:41 AM
Ron
I'd like to be there to watch...

Was about 50 years ago that I was at the Conclave near Ann Arbor, MI to do similar things.
No real talent, but had a lot of fun except for my attempts to win the tobacco spit contest.  ::) ::) ::) smiley_sick smiley_sick
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 27, 2008, 11:30:09 AM
They are looking for volunteers to help with the event. ;)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on September 27, 2008, 12:59:36 PM
Too late...I shoulda driven up there yesterday to help today.  :) :)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 30, 2008, 07:59:48 PM
FORESTRY CONCLAVE AT MTU

Highlights of last weekend's conclave include:

-- Eight teams participated in the Midwestern conclave this year. Michigan Tech took third place overall. Southern Illinois University and University or Missouri placed first and second, respectively.

--Michigan Tech students placed in the following events: Men's bolt throw (4th place); Men's pulp toss (3rd); Women's pulp toss (2nd); Match split (1st & 2nd); Women's tobacco spit (3rd); Men's tobacco spit (3rd & 4th); Men's log roll (tied for 3rd); Wood identification (1st & 2nd); Dendrology (1st and 3rd);

--Typical of many conclaves, it drizzled and rained pretty much all day (but no snow). The students toughed out the weather to compete, and a number of people from around the area came to Alberta to watch the games.

--In the afternoon, one person from each school participated in the Stihl Timbersports series, which was taped by ESPN. Trevor Hahka competed for Michigan Tech in four events (standing block chop, stock saw, underhand chop, and buck saw) and tied for third place. And article on the results and photo galleries are online at:
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/timbersports/news/story?id=3614164

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 06, 2008, 09:27:11 PM
Maine

A Look at the State of Maine's Wood Supply

The demand on Maine's wood supply and forestlands is increasing for a number of reasons. More homeowners are turning to various forms of wood burning stoves to heat their homes, conservation efforts are limiting access to Maine's forests, and urban and suburban sprawl has put homes in what used to be sprawling forests.

For more information, visit the University of Maine website.

To read an Associated Press article on this subject, see "Maine study weighs impact of more wood heating."

E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 07, 2008, 05:59:04 AM
I assume the urban encroachment is in the south of Maine. From Portland south it's like a continuous city along the interstate. Up in northern Maine I don't see it. Houlton, Presque Isle and Caribou haven't changed much in 30 years other than a mall or two within the city limits already. A lot of those areas have declined, especially Caribou area. Houlton is not like it was when I was a kid either. Leave route 1 and get away from the farms in a westward trek and there is nothing but forest and lakes. There have been some huge sales of timberland to conservation groups for sure though.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 10, 2009, 05:40:40 PM
Michigan

State record bull elk? According to the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), 13 year-old Courtney Williams shot a very large bull elk in Charlevoix County that measured 333 inches, which surpassed the state record.

Shortly thereafter, James Ruthven shot one that was bigger yet – scoring around 400 inches! Official measurements will be made in March, after the required drying period. Wildlife officials said it was the biggest bull they'd ever seen.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 02, 2009, 11:10:19 AM
Michigan

DNR 2008 FOREST HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS

FYI - http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2008ForestHealthHighlights_262764_7.pdf
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 05, 2009, 04:03:51 PM
Massachusetts

Forest Landowners Organize to Protest Tax Code Changes

February 25th-Massachusetts Forest Landowners Association with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau were successful in convincing state legislators to reduce the taxes assessed to forest landowners managing over ten acres of land. The tax code was recently adjusted and some landowners reported a 900% increase in taxes from 2008 to 2009.   

The change proposed by the MFLA and adopted as the new valuation allows land in the tax class 61 and 61A to be assessed at "current land use value" as long as the forest landowner can produce a ten year management plan approved by a state certified forester. Forest landowners must also allow the town where land is located first refusal of a land use change during the contract year. More information is available with the press release on the web: http://www.massforests.org  and information on the valuation structure is available on the Massachusetts government website: http://www.mass.gov/Ador/docs/dls/bla/farmland/fy10/fy10chapterland.pdf   
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 23, 2009, 06:07:57 PM
Pennsylvania

Review Hails Management of Pennsylvania's State Forests

March 23 – The Gant Daily (PA) has reported that SmartWood has once again certified Pennsylvania state forestlands as well-managed. Conducted in the summer of 2008, SmartWood's audit praised the Bureau of Forestry for its strong conservation ethic, ongoing public involvement in management policies, and efforts to resolve conflicts among often-diverse user groups.

To read the article about the SmartWood audit, visit the Gant Daily website.

To view SmartWood's evaluation, visit the PA Department of Natural Resources website. Information about forest management in the state also is available on the DNR website.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 23, 2009, 06:10:24 PM
Arkansas

Wood Utility Poles Weather Recession

March 22 – According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the depressed US housing market has decreased demand for most wood products, but not wood utility-poles. Treated Materials Company, which established a pole mill two years ago near Rison, has operated around the clock after an ice storm hit northern Arkansas in January. Despite their vulnerability to heavy coatings of ice, pressure-treated wood remains the material of choice for telephone and power poles.

For more information, visit the website of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 23, 2009, 06:19:09 PM
Canada

Annual State of Canada's Forests Report Released

Every year, Natural Resources Canada publishes and posts its annual report, The State of Canada's Forests, which provides a snapshot of forestry in Canada in 2008. Current issues in the report include the spread of mountain pine beetle, adaption to climate change through innovation, technology for the forest sector, environmental performance versus environmental reputation, and the outlook for Canada's forests. Canada is currently a world leader in sustainable forest management with the most certified area worldwide, but the report urges Canada to exceed current standards.

The report is available for download on the Natural Resources Canada website.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 27, 2009, 01:46:50 PM
PENNSYLVANIA

Budget shortfall could shut at least 35 Pa. parks. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said it would need to close at least 35 state parks for the summer and reduce public access to state forests under a state Senate budget plan passed last week that slashes departmental appropriations.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09135/970373-454.stm

SAF Policy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 27, 2009, 01:49:03 PM
MASSACHUSSETTS

More land saved than developed - Through the 1990s and the early part of this decade, forests and fields were being developed at the rate of about 40 acres a day. In recent years, a study shows that number was cut nearly in half. At the same time, conservation efforts have stepped up, so that each day 43 acres of land are protected as open space, usually through legal agreements with private owners or purchases by conservation groups or the state.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/18/more_land_saved_than_developed

SAF Policy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 01, 2009, 07:14:42 PM
Florida

St. Joe No Longer Florida's Largest Private Landowner

May 27 – The website Florida Trend recently reported that The Jacksonville-based St. Joe Company, a former paper and timber company-turned real-estate conglomerate, which has long held the title of Florida's largest private landholder, has been topped by Plum Creek Timber Co.

In its first-quarter earnings report issued earlier this month, St. Joe, which has been selling off land in recent years, said it's down to 585,000 acres statewide. Plum Creek, the Seattle-based Real Estate Investment Trust, owns more than 600,000.

For more information, visit the Florida Trend website.

E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 03, 2009, 07:56:11 PM
ARIZONA

Logging Project near Grand Canyon Halted

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- For the second time in a decade, the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club have halted a U.S. Forest Service plan to log old-growth forests north of Grand Canyon. http://www.enn.com/press_releases/2984

SAF Policy Update

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 03, 2009, 07:59:16 PM
California

Calif. Budget Cuts Could Close 220 Parks

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget cuts could mean the closing of up to 220 state parks, among them the home of the world's tallest tree and other attractions that draw millions of visitors. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1901738,00.html

SAF Policy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on July 20, 2009, 07:49:54 PM
2009 Wildlife Expo 

August 1, 2009; 9 am – 4 pm CT

UF-IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, Milton, FL.

Topics: Quality Deer Management, hog & turkey hunting tips, food plot preparation, fishing & pond management, scoring whitetail deer & turkey, and much more

Fun for the whole family – kids zone features archery contest, shooting sports, fishing and casting contest, outdoor fun.

See flyer at http://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/ - under News and Events

For additional information please contact Ms. Robin Vickers, University of Florida at (850) 983-51216 ext. 113, rvickers@ufl.edu.


The Florida Forest Stewardship Events Calendar has been updated with lots of events – check it out:

http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/index.html

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 10, 2009, 05:20:21 PM
Oregon

Oregon's Timber Harvests Plummet Toward Historic Low

Oregon's timber harvests continued to decline in 2008, with a total harvest of 3.44 billion board feet. The total cut decreased nine percent from the 2007 harvest volume of 3.80 billion board feet. "These are the lowest harvest levels we have seen in Oregon since the recession-based lows of 2001," said Gary Lettman, Oregon Department of Forestry forest economist. "That harvest was also 3.44 billion
board feet and only a fraction of a percent lower than this year's levels. Preliminary data for 2009 project harvest levels will drop even further - to approximately 3 billion board feet."
- The Oregonian

SAF Policy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 28, 2009, 07:16:18 PM
California

CA Board of Forestry Passes New Forest Practice Rules

September 24 – According to the Times-Standard, after years of review and pressure to design rules that fit specific areas, the California Board of Forestry has changed its Forest Practice Rules, which had been seen as inadequate by federal fisheries agencies. The new rules deal with how trees can be cut along streams, and tighten restrictions along medium-sized streams while loosening regulations on logging and road building along rivers and major creeks.

To read more, visit the Times-Standard website.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 29, 2009, 02:59:28 PM
Ohio

Ohio Investigating the Harvest of Wild Ginseng

September 24 – The Associated Press recently reported on the practice of "senging"—traipsing through the woods to dig up wild ginseng plants—which is said to be a cottage industry in Ohio and other states.

The popularity and value of the medicinal herb has raised concerns among Ohio regulators, who want to make sure that state laws are followed and ginseng is not harvested out of existence.

For more information, visit the Canton Rep.com website.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 08, 2009, 07:28:42 PM
Michigan

>>> Rebecca Humphries 10/08/2009 12:31 PM >>>
Dear Colleague:

On behalf of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr.   and at their request we are sharing with you information on an executive order that will be announced this afternoon, creating a new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).  The order will take effect on January 17, 2010. 

Experience has taught us that conserving natural resources and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand.  For that reason, the state of Michigan is returning to the tradition of one department dedicated to this core mission.

The departments mission will be a familiar one to our state government family:  To conserve, manage, protect and promote Michigans natural resources, environment and related economic interests for current and future generations.  This includes implementing an ecosystem-based strategy for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner, and providing for continuous improvements in Michigans air, water and soils while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.

Later today, well make available to you additional information that will help answer the many questions that will be asked.  But first and foremost, let us share some of the highlights of todays executive order. 
   
Natural Resources Commission.   The Commission of Natural Resources will be transferred, intact, to the new DNRE but will be renamed the Natural Resources Commission (NRC).  Commission members will continue to serve through the end of their existing terms, and vacancies will continue to be filled by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC will retain existing authority to regulate the taking of game, establish periods of validity for hunting and fishing licenses, and regulate the feeding of deer and elk, without review by or appeal to, the DNRE director. The NRC will also assume functions currently performed by the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks and the Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council to further reduce administrative overhead. However, the governor, not the commission, will appoint the department director. 

Trails Advisory Council.  A seven-member Trails Advisory Council will be established under the executive order, and the functions of the existing Snowmobile Advisory Council and Michigan Trailways Advisory Council, which are being abolished under the order, will be given to this council.  The Michigan Trails Advisory Council will focus on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of snowmobile, equestrian, hiking, skiing, and off-road vehicle trails.

Environmental Science Board.  The director of the DNRE will be authorized to convene a seven-member Environmental Science Review Board (ESRB) to advise the DNRE on scientific issues affecting the protection and management of Michigans environment and natural resources.  The ESRB will be comprised of individuals with expertise in biological sciences, chemistry, ecological science, geology, risk assessment, and other related disciplines.  The Site Review Board process under Part 111 of the NREPA is being eliminated for greater efficiency in environmental proceedings.

Agriculture.  The executive order also impacts the Michigan Department of Agriculture by giving the governor responsibility for appointing the Agriculture director, a responsibility that is currently held by the Agriculture Commission.  The Office of Racing Commissioner will be transferred to the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Racing Commissioners position will be abolished.  The executive director of the control board will assume the commissioners duties.  Several boards and commissions within the Department of Agriculture are also being abolished. 

The Governor is appointing Bruce Rasher to serve as transition manager to implement the order and begin building the new department with our help.  Bruce has a degree in fisheries and wildlife management from Michigan State University and worked for many years at Consumers Energy, where he was actively engaged in issues related to brownfield redevelopment, energy efficiency and environmental management.  He served as mayor of the city of Marshall from 1995 to 1998.   

In closing, we thank you for your great work and your commitment to protecting and managing Michigans natural resources and environment.  And we ask you to join with us as we work to create the new Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Sincerely,

Becky Humphries, DirectorSteven Chester, Director
Department of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Quality

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 16, 2009, 07:15:22 PM
Colorado

Aspens Dying Across the West

Wall Street Journal Article By Stephanie Simon published October 14th

Thousands of Aspens growing across the West are dying and scientists are befuddled as to specific causes of tree mortality. The Aspen growth cycle Is disrupted with not only mature trees but new shoots dying and leaving Aspen groves brown.

Link to article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125547187504583409.html



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 18, 2009, 08:54:29 AM
Michigan

Governor Granholm has signed the MDA budget for FY2010, with line item vetoes to several line items, including Michigan Conservation Districts.   This budget is a severe blow to Michigan Conservation Districts and the Department of Agriculture as a whole.

This will have great impact on the free forestry services to Michigan's nonindustrial landowners.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 23, 2009, 05:16:09 PM
Vermont

Middlebury College and SUNY College of Environment and Forestry Study Willow Bio-fuel

Boston Times Article Published October 19th by Dave Gram

Willow shrubs may be the solution to Middlebury's heating fuel concerns. The plants with a three year growing cycle can be harvested in winter when the ground is frozen near rivers and other environmentally sensitive areas. Willow biomass would be cost competitive with wood pellets and Vermont has the land available to support the fuel demand. The first crop will be harvested from the Middlebury willow patch in the winter of 2010 or 2011.

SAF Policy Update

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: stonebroke on October 24, 2009, 09:22:15 AM
This is stupid. We have millions of acres of forest in the Northeast that needs to be thinned. And the powers that be want to waste money on willow trees and Switchgrass.

Stonebroke
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 24, 2009, 07:18:34 PM
Florida

Hybrids of Invasive Australian Tree Found in Florida

According to the Agricultural Research Service, hybrids of the invasive Australian plant species Casuarina exist in Florida. These fast-growing, pine-like trees were historically planted widely as ornamentals and along boulevards in south Florida, and are currently being proposed as a windbreak in citrus groves.

The trees are frequently the tallest in the canopy and can be very damaging during storms and hurricanes. Casuarina has also become an environmental problem, invading and altering natural habitats including Everglades National Park, home to many threatened and endangered species.

For more information, visit the Agricultural Research Service website.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 29, 2009, 08:05:06 PM
Michigan

FRONTIER RENEWABLE RESOURCES - MASCOMA CORPORATION (cellulosic ethanol facility planned for the EUP)

From Kelly Smith . . .

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new web site for Frontier Renewable Resources [owned by Mascoma Corporation].  This site will provide all the latest information about our project.  You may view the site at
www.Frontier-Renewable.com .

Bill Cook, Extension Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 30, 2009, 06:13:10 PM
California

Housing Economy Woes Cripple Timber Industries across the West

L.A. Times Article Published October 28th by Alana Semuels

The continued housing recession in the United States dealt a devastating blow to timber industries in California and across the West. The shuttering of the last pulp mill near Samoa, California will remove $11 million dollars from the local economy and leaves no the community no options to remedy the loss of investment. The struggles of the mills in Samoa are symptomatic of the decline of timber industry across the West during the current economic slump. The Western Wood Products Association said that softwood lumber production is at the lowest level in the last fifty years and prices continue to fall. A local California timber industry employee said that officials continually warned of pending mill closures to occur within the next five years and finally they are faced with the reality of the loss of livelihood. Link to

Article: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-logging28-2009oct28,0,3380214.story

SAF Poicy Update
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 30, 2009, 07:49:08 PM
Minnesota

New Report Results Mirrors Minnesota's Controversial 1994 Timber Yield Potential Report

Agweek.com Online Article Published on October 21st by John Myers

In a recent report with similar conclusions to a controversial 1994 timber volume report, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that the state could double the current annual timber yield and still maintain healthy forest stock. The report estimates that cutting 5.5 million cords of wood from the 16.3 million acres of forests in Minnesota is possible using innovative forest management techniques, thinning and selective timber harvesting, tree plantings, and aggressive marketing of timber products to significantly boost the current harvest of 2.7 million cords per year without significant impacts to the timber stock or habitat loss and related concerns.

Link to Article: http://www.agweek.com/articles/?id=6848&article_id=48386&property_id=5

SAF Policy Update



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 01, 2009, 07:35:50 PM
Ohio

Ohio Offers Options for Fuel Cost Relief 

ODNR Press Release Published in the Chillicothe Gazette October 26th

Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that they will offer $10 dollar one day firewood cutting permits to Ohio residents searching for cheaper fuel options during difficult economic conditions expected for this winter in Ohio. Contact the Scioto Trail State Forest for information about the private use only permits and locations where firewood cutting is permitted. For more information, visit www.ohiodnr.com. Link to Press Release: http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20091026/NEWS01/910260303

SAF Policy Update

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 02, 2009, 05:46:19 PM
Louisiana

Louisiana Forestry Association Optimistic Despite the Closing of IP Mill

The Town Talk Article Published on October 26th by Brett H. MCcormick

The Louisiana Forestry Association executive director, Charles A. "Buck" Vandersteen, acknowledges that International Paper's decision to leave the Pineville paper mill will be a blow to the economy of central Louisiana. However, he believes that the forest products available in his state can sustain another mill to replace the International Paper operations. Governor Bobby Jindal said during a visit to Pineville that International Paper is assisting the state in efforts to attract another user for their existing mill facility, but unfortunately the new occupant at the IP plant site will not be another pulp or fiber producer due to IP's competition concerns. Link to Article: http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20091026/NEWS01/910260312/1002/Despite-closing-of-International-Paper--forester-sees-hope-for-mill-workers

SAF Policy Update

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 04, 2009, 11:12:04 AM
Wisconsin

XCEL ENERGY ASHLAND (WI) PLANT TO GO 100% WOOD

Wisconsin's Public Service Commission has approved the plan for the Xcel Energy facility in Ashland, Wisconsin to "go" with wood as for its primary fuel.  Biomass gasification technology will be installed in the third generator, according to a note in the newspaper.  The Bay Front Power Plant will be the largest biomass plant in the Midwest, producing 60 megawatts from wood fuel, according to the news report.  The first two generators already burn wood. 

Bill Cook, MSU Extension

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Gary_C on November 04, 2009, 06:49:37 PM
I have been watching the progress of that plant for some time. I saw the preliminary estimates and it looked like they were expecting to pay around $25 per ton for biomass. There are a number of loggers that I know of that are planning to supply chips for that plant. But I also saw this in a write up about biomass in the Wisconsin Wood Marketing Bulletin.

With the current interest in alternative energy and in particular wood energy, most logging contractors are looking at whether than is an area they want to expand into, if they don't already have the capability. The prices being quoted by many biomass chip users, presently, do not make woody biomass chip production very attractive. Many of the companies that are looking into utilizing biomass chips are unrealistic about the price they will have to pay for a sustainable supply of chips.

If you want to see the entire article here is the link:
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Publications/Newsletters/wood_market/Spring09.pdf (http://www.dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Publications/Newsletters/wood_market/Spring09.pdf)

That very good newsletter called Wisconsin Wood Marketing Bulletin is now going to e-mail delivery only. So if you have an interest you can also subscribe here:
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/forestry/newsletters/ (http://www.dnr.wi.gov/forestry/newsletters/)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 06, 2009, 08:06:29 PM
Oregon

From the Baker City Herald, in Northeast Oregon, comes this editorial about climate predictions that may affect the growth of forests. 

Warming forests

Written by Baker City Herald Editorial Board November 04, 2009 11:40 am

It turns out that a warmer climate might not be a universal disaster. Turning up nature's thermostat could help trees in some Northwest forests grow faster, according to researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service. Which sounds like a good thing in several respects — more timber to harvest and more acres of the old growth habitat that certain animals prefer, to name two examples. We wonder, though, whether we will glean the full range of benefits from faster-growing forests. Specifically, we're skeptical of the notion that we have, collectively, the political will to revive Oregon's moribund timber industry, even if the supply of raw material gradually rises along with average temperatures. This worry seems to us especially trenchant in Northeastern Oregon. The researchers predict the biggest increase in tree growth rates will happen in the Blue Mountains. Trees grow relatively slowly here now in part because winter temperatures are much lower than in the temperate forests of the Western Cascades and Coast Range. So far so good. The key question, though, is what do we do with our more fecund forests? Because if we continue the policies of the past two decades — that is, to favor leaving trees over cutting them even when stands become overcrowded — then our forests could fall victim to the same warming trend that spurred their growth. Warming, after all, won't be limited to winter. Scientists predict that summers will be hotter, too. And that means wildfires are likely to burn hotter and move faster. Mix in hundreds of thousands of acres of dense forests and you have a volatile concoction. We're not advocating for reviving clearcut forestry in the Blues. But in the warmer future, a hands-off forest policy might be a curse rather than a blessing.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 17, 2009, 05:33:38 PM
Florida

R8: Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Corridor Celebration

The Ocala NF helped celebrate the newly designated Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway as a nationally designated Florida Scenic Highway on Oct. 24. The corridor was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and is now part of the America's Byways collection of distinct and diverse roads in the nation. The day-long celebration was held at a 4-H camp on the forest. The Byway provides access to a mosaic of natural lands and communities that includes the Ocala's Juniper Springs Wilderness Area and Florida National Scenic Trail. The National Forests in Florida are involved in the Byway program with other federal, state and private organizations including the Florida Department of Transportation, County offices, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Division of Forestry, Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts and St. Johns Water Management District.

The Chief's Newsletter
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 04, 2009, 01:34:31 PM
Kansas

Walnut Council, Tree Farm Committee Form Forestry Association

The website Kansas Farmer reports that, after two years of debate and planning, a new Kansas Forestry Association has emerged from the combined memberships of the Walnut Council of Kansas and the Kansas Tree Farm Committee.

Bob Atchison, rural program coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, said the single voice for forestry created by the merger allows the new group to aggressively compete for funding opportunities and facilitates complete access to information.

For more information, visit the Kansas Farmer website.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 19, 2009, 08:03:04 PM
Oregon

$2.2 Million Grant to Put Loggers Back to Work in Forests

December 17 – The East Oregonian reports that the federal government has awarded the Oregon Department of Forestry a $2.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to create about 40 to 50 jobs in northeast Oregon forests.

The funds will put idled workers back to work conducting non-commercial thinning operations on more than 3,000 acres of private forestland.

For more information, visit the East Oregonian website.

E Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 20, 2009, 10:59:36 AM
Mississippi

Decline in Housing Market Hits Forestry Industry Hard

December 18 - According to researchers from Mississippi State University, the overall value of Mississippi's 2009 timber harvest failed to reach $1 billion for the first time in 16 years, but unlike other crops, extreme weather was not the reason. The estimated 2009 harvest value for timber is $817 million, down a steep 24 percent from 2008's value of $1.08 billion. Blame one of the worst years ever for forestry and forest products on the dismal housing market.

For more information, visit the Mississippi State University website.

E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 24, 2010, 08:58:56 AM
Minnesota

Cloquet company Berthiaume Logging received the 2010 National Outstanding Logger award this past weekend. Dave and Cindy Berthiaume accepted a special plaque at a Forest Resources Association awards luncheon in South Carolina last weekend.

Dave Berthiaume says his father started the logging business 60 years ago. Since then, Industry experts say the company have harvested trees in a way that's least harmful to the environment and considerate of the landowner's objectives. Berthiaume Logging has also demonstrated a commitment to being eco-friendly through sustainable forestry initiatives. The business also has an outstanding safety record.

Berthiaume Logging is the 20th company nationwide to receive the award.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 05, 2010, 07:45:11 PM
Indiana

City Weighs Licensing of Tree Trimmers

Journal and Courier (Indiana, 4/29) - Companies that prune trees for hire in Lafayette's public right-of-way soon could be required to become licensed through the city before doing that work. According to city officials, the licensing system would help prevent companies from tree topping, which is irreversible and banned under city ordinance.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 08, 2010, 09:58:24 AM
Alaska

Alaska Alder at Risk from Invasive Sawfly

Alder in riparian habitats is an important component for aquatic organisms, thus having an impact on fisheries and salmon production. Alaska Region

State and Private Forestry Assistant Director Steve Patterson, warns that there is a new pest alert for the green alder sawfly which was first identified in Alaska in 2009. This insect, a native of Europe, affects riparian alder in South-central and Interior Alaska. R10 Forest Health Protection staff are conducting life history studies and supporting USDA's APHIS in their evaluation if a regulatory effort is needed.  In 2010, the sawfly has been found on the Columbia River in Washington state. Alder stands affected by widespread mortality from the insect and possible pathogen interactions show few signs of recruitment or recovery, suggesting that the health of thin-leaf alder and riparian habitats is of grave concern since this species is widespread throughout the western landscape.

Chief's Newsletter
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 20, 2010, 09:47:06 AM
Idaho

Sawmill opening Friday to bring 40+ jobs, Gem County says

Emerald Forest Products will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. for the sawmill at 500 W. Main St. in Emmett. Tours will follow.
"They are a new company that built on the old Boise Cascade property," Gem County Commissioner Michele Sherrer said. "But they purchased and brought in their own equipment."

The plant received $4 million in federal funds under last year's economic-stimulus law. The company will sell 8' to 12' boards, the U.S. Forest Service said. An onsite power plant fueled by slash will cover mill operations, with excess power sold to Idaho Power, the Forest Service said.

Idaho Statesman.com
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 05, 2010, 07:45:44 PM
Oregon

Work Begins on Cellulosic Biofuel Plant in Oregon

BrighterEnergy.org (June 3) - Colorado company ZeaChem, Inc. recently broke ground on its first major biorefinery at a site in Boardman, Oregon. The firm is building a $73 million plant that will be capable of producing 250,000 gallons of cellulosic biofuel each year from woody biomass.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: DouginUtah on June 05, 2010, 09:28:32 PM

I drove through Boardman last week. In that area, on the south side of I-84, there are hundreds of acres of polar plantations with trees planted on what I guessed to be 4' x 4' grids. Since it is a desert, I have heard that they are irrigated with water pumped up from the Columbia River. Most are about 30'-40' tall. Looks like that will be the raw material source for the plant.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 06, 2010, 09:11:02 AM
Oregon

Oregon Acquires New State Forest

Associated Press (June 2) - For the first time in more than 60 years, Oregon has a new state forest-the Gilchrist State Forest. The state bought 43,000 acres in central Oregon from fidelity national timber resources for $15 million. According to an Oregon Department of Forestry spokesperson, the state will keep the land in timber production.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: DouginUtah on June 06, 2010, 04:41:02 PM
Experimenting...

If you have Google Earth this attachment should show the trees east of Boardman.

(Click on a camera to see the street level view.)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 06, 2010, 06:20:30 PM
Wisconsin

WI DNR Hopes to Stop Hitchhiking Bugs

Public News Service (June 1) - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has implemented new rules designed to stop the emerald ash borer and other pests from killing trees in the state's forests. Those new rules mandate that people can only bring firewood onto state-managed property if it has been state-certified or is from within 25 miles away.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 16, 2010, 01:42:17 PM
Vermont

American Elm Restoration Comes to Vermont

Scientists from the Northern Research Station and the Nature Conservancy planted Dutch Elm Disease (DED)-tolerant elm trees in selected floodplain forests in Vermont between June 8 and10. Dr. Jim Slavicek and staff cultivated the DED-tolerant trees in a Forest Service nursery in Ohio. The saplings offer promise that American elm can be restored successfully in forested landscapes, improving bird and wildlife habitats and protecting the natural ecology of bottomland forests. Similar DED-tolerant plantings made in 2003-2004 in Ohio and in 2007 in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin are thriving. The Vermont plantings represent the first attempt at restoring elms in floodplain areas east of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Chief's Newsletter
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 16, 2010, 05:45:53 PM
Colorado

Colorado State Forest Service Releases Best Management Practices for Water

The Colorado State Forest Service has released Forestry Best Management Practices to Protect Water Quality in Colorado: 2010, a publication designed to protect Colorado water supplies by providing best management practices (BMPs) for forestry-related activities. The water quality BMPs apply to essentially all forest management activities, including logging operations, fuels mitigation projects, forest health treatments, invasive tree species removal, and road construction.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 19, 2010, 07:51:08 PM
Alabama

Tree-Killing Beetle Found in Alabama

Alabama Live.com (November 17) - A tiny, tree-killing beetle- the redbay ambrosia beetle-native to India and Asia has been found in Alabama for the first time, according to the state forestry commission, raising fears that it will wipe out one of the most common trees in Gulf Coast swamps.

The beetle carries a fungus that causes a disease called laurel wilt, which kills redbay and sassafras trees by preventing water from moving up the trunk to the leaves.

E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 30, 2010, 07:47:54 PM
Michigan

DNR & DEQ TO COME BACK

Governor-elect Rick Snyder today announced he will name Dan Wyant as his group executive for Quality of Life, which will include the Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, and Agriculture & Rural Development.  The new group executive model is part of Governor-elect Snyder's vision to bring a more streamlined business management approach to state government, and it will mean that the current Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment will return to two individual agencies – the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality.

In announcing this change, Governor-elect Snyder named Rodney Stokes as director of the DNR, Dan Wyant as director of the DEQ, and Keith Creagh as director of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

Mr. Stokes has a long history with the DNRE and currently serves as chief of the Office of Science and Policy. Mr. Wyant previously served as the director of the state's Department of Agriculture and Mr. Creagh is a recently retired deputy in Agriculture.   

Article in the Lansing State Journal [ http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20101130/NEWS01/311300011/1001/NEWS ]. 


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 17, 2010, 11:29:39 PM
Michigan

SIERRA CLUB FILES SUIT AGAINST FRONTIER ETHANOL PLANT

The Associated Press released an article about the Sierra Club suing over the Frontier Renewable Resources planned cellulosic ethanol plant in the eastern UP.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-15/lawsuit-opposes-permit-for-michigan-ethanol-plant.html

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: northwoods1 on December 18, 2010, 06:12:13 AM
Quote from: Ron Scott on December 17, 2010, 11:29:39 PM
Michigan

SIERRA CLUB FILES SUIT AGAINST FRONTIER ETHANOL PLANT

The Associated Press released an article about the Sierra Club suing over the Frontier Renewable Resources planned cellulosic ethanol plant in the eastern UP.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-15/lawsuit-opposes-permit-for-michigan-ethanol-plant.html



Thanks for posting this it is interesting to read. I don't get where the Sierra Club is coming from though. I mean, they sue over air quality issues to try and stop the plant from being built and operating, but then when asked about it the Sierra club official  says that using 560 tons of pulpwood within a 150 mile range of the plant  is a poor use of forest resources and that the plant would actually use more energy than it produces in ethanol?
I wonder how much of that proposed 560 tons would be materials that would have otherwise been left in the woods incidental to other harvesting operations? I don't know I have a hard time making sense of what the Sierra Club does some of the time. You would think they should support renewable energy, but I guess they don't think wood is a renewable resource :-[
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 21, 2010, 08:15:49 PM
DISMISSAL OF SIERRA CLUB SUIT REGARDING THE FRONTIER RENEWABLE RESOURCES ETHANOL PLANT

Evidently, the Sierra Club has filed their own petition for dismissal in the lawsuit recently filed against the DNRE regarding the air quality permits for the Frontier Renewable Resources proposed cellulosic ethanol plant in the eastern UP.  The petition for dismissal was delivered to Rebecca Humphries by Nicholas Schroeck of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. 





Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 04, 2011, 07:33:23 PM
Nevada


Vandals cut down the famous Nevada Shoe Tree.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110104/ap_on_re_us/us_shoe_tree_2
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Tom on January 04, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
While stuff like has no real earth shattering impact and the sun will still come up in the morning, it really ticks me off.   People have been known to have been hung for less reason than that. 

Vandalism is just an immature expression of a person with a selfish and hurtful nature.  It's nothing of which to be proud.

An old friend of mine had the perfect comment for people like that when he would say to them, "You've never been hurt bad before, have you?"
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on January 05, 2011, 12:33:12 AM
And we stopped physical punishment for what reason?  :-\

This past Sunday a popular mall in the Milwaukee area was 'hit' be a large contingent of teens that come to the mall to "hang out" and with the purpose to stir things up - "just having fun" one of them said in an interview. They were mostly girls and they ran through stores tipping over clothes racks and pushing goods on the floors. The mall security rent-a-cops chased after them.

Kids are bored with their lives and don't have anything constructive to do, or anyone who cares.

Apparently this stuff breeds on the Facebook type social networking so a time is set to carry out the melee.

When the cops catch them, the kids say "I'm a juvenile so go ahead and arrest me. I'll be back out on the street before you get your paperwork done".    ::) ::)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 05, 2011, 08:52:00 PM
Wisconsin

Biomass Plant for Wisconsin.

A proposed biomass power plant to be built in Stevens Point, Wisconsin would meet all environmental standards for pollutants according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It is expected to take 2 years to build the plant and would lead to employment of 150 people when it is up and running.

The e-forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on April 06, 2011, 12:08:40 AM
Is that biomass plant going to survive the new State budget-cutting axe?

The one in central Madison didn't survive, from what I've been reading.

However, the resources to run such a plant are closer to Stevens Point than downtown Madison. :)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 06, 2011, 07:58:53 PM
Minnesota

Stronger OSB.

The Natural Resources Research Institute in Hermantown, MN is exploring bonding Oriented Strand Board (OSB) with a magnesium-based binder rather than the traditional petroleum-based binder. Advantages appear to be lower
energy cost and fewer emissions. The board is stronger and stiffer than boards made with petroleum-based binders, but considerably heavier.

Businessnorth.com
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 08, 2011, 05:10:13 PM
Wisconsin

DNR Issues Permit for Biomass Project

The Journal Sentinel, Published by Thomas Content, March 30th
A proposed biomass power plant We Energies is seeking to build in north-central Wisconsin cleared another regulatory hurdle this week when the state Department of Natural Resources issued a permit for the project.The permit spells out the maximum level of air pollution emissions that may be released into the air from the renewable energy project, which would burn wood chips and other forms of biomass. To read more of this article link to: http://www.jsonline.com/business/118957964.html

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 06, 2011, 08:16:11 PM
Georgia

Caterpillars Attacking Athens Oak Trees

Atlanta Journal Constitution (May 4) - Experts at the University of Georgia are trying to figure out why caterpillars are attacking oak trees in the Athens area in such large numbers. An expert in Connecticut identified the attackers as black-dotted brown moths. Kamal Gandhi, a professor of forest entomology in UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, says entomologists in Athens and other eastern cities can't remember ever seeing so many of them.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 20, 2011, 07:32:19 PM
Idaho

Environmentalists Sue to Block E. Idaho Timber Cut

Two environmental groups-the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Native Ecosystems Council-have filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging a decision by federal forest managers in Idaho to cut lodgepole pines in a 7,000-acre tract they claim includes important Canada lynx habitat along the western border of Yellowstone National Park.

The environmental groups claim the science used by federal agencies to analyze and authorize the Split Creek timber harvest is based on data intentionally altered to favor land development. The groups also contend that agency officials also neglected to properly consider the impact the commercial forest-thinning project could have on lynx, its habitat, and the government's own efforts to recover the species.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on May 20, 2011, 07:44:43 PM
And the beat goes on...these enviro's have pulled the rug out from under the professionals hired to do their job for about 40 years now. Amazing how these whacko's have managed to accomplish their selfish goals. My opinion here.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 31, 2011, 08:24:19 PM
Nebraska

Forest Invites Landowners to June Workshop

The Chadron Record, Published by the Nebraska Forest Service, May 10th

On Sunday, June 12, a segment of the workshop series "TODAY'S FOREST" will be held at Chadron State Park near Chadron. The free educational event is open to the public with a special invitation to all private forest landowners. The topic is titled "Your Changing Forest" and will be presented by Dr. Skip Smith, a professor of forestry from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. To read more of this article link to: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/thechadronnews/latest/article_7c5b7358-7b27-11e0-8621-001cc4c002e0.html

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 17, 2011, 08:18:18 PM
Wisconsin

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Successful Prescribed Burn to Improve Rare Ecosystem

US Forest Service (June 6) - The Washburn District on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) in Wisconsin recently completed a successful prescribed burn treating 4,100 acres. This was the first time in 12 years the CNNF has used a helicopter for ignition.
The treatment area is in a rare ecosystem known as the Moquah Barrens. This Pine Barrens ecosystem is dependent on fire with many fire-adapted grasses, forbs, and tree species. The use of the prescribed burning allows fire to be a key component in the ecosystem process that changes or enhances the structure and composition of the existing vegetation.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: sprucebunny on June 17, 2011, 08:27:06 PM
Gorham, NH

The paper mill has reopened after being closed for 8 months.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/NH-town-celebrates-mill-s-planned-reopening-1418237.php
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 18, 2011, 08:24:22 PM
Florida

New Hampshire Company Buys Volusia-Flagler Timberland for $22 Million

Daytona Beach News Journal (June 15) - Plum Creek Timberlands LP, a subsidiary of Seattle-based Plum Creek Timber Co., sold 18,544 acres in Flagler County and 11,727 acres in Volusia County to Exeter, New Hampshire-based Conservation Forestry LLC.

According to county court records, Conservation Forestry, doing business as Relay Timberlands LLC, paid $13.8 million for the Flagler County property and almost $8.85 million for the Volusia County property.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 19, 2011, 08:29:25 PM
Oregon

Oregon

Timber Harvest Up 17 Percent Despite Weak Housing Market

Associated Press (June 15) - The Oregon timber harvest increased 17 percent between 2009 and 2010 despite a weak housing market and tightened lending standards.

The Capital Press in Salem reports the timber harvest increased in all categories, including state, federal, and private lands.

The Oregon Department of Forestry said it went from an historic low of 2.7 billion board feet in 2009 to 3.2 billion board feet last year.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 20, 2011, 11:56:10 AM
British Columbia

Battling a Giant Problem

Tri-City News.com (British Columbia, June 10) - The city of Coquitlam is once again waging war on giant hogweed, an invasive plant that has been cropping up around Metro Vancouver since 2006, causing what city officials call a "serious threat to human health."

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 21, 2011, 10:47:51 AM
Michigan

Benishek to Address Increasing Timber Harvests on Federal Land


The Daily News, June 9th
U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls, conducted a "Forestry Field Tour" with the Society of American Foresters on Tuesday. Afterwards, he said his first bill would deal with timber harvests on federal land. The tour comes after months of meeting with loggers, timber product companies, and forestry experts regarding timber harvesting and its impact on job creation in the First District. To read more of this article link to: http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/528699/Benishek-to-address-increasing-timber-harvests-on-federal-land.html?nav=5002

After concluding the tour, Congressman Dan Benishek had very positive feedback about the Michigan SAF state society and the field tour, and encouraged SAF state societies, divisions and chapters to reach out to their Congressional Delegation to inquire about interest in holding a field tour in their states. If SAF members are interested in planning a tour and would like SAF national office assistance, please don't hesitate to contact Kelsey Delaney and John Barnwell, SAF Assistant Forest Policy Directors.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 21, 2011, 08:45:38 PM
Minnesota

Gypsy Moth Treatment Starts in Duluth

Northland's Newscenter, June 12th 
The invasive species has been found along the north shore and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, along with other agencies, is doing its part to slow the spread of the insect. With conditions just right, members of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service took to the skies to stop the spread of the gypsy moth. To read more of this article link to: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Early-Morning-Wake-Up-Call-Gypsy-Moth-Treatment-123725479.html

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 22, 2011, 08:33:23 PM
Dutch Elm Disease Forces Removal of 16 More Campus Trees
Pennsylvania

Penn State Live, June 16th
Penn State staff and researchers have battled aggressively for years the two primary diseases threatening the landmark American elm stand on the University Park campus. A recent resurgence in one of those diseases -- Dutch elm disease, an old nemesis -- has forced the University to remove 16 elms this summer. "Diseased trees pose a significant risk to a healthy one, so it is necessary -- unfortunately -- to remove the diseased ones," said Jeff Dice, supervisor of grounds and maintenance. To read more of this article link to: http://live.psu.edu/story/53834

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 28, 2011, 01:12:22 PM
Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Benishek Authors Bill to Promote Timber Jobs

Press Release, June 16th
Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) today introduced his first piece of legislation intended to streamline timber sales on federal forestlands. "By utilizing Northern Michigan's timber resources in a responsible manner, we can create jobs in the First District. The bill I'm putting forward is a simple, common sense approach that cuts government red tape in the review process for timber sales," said Benishek, a general surgeon and Iron River native. To read more of this article link to: http://benishek.house.gov/press-release/benishek-authors-bill-promote-timber-jobs

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on June 28, 2011, 01:19:38 PM
Maybe MN could use some of his help along that line as well.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 07, 2011, 06:53:41 PM
Colorado

Udall Wants Changes on Old Timber Contracts to Save Colorado Sawmills

Associated Press (July 5) - Colorado Sen. Mark Udall is urging federal officials to rework old timber contracts to help keep the state's sawmills open.
Udall said the state's three sawmills-in Montrose, Saguache, and Delta-are struggling because of the downturn in the housing market and lower demand for wood products, and that contracts worked out with the federal government before the recession began don't provide enough money to cover their expenses.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 08, 2011, 11:28:53 AM
Montana

New Source of Asbestos Contamination Raises Fears in Montana Superfund Town

Associated Press (July 5) - For a decade, the people of Libby have longed for the day when they will be rid of the asbestos that turned their town into a Superfund site. However, thanks to two giant piles of bark and wood chips on the edge of town, their troubles are far from over.

An Associated Press investigation found that the federal government has known for at least 3 years that the wood piles, which came from a now-defunct timber mill that took thousands of trees from a forest tainted with asbestos from a nearby mine, were contaminated with an unknown level of asbestos.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 11, 2011, 05:58:37 PM
Upper Michigan

MASCOMA CORPORATION ISSUED A FONSI

The U.S. Dept. of Energy has issued a "Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)" to Mascoma Corporation for the construction and operation of the cellulosic ethanol biorefinery near Kinross (eastern UP).  [ http://www.eere.energy.gov/golden/ReadingRoom/NEPA/1705/FONSI.pdf]

The FONSI includes some clarifying information about the biorefinery project. 

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 18, 2011, 05:55:25 PM
Georgia

Now is the Time to Salvage Fire-Damaged Timber

The Post Search-Light, Published by Wendy Burnett, July 11th
Georgia landowners whose timber was burned in recent wildfires are being urged to act quickly for the best salvage opportunities."There's no time to waste if you're trying to recoup what value is left in your forestland and prevent complete loss," said James Johnson, chief of forest management for the Georgia Forestry Commission. "Charred trees deteriorate rapidly, but with guidance from a registered forester, landowners can still harvest trees and get usable wood to the mills in time for it to be utilized." To read more of this article link to: http://www.thepostsearchlight.com/2011/07/11/now-is-the-time-to-salvage-fire-damaged-timber/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 25, 2011, 11:15:10 AM
Michigan

Loggers Seek National Forest Timber

UpperMichigan'sSource.com, Published by Nikki Davidson, July 20th.
Logging is one of the oldest industries in the U.P., but in recent years, many jobs have been lost. Tuesday, representatives from Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin banded together to voice their concerns to elected officials. The timber community says if things continue the way they are now, they predict a loss of resources, jobs and even entire communities. To read more of this article link to: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=~\home\lists\search&id=642288

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 11, 2011, 04:27:24 PM
Michigan's UP

Molpus Woodlands Group to Acquire 90,000 acres of Timberland in Michigan.

http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=272506
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 21, 2011, 10:52:43 AM
Wisconsin

Loggers Face Massive Cleanup Job from Wisconsin Storm

Forest Business Network, Published by Joe Taschler, September 8th
During nearly 50 years in the logging business, Max Ericson has seen trees - lots of them - blown down by the wind. What took place this summer in parts of Wisconsin's North Woods, though, shocked him. "I've never seen our forests so devastated as they are now," said Ericson, owner of Ericson Logging in Minong. "It's going to impact the timber industry for a least a couple generations." Across a swath of northwestern Wisconsin, an estimated 2 million cords of wood - $160 million worth by one estimate - are on the ground, blown down during a severe thunderstorm in July. To read more of this article link to: http://www.forestbusinessnetwork.com/7392/loggers-face-massive-cleanup-job-from-wisconsin-storm/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 23, 2011, 09:18:08 PM
Oklahoma

Bracing for Beetle Wars in Oklahoma Forests

NewsOK.com (September 19) - A dreaded beetle has devastated Oklahoma pine forests in the past. With drought and wildfires a major problem this year, state forestry experts are hoping landowners start thinning their trees to control another round of the southern pine beetle.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 11, 2011, 07:29:42 PM
Michigan

STRUCTURAL CHANGES WITHIN THE DNR

An announcement from Rodney Stokes, DNR Director . . .

I am announcing some major organizational changes at today's [10 November] Natural Resources Commission meeting, and I want to share the details with all of you.

We have to do everything we can to sustainably manage and protect Michigan's natural resources, while capitalizing on the economic opportunities they offer. In recent years, it has become clear that our department has a central and growing role in Michigan's natural resource-based economy and in the promotion of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Forest Management Division (FMD) staff has carried a large portion of these responsibilities across a wide range of timber, oil, gas, mineral, land, fire management and recreation program activities. Because I believe it's better for each of our divisions to operate with a more singular focus, I am splitting FMD into more function-specific units.

For that reason, I am establishing the Forest Resources Division, with the responsibility of working closely with the new Timber Advisory Council. This division chief will also serve as the state forester, initially reporting directly to me. This new division will manage state forests and be a major partner in Michigan's vital timber industry. The Forest Management Division will no longer exist.

I am also establishing the Office of Land Administration, as part of the DNR's Administration Bureau. This office will include the oil, gas and mineral responsibilities currently housed in FMD, along with the existing Real Estate section currently within the Finance and Operations Division. In addition, all department issues of trespass, easements and use permits will be consolidated into the Real Estate section's area of responsibility.

I am transferring the personnel and functions of FMD's Recreation and Trails section into the Parks and Recreation Division. Right now, we have two different DNR divisions that promote and manage camping and trail use. Uniting our camping and trail management and promotion responsibilities within a single division will help us realize greater efficiency, improve outreach and greatly boost our ability to establish Michigan as "the Trail State."

These are big changes, but I believe these are necessary, right steps in order for the DNR to be successful in meeting its priorities and performing its mission.

All changes become effective January 8, 2012. I look forward to working with you as we implement these changes in the weeks and months ahead.




Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 11, 2011, 08:07:18 PM
Minnesota

Top Minnesota DNR Forestry Leaders Transferred

Duluth News Tribune (11/8/11) - The state's top two foresters were removed from their jobs last month in a major shakeup at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

According to DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said Dave Epperly, Forestry Division director, would be transferred within the division while Bob Tomlinson, assistant director, was transferred into the DNR's Division of Lands and Minerals.

Landwehr said some of the changes, including moving from two to one assistant division directors, began before he became commissioner early this year. But he added that a change in leadership was needed, especially to more quickly get timber from state lands through the pipeline to loggers and mills.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 02, 2011, 02:59:20 PM
WEST VIRGINIA

National Park Service to Consider New Park in West Virginia

The Charleston Gazette (November 28) - Next month, the National Park Service will begin conducting a survey to determine if some areas within the Monongahela National Forest should be made into a national park—something West Virginia doesn't currently have.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 10, 2011, 06:36:21 PM
Arkansas

Arkansas Forestry Commission Lays Off 36 Workers

CBS News.com (December 6) - The Arkansas Forestry Commission is laying off 36 workers in January to make up for a $4 million shortfall in its budget because of declining timber sales.
State Forester John Shannon said the employees were informed that they would be laid off effective Jan. 13. The 298-person state agency oversees conservation and fire suppression in the state's forests.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 03, 2012, 04:49:49 PM
Michigan

YOUTUBE FORESTRY VIDEO FOR MICHIGAN

MSU, through the Center for Energy Excellence-Feedstock Supply Chain grant has posted another forestry video. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiust33r858

Thanks to Brett Kuipers for the tip!
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 13, 2012, 02:09:46 PM
Kentucky

Kentucky Acquires 2,500 Acres of Forestland

The Gleaner.com (January 12) - The state of Kentucky has acquired nearly 2,500 acres of mostly woodland in southwestern Union County that is intended for forest preservation, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.

Located two miles west of Sturgis, the tract includes 2,483 acres of mostly hilly terrain along the Tradewater and Ohio rivers in the vicinity of Kentucky 923 and Kentucky 1508.

The property was acquired for just over $6.6 million and will be jointly owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Division of Forestry, according to a deed filed at the Union County Courthouse on Dec. 28.

Federal funds from the Forest Legacy Program and state funds from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund were employed in the purchase.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 13, 2012, 05:53:41 PM
Oregon

Logging Rules to Change to Protect Streams

Oregon Public Broadcasting (January 6) - The Oregon Board of Forestry has strengthened the state's logging regulations to better protect water quality in streams. The board voted to revise the state Forest Practices Act to make sure streams on private timberland have enough tree cover to stay cold for fish.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 20, 2012, 03:45:25 PM
South Carolina

Lawyers: Clearcutting Hurts Water Quality

Post and Courier (South Carolina, January 18) - Contractors working for the state of South Carolina are clearcutting large timber tracts in the out-of-the-way Santee River bottoms forest across the river from Jamestown in Berkeley County.

Two Mount Pleasant attorneys want it to stop. They have filed Freedom of Information Act requests with the South Carolina Forestry Commission for records pertaining to timber harvests in the 12,000-acre forest the state bought nine years ago.

The dispute drives to the heart of the recurring battle over publicly owned forests: balancing uses. The lands are revenue-producing timber tracts. They are sought-after acres for recreation.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 12, 2012, 11:42:34 PM
Texas

According to a preliminary estimate by the Texas Forest Service, 100 million trees with a diameter of five inches or larger have succumbed to the drought-roughly 2 to 10 percent of the state's 4.9 billion trees. This does not include trees in areas not condered forestland or in cities and towns.

The Forestry Source
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 16, 2012, 10:58:06 PM
Michigan

A program that clients, neighbors, local officials, and other forest interests might want to attend. 

Monday, 5 March, 9:00-3:00
MSU Kellogg Center
Link (http://anrweek.canr.msu.edu/anrweek/sessions/a_toolbox_of_opportunities_for_family_forest_owners)
$35.00, lunch & materials, register by 27 February

From
MSU Extension
Michigan Forest Association
USDA Forest Stewardship Program

Contact:  Georgia Peterson at petersog @msu.edu or 517-335-7383. 

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 09, 2012, 06:07:26 PM
Michigan

The DNR's Forest Resources Division is currently discussing the potential for a specialty license plate that would support forestry education in Michigan.  Michigan began issuing specialty license plates in 2001 to raise money for several state-supported causes.  A Forestry Education plate would raise awareness and support for education and management of trees and forests throughout the state.  Topics might include, but are not limited to, any of the following: urban & community forestry, forest stewardship, clean and safe forests, arboriculture, Project Learning Tree, forest products, forest health, utilities and more...

Specialty plates can only be used on non-commercial passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and motor homes.  When purchasing or renewing a license plate, individuals would have the voluntary option to select a plate with a tree/forestry theme.  Each year's renewal would bring additional funding to be administered for forestry education around the state. 

In an effort to assess the potential interest for such a plate among Michigan's urban and community forestry partners, it would be helpful to hear from you by March 16.  If you/your organization shares an interest and would support further pursuing this initiative, please let me know in writing (preferred) or via email.  Our division will be providing an information packet to the director (Mr. Rodney Stokes) and a letter of support addressed to him would be helpful if you have a chance.

Please email or mail any letters to me at: sayersk@mi.gov or

Urban Forestry Program Coordinator
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 30452
Lansing, MI 48909

Thank you for your consideration!

Kevin S.

--------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Sayers
Urban Forestry Program Coordinator
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 30452
Lansing, MI 48909
P:  517.241.4632
F:  517.373.2443
sayersk@mi.gov


MDNR News
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 12, 2012, 06:19:20 PM
Michigan

It is with heavy heart that I write of the passing of our editor – the only editor we have ever had for Michigan Forests magazine – Don Ingle. Don and his wife, Jean, died in a tragic house fire on March 9. Don took on the responsibility of putting our magazine together in January, 1980. He, in turn, enlisted the services of Sally Koon at Jack Pine Business Centers in Manistee. Sally is still with us and still doing the work of printing, assembling and shipping the magazine; she also does much of the layout work. Don was quite proud of this long-term relationship with MFA and the Jack Pine Press. Not many such business relationships last this long he said.

Don was already known for his outdoor writing and television appearances when he agreed to do the magazine for MFA; many in our organization considered it a great coup to have someone of his stature working with and for us. He was unusual – an outdoor writer who understood and wrote about forestry. We were glad to have him in our camp.

Prior to his work on Michigan Forests Don illustrated the MFA publication Oil & Gas and Your Land, with his cartoons. His drawings often showed up in Michigan Forests as well.

In addition to his skills as a writer and cartoonist, Don was a very talented musician. He led a jazz band called the Michigan Nighthawks for many years, playing music from the '20s, '30s and '40s. You can find video clips of his music on the internet by searching for Michigan Nighthawks. There you will find a site called "Jazzman Joe Presents MICHIGAN NIGHTHAWKS June 1988.

Don participated in several MFA annual meetings, including one in which he served as auctioneer at the RA MacMullan Conference Center at Higgins Lake. His auctioneering antics were more than amusing. Someone had donated an old axe to the auction; Don demonstrated how Abe Lincoln split fence rails with this axe, handed down through the ages since George Washington chopped a cherry tree with it. Another time, he brought his cornet to a meeting in the Pigeon River Country and joined a jam session with the late Don Zimmer and others. All this was done in a spirit of fun, but always with the understanding that our forest resource and the work of MFA is highly important.

Don was stunned and rendered (temporarily) speechless when MFA awarded him the Woodland Honors Award at the 2010 annual meeting at Cole Canoe Base. Thirty years' work on the magazine seemed worthy of note; it still is.

In his opening column in Volume I, Number 1 of Michigan Forests, Don talked about his plans and hopes for this new magazine. After all the preparation had been made, he quoted an old Scottish motto, Having done all, stand! Having done all, Don Ingle now stands as one of the great MFA members and contributors.

At this writing, we have no information on funeral or other arrangements.

Sadly,

Bill Botti

Executive Director
Michigan Forest Association
6120 S. Clinton Trail
Eaton Rapids, MI  48827
517-663-3423
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 23, 2012, 04:51:42 PM
Maine

Plum Creek Development Gets OK from State Supreme Court

Bangor Daily News.com (March 21) - Maine's highest court has ruled that regulators were on safe procedural ground when they approved Plum Creek's Moosehead Lake housing and resort plan, ending one of the costliest and most contentious development battles in state history.

The state Supreme Court supported the Land Use Regulation Commission's rezoning of nearly 400,000 acres in the Moosehead region. The concept plan allows Plum Creek to create up to 975 house lots and two large resorts on roughly 16,000 of those acres over the next 30 years.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 09, 2012, 02:30:16 PM
Michigan

USDA FIA "MICHIGAN'S FORESTS 2009", NRS-66

The latest five-year report from FIA, Michigan's Forests 2009 (Resource Bulletin NRS-66), is available on the web at
[ http://nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/40471]. 

Printed versions will be available in approximately one month.

Scott A. Pugh
U.S. Forest Service
Northern Research Station
Forestry Sciences Lab
410 MacInnes Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
phone: 906-482-6303 x. 17
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/spugh

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 18, 2012, 03:37:39 PM
Maine

Historic Conservation Easement in Maine's North Woods Announced

WLBZ Bangor (May 15) - Environmentalists and town officials in Greenville are celebrating a massive conservation easement that will protect a huge swath of forestland for wildlife, recreation, and forestry.

The 363,000 acres of land in the Moosehead region will be protected from future development, while still being harvested for timber and open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 19, 2012, 08:22:14 AM
Michigan's U.P.

U.P., JON FOSGITT,  THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, AND THE FORESTLAND GROUP

A Good Cut: The Nature Conservancy is restoring the heavily harvested forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  How? By logging.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 24, 2012, 01:37:23 PM
New Jersey

Sawmills Move Out of the Forest, into the City

Associated Press (August 21) - It looks like any sawmill in the forest-piles of cherry, walnut, and oak tree trunks stacked high, trucks rumbling in and out, workers operating a saw. There's one exception though: There's seemingly no forest near its location, right off the highway in New Jersey's largest city.

Citilog, a Newark company, takes unwanted trees from the so-called urban forest-parks, yards, streets, and wherever else a tree might grow in a city-and turns them into furniture, flooring, and other materials.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 30, 2012, 03:41:47 PM
Michigan

BRENDA OWEN - MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF TIMBERMEN

The Michigan Association of Timbermen in Newberry, Michigan has announced that Brenda Owen will fill the vacant position of Executive Director for the Association.  Owen joined the Association as the Director of Policy and Programming in December of 2011 and has been filling many of the duties of the vacant Executive Director position since March of 2012.  She brings a wide variety of forest industry background to the Association since graduating from Michigan Technological University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management.

Upon designation as the new Executive Director, Owen felt "pleased that the Timbermen Board of Directors have confidence in my abilities to efficiently represent the Association and continue many of the valuable programs and services that we offer to our membership and the whole industry". 

Brenda has been a member of the Michigan Society of American Foresters since 1990 and has held leadership roles at various levels over the last 22 years.

The Michigan Association of Timbermen office is located on M-123 in Newberry and can be reached at 906-293-3236, online at www.timbermen.org  or to Brenda directly at:  owen.brendalee@gmail.com



Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 12, 2012, 03:42:58 PM
Michigan

Another court from DA UP.

CONNOR SPORTS FLOORING (AMASA) STRIKES AGAIN

"Designed by the Brooklyn Nets' creative team and produced at Connor Sports Flooring Manufacturing Mill in Amasa, Mich., the court will officially debut November 1, when the Nets open the season against the Knicks. It consists of 240 panels each measuring 4-feet wide, 7-feet long and 185 pounds; they took two weeks to construct, utilizing specialized milled lumber. The court takes four hours to assemble. "

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/brooklyn-nets-barclays-center-court-photos-164508085--nba.html


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 21, 2012, 10:19:55 AM
Michigan's U.P.

http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/537343/Nelson-Paint-Co--creates-pestici---.html
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: OneWithWood on October 21, 2012, 04:47:32 PM
Erradicating invasive plants using a paint ball gun could be a fun way to get it done.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 24, 2012, 11:35:28 AM
Traverse City, Michigan

http://record-eagle.com/local/x1133189643/Neighbors-worry-trees-felled-too-freely
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 26, 2012, 09:32:26 AM
Michigan's U.P.

Besse Forest Products Seeks Tax Breaks to Expand Sawmill
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/538702/Besse-Forest-Products-plans-to-
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 30, 2012, 07:43:12 PM
Oregon

Judge Halts Logging on Oregon State Forests

Boise State Public Radio.com (November 28) - A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction halting 11 timber sales in Oregon's state forests. The state is being sued by three conservation groups who say the logging projects imperil a federally protected seabird.

US District Judge Ann Aiken granted the injunction earlier this week. It halts 11 timber sales in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Elliott State Forests that are home to the threatened marbled murrelet.

In her ruling, Judge Aiken wrote that conservation groups have shown they are likely to win the lawsuit on its merits. She says leaving the sales open to logging could cause irreparable harm.

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 06, 2013, 10:56:37 AM
Michigan

Conservation Districts now have Foresters to Help Landowners. Private landowners can now contact their local conservation districts for advice on how to get help in managing their forest lands. In a cooperative program involving DNR, MDARD and local conservation districts, thirteen conservation district-employed foresters will provide on-site technical assistance to assess land quality and potential. These foresters can help landowners identify objectives for their land. After an initial visit including these actions, owners will be referred to private consulting foresters for more detailed assistance.

MDAlistserve

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 18, 2013, 03:26:23 PM
Michigan's U.P.

NEW MILL TO LOCATE IN WHITE PINE, MI

Employment in the 70-80 range.

http://www.yourdailyglobe.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=46704
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 28, 2013, 03:28:03 PM
Michigan

2012 FOREST HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS

Just off the press from the DNR . . .

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/ForestHH_409440_7.pdf
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 21, 2013, 02:36:55 PM
Michigan

THE UPPER PENINSULA - BIRTHPLACE OF THE CENTER LINE

http://www.pasty.com/cam/2008/07/20/cameo/index.html
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 26, 2013, 10:35:53 AM
Michigan's U.P.

IRON RIVER--The Michigan Association of Timbermen has announced that the Michigan Capitol Christmas Tree for 2013 has been chosen.
The harvest will take place on Nov. 6 in Iron River at the home of Iron River attorney Jonny Waara, who is quite excited to have his tree selected for the trip to Lansing.   
This will be the 27th Michigan Capitol Christmas tree that the Michigan Association of Timbermen has harvested in conjunction with the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association.
At each year's harvest, local school children, the local high school band and many neighbors and visitors are on hand to watch and listen as the tree is cut from its stump, lifted by crane to the street and placed on a waiting truck and trailer. Securing the limbs for the long road east and south is usually a job for four to six men and takes several hours.
Once the tree is secured onto a flat-bed trailer pulled by a semi-truck, it is transported immediately to Lansing, where it is lifted upright again in its usual spot in front of the Capitol building. Capitol workers then spend two weeks placing lights on the tree in preparation for the annual Silver Bells festivities to kick off the Christmas season in Lansing on Nov. 22. For further information visit www.silverbellsinthecity.org.
More details will be made available on the Timbermen website, www.timbermen.org, regarding physical location of the tree, exact harvest time, and the estimated crossing time for the tree's adventure across the Mackinac Bridge.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 10, 2014, 04:15:32 PM
Wisconsin

US Sen. Tammy Baldwin Pushing for Federal Forest Management Reform

Stevenspoint Journal.com , January 8 - US Sen. Tammy Baldwin saw enough on her visit to Forest County in August to be convinced that Wisconsin's 1.5 million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is being underharvested and change is needed.

The first-term Democratic senator now says supporting the state's timber industry is among her top priorities and she pledged to work for reform of the forest management system. Her efforts include calling for increased funding to support additional logging and clarifying regulations to promote environmentally sound harvesting.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 08, 2014, 10:37:36 AM
California

Redwood Park Closes Road to Deter Burl Poachers

ABC News.com (March 5) - Authorities say unemployment and drug addiction have spurred an increase in the destructive practice of cutting off the knobby growths at the base of ancient redwood trees to make decorative pieces like lacey-grained coffee tables and wall clocks.

The practice—known as burl poaching—has become so prevalent along the northern California coast that Redwood National and State Parks on Saturday started closing the popular Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway at night in a desperate attempt to deter thieves.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: ashes on March 08, 2014, 02:18:47 PM
Wow!

I'm right in this neck of the woods, and this is the first I've heard of this. I hope this is a deterrent. Such a shame.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 02, 2014, 05:19:42 PM
Wisconsin

Thieves Stealing Valuable Walnut Trees in Wisconsin

Madison.com (April 29) - Unscrupulous loggers looking to make a quick profit are cutting down valuable walnut trees without permission on private property in rural areas of southern Wisconsin, a law enforcement official said.

The price of walnut, a high-quality hardwood, has increased with demand worldwide and especially in China. With relatively few walnut trees left, a top-quality, 16-foot log that's 26 inches in diameter can bring in $3,000, according to information from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 19, 2014, 07:53:41 PM
UTAH

Utah Adopts the Aspen as Its State Tree

Salt Lake Tribune.com (May 12) - Fourth-graders from Monroe Elementary in Utah lobbied their local lawmaker, state Senate Majority Leader Ralph Okerlund to help pass legislation-SB 41- to switch the state's tree from the Colorado blue spruce - Utah's state tree since 1933-to quaking aspen.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 24, 2014, 01:17:12 PM
Weyerhaeuser Lands

Weyerhaeuser's Plan to Charge $150 for Access Rankles Hunters, Outdoorsmen

TDN.com -May 8 - In the Longview area, Weyerhaeuser said it will charge a $150 fee for motorized and non-motorized access to 340,000 acres of its land from August 1 through January 31, 2015, a move that has filled outdoors enthusiasts and elected officials with dismay.

Rep. Ed Orcutt called the fees a "public relations nightmare" for the company, while Rep. Brian Blake said they have resulted in "culture shock" and "frustration."

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 31, 2014, 11:04:22 AM
Michigan

Cornell, Michigan Logging Company Named "2013 Logger of the Year"

Daily Press.net (May 21) - In partnership with the Michigan Sustainable Forestry Initiative Committee (SIC), the Michigan Association of Timbermen awarded Marvin Nelson Forest Products, Inc., of Cornell, with their highest yearly honor-the 2013 Logger of the Year Award.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Barney II on June 22, 2014, 09:44:20 PM
Ron are you aware of what if anything is happening with our white pines .  I was out in my woods this afternoon and found a lot (more than 20) white pine that are 50 to 60 footers with all of the lower branches without any needles and the tops(1/3 up) very light green to others around them being very dark green.  You are  able to look through the whole upper story of the tree.  These are all very good trees shape wise and hearty bark etc.. I have not noticed this before.  There are no cankers visible on any of the trees.  This whole observance was only in a 10 to 15 acre area.  I will contact a local forester in the morning.  Just wondering for now if you had an idea of what is going on.  This in Bayfield County---right on the Sawyer County =====Bayfield County line.  In Cable Wi .   Thanks------Don
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on June 22, 2014, 10:23:50 PM
Might be white pine blister rust.

http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/white-pine-blister-rust

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_white/white.htm
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 23, 2014, 10:42:12 AM
Yes, to Blister Rust, but best to have the local Conservation District Forester or WDNR Service Forester take a look.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 23, 2014, 10:42:57 AM
Virginia

CHINESE PULP & PAPER PLANT IN VIRGINIA

"Tree free" paper from agricultural "waste" - $billion investment.  "Tranlin, Inc."

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2014/06/19/massive-paper-factory-deal-unfolds-in-chesterfield/
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 19, 2014, 10:55:53 AM
California

Logging Companies Ordered to Report Water Use in Controlling Dust

SacBee.com (July 5) - Logging companies in the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere in California will now be required to report how much water they extract from streams for dust control.

The California Board of Forestry adopted the emergency regulations in response to the drought. The action arose from concerns that very low water flows in many mountain streams could be further depleted by water extractions related to logging.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 19, 2014, 11:05:52 AM
Indiana

Purdue Publication Offers Resources for Urban Woodlots Owners

Purdue.edu - A new Purdue Extension publication gives owners of Indiana urban woodlots crucial information they need to best manage and care for these environmentally important forest areas.

The free, 24-page booklet Indiana's Urban Woodlots is meant to make owning and managing urban woodlots less intimidating and help owners enhance their experiences with their land while reaping the benefits of the property. The publication covers topics such as the benefits of trees, laws and zoning, stewardship planning, management, and planting and renewal.

https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-489-w.pdf

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 19, 2014, 07:57:40 PM
Alaska

State Seeks to Join Forest Service in Defense of Southeast Timber Sale

ADN.com (September 16) - The state of Alaska is weighing in on the side of the federal government in court, hoping to help keep alive a US Forest Service timber sale in Southeast, and with it what's left of a once-booming industry.

The Forest Service in August announced the Big Thorne sale on Prince of Wales Island, with nearly 150 million board feet of timber badly needed by local mills, but was almost immediately challenged in court by the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council and other environmental groups.

Gov. Sean Parnell announced this week that Alaska would seek to join the case on the side of the Forest Service.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 26, 2014, 01:06:02 PM
 New Law to Crack Down on Timber Theft
Georgia

Macon.com (September 20) — Prior to a Georgia law that went into effect July 1, owners of timberland had little recourse if trees were intentionally or, more likely, unintentionally cut from the wrong property, said Matt Hestad, communications coordinator with the Georgia Forestry Association.

Now, the Timber Security Law gives the Georgia Forestry Commission more investigative and arresting power in cases of unauthorized timber harvest, much like its authority in cases of timber arson.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 26, 2014, 01:11:06 PM
Minnesota

Demand for Firewood Crackles Up North

Star Tribune.com (September 21) — Having firewood trucked in from 100 miles away or more is a choice more northern Minnesota homeowners are making after last winter's propane prices and this year's wet weather dried up the area's supply of seasoned firewood.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 03, 2014, 12:07:53 PM
Idaho

Logging Profession Fading, Firewood in Short Supply

Idaho Lumberjack Clings to Family Business as Jobs Fade

Idaho Statesman.com (September 27) - How much longer will the logging profession last? Now the woods are full of machines that do much of the cutting. There's fierce competition overseas from places such as Brazil and restrictive harvest policies in federal forests. Those pressures make logging the fastest-disappearing job in the United States.

The number of US loggers will have dropped 43 percent in 10 years by 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts. Once logging camps housed armies of the brawny if not Bunyanesque. By the latest count in 2013, there are 5,030 in the United States. Idaho, with the nation's highest concentration, has 320.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 17, 2014, 12:07:14 PM
Detroit, Michigan

Trees Hauled to Detroit to Jump-Start Urban Forest

Oakland press.com (October 14) - Trees are being trucked to Detroit as part of an effort to create an instant, forest-like setting in one neighborhood.

The work aims to show what trees planted for the Hantz Woodlands project might look like a decade from now, The Detroit News reported. In May, hundreds of people planted 15,000 saplings on land bordered by burned-out homes and abandoned apartments for the larger project.

About $100,000 is being spent on the latest plantings. This week, 150 mature trees are being put in the ground on the city's east side. Oxford-based tree broker Keith Alexander located 20-foot-tall sugar maples in Michigan and New York to meet requirements for the project.

John Hantz believes agriculture and forestry can play an important role in bankrupt Detroit and figures trees are better than blighted neighborhoods. The Detroit resident's project includes cleaning up 140 acres and knocking down vacant homes in the area.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 22, 2014, 11:52:48 AM
Michigan/California

Two different ways of handling their City Trees.

Ann Arbor Hiring Private Contractors for $368K to Catch Up on Tree Maintenance

Mlive.com (November 18) - The city of Ann Arbor is hiring two private contractors as it looks to catch up on tree removal, tree pruning, and stump removal needed along city streets.

The tree removal activities under both contracts focus on the highest-priority trees, those listed as priority 1 or 2 removals in the city's tree inventory. Currently, the city has a backlog of 815 priority 1 and 2 tree removals.

Renewed Call for Maintenance of City's Urban Forest after Falling Tree Injures Pedestrian

SFAppeal.com (November 14) - Citing a lack of resources for tree maintenance, for the last few years San Francisco Public Works has been in the process of transferring the maintenance responsibility for the majority of its 105,000 street trees to the care of private-property owners, despite public demand for a dedicated funding stream for the public maintenance of the city's urban forest.

In response, Public Works, in collaboration with the San Francisco Planning Department, Friends of the Urban Forest, Urban Forestry Council, and San Francisco Recreation and Parks, has crafted a San Francisco Urban Forest Plan, which identifies policies and strategies to proactively manage and grow the city's street trees population.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 23, 2015, 11:55:13 AM
Vermont

Vermont Publishes New Timber Harvesting Guidelines

GMOutlook.com (January 22) - Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Michael Snyder has announced new harvesting guidelines that, while voluntary, will help maintain forest health and sustainability in the state for humans and wildlife.

The 62-page report, "Voluntary Harvesting Guidelines," includes important instructions on "conducting a harvest, protecting water quality, protecting soil health and productivity, biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and planning for uncertainty."

Members of the state's Act 24 Advisory Committee, working with various experts, examined current forest practice research and then drafted the guidelines for review based on widely accepted forest practices.

The guidelines are available on the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation website.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 23, 2015, 12:11:03 PM
Oklahoma

Oklahoma: $220,000 Black Kettle Project to Thin Invasive Cedars

Tulsaworld.com (January 15) - Another blow will be delivered in the never-ending battle against invasive eastern red cedar trees in Oklahoma, thanks to National Wild Turkey Federation volunteers and state and federal agency cooperation.

This time the hit is significant, in the form of $220,000 aimed at the 30,000-acre Black Kettle Wildlife Management Area in western Oklahoma's Roger Mills County.

More work for Okemac  ;)

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on January 23, 2015, 12:20:53 PM
A story about this effort year or so ago. Wondering where the NWTF finds that kind of money?  Dues? or is this just the total and the state of OK and the USFS had the lions share ??

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/138329618484b1503xnke
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 13, 2015, 11:23:39 AM
Vermont

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation Recommends Forester Licensing

Sec.State.VT.US (January 9) - In response to a request from the Vermont House Committee on Government Operations, the state's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) has issued a report recommending that professional foresters be licensed.

"OPR is recommending that any person who holds himself or herself out to the public as a professional forester or practices professional forestry be licensed. This does not mean that forestry management practices necessarily require a licensed forester. [Emphasis theirs - Ed.] Appropriate exemptions should include forestry management practices on one's own land or practice for no remuneration. Research foresters and teachers should also be considered for exemption. State foresters, including county foresters, on the other hand, should be required to be licensed."

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) supports rigorous forester credential programs as implemented through state-level forester licensing and mandatory registration requirements. To read SAF position statement on "State Programs to Credential Foresters," visit the SAF website.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 20, 2015, 12:33:54 PM
Michigan

Michigan: DNR Releases Update on Health of Its Forest Land

Michigan.gov (February 4) - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its 2014 Forest Health Highlights report, an overview of Michigan's forests, the insects and diseases that have threatened them over the past year, and details about what DNR staff is doing to improve forest resources.

The report breaks down forest health threats by examining insects and diseases, forest decline, invasive plant control, and other health concerns. Accompanying photos and maps illustrate the pests and show the effects they have had on Michigan's forest system.

Among the highlights in the report are DNR's efforts to control oak wilt, a serious disease that threatens Michigan's extensive red oak resource. In cooperation with the US Forest Service, tens of thousands of feet of root graft barriers have been installed on state forestland. These barriers prevent oak wilt from moving to healthy trees through infected root systems.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 27, 2015, 05:36:10 PM
Idaho

Idaho: County Commissioners Support Wilderness

Billingsgazette.com (March 25) - Commissioners in Idaho's Bonner County unanimously passed a resolution calling for the US Congress to designate the Idaho portion of the Scotchman Peaks as a wilderness.

The entire 88,000-acre wilderness area proposal straddles the Idaho-Montana border in the Kaniksu and Kootenai national forests.

The steep, rocky, mountainous area northeast of Lake Pend Oreille has been recommended for wilderness by Forest Service management plans that were debated for more than a decade and approved in January.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 03, 2015, 12:12:03 PM
Connecticut

Southern Pine Beetle Found across State Is Destroying Trees

FoxCT.com (April 1) - A tiny beetle, discovered for the first time in Connecticut just two weeks ago, is causing big problems for pine trees in state.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection have announced that the southern pine beetle was detected in Wallingford's Wharton Brook State Park, in roughly two-dozen red pine trees, on March 17 by staff members.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 17, 2015, 08:46:58 PM
Alaska

Alaska's Yellow Cedar Considered for Endangered Species Protection

Sitnews.us (April 11) - The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that Alaska yellow cedar trees may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act because of ongoing threats from climate change and logging.

If listed, yellow cedar would be the first Alaska tree species, and only the second plant in the state, protected by the Endangered Species Act.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 26, 2015, 04:45:33 PM
California

California: State Adopts Emergency Regulation for Removing Dead and Dying Trees

SantaCruzsentinel.com (June 23) - With a historic drought and wildfire season in full swing and eight blazes currently being battled in the state, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has adopted an emergency regulation for removal of dead and dying trees.

The emergency regulation will allow individual landowners or professional foresters to apply for an exemption to cut dead and dying trees of any size without the typical timber harvest plan, submission requirements, and completion and stocking report requirements.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on June 26, 2015, 07:56:32 PM
Re: CA
About time that their over-regulation comes back to bite them in the posterior, and good to hear about.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 14, 2015, 08:03:42 PM
Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania DCNR Renames Lackawanna State Forest District in Honor of Gifford Pinchot

Satprnews.com (August 11) - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has renamed the Lackawanna State Forest District in honor of Gifford Pinchot in a move marking the 150th anniversary of the conservation pioneer's birth and saluting his creation of forestry practices that continue to shape and benefit Pennsylvania's forests to this day.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 14, 2015, 08:33:35 PM
Pennsylvania

Destructive Moth Damaging Cherry Trees in Allegheny National Forest

Readingeagle.com (August 10) - The cherry scallop shell moth, an insect pest native to Pennsylvania and the eastern United States, has defoliated cherry trees on more than 17,000 acres in the Allegheny National Forest and an additional 56,000 acres of public and private forestland in the northwestern corner of the state, according to a recent aerial survey by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 11, 2015, 12:01:25 PM
Idaho

Idaho History: The Great Forest Fire of 1910 Was Idaho's Deadliest

Idahostatesman.com (September 6) - The forest fire season of 1910 started on April 29 with a small blaze in the Blackfeet National Forest in the northwest corner of Montana. Nobody could have dreamed that it marked the beginning of the worst fire season in Idaho history, and one of the worst in the nation's history. Like most forest fires in the West, it was likely started by lightning, since, in some years, 80 percent of the fires on record started that way.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 02, 2015, 12:24:30 PM
Montana

Montana: Tricon Timber Lays Off 90 in St. Regis

MTPR.org (September 28) - Ninety employees of Tricon Timber in St. Regis, one of the largest employers in western Montana's Mineral County, were laid off last week.

Tricon's only the latest casualty in what's been a long and difficult year for Montana's timber industry. Earlier this month Sun Mountain Lumber in Deer Lodge closed down the night shift in several of its operations, leaving 50 people out of work.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 30, 2015, 01:02:02 PM
South Carolina

After Flooding Losses, Week Spotlights Impact of Forestry in S.C.

Thetandd.com (Orangeburg, SC - October 26) - The Forestry Commission has estimated a $65 million economic impact loss to forestry from the recent flooding across the state, an appraisal that puts a spotlight on the industry's importance to the state. South Carolina's largest manufacturing industry in terms of jobs and wages, forestry generates an $18.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 13, 2015, 12:31:04 PM
Michigan's U.P.

Upper Michigan Forestry Industry Experiencing Upswing

Uppermichiganssource.com (Escanaba, MI - November 5) - Michigan's forest products industry provides more than 77,000 jobs in the state, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Michigan has over 20 million acres of forest land. Though the Upper Peninsula accounts for only 29 percent of Michigan's area, it's home to 45 percent of the forests, making the logging industry vital to the U.P.'s economy.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 13, 2015, 12:46:13 PM
Virginia

Department of Forestry Offers Discount on Seedlings to Veterans

Newsplex.com (Charlottesville, VA - November 5) - U.S. military veterans who want to order tree seedlings from the Virginia Department of Forestry can get a discount next week.

From Nov. 9 through 13, veterans can save 15 percent on their orders.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 11, 2015, 12:06:54 PM
Maine

Tallest American Chestnut Tree Found in Southwestern Maine

(Lovell, ME - December 2) - The American Chestnut Foundation says the tallest known American chestnut tree in North America, which has been found in a forest in southwestern Maine, tops 115'.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 22, 2015, 06:38:36 PM
Michigan

RE:  MICHIGAN BIG TREE HUNT LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

[Contact Meghan Gordon – see below]

ReLeaf Michigan needs help to verify entries for the Michigan Big Tree Hunt.  We have been conducting the MI Big Tree Hunt since 1993.  It is a contest to find the biggest trees in MI in several categories:
1.   Largest Tree Overall submitted by an adult (16 years and older)
2.   Largest Tree Overall submitted by a child (15 years and younger)
3.   Largest White Pine (MI's State Tree)
4.   Largest Tree in each County
5.   Largest tree of any species that is larger than the current State Champion of that species
Applications have been accepted, and once the winning entries have been verified, there will be an awards ceremony scheduled for some time in February.

Any nominated tree that is a potential winner in any of the categories must be verified by an unbiased 3rd party before it can be named a winner.  This is where we need your help.

The verification process is very quick and simple – it essentially involves finding the tree (directions are provided), confirming or identifying the species, and measuring the trunk circumference.  In most cases there are no more than just a few trees that need to be verified in any one county.  It probably would only take an hour or two in any given county.

However, if the tree is classified under Potential State Champion (PSC) then additional measurements for tree height and canopy spread would be needed.  Andy Sawyer, who is the MI Botanical Club's Big Tree Coordinator, has also requested that if you could, record the GPS location of the PSC tree or just include an accurate location description and note if it is on public or private land.  That would help the Club in keeping better tabs on the trees.  They try to keep their list updated every few years in case trees come down in a storm, are removed, or have grown larger.  They keep track and publish a record of all the State Champion trees. 

More information on the MI Big Tree Hunt can be found at: http://releafmichigan.blogspot.com/p/big-tree-hunt.html

Please call or e-mail me if you are interested in helping.  Verifiers will be invited to the February ceremony and receive a thank you gift from ReLeaf Michigan.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Meghan Gordon
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 22, 2016, 05:15:19 PM
Michigan

Michigan Tech Lands a Model Forest

(Alberta, MI - January 12) - Michigan Tech's model forest in Alberta has been recognized by the Forest Stewards Guild as exemplifying excellent forestry.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 04, 2016, 07:07:01 PM
Michigan

RE:  WANTED – SENTINEL TREE VOLUNTEERS

Join the Michigan Eyes on the Forest sentinel tree network and help monitor Michigan's forest resources and help us protect against potential invasive threats.  Michigan residents can help in the identification of evidence of unusual decline, dieback, or the presence of major invasive forest pests not known to be established in Michigan.  We're especially looking for evidence of Asian long-horned beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, and 1000 cankers disease of black walnut. 

To become a volunteer, register with the "Midwest Invasive Species Information Network" (MISIN).  Keep an eye on a tree, or two, and report once or twice each year on its condition.  Changes are particularly important.  Spread the word!

http://www.misin.msu.edu/eyes/

The network especially needs volunteers in the eastern UP and northern LP.  However, volunteers are still needed across Michigan. 

Questions?  Contact Russ Kidd at kidd@msu.edu (Yes, he did retire but . . . ). 

Other field project contacts are:
Julie Crick  crickjul@anr.msu.edu
Georgia Peterson  petersog@anr.msu.edu
Mike Schira  schira@msu.edu
Bill Cook  cookwi@msu.edu
Deb McCullough  mccullo6@mail.msu.edu
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 05, 2016, 07:20:51 PM
Michigan's U.P.

"Voices from the Woods" 

http://www.secondwavemedia.com/upper-peninsula/features/loggingfeature12916.aspx

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 10, 2016, 05:07:34 PM
Michigan

RE:  USDA Encourages Landowners to Sign-Up for Conservation Planning

EAST LANSING, Feb. 10, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is calling on Michigan farmers and private forest owners to sign up for conservation planning assistance by 30 April. Conservation planning helps farmers and private forest owners identify resource concerns on their land and identify different methods to address them.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides conservation planning services to farmers and private forest owners at no cost. NRCS also provides financial assistance for conservation activities on private land that help reduce soil erosion, improve water and air quality, and improve wildlife habitat. Some practices eligible for NRCS financial assistance include windbreaks, livestock waste storage, nutrient and pest management plans, grassed waterways, cover crops, and timber stand improvement.

During conservation planning, an NRCS conservationist and the landowner or operator, walk the land and identify resource concerns. A conservation plan is developed prioritizing resource concerns and how the landowner can alleviate them. When the conservation plan is completed, the landowner may apply for USDA financial assistance to implement conservation practices that address the resource concerns identified in the plan. Participants are not required to address the resource concerns identified, enrolling in USDA conservation programs is completely voluntary.

Applying for USDA conservation financial assistance is a competitive process. Completing a conservation plan does not guarantee that a landowner will receive financial assistance. However, developing a conservation plan is the first required step for enrolling in USDA conservation programs.

To learn more about USDA conservation programs and technical assistance contact your local USDA office or go the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 14, 2016, 03:41:05 PM
Wisconsin

Urban Forestry Charge Costing Some Madison Neighborhoods Thousands

(Madison, WI – May 5) – A special charge levied on all Madison properties meant to fund the city's urban forestry program as a whole and to allow the city to recover costs for emerald ash borer mitigation is inadvertently costing some neighborhood associations thousands of dollars per year.

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 19, 2016, 09:29:11 PM
Vermont

Vermont Law Targets Timber Theft as Own Class of Crime

        (Plainfield, VT - June 13) - A new timber theft law covers trees of any size and value,
        imposing a year in jail and/or a $20,000 fine for a first offense; two years and a
        $50,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/06/12/vermont-law-targets-timber-theft-as-own-class-of-crime/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Carson-saws on July 27, 2016, 10:45:01 AM
Fantastic thread Mr. Scott.   thanks for ALL the information.  I am wishing I had time to do them all (in Michigan) but.....What about the Tamarack here in Mich?  Don't see to many near me and am not aware of just how much there is here in Mich.  A Woman by me had a very large one struck by lightening.  I went over and salvaged a bunch of limbs to make so rustic furniture and talked the Woman into having the standing stump ( 12') chainsaw carved. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 29, 2016, 11:19:11 AM
Oregon

Oregon's Timber Harvest Dropped in 2015
        (Salem, OR - July 26) - A slowdown in log exports to Asia, the end of a trade deal
        between the United States and Canada, and a busy fire season all contributed to a
        roughly 8 percent decline in Oregon's timber harvest last year.

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/34611523-75/oregons-timber-harvest-drops-in-2015.html.csp

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 12, 2016, 12:33:22 PM
Wisconsin

Caterpillar's Prentice Facility Will Close in Sept.

        (Prentice, WI - August 3) - Caterpillar announced that it will close its Prentice facility,
        which has manufactured forestry equipment since 1945, on September 30 as part of
        a global restructuring.

http://wsau.com/news/articles/2016/aug/03/caterpillar-to-close-prentice-facility-in-september/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 27, 2016, 11:19:50 AM
Washington

(Colville, WA - August 22) - The Stevens County Cattlemen are advertising with a billboard on
        Highway 395 south of Colville which carries the message "Public Lands: Log it, graze it or
        watch it burn."
http://www.capitalpress.com/Washington/20160822/rancher-billboards-promote-grazing-logging-on-public-lands

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 02, 2016, 05:02:02 PM
Minnesota

Timber Talks: Forestry Business Leaders Meet with State DNR Commissioner in
        Bemidji

        (Bemidji, MN - August 30) - Forest industry representatives from across the northern
        Minnesota region gathered at the Mayflower Building in Bemidji to discuss issues with
        the Department of Natural Resources earlier this week.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4105091-timber-talks-forestry-business-leaders-meet-state-dnr-commissioner-bemidji

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 09, 2016, 01:26:10 PM
Washington

Men Who Started Washington Wildfire Ordered to Pay State $2.3 Million
(Kelso, WA - December 6)
Three men responsible for setting fire to 110 acres of forest in southwestern Washington have been ordered to pay the state more than $2.3 million in firefighting suppression costs.

http://q13fox.com/2016/12/06/men-who-started-washington-wildfire-ordered-to-pay-state-2-3-million/
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 17, 2017, 04:37:38 PM
Maine

Poliquin Bill Would Allow Teens to Work in Forest Industry

       (Bangor, ME - March 10) - The "Future Logging Careers Act" would allow 16- and
        17-year-olds to work in mechanized logging operations under parental supervision,
        something which the executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine says should be available to families engaged in the forest products industry.

http://mainepublic.org/post/poliquin-bill-would-allow-teens-work-forest-industry#stream/0

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 04, 2017, 10:54:42 AM
Minnesota

Plan to Log Forest Near Ely Pits Hikers, Skiers vs. Timber Industry

(Ely, MN - August 2) - A state plan to harvest a section of old-growth forest near Ely has pitted hikers and skiers against the Department of Natural Resources, which describes the plan as routine forest management that would improve the long-term vitality of the woods.
http://m.startribune.com/to-cut-or-not-to-cut-old-growth-pines-tests-minnesota-forest-management/437940543/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 22, 2017, 02:26:37 PM
Minnesota

(Minneapolis, MN - August 13) - Eastern larch beetles, tiny burrowing bugs native to Minnesota, are exploding in number across the state's northern forests and have killed or damaged about a third of the state's tamarack trees.

http://www.startribune.com/as-climate-warms-an-exploding-larch-beetle-population-is-transforming-minnesota-s-forests/440055923/

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 22, 2017, 02:56:38 PM
Michigan

(Houghton, MI - August 14) - In Michigan, where sugar maples are a multi-million-dollar industry, non-native earthworms are having a deadly impact on trees by drying out the soil near the surface, where 90 percent of a maple tree's roots are located.

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-invasive-earthworms-root-sugar-maple.html

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 16, 2017, 11:57:22 AM
New York

RE:  FIRST COMPLETE CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER BUIDLING IN NEW YORK

Both the walls and roof of the new 21,000 square foot building were constructed with CLT panels.  Some nice pictures.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/ribbon_cutting_clt_nys/first_clt_newenergyworks/prweb14782895.htm
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 27, 2017, 12:25:20 PM
Wisconsin

Walker: State Forestry Headquarters Moving to Rhinelander

(Rhinelander, WI - October 25) - Governor Scott Walker announced that Rhinelander has been selected as the new location for the State Division of Forestry office, which is expected to provide a bonus of additional high-paying jobs for the city.
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&ArticleID=79140

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 03, 2018, 05:11:05 PM
Michigan

RE:  NRCS FUNDING FOR OAK WILT TREATMENT 

Happy New Year everyone!  Andy Henriksen distributed this EQIP news and some of you have seen it already. 

I wanted to make sure that you were aware that NRCS is now offering financial assistance, through EQIP, to treat areas infected with oak wilt. This may be something that you want to consider adding to plans, including potentially as an addition to/revision of existing plans if a new occurrence of OW is detected. Please note that, as indicated with the second limitation below, EQIP isn't always going to be a suitable mechanism for treatment funding, but it is now an option.

Please familiarize yourself with the Tree/Shrub Pruning (660) Conservation Practice Standard (attached), particularly the "General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes" (required design elements) and the Plans and Specifications section (required documentation) and Operation and Maintenance section (required follow-up).  Although it is largely written with typical above-ground pruning in mind, root pruning is also covered. 

The following is an excerpt from an NRCS guidance document developed to help staff with selecting practices and payment scenarios.  It may help you understand how this practice is intended to be used with EQIP.

Please note that the first cutoff for EQIP funding this year is 19 January.  So, if you know of forestowners who have oak wilt or other resource concerns to address, encourage them to visit their local NRCS field office ASAP!

Andy Henriksen, CF
State Forester
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
3001 Coolidge Rd., Suite 250
East Lansing, MI  48823-6321
Ph: 517-324-5234
Fax: 855-701-4363


•   FY2018 Payment Rates
Scenario Number   Practice Name   Component/Scenario   Unit Type   Unit Cost
14   Tree/Shrub Pruning   Root Pruning for Oak Wilt Control   LnFt   $2.84
14 HU   Tree/Shrub Pruning   HU-Root Pruning for Oak Wilt Control   LnFt   $3.40
Limitations:
•   This scenario is specifically for root pruning for oak wilt control. EQIP funding is not provided for branch/limb pruning, or for purposes other than oak wilt control.
•   Do not use EQIP for oak wilt control, if program funding availability precludes timely treatment of infected area.
Notes:
•   Payment unit is the linear feet of trench/plow line required to contain the oak wilt infestation.
•   Treatment includes preparation of the trench/plow line with a dozer and chainsaw, and herbicide application within treatment area, as needed.
•   Consult with a Conservation District Forester, DNR Forester, or other qualified individual to determine treatment needs.
Maintenance:
•   Practice must be maintained for a lifespan of 10 years after installation.

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 26, 2018, 04:04:52 PM
Michigan 

WMUK 102.1, Jan. 19, 2018

State Hopes to Squash Hemlock Pest Before it Spreads

A bug that kills hemlock trees has invaded West Michigan. Hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in four counties: Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana. It's a tiny bug that makes small, cotton-like sacs at the base of a hemlock tree's needles. This month the state awarded more than $800,000 in grants to help invasive species managers survey, map, and control Hemlock woolly adelgid. The bug was spotted in Michigan in 2006, but it's been plaguing the east coast of the U.S. for decades. 

http://wmuk.org/post/state-hopes-squash-hemlock-pest-it-spreads

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 10, 2018, 02:08:48 PM
Maine

How the Last U.S. Ice Cream Stick Manufacturer, Here in Maine, Stays Competitive

Maine Public, Feb. 5, 2018
When the doctor tells you to open up and say, "Ahhh," pretty much anywhere in the world, there's a chance that the wooden stick pressing on your tongue was made in Maine. And the wooden stick in that Creamsicle? Probably also from Maine. Hardwood Products Co. in Guilford has something of a split personality. The company is divided into two operations, one right across the road from the other. 

http://mainepublic.org/post/how-last-us-ice-cream-stick-manufacturer-here-maine-stays-competitive#stream/0

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 10, 2018, 02:15:22 PM
Ikea Buys Massive Alabama Forest
   
Alabama

Woodworking Network, Feb. 6, 2018

In an effort to source timber more ethically, furniture giant Ikea has purchased a massive 25,000-acre forest in the middle of Alabama. This is the Swedish company's first forest purchase in the United States. "As a responsible forest owner, we are interested in identifying and applying sustainable management methods that will allow us to preserve and even increase the quality of the forest over time," said Ikea's head of financial asset management Krister Mattsson. 

https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/ikea-buys-massive-alabama-forest

The E-Forester

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: SwampDonkey on February 10, 2018, 03:00:56 PM
Hopefully, they will follow the ethics of their Swedish brethren. The Swedes practice good forestry.  :)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 30, 2018, 05:08:04 PM
Michigan

RE:  REGISTERED FORESTER PROGRAM BILL SIGNED INTO LAW  

The RF Program was signed into law 26 April.


House bills 5000 & 5001.

Next step is a meeting to begin implement of the program.

Stay tuned.

Enrolled House Bill (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.legislature.mi.gov_documents_2017-2D2018_billenrolled_House_pdf_2017-2DHNB-2D5001.pdf&d=DwMFAg&c=nE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=T1JVz4puQ1-4gnlXY8OPEg&m=PhMt1KZyY46otZJK4UiUYX32swpg8CChLTiQLqKQ05Q&s=mma1K9bTKbKMOiC0n-xDQ7-akxjHvcD1hUEwAryHzzg&e=)


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 04, 2018, 12:49:26 PM
Maine

Conservation Group Acquires Nearly 18,000 Acres of Forest In Coastal Maine

Maine Public, May 2, 2018
A Virginia-based group has acquired three forested properties totaling nearly 17,900 acres in Hancock and Washington counties. The Conservation Fund acquired the properties from H.C. Haynes, Inc., a forestry company based in the Penobscot County town of Winn. The properties — the purchase prices of which were not disclosed — will be conveyed to other nonprofit conservation organizations after those groups raise money to purchase them.  

Conservation Group Acquires Nearly 18,000 Acres Of Forest In Coastal Maine | Maine Public (http://mainepublic.org/post/conservation-group-acquires-nearly-18000-acres-forest-coastal-maine)

The Digital Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 26, 2018, 01:24:04 PM
Montana

$500,000 Timber Equipment Sabotaged Near Montana Forest Project

KGVO-FM, Aug. 21, 2018
There are currently 21 court injunctions against forest restoration projects in Montana. One is near West Yellowstone, where Ed Regan of RY Timber out of Livingston had brought his equipment to begin logging, when the next day an injunction stopped the work, but not before someone had vandalized a half-million dollar feller buncher.  

0,000 Timber Equipment Sabotaged near Montana Forest Project (http://newstalkkgvo.com/500000-timber-equipment-sabotaged-near-montana-forest-project/)

Digital Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 12, 2019, 03:57:20 PM

Michigan

Initial Inventory of State Forest Roads Complete (MI)  (http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2256832&messageid=2256832&databaseid=Mailing.DS256832.2256832.239863&serial=17942615&emailid=forester711@hotmail.com&userid=136346649&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2089&&&http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5c36556e85926)
Update Your Browser | Facebook (http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2256832&messageid=2256832&databaseid=Mailing.DS256832.2256832.239863&serial=17942615&emailid=forester711@hotmail.com&userid=136346649&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2090&&&%5Burl=http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5c36556e85926)](https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e)[/url]Post a Tweet on Twitter (http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2256832&messageid=2256832&databaseid=Mailing.DS256832.2256832.239863&serial=17942615&emailid=forester711@hotmail.com&userid=136346649&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2091&&&%5Burl=http://twitter.com/?status=http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5c36556e85926)](https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109)[/url]LinkedIn (http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2256832&messageid=2256832&databaseid=Mailing.DS256832.2256832.239863&serial=17942615&emailid=forester711@hotmail.com&userid=136346649&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2092&&&%5Burl=http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=5c36556e85926)](https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4)[/url]SAF E-Forester (http://strongmail1.multiview.com/track?type=click&eas=1&mailingid=2256832&messageid=2256832&databaseid=Mailing.DS256832.2256832.239863&serial=17942615&emailid=forester711@hotmail.com&userid=136346649&targetid=&fl=&extra=MultivariateId=&&&2093&&&%5Burl=http://multibriefs.com/ShareArticle.php?5c36556e85926)](https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1)[/url]
The Associated Press via Petoskey News-Review, Jan. 7, 2019
An initial inventory of state forest roads maintained by Michigan's Natural Resources department is complete. The state says it spent two years mapping and reviewing the conditions of the network of roads. Computer mapping technology was used to consolidate previously mapped roads into a single, comprehensive database. The work has led to a compilation of interactive maps that show where off-road vehicle use is allowed on state forest roads. Forest Resources Division chief Deb Begalle says "forests roads are a resource to help people get out and enjoy Michigan's public forests."   

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 22, 2019, 01:39:20 PM
Maine

Report: Shortage of Loggers and Truckers Hinders Growth of $8.5 Billion Forest Products Industry (ME)  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV2D-iQAXVdI7ZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOJJ2Rlaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ao~amp;u=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV2D-iQAXVdI7ZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOJJ2Rlaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ap~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV2D-iQAXVdI7ZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOJJ2Rlaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Aq~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV2D-iQAXVdI7ZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOJJ2Rlaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ar~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV2D-iQAXVdI7ZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOJJ2Rlaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=As~amp;u=)

Mainebiz, March 15, 2019
An employment availability and wage analysis prepared by the Maine Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Southern Maine found wages for logging equipment operators and log truckers are lower than those for comparable jobs in competing industries in the state. Combined with a tight labor market and looming retirement for large numbers of loggers, that finding highlights a weak link in Maine's forest economy, according to the trade group that commissioned the study.  

Report: Shortage of loggers and truckers hinders growth of .5B forest products industry | Mainebiz.biz (http://www.mainebiz.biz/article/20190315/NEWS01/190319963)

The Digital Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on April 02, 2019, 04:01:01 PM

Michigan
RE: MASS TIMBER BUILDING COMES TO MSU  
     Michigan State University's future STEM Teaching and Learning Facility (https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/construction-begins-on-one-of-a-kind-campus-building/) will be the first in Michigan to use an innovative wood product, rather than concrete and/or steel, for its load-bearing structure.

     Known as mass timber, this framing style uses large solid or engineered wood. The $100 million facility will be constructed of glue-laminated wooden columns and cross-laminated timber, or CLT, a relatively new product for the floors and ceilings.

https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/first-of-its-kind-timber-product-to-be-used-in-msu-building/ (https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/first-of-its-kind-timber-product-to-be-used-in-msu-building/)


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 17, 2019, 11:59:16 AM
Ohio

High Timber Prices Lure Poachers to Cut Down Ohio Trees  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=An~amp;u=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ao~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ap~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Aq~amp;u=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ar~amp;u=)

The Columbus Dispatch, May 14, 2019
Walking through his Ross County tree farm, Jim Savage stopped and looked down. "There it is," he said, pointing to the jagged tree stump. In the grass lay the remains of a massive black walnut tree. About 50 yards away along Salt Creek were the spindly limbs of two other fallen trees. The trees were not victims of natural threats such as disease or weather, but rather poachers.  READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=As~amp;u=)

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 19, 2019, 03:07:37 PM
Illinois


Illinois Has More Jobs Through Forestry than Most Midwestern States  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=At~amp;u=)
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News Tribune, May 9, 2019
Over the past couple of years, Starved Rock Wood Products has been expanding in the former R.R. Donnelly building in Mendota. The millwork shop is employing just over 100 people right now, and CEO Keith Miller said he expects that number to continue to climb. "It's growing. Over the next five years, I would think we would have more than 300 employees," Miller said. Starved Rock Wood Products is just one example of the Illinois Valley's job footprint in the forestry industry.  READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV23DxQBJB6FGaZpaOaDVU4maaaaOaBON2SAbaa?q=4_175~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Ay~amp;u=)

The E-Forester 

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 19, 2019, 05:52:12 PM
Michigan
Invasive Gypsy Moth Numbers are Rising in Southern Michigan  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV3L4tQBSBeHNlZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOQHL1gaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Dp~amp;u=)
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WDIV-TV, June 12, 2019
Gypsy moths are an invasive species, a term for non-native pests that can cause harm to native species and ecosystems. In its caterpillar life stage, the insect caused widespread defoliation in Michigan from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. A large population in 2018 has led to more caterpillars hatching this spring. Current defoliation is heaviest in Barry, Ionia and Washtenaw counties, but Department of Natural Resources forest health experts say it's likely that gypsy moth caterpillars are causing similar problems on a local scale in other areas of the Lower Peninsula.  READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPV3L4tQBSBeHNlZpaN9DVU4maaaaN9BOQHL1gaa?q=4_174~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=Du~amp;u=)

The E-Foreste
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 21, 2019, 03:59:57 PM

Michigan

RE:  MASS TIMBER BUILDING IN MICHIGAN!

The first mass timber beams and columns were placed on 18 June for the new STEM Teaching and Learning Facility on the MSU campus.  The announcement is here, in case you're interested in this wood products milestone!


https://mailchi.mp/b7df003afc7f/msu-begins-construction-onfirst-mass-timber-building-in-the-state (https://mailchi.mp/b7df003afc7f/msu-begins-construction-onfirst-mass-timber-building-in-the-state)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 02, 2019, 04:12:33 PM
Michigan

RE:  MICHIGAN ACF CHAPTER RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Michigan Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters were awarded the "Large Chapter of the Year Award" at the National ACF meeting in French Lick, Indiana, on 24 June.  Attending were Justin Miller, Jeff Steinkraus, Rexx Janowiak, Mark Janke, Scott Erickson, Terry Manty, and Jerry Grossman.  The Chapter of the year award is sponsored by Stihl.


 
Yahoo! to the fine foresters of Michigan!

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 29, 2019, 01:51:01 PM
Texas


What is IKEA's Plan for All of the East Texas Forest They Bought?  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7s~amp;q=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7t~amp;q=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7u~amp;q=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7v~amp;q=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7w~amp;q=)

KEEL-FM, Nov. 24, 2019
The company that owns IKEA has been buying up tens of thousands of acres of forestland across the United States. Their most recent purchase includes 42,000 acres of East Texas' Piney Woods. They started acquiring the land in 2015, when timber prices started to increase across the globe. The intent of the company is to create their own sustainable timber operations.  READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAhbaBPWAU-9QDDI7URnZpaMqDVU4maaaaMqBO22N0saa?m=8_x7t~amp;k=Yvkll0Xy08u~25Btoh0fhbs.Vvf~amp;s=7x~amp;q=)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 05, 2019, 12:11:38 PM
Michigan

RE:  WEYERHAEUSER LAND SALES

$300 million to New Hampshire Lyme Timber. 

 
https://www.dailypress.net/news/local-news/2019/12/logging-company-buys-timberland-for-300m/ (https://www.dailypress.net/news/local-news/2019/12/logging-company-buys-timberland-for-300m/)


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 29, 2020, 05:06:40 PM

Michigan

RE:  FORMER G-P MILL TO SITE MICHIGAN LUMBER & WOOD FIBER

Breathing New Life Into A Historic Forest Products Manufacturing Site


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  I  28 JANUARY 2020

LANSING, Mich., – With his purchase of the former Georgia Pacific particleboard manufacturing site in Gaylord finalized, Tim Bills of Michigan Lumber and Wood Fiber (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.ml-wf.com/__;!!HXCxUKc!ilWbxIKYpaW3WK8WqspzJmdLA_8tSKeDO1zeqYlhsmshzb7IieGt10P88X9qOQ$) said that he will be bringing jobs and infrastructure back to the area.

Bills began negotiations with Georgia Pacific to purchase the land after his Comins sawmill of 10 years was destroyed by fire on June 1, 2019. The purchase of the 850-acre parcel was finalized on January 23, 2020 and feels like an achievement, in and of itself, for him.

"I've been working on this for about 4 months," said Bills. "I used to be one of the top suppliers for the Georgia Pacific mill. After they closed I continued to have a good relationship with them. This acquisition feels full-circle for me."

Bills is no stranger to large investments. In 2017, he purchased over 4 million dollars in state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the Comins mill. Unfortunately, most of that is now carbonized.

It was very traumatizing for Bills and his workforce when production came to a halt in June. But the team at Michigan Lumber & Wood Fiber is familiar with fast growth, and finally having a building site has reenergized everyone involved.

Bills' goal is to have the mill open and operational by late spring/summer—a feat which will be made slightly easier by the infrastructure unique to this specific piece of land. Though the buildings at the former particleboard site were torn down approximately five years ago, Bills plans to rebuild his mill on portions of the remaining concrete pads.

"There are weigh-scales and some other infrastructure that will allow us to get production started in record time" says Bills.

With this acquisition, Bills joins a handful of other forest products manufacturers and sawmills in the area vying for similar wood species, but he doesn't see that as a problem.

"There's always competition but competition is healthy no matter what industry you're in," he said.

Most of the wood Michigan Lumber and Wood Fiber harvested was turned into railroad ties and Bills plans to do that again.

"Before the fire we were the largest wood supplier for the railroad tie market in Michigan," said Bills. "After the fire, it was quite a struggle for multiple customers because we were such a large producer, but they were able to keep their operations running and are looking forward to us coming back online."

Bills estimates that about 30-40 jobs would be created by the mill's initial re-opening but noted, as a vertically integrated company, that doesn't include the increase in loggers, chip crews operators, truckers and administrative staff that will be required to support his production goals. It also does not encompass the job creation of his long-term goals for the property.

As a Michigan native, improving the economy in the area he and his family were born, raised and live in is very important.

"I didn't just lose my operation and my livelihood. There were 40-50 individuals that were suddenly unemployed," said Bills.

 He knows most of his past team members have found work elsewhere, and many of them may not be willing or able to make the commute to Gaylord. However, he and his remaining team are optimistic that the talent in the community of Gaylord will be able to satisfactorily fill the void.

 Members of the MEDC, MDARD, and the Otsego County Economic Alliance have been active in helping with this relocation, and Bills hopes this will prove indicative of the overall attitude of the Gaylord and surrounding community's feelings.

 Lisa McComb, executive director of the Otsego County Economic Alliance, said the Alliance shares Bills' enthusiasm for the purchase of the site.

  "We've been working with them for the past several months to facilitate their movement to Gaylord and we're excited to have them," she said.

 Bills plans to start hiring team members of various skill levels in late April and early May. If you are interested in applying, send your resume and cover letter to tim@ml-wf.com.

 Media Contact:

Amanda Hattis

989-657-4217

asumerix@michiganforest.com

 Tim Bills

989-848-2100

tim@ml-wf.com
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 18, 2020, 06:06:37 PM
Michigan

RE:  BILL COOK RETIRES

With the suggestion from others, I wish to let everyone know that I have retired from MSU Extension.  However, before you all sigh with relief, I have to say I'll still be active with the forestry community (because of the all the great people), including preparing these email messages. 

 
Thanks to many for a couple decades of friendship and support.  Forestry is a good business with good people.  And, I'm particularly happy with all the younger folks moving up through their careers.  The forests will remain in good and capable hands.  They'll need every bit of expertise we can offer them. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 10, 2020, 05:11:18 PM
Wisconsin/Michigan/Minnesota

RE:  VERSO CLOSING MILLS IN WISCONSIN RAPIDS AND DULUTH

Mills will be "indefinitely idle" beginning this spring and summer.  The Rapids mill takes a fair amount of wood from the U.P. in a market that's already currently challenged. 

 
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune  (https://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/money/2020/06/09/verso-idle-wisconsin-rapids-paper-mill-indefinitely-starting-end-july/5325533002/) 

Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 10, 2020, 01:31:22 PM
Minnesota!
Nature Conservancy Buys More Than 2,000 Acres of Land in Superior National Forest (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPWFB28QGC4uBNEgCFuaSpDVU4maaaaSpBPYBLQ8aa?q=4_2Cy~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=82~amp;u=)
Minnesota Star Tribune, Oct. 7, 2020
More than 2,000 acres of land and six wilderness lakes deep in the heart of Superior National Forest will soon be forever protected. Mike Freed, a retired forestry professor, sold the land this week to the Nature Conservancy, which plans to keep it wild as a corridor and refuge for animals, trees and other wildlife.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPWFB28QGC4uBNEgCFuaSpDVU4maaaaSpBPYBLQ8aa?q=4_2Cy~amp;g=crohpwbu44y~257xklwjdfo.Zrj~amp;o=8~7E~amp;0=)
The E. Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 16, 2020, 04:47:12 PM
Maine
Forestry Officials: Be on the Looking for  (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWFET7QGFKmBNIxCFuaSpDVU4maaaaSpBPYTXAyaa?r=3_3Bz~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=Au~amp;v=)
Japanese Stiltgrass in Maine (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWFET7QGFKmBNIxCFuaSpDVU4maaaaSpBPYTXAyaa?r=3_3Bz~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=Au~amp;v=)
Maine Public, Oct. 13, 2020
The Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry is urging landowners and nursery professionals to check for an aggressive, invasive plant that's only recently been confirmed in Maine.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWFET7QGFKmBNIxCFuaSpDVU4maaaaSpBPYTXAyaa?r=3_3Bz~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=Av~amp;v=)

The E Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on November 01, 2020, 04:45:55 PM
Michigan

RE: FORESTRY AT MICHIGAN COMMUNITY COLLEGES
 
MSU has been working with Bay College in Escanaba and Muskegon Community College to develop forestry related programs.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/training-future-foresters-new-part-of-partnership-between-msu-community-colleges-industry (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/training-future-foresters-new-part-of-partnership-between-msu-community-colleges-industry)
 
Gogebic Community College has had a program for a number of years.
https://gogebic.edu/academics/Career/forestrytechnology.html (https://gogebic.edu/academics/Career/forestrytechnology.html)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on December 15, 2020, 01:07:00 PM
Wisconsin

RE:  TALL TIMBER – MILWAUKEE CLAIMS SOME FAME

Milwaukee boasts new construction of a 25-story mass timber apartment building, tallest in the world.  You may have noticed the blurb in the latest SAF eforester. 

 
https://www.wuwm.com/post/worlds-tallest-timber-tower-rising-milwaukee#stream/0 (https://www.wuwm.com/post/worlds-tallest-timber-tower-rising-milwaukee#stream/0)


Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 01, 2021, 05:26:58 PM
Michigan
Invasive, Hyperbolically Named Vine Makes 1st Known Appearance In Michigan (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2l~amp;o=)
WKAR-FM, Nov. 9, 2020
An invasive plant that has long caused problems in eastern states has been found in Michigan. Now state officials are trying to find out if it's growing anywhere besides an Albion College nature preserve, where a professor spotted it last month.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2m~amp;o=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2n~amp;o=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2o~amp;o=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2p~amp;o=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWGLL5QG34nBTXtCFuaSgDVU4maaaaSgBP33SBsaa?k=A_wHt~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=2q~amp;o=)
Digital Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 08, 2021, 06:20:03 PM
Minnesota
Minnesota DNR Wants Black Spruce Cones, and Has Upped the Price Per Bushel (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=3~amp;z=)
Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Dec. 31, 2020
The state's black spruce seed cupboard is bare. So the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is paying people $85 a bushel — up from $70 last year — for the cones to meet spring orders for reforesting. The pay was bumped up to attract more people to cone-picking, and the push is on.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=4~amp;z=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=5~amp;z=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=6~amp;z=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=7~amp;z=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=D9~amp;v=)

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 09, 2021, 03:50:24 PM
Wisconsin
The Handbook for Northwoods Forest Conservation (WI) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=A7~amp;v=)
WSAU-FM, Jan. 1, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has put conservation workshops and classes on hold, so the Northwoods Alliance and Partners in Forestry Cooperative came together to fill the void. They published a handbook about Northwoods forest conservation as a resource for those interested in land management.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=A8~amp;v=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=A9~amp;v=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=AA~amp;v=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=AB~amp;v=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAcbaBPWGQCiQHBD~BUEqCFuaSdDVU4maaaaSdBP4Q4Hyaa?r=3_397~amp;f=dqpgqvct53z~256yjmvkcgn.aqk~amp;n=Bc~amp;v=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 05, 2021, 02:13:53 PM
Michigan
17-Year Cicadas to Emerge in Michigan This Spring (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2F~amp;n=)
WDIV-TV, Feb. 2, 2021
Sometimes referred to as the Great Eastern Brood, the Brood X periodical cicada is a 17-year cicada that last emerged in 2004. Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives as larva, burrowed in the ground, taking a full 17 years to mature from nymph to adult, feeding on nutrients and fluids from the soil and small roots. When it's time, the buggers tunnel to the surface and wait for the soil to warm to about 64 degrees. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions per acre can appear simultaneously in some areas, according to U-Mich researchers, leaving behind an exoskeleton as they fly off to sing and mate.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2G~amp;n=)
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ffacebook2.png&hash=1f50c6b4616bb655ea0c31ac8c5d2dc01473b23e) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2H~amp;n=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Ftwitter2.png&hash=2e0375d4ba129b4292ac5464f8038e2389a4b109) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2I~amp;n=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Flinkedin2.png&hash=c911c7831faa9795b049bfa3de5cfe30486ba0f4) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2J~amp;n=)(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultibriefs.com%2Fimages%2Femail.png&hash=4fc5833b759ed5f0f91554380bc49781143e0eb1) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWG245QHKX~BWMcCFuaR7DVU4maaaaR7BQB-1C6aa?j=B_vHt~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=3k~amp;n=)

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 21, 2021, 01:54:01 PM
Michigan

RE:  DNR NEWS RELEASE
 
Lower Michigan may see more gypsy moth outbreaks.
 
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/2d8cc44 (https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/2d8cc44)
 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 21, 2021, 02:19:06 PM
RE:  MORE INFORMATION ON / ABOUT GYPSY MOTH
 
From our own Dr. Deb McCullough . . . there is more and better information about gypsy moth on the MSU IPM website.  Google "msu gypsy moth" to find information on the topics below.  Each bulletin can be downloaded and printed for free!
 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 16, 2021, 01:00:16 PM
Michigan
Data Shows Impact of Forest Industry in Michigan (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWJL2uQI4T~CCYqDGnaKuDVU4maaaaRnBQPDGTpaa?k=A_uDr~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=4H~amp;o=)
Daily Press, July 14, 2021
Data released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shows the impact the forest products industry has on the state and local economy. Trees stretch toward the sky across more than half of Michigan's landscape, supporting 20.3 million acres of forest. Most of this abundant forest land can produce commercial timber, a renewable and sustainably managed resource. Most forest land — at 62% — is privately owned, while state and local governments manage roughly 23%. About 15 percent of forests are on federal lands.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWJL2uQI4T~CCYqDGnaKuDVU4maaaaRnBQPDGTpaa?k=A_uDr~amp;m=Wxinj2V0yAs~25Drqf2djZu.Txd~amp;u=4I~amp;o=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 23, 2021, 05:52:12 PM
South Carolina
South Carolina Banning Sales of Bradford Pear Trees; Foresters Explain Why (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWJMQjQJB08CDJ9DGnaKsDVU4maaaaRjBQPVVHjaa?n=7_x92~amp;j=ZulkmzYx17v~25Aunizggcr.Wug~amp;r=6v~amp;r=)
WRDW-TV, July 20, 2021
South Carolina is banning the sale of invasive Bradford Pear trees because of their impact on SC ecosystems. Foresters say the trees spread quickly and are hard to control because of their strong and copious thorns that have been known to damage heavy-duty forestry vehicles. "This is equipment that goes out in the woods and deals with all kinds of things, and they won't go near places with pears because they know their equipment is going to be damaged," says David Jenkins, Forest Health Project Manager at the SC Forestry Commission.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWJMQjQJB08CDJ9DGnaKsDVU4maaaaRjBQPVVHjaa?n=7_x92~amp;j=ZulkmzYx17v~25Aunizggcr.Wug~amp;r=6w~amp;r=)
The E-forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 20, 2021, 12:51:12 PM
Michigan
Invasive Bug Found Near Rockford a Threat to Christmas Tree Industry (MI) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWJZX8QJK0rCFT8DGnaKrDVU4maaaaRdBQR4PXraa?j=B_tDx~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2t~amp;n=)WOOD-TV, Aug. 16, 2021
An invasive bug that's a potential threat to Michigan's Christmas tree industry has been discovered in Kent County. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Monday it had confirmed the state's first detected case of the balsam woolly adelgid near Rockford. MDARD said the homeowner noticed several Fraser firs in their yard were declining and contacted an arborist, who spotted the infestation and alerted the state. It's unclear how the bug reached Michigan or how long it's been in our state, but MDARD Director Gary McDowell said it's "plausible" the invader arrived on trees shipped to a nursery.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWJZX8QJK0rCFT8DGnaKrDVU4maaaaRdBQR4PXraa?j=B_tDx~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=2u~amp;n=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 20, 2021, 01:34:26 PM
Michigan
The Hunt Is On to Find Michigan's Biggest Trees (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWJZX8QJK0rCFT8DGnaKrDVU4maaaaRdBQR4PXraa?j=B_tDx~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=28~amp;n=)
WHMI-FM, Aug. 14, 2021
Those embarking on end of summer vacations or planning activities for the fall are encouraged to add Michigan's Big Tree Hunt to their list. The 15th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest is again being hosted by ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit focused on tree planting and education. The deadline was extended due to COVID-19 and is open to all ages. The non-profit awards certificates and prizes for the largest tree submitted in each county, for the overall largest tree in different age groups and the largest White Pine. The largest trees in the state can be found anywhere — a backyard, a local park or a hiking trail.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWJZX8QJK0rCFT8DGnaKrDVU4maaaaRdBQR4PXraa?j=B_tDx~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=29~amp;n=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 27, 2021, 02:11:39 PM
Michigan
The Michigan DNR Is Paying People to Collect Pine Cones (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAibaBPWJ2KmQJNEoCGGeDGnaKqDVU4maaaaRcBQSR4Rhaa?l=9_vBy~amp;l=Xwjmk1Wzz9t~25Cspg1eiat.Uwe~amp;t=5D~amp;p=)
WILX-TV, Aug. 23, 2021
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs help collecting pine cones. It's paying people $75 for red pine cones Sept. 1-30. Red Pines are among the most common trees in Michigan, and one of the most in demand trees. "It's important from the prospective of being able to take out Carbon from the atmosphere and store it. And it's also important as a basis of our forest products industry," said Richard Kobe, MSU Professor of Forestry. The trees are used to make things like utility poles, 2x4's and log cabins. The DNR is collecting these pine cones to replace trees cut down for industry.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAibaBPWJ2KmQJNEoCGGeDGnaKqDVU4maaaaRcBQSR4Rhaa?l=9_vBy~amp;l=Xwjmk1Wzz9t~25Cspg1eiat.Uwe~amp;t=5E~amp;p=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 03, 2021, 03:04:04 PM
Michigan
Fir Tree-Killing Insect Detected in Michigan (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWKAU7QJPS7CGY8DGnaKpDVU4maaaaReBQTEOFiaa?j=B_tDv~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=3H~amp;n=)
Michigan Radio, Aug. 30, 2021
Another tree-killing insect has been found in Michigan. The balsam woolly adelgid is an invasive sap-sucking insect which kills fir trees. The first confirmed case was found near Rockford in Kent County.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWKAU7QJPS7CGY8DGnaKpDVU4maaaaReBQTEOFiaa?j=B_tDv~amp;n=Vyhoi3U1xBr~25Eqre3ckYv.Syc~amp;v=3I~amp;n=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on January 21, 2022, 02:16:00 PM
Florida
IKEA Buys Land Damaged by Hurricane in Florida to Plant Forests (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWMCVjQK1SxCSGaD0caJ5DVU4maaaaQ8BQ3VWGnaa?n=7_x7z~amp;j=ZulkmzYx17v~25Aunizggcr.Wug~amp;r=7g~amp;r=)
Reuters, Jan. 13, 2022
Ingka Group, the owner of most IKEA furniture stores worldwide, has bought more land in the United States as part of a long-term commitment to responsible forest management. Ingka Group will plant seedlings of mainly longleaf pine on the 1,321 hectares (3,264 acres) of land in Florida. "The new forests will support increased biodiversity, help ensure sustainable timber production from responsibly managed forests, and recover land damaged by Hurricane Michael in October 2018," the company said.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWMCVjQK1SxCSGaD0caJ5DVU4maaaaQ8BQ3VWGnaa?n=7_x7z~amp;j=ZulkmzYx17v~25Aunizggcr.Wug~amp;r=7h~amp;r=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 12, 2022, 12:53:09 PM
Michigan DNR Utilization & Marketing Newsletter- Summer 2022

Forest Utilization & Marketing Newsletter - Summer 2022 (https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/31f0a8c)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 14, 2022, 04:02:01 PM
Michigan's UP, Sad News!

RE:  COLLIN HAGAN TRAGEDY
 
Collin Hagan, son of Shawn and Jeanmarie Hagan, died in a fire-fighting accident on 10 August on the Big Swamp Fire near Oakridge, Oregon.  The Douglas County, Oregon press release is https://www.radioresultsnetwork.com/2022/08/11/218175/ (https://www.radioresultsnetwork.com/2022/08/11/218175/)
 
·        The Fireman's Honor Guard procession from the airport to the funeral home was this past Saturday. 
·        Thursday evening – TBD – visitation, Mountain View Mortuary, South Range
·        Friday morning – TBD – Funeral mass, Holy Family Catholic Church, South Range
 
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Prayers sent!

 "I know Shawn and Jeanmarie Hagan and remember when their son Collin was born in 1995. Shawn and Jeanmarie are both forestry graduates from Michigan Tech. and are foresters in the UP". 
 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 02, 2022, 06:21:35 PM
Wisconsin

Grazing Goats: Herd Grazes on Invasive Plant to Save Brule River State Forest (WI) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPWPI1xQNDKoDEZrEQzaLHbSKJZoaaaaLHbBRREBDpaa?q=ilubvqhoAy4~2513erqpXli.flp~amp;a=ilubvqhoAy4~2513erqpXli.flp~amp;i=u~amp;u=)
KBJR-TV, Aug. 30, 2022
A herd of goats in the Brule River State Forest is grazing on an invasive plant to promote native plant growth. The group of about 30 goats is contracted with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who manages the forest.
 
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAdbaBPWPI1xQNDKoDEZrEQzaLHbSKJZoaaaaLHbBRREBDpaa?q=ilubvqhoAy4~2513erqpXli.flp~amp;a=ilubvqhoAy4~2513erqpXli.flp~amp;i=v~amp;u=)
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on September 02, 2022, 09:55:47 PM
Any idea of what the cost is to have a company like Regenerative Ruminants contract a herd of 30 goats? Assume it would be for a season, and they take them "home" for the winter. 

Ask because close friend was quite interested for buckthorn management, and it was very expensive. 
Setting up the pen fences, monitoring the food supply, moving the fences when needed, supplying water and shelter, etc. does cost a lot when looking into a herd of goats moved to a new site. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 04, 2022, 08:56:58 PM
No idea on the cost but imagine its pricy with what's involved as you stated. The Brule River State Forest should be able to provide some price information on this service.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 16, 2022, 02:59:12 PM
Michigan
Hiawatha National Forest Paying For Collected Pine Cones (MI) (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWPQPlQNHLeDGIlEQzaLCeSKJZoaaaaLCeBRSJCFuaa?j=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;T=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;b=Mo~amp;7=)
Radio Results Network, Sept. 12, 2022
The Hiawatha National Forest is accepting cones that have been collected from the Upper Peninsula for purchase beginning October 1, 2022, and ending January 1, 2023, or when bushel goals have been met. Species that will be purchased are white pine at $60 per bushel, red pine at $100 per bushel, and hemlock at $200 per bushel.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWPQPlQNHLeDGIlEQzaLCeSKJZoaaaaLCeBRSJCFuaa?j=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;T=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;b=Mp~amp;7=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: beenthere on September 16, 2022, 05:02:06 PM
Ron
What are the specs for picking cones? Likely have to be picked green from the tree in the time period beginning Oct. 22. Seems to be limited info in the resource cited. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 18, 2022, 05:58:43 PM
Yes, if you are going to pick cones for the various agencies or private nurseries, it is always best to get a current year copy of the specific cone specs from them before picking as the specs can vary and be quite purchaser specific for what they will accept for purchase.

The announcements and sale add for cone purchases does not always contain the total specs as to what is buyer acceptable. 
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 23, 2022, 12:54:17 PM
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Has One of the Best National Forests for Fall Foliage (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAibaBPWPRKaQNJMsDGO8EQzaLPtSKJZoaaaaLPtBRS0PHbaa?l=ngzW0lmjFt9~25w8ZwluSqd.kgu~amp;V=ngzW0lmjFt9~25w8ZwluSqd.kgu~amp;d=Kn~amp;5=)
WMMR-FMM, Sept. 20, 2022
Fall foliage season is here, and the beautiful colors will start popping up soon. When it comes to Pennsylvania, we always get an array of beautiful autumn shades to enjoy throughout September and October. As it turns out, Pennsylvania even has one of the best national forests in the U.S. to see fall foliage.
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAibaBPWPRKaQNJMsDGO8EQzaLPtSKJZoaaaaLPtBRS0PHbaa?l=ngzW0lmjFt9~25w8ZwluSqd.kgu~amp;V=ngzW0lmjFt9~25w8ZwluSqd.kgu~amp;d=Ko~amp;5=)

The E-Forester

I was the Recreation, Fire, & Information Staff Officer on the Allegheny National Forest,1978-1982. It has some of the best black cherry timber in the country. Our timber sales would often go over a million dollars on the stump.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on October 07, 2022, 01:26:43 PM
Michigan

This US Resort Is Now Home to the World's Longest Timber-Towered Suspension Bridge (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWPZ0sQNNVbDH3fEQzaK2kSKJZoaaaaK2kBRUAOBraa?n=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;X=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;f=Jp~amp;3=)
Travel and Leisure, Oct. 3, 2022
Michigan's newest attraction may not be for the faint of heart, but for travelers who want to add some thrills to their next trip a visit to Boyne Mountain Resort will surely scratch the adventure itch. The world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge is opening this month at SkyBridge Michigan.
 
READ MORE (http://sm1.multiview.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWPZ0sQNNVbDH3fEQzaK2kSKJZoaaaaK2kBRUAOBraa?n=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;X=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;f=Jq~amp;3=)

The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on February 10, 2023, 12:40:50 PM
Michigan
Invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Found at Benzie (https://sm1.multibriefs.com:8443/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWRJTgQORHvDRSlFWpaKPnSKJZoaaaaKPnBR3M1Thaa?j=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;T=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;b=Nx~amp;7=)
County Country Club (MI) (https://sm1.multibriefs.com:8443/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWRJTgQORHvDRSlFWpaKPnSKJZoaaaaKPnBR3M1Thaa?j=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;T=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;b=Nx~amp;7=)
Michigan Invasive Species, Feb. 1, 2023
A new location of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Benzie County, approximately 50 miles north of what was previously thought to be the northern edge of infestation in Mason County, Michigan. Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network staff members conducting a winter survey for the pest detected the insects on hemlock trees at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort.
READ MORE (https://sm1.multibriefs.com:8443/t/gcH1AAkbaBPWRJTgQORHvDRSlFWpaKPnSKJZoaaaaKPnBR3M1Thaa?j=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;T=pe1U2johHrB~25uAXyjwQsb.mew~amp;b=Ny~amp;7=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on March 17, 2023, 02:18:34 PM
Montana

(Video) Why Am I a Logger? (MT) (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAjbaBPWRY4zQO1D9DUJzF37aBCrSKJZoaaaaBCrBSBJLAxaa?k=of0V1kniGsA~25v9YxkvRrc.lfv~amp;U=of0V1kniGsA~25v9YxkvRrc.lfv~amp;c=NX~amp;6=)
Montana Logging Association, March 2, 2023
There is more to logging than harvesting trees. Today, timber harvesters are stewards of our forests, committed to responsible forest management practices working to maintain healthy forests and protect our communities from destructive forest fires.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: JonathanPace on March 26, 2023, 04:26:10 PM
It's amazing how individuals can't understand fundamental reasoning. :o
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on May 01, 2023, 04:32:34 PM
Michigan
NEWS RELEASE
Contacts
Brian Buehler
517-324-5244 / brian.buehler@usda.gov (brian.buehler@usda.gov)
 
USDA Funds Available to Improve Michigan Forest Habitat
EAST LANSING, May 1, 2023 — Private forestland owners in Michigan can receive conservation financial assistance through a partnership including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Bird Conservancy. The partnership is offering financial assistance to forest owners in the Upper Peninsula and 19 counties in Northern Michigan to improve habitat for at-risk bird species and other wildlife.
Private forest owners can submit applications to their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. The Improving Forest Health for At-Risk Wildlife Resources Partnership was created through the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The funding is intended to create young forest habitat for the benefit of the golden-winged warbler and other at-risk species. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2023, to be considered for the current round of funding.
Landowners in the Upper Peninsula and the Northern Michigan counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Iosco, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford are eligible to apply.
The project also includes counties in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin which will have their own application cut-off dates. The Improving Forest Health for At-Risk Wildlife Resources Partnership was initially selected for funding in 2017, and received additional funding in 2020. The new funding included $718,000 for the Michigan portion of the project.
Financial assistance is available for selected core conservation practices, including forest stand improvement and early successional habitat development and management. Additional supporting practices include; brush management and tree, shrub and grass planting. In addition to improving habitat for at-risk species, many of these practices also improve habitat for other wildlife such as ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer.
Landowners should make an appointment with their local NRCS office (https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5yY3MudXNkYS5nb3YvY29uc2VydmF0aW9uLWJhc2ljcy9jb25zZXJ2YXRpb24tYnktc3RhdGUvbWljaGlnYW4vbnJjcy1taWNoaWdhbi1maWVsZC1vZmZpY2VzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MDEuNzYwNjg0MjEifQ.czhVbGVrcOcQx3DtpcCKD8SHAUs8n77tl8z-L_ZkX3c/s/1510098672/br/171937924660-l) as soon as possible to begin the conservation planning process. More information about the Improving Forest Health for At-Risk Wildlife Resources Partnership, and other USDA conservation programs, is available on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov (https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5yY3MudXNkYS5nb3YvY29uc2VydmF0aW9uLWJhc2ljcy9jb25zZXJ2YXRpb24tYnktc3RhdGUvbWljaGlnYW4_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUwMS43NjA2ODQyMSJ9.gukaAxxCsnFwlB7-fmeQQnO3yj67eOzOStwXmkY2HYY/s/1510098672/br/171937924660-l).
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on June 06, 2023, 12:42:53 PM
Wisconsin
Biron Mill is Back in Full Operation 🏭  (https://forestdatanetwork.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=48fac8f82b73c6b7cc57f45b1&id=db1171ee0a&e=3ee19f124e)


    One of the oldest timber mill sites in
     Wisconsin is back in full operation after the conversion of one of its
     two machines to packaging paper. The ND Mill in Biron now is back to an
     employment level of 300. The machine was converted from graphics paper to
     packaging material. Besides two papermaking machines, the Biron facility
     also makes old corrugated paper pulp (OCC) pulp for its manufacturing
     operations.

     There has been a forest products facility on the site (near Wisconsin
     Rapids) since 1837.


     

     Read More (https://forestdatanetwork.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=48fac8f82b73c6b7cc57f45b1&id=3478af834f&e=3ee19f124e)
 
Timber Tracks
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on July 07, 2023, 04:56:21 PM
Georgia
The Importance of Georgia's Timber Industry (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWTKWfQP3UaD2EgF4xaJ0eSKJZoaaaaJ0eBSKQ2Tuaa?n=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;X=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;f=H2~amp;3=)
Saprota Report, July 3, 2023
Georgia is well known for its variety of outstanding attributes. With a temperate climate and a strong workforce, it offers an appealing place to live and do business, which are just two reasons the state's forestry industry is thriving.
READ MORE (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAgbaBPWTKWfQP3UaD2EgF4xaJ0eSKJZoaaaaJ0eBSKQ2Tuaa?n=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;X=lixYynklDv7~25y6bunsUof.iis~amp;f=H3~amp;3=)
 The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: customsawyer on July 08, 2023, 06:09:44 AM
It's one of the biggest industries in the state of GA. Trouble is that we are getting lots of folks moving in. Just in my little town of Rentz we are getting them from CA. and MI. They are driving up the prices of land and homes to double what they are worth. Great if you are selling, not so great if you are buying.
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: SwampDonkey on July 09, 2023, 02:16:28 AM
Central Canada transplants did that here also. The majority from my observation locally are retirees or very nearly so. My assessment is double the construction cost 5 years ago, that means higher tax. Old places not kept up for years, worth $40,000,  went to $100,000 plus and need tons of work on them after that. Seen one old place go for $80,000 it was torn down and built new. That's a lot of money for an acre building lot up here in the boonies where there's nothing but woods and potatoes. A demolition is $20,000 up here if done 'legal' where it's hulled off to a designated site. Money's no object. :D
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on August 18, 2023, 04:41:54 PM
Maine

State Raises Alarm about Discovery of Fast-Growing Invasive Vine (ME)  (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAebaBPWT12~QQLYxEAMsGNnaJVoSKJZoaaaaJVoBSN4PDeaa?p=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;Z=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;h=s~amp;t=)
Portland Press Herald, Aug. 10, 2023
A fast-growing invasive vine called mile-a-minute weed has been discovered in Maine for what experts believe is the first time. Read More (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAebaBPWT12~QQLYxEAMsGNnaJVoSKJZoaaaaJVoBSN4PDeaa?p=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;Z=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;h=t~amp;t=)
The E-Forester
Title: Re: Reports From The States
Post by: Ron Scott on September 01, 2023, 01:27:00 PM
'Biggest Tree in West Virginia' Falls in Marshall County  (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAebaBPWUDLqQQQCyEBSuGNnaJUjSKJZoaaaaJUjBSPEBUxaa?p=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;Z=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;h=y~amp;t=)
West Virginia

The Intelligencer, Aug. 29, 2023
West Virginia's biggest tree — as declared so in 1963 — came tumbling down this past weekend in Marshall County. Read More (https://sm1.multibriefs.com/t/gcH1AAebaBPWUDLqQQQCyEBSuGNnaJUjSKJZoaaaaJUjBSPEBUxaa?p=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;Z=jkvawpinBx5~2504dspqWmh.gkq~amp;h=z~amp;t=)


The E-Forester