FOREST OWNERA Publication of the New York Forest Owners Association

July/ August 1990

THE NEW YORK

OFFICERSAllen Horn, President (19903978 Pompey Center Rd.Manlius, NY 13104

Stuart McCarty, Ist Vice President4300 East Ave.Rochester, NY 14618

Richard J. Fox, 2nd Vice PresidentRD 3 Dresserville Rd.Moravia, NY 13118

Morgan Heussler, Treasurer900 Porterville Rd.East Aurora, NY 14052

John Marchant, Executive DirectorPOBox 360Fairport, NY 14450(716) 37Hi060

Alan Knight (1992)07 Targosh Rd.Candor, NY 13743

David Colligan (1993)173Woodbridge Ave.Buffalo, NY 14214

Verner Hudson (1993)246E. Main St.Eldridge, NY 13060

Mary McCarty (1993)4300 East Ave.Rochester, NY 14618

Sanford Vreeland (1993)POBox 185Springwater, NY 14560

Don Wagner (1993)RD I, Box 203CGraham Road, utica, NY 12870

Alan Knight (1992)96 Targosh Rd.Candor, NY 13743

Harold Petrie (1991)RD I, Box 117Parish, NY 13131

L.

Affiliate/Chapter Representatives;Thrift-Donald Colton5595 Trinity AvenueLowville, NY 13367

Catskill Forest Assn.Donald GilbertCatskill Forest AssociationArkville, NY 12406

Cayuga Chapter-Wendell HatfieldRDIMoravia, NY 13118

Tioga Chapter-Howard Ward240 Owego St.Candor, NY 13743

Southern Tier Chapter-Donald KellicuttRD I, Box 103Lisle, NY 13797

Western Finger Lakes Chapter-Raymond Wager365 Log Ca bin Rd.Victor, NY 14564

Materials submitted for publication should be addressed to: Editor, N. Y. ForestOwner, RD#1, Box 103, Lisle, New York 13797. Articles, artwork and photosare invited and are normally returned after use. The deadline for submission is30 days prior to publication in September.Please address all membership and cnanqe- of address request to ExecutiveDirector, P.O. Box 360, Fairport, N. Y. 14450.Information on advertising can be obtained from Richard Fox, R.D. #3,Dresserville Road, Moravia, N. Y. 13118.

President's MessageWelcome Allen HornI would like to introduce myself to

those members I haven't already met.My professional work is as aProfessor at the College of Envir-onmental Science and Forestryin the field of forest management. I'vebeen at this business for close to fortyyears, most of it here in New Yorkbut several years in Michigan andMississippi too. My forest holdings .are located in southeastern OnondagaCounty and are jointly owned withlongtime active NYFOA memberBob Sand. 'Our work is cut out for us to build

upon the momentum establishedduring the term of retiring PresidentMorgan Huessler. Executive DirectorJohn Marchant reports our currentmembership has grown to 1400and isincreasing daily, It is estimated thatthere are about 250,000 forest landowners in the state, so we have a longway to go.The key to our continued growth is

to be able to offer a worthwhileprogram and services to membersand to publicize the fact that we arehere and are able to offer thesevaluable benefits. We improved ourprogram and brought it closer to mostmembers when we adopted theChapter form of organization, Thisoffers the chance for more activeinvolvement and participation and theopportunity to make new friends withfellow landowners,This local activity creates word of

mouth publicity which helps spreadour message. The most productivepublicity has come from severalnewspaper articles featuring NYFOA.

FOREST OWNERPublished for the New York Forest Owners Association by

Karen Kellicutt, EditorRichard Fox, Advertising Manager

Allen HornThey sparked numerous inquiriesfrom landowners that hadn't known ofus before. We will be making more ofan effort to obtain media coverage inthe future.The federal and state stewardship

campaign has also been helpful to us.It has provided NYFOA with someextra dollars to help spread ourmessage and fostered. closer coop-eratiorr ,l;!~tween our organizationand NYDEC. Foresters have beengrappling with the problem of how toget the attention and cooperation ofthe small forest landowner for 75years. Earlier efforts were probablytoo narrowly focused on timberproduction and failed to generatewidespread interest. The presentinitiative recognizes the broadspectrum of interests that forestowners have in their lands and isasking them to manage and use these

(Continued on Page 16)

2 JULY/AUGUST 1990

with tact and respect for others aswell as yourself, conflicts ormisunderstandings are more likely tobe resolved.People do make a difference. And

since most lands and forests will existfor generations, people shouldconsider themselves as caretakersduring the relatively brief time thatthey, as "forest owners," areprivileged to control the use andmanagement of "their" forestland.Forest landscapes change

continually. Individual trees willgerminate from seeds, grow for someperiod during which they will be

(Continued on Page 16)

Forest Landscapes and People ChangeBy DAVID W. TABER,

Department of Natural Resources,New York State College of Agriculture

and Life Sciences, CornellForests change over time.

Sometimes from unpretentiousbeginnings that can be hardly noticed,open space, through natural pro-cesses, is seeded with trees; andnew forests develop. Seedlings,saplings, small trees, and then themore majestic, large trees occupy theland over time. These trees make up aforest stand in different stages ofsuccession, as the trees change inspecies and size from newlygerminated seeds to mature trees inthe main crown canopy.In the process of forest succession,

hundreds, if not thousands, of treessuccumb to natural competitors -weeds, more vigorous trees, insects,and diseases. And in addition, ice,snow, and wind can take their toll ontrees of all ages and sizes by bending,deforming, breaking, and even killingthem.One attribute of the temperate zone

forests of New York is that they"naturally regenerate." Theseforests are frequently resilient,vigorous, and dynamic, tending tooccupy unused land. Thisphenomenon of natural regenerationis one reason why wooded acres inNew York State have steadilyincreased since 1950.According to USDA Forest Service

data, the amount of forest land in NewYork not withdrawn from producingwood products for consumers _hasincreased from about 12.5 millionacres in 1956 to 15.4 million acres in1980. This was an increase of 2.9million acres.As these forests grow, the

landscapes change and the habitatsfor birds and animals change. Also,the benefits to humans change. Cropsof potential forest products grow andbecome ready for harvest to meetconsumer needs. Landowners, be they

FOREST OWNER

private individuals, governments,profit-making corporations, or non-profit groups, have opportunities andperhaps responsibilities to implementstewardship practices that willenhance the health and welfare oftheir particular forest ecosystems.Forest stewardship involves

meeting ownership needs within aframework of what is sociallyacceptable, and recognizing thatforest owners really only "lease"their land for a relatively brief time,in terms of the future. Ten major usesof a forest, for which it can bemanaged, include the following:attractive environment, recreationalopportunity, wilderness, wildlife,natural watershed, generalconservation, wood products forconsumers, fisheries-habitatmaintenance, wetland protection, andan economic foundation for regionalrural employment. These are outlinedin Louise Y. Mudrak and Chad P.Dawson's NYS DEC report, "Forestsand Human Values."Government's dependence on tax

dollars from privately owned forests,society's need for these ten majoruses of forests, and a forest steward'suse of values, wants, and needs.Different people's perspectives on

which values, wants, and needs aremost significant for the forests in aparticular area may lead tocontroversies. Perhaps no singleanswer is correct; but maybe there isa best viewpoint, depending on all thefacts, long-term goals, and short-termobjectives. If only some of the factsare considered and if short-termobjectives are given higher prioritythan long-term goals, holders ofdifferent viewpoints may not be ableto resolve their disagreements about"proper use" of forest land. But withempathy for the other person's pointof view, with an open mind towardevaluating or learning new facts, and

July Woodswalk atHuntington Wildlife ForestOwned and operated by the College

of Environmental Science andForestry, Huntington Wildlife Forest,Newcomb, N.Y., is the location for theJuly 28 woodswalk, sponsored by theNew York State Forest OwnersAssociation.Join Richard Sage, associate

director of the Adirondack EcologicalCenter on the woodswalk that beginsat 9 a.m. and will include a visit to a74-year-old White Pine Plantation.The trip also includes old growth,uncut hardwoods, 30year old clear cutwoods, deer enclosure, advancedhardwood reproduction and hardwoodshelter wood in place and removed.Huntington Wildlife Forest is

located on N.Y. Route 28 North, ninemiles east of Long Lake and fourmiles west of Newcomb. Watch forsigns. Bring your lunch.A limited number of rooms are

available at Huntington Lodge, forovernight accommodations. ContactJohn Marchant at 716-377-6060 forinformation.

3

Chapter ReportsWESTERN FINGER LAKES

WFL participated in the Earth Dayprogram at the Genesee County Park- a very successful event. JohnMarchant led a woodswalk, Sue andMark Keister set up the Tree FarmBooth (assisted by the Hamiltons) andalso helped prepare the NYFOAbooth. Charley Mowett's tree i.d.challenge created much attention andfree memberships were given to thetwo people who correctly identifiedthe 20 species.Approximately 55 people attended

our May meeting and were highlyentertained by Bob Potter, presidentof Potter Lumber Co., Allegheny,N.Y. Bob picqued our interest inlumber milling with references to newtechnologies being used - so much so,that we are planning a field trip to hisfacility.John Marchant was given

recognition in the form of a handsomeplaque for his tireless and capableefforts in creating the WFL Chapter.In just two short years we are up to 180members. John's faith in the ability ofpeople causes us to want to do better.On June 9 we experienced one of the

best woodswalks ever, as 81 peoplewho participated will attest. JohnKrebs - the host - was very wellorganized and had arranged a viewingof a progressive series of projects (aslisted in the May/June issue of Forest

. Owner) that demonstrated theblending of good forestry with wildlifemanagement, while at the same timeshowing a profit. The sharing ofinformation by participants added tothe learning experience. Specialthanks to DEC Foresters (on abusman's holiday) Billy Morris andMark Keister for their significantcontribution.People in attendance came as far

away as Colden (Erie Co.) andMonticello (Sullivan Co.) and it wasespecially gratifying to see severalyoung people there (teens and pre-teens).Perhaps in the future, those people

who will be traveling such distancesas to necessitate overnightaccommodations, could contact the ..regional chairperson to arrange foraccommodations in our homes. Whata great opportunity to get to knoweach other better.

-Ray Wager

Loggers Saw Mills

Skidders Log Trucks

Fire Liability

607 -898-3821 315-497 -0410dayevening • •

DAVID W. TREGASKIS

All forms of insurance10 Central Street

Moravia, N.Y. 13118315-497-0410

AGENCY

INSURANCEMember Cayuga Chapter - NYFOA

CAYUGA

On Arbor Day, Cayuga Chapter wasprivileged to participate in theplanting of a sycamore tree onproperty at the intersection of Frazerand Atwood Roads. Representativesof the DEC and Forest Practice Boardhosted the tree planting ceremony inhonor and memory of Howard Beckerfor his service on the Forest PracticeBoard, membership in NYFOA andcontributions to forestry. The site waschosen because it is adjacent to thelocation of a Civilian ConservationCamp of the thirties and becauseHowie was a lifelong resident ofSempronius. The DEC providedsaplings for planting to those inattendance.The following Friday, on behalf of

the Cayuga Chapter, Tom Hewitt,Alford Signor, Wendell Hatfield, TomCole and Richard Fox loaded aboulder at the Signor farm in Lockeand transported it to the same site.With Bernice Hatfield photographingthe project, they placed the boulder ona bed of crushed stone with one flatside up. The Chapter will provide aplaque for the boulder which willcommemorate the CivilianConservation Corps. It is our honor tohave as an active member AlfordSignor, who was a member of the CCCand for a period stayed at theSempronius campsite.

- Wendell Hatfield

BECOMEA

MEMBERTODAY

Design of ponds, sewage disposal and watersupply systems, HVAC, mobile home parks,

Housing developments

HOWARD O. WARD, P.E.Consulting Engineer

240 Owego SI. TelephoneCandor, N.Y. 13743 (607) 659-4520

4 FORESTOWNER

CFA IN THE 1990's

By MARK CLARK,Former CFAField Manager

The "Decade of the Environment,"that's what the 1990'sare being called.It now seems appropriate sinceenvironmental issues have finallyachieved the front page billing theyhave always deserved. Unfortunately,the headlines have been ominous;"Chernobyl," "Global Warming."What's more, the issues now hit closerto home. With a nuclear waste dumpproposed in our region and acid rainaffecting maple sugar production,almost everyone in the Catskills iseither directly involved or knowssomeone who is. Perhaps you too havea personal reason for making this theDecade Of The Environment. Those ofus at the Catskill Forest Associationdo.Our forests, and our concern for

their vitality, will inevitably play animportant role in this environmentaldecade. Of all the land in the UnitedStates (2.27 billion acres) only 22%can be classified as capable ofproducing wood products. The public(federal, state and local government)owns 28% of this. Industrial users(paper companies, etc.) account for13%of the land in the U.S. That leavesa whopping 58% belonging to privatelandowners like members of CFA.This is where CFA and other similar

organizations can make a difference.Yes, our forests generate oxygen andconsume carbon dioxide and thusreduce the ozine and global warmingproblems, but more important, theyalso represent a vast renewableresource that is currently poorly-managed and under-utilized. That'swhy CFA will concentrate onwoodland stewardship as our primaryfocus for the Decade of theEnvironment. For the forest toproduce the most wood, the mostenjoyment, and the most oxygen, ithas to be managed wisely. Soundsilvicultural methods must be usedand conscientious harvestingpractices applied.For example, CF A recently

completed a timber standimprovement project on 57 acres ofhardwood forest belonging to theTuscarora Club. In addition toproducing 375 cords of firewood forvarious CFA projects such as theDelaware County Office of the Aging,this project also exemplifies how a

managed forest provides moretimber, wildlife, and recreational op-portunities for its owners.As small woodlot owners face an

increasingly unpredictable future,CFA will be there with the lateststrategies and programs to helplandowners maximize their objectivesfor their land. Research has shown,for example, that acid raincontributes to dieback by leaching outessential nutrients from the soil. Aninnovative strategy for coping withthis problem is aerial applications offertilizer. CFA can help its membersstay abreast of these newdevelopments through our ongoingeducational programs.Whatever the problem, whatever

the concern, if it has to do withmanaging your share of the nation's265 million acres of privately ownedwoodland, CFA is ready for theDecade of the Environment.

ALLEGHENY FOOTHILLS

Activities Coordinator, BruceRobinson, recently led the AlleghenyFoothills Chapter on a tour of thewoodlands owned by Arthur and BettsSwanson. The Swansons are thecurrent owners of a very significantforest property near Sugar Grove,Pennsylvania.First settled by Richard and

Cynthia Miller in 1814, the farmeventually passed to their son,Franklin R. Miller. It was Franklinwho devoted much effort to plantingtrees. Written records indicate thatFranklin's tree plantings were startedsome years prior to 1848when he tookover management of the farm. Adiary, written by Franklin from 1852to 1861,contains numerous referencesto planting of trees and tree seeds forfuture shade, fruit, nuts andornamental purposes.Starting in about 1860, he began to

plant exotics and establish treeplantations as well as start a smalltree nursery. According to FranklinMiller's own words written in 1881,some of the planted stock included"Larch, Oak, Chestnut, Hickory,Locust, Catalpa, Scotch and NorwayPine, Pinus Ponderosa, NorwaySpruce and Red Cedar. Only my firstplanting of the trees is in rows; theothers are mixed. "The species for sale by F. R. Miller

in 1880are shown by a handwritten listmade by "First Use of Copygram," inthe family records. They includeBlack Walnut, Am. Mountain Ash, Eu.Mountain Ash, Horsechestnut,Buckeye, Mossy cup Oak, EnglishOak, Butternut and Ky. Coffee Tree aswell as many coniferous species.These were sold chiefly for localornamental uses to neighboringfarmers. Some of the naturalregeneration of the exotic conifers ofthe farm were sold by Franklin's son,Hugh Y. Miller as ornamental stockand Christmas trees up to the time ofhis death in 1942.We have all stood under large trees

during the course of our woodlandwanderings, but have never beforehad the singular experience ofknowing anything about the planter ofthese present-day giants. Thiswoodswalk was truly a trip over time.It taught us that we can touch futuregenerations with our woodlandmanagement efforts; just as FranklinMiller touched us.Source for this writing is an article

by Ashbel F. Hough entitled "PioneerTree Planter" which was based onfamily records made available to Mr.Hough by Franklin R. Miller'sgrandson Franklin B. Miller ofSheffield, PA.

Charles P. Mowatt

ALLEGHENY FOOTHILLSWoods walk. May 19, Arthur and BettsSwanson, Sugar Grove, PA.

Tree is a Scotch Pine planted byFranklin Miller. Man is BruceRobinson, AFC Activities Coordinator.

JULY/AUGUST 1990 5

Ask a Forester Send Questions to:Wes Suhr. R.R. 1. Box 59BOswegatchie, N.Y. 13670

Just finished reading SugarbushManagement: a guide to maintainingtree health, a General TechnicalReport from the USDA, ForestService, Northeastern ForestExperiment Station (NE-129). This 55-page, recently published booklet(Feb. 1990) has a beautiful set ofcolored photographs and descriptionsdepicting site, tapping, damagedtrees and common insect and diseasepests. It represents the combinedeffort of Forestry Canada and the U.S.Forest Service, authored by two forestpathologists and a forestentomologist: David R. Houston,Denis Lachance and Douglas C. Allen.Every forest owner should have a

personal copy for reference in this eraof forest stewardship. Even if you donot operate a sugarbush, thistechnical report can help guide yourwoodlot management for healthiersugar maple trees or hardwood treesin general. The photos anddescriptions of insects and diseasesare well worth the reading, if only foridentification purposes. But the realbonus of this booklet is that it servesas a management guide. The authors'statement in the Foreward sets you inthe "proper management" frame ofmind:"We hope that you find this guide of

value in managing your sugarbush.We view a sugarbush as a compexsystem, where many diverse andinterrelated factors operate over timeto influence tree growth, health andproductivity. Every operationconducted in a sugarbush, no matterhow trivial, affects not only the treesbut all other forms of life as well. It isimportant, therefore, to "stand backfrom the trees" and view the"forest" in a holistic sense. Webelieve this guide is best readleisurely. It is not intended as a set ofprescriptions or formulae forhandling each and every set ofproblems that may occur. Eachsugarbush is too unique for that.Rather, it is intended to provide aconceptual framework, for we believethat in the long run, a generalunderstanding of relationshipsbetween sugar maple and itsenvironment is the best guide forrecognizing and preventing

problems."Just replace "sugarbush" with

"forest stand" and you have goodadvice for general' standmanagement.With my recent logging sale and

increase in firewood production, I hadalmost forgotten the sugarbush.However, reading this excellentpublication has renewed my interestand planning for modernizing oursugarbush operation. I have thinnedthe maple stands with the primaryobjective of producing sawtimber,cutting back to 75- 80sq. ft./ac. (basalarea) or about 125 - 150 trees/acrewhen the trees averaged about 10"dbh (diameter-breast-high). Now thetrees average 12" dbh with 90 - 95basal area and over 100 trees/acre -well over that recommended by thisGuide for optimum sap/sugar pro-duction (64 trees/acre at 12" or 50basal area) .So I have a lot more thinning to do to

establish a good sugarbush. But Iwon't do it in just one thinning! Thiswould amount to over a 40% cut, toodrastic a release all at once, and theGuide cautions against this.My planned strategy will work

something like this:* Select 3 stands or areas of about

.20acres each, all with good access.* Identify those sugar maple with

the most dominant crowns (widestand tallest) and best stems (straight,with little or no defect) - as the Guide

recommends for crop trees.tallest) and best stems (straight, withlittle or no defect) - as the Guiderecommends for crop trees.* Thin around the crop trees for

uniform distribution to 70 basal area(about 87 trees/acre). Retain somespecies diversity. In my case, leavesome vigorous black cherry, whiteash or yellow birch, etc. Adjacentcrowns should not touch crop tree. crowns.

* Tap crop trees for 2 - 3 years instand #1. Then "rest" stand #1, tapstand #2 for 2 - 3 years. Repeat withstand #3. With such a rotation, thecrop trees in each stand would be"rested" at least 4 years betweentaps.* Consider a second thinning after

5-10years, to about 60basal area.Our sugarbush operation is

primarily a family affair. We want topay for the equipment and for ourtime, if possible, but the main purposeis for family and friends to enjoyworking together against thebackdrop of coming spring. And werecall that production effortthroughout the year each time wesample the sweet stuff.Douglas C. Allen informs me that

you may receive a free copy of theGUIDE (while the supply lasts) if yousend your mailing address to him at:S.U.N.Y., College of EnvironmentalScience and Forestry, 133 Illick Hall,Syracuse, NY 13210.

Our sugarbush operation is prtmarily a family affair.

6 . FOREST OWNER

Presentation of: The 1990Heiberg Memorial AwardGoes to Ross S. Whaley

By BOB SANDThe 1990presentation of the Heiberg

Award for 1990to Ross S. Whaley is apleasant privilege for me. This awardis the 24th. The first presentation toDean Hardy L. Shirley was made atthe 4th annual meeting in this sameroom on April 30, 1966. The award ismade in recognition of outstandingcontributions in the fields of forestryand conservation in New York State.

Past Recipients - The Heiberg Award:1967 David B. Cook1968 Floyd Carlson1969 Mike Demeree1970 No Award1971 Fred Winch, Jr.1972 John Stock1973 Robert M. Ford1974 C. Eugene Farnsworth1975 Alex Dickson1976 Edward W. Littlefield1977 Maurice Postley1978 Ralph Nyland1979 Fred C. Simmons1980 Dr. William Harlow1981 Curtis Bauer1982 Neil B. Gutchess1983 David W. Taber1984 John W. Kelley1985 Robert G. Potter1986 Karyn B. Richards1987 Henry G. Williams1988 Robert M. Sand1989 Willard G. Ives

Svend o. Heiberg, a renownedProfessor of Silviculture, devotedmuch of his dedicated career here atthe N.Y. College of Forestry. Dr.Heiberg first proposed theestablishment of an association ofForest Landowners in N.Y. State. Heenlisted the efforts of Dean Shirley,and together they initiated thissuccessful Forest OwnersAssociation.Six years ago, Syracuse welcomed a

new President of the State Universityof New York College ofEnvironmental Science and Forestry.Since then, the warm smile and firmhandshake of Ross S. Whaley hasdistinguished his involvement both

here on campus and throughout histravels.Dr. Whaley is both a capable

administrator and esteemedprofessional, visible to students,facility, staff, trustees and alumni ashe fulfills his many responsibilities -here in Syracuse, Albany or acrossthis great land.His biography shows a long list of

assignments and accomplishments -as a Teaching Professor, DepartmentHead, and Dean. Dr. Whaley has beeninvolved in research and continues tobe a consultant to both the public andprivate sectors. He has authored over30 publications and presented morethan 200 speeches for variousuniversities, the U.S.D.A. ForestService, SAF, and other organiza-tions.He serves on a number of

commissions and boards, includingthe Boy Scouts and the responsibilitiesas Division Chair of the United Way ofCentral NY.His dedication and leadership has

been recognized by a number of

awards for professional achievement,including the Outstanding Educator ofAmerica, Certificates of merit and forGroup Superior Service. He waselected last year to serve as VicePresident of the Society of AmericanForesters.Ross has a B.S. in Forestry from the

University of Michigan, an M.S. inForest Economics from ColoradoState and a PhD. in Natural ResourceEconomics from the University ofMichigan.As Chairman of the Governor's

Task Force on Forest Industry in NewYork State he submitted on Dec. 1,1989the final report. A task involvingmany hundreds of hours and milesand a legion of advisors and interestedcitizens. Many here today had input tothis project. No one was moreinvolved than Ross Whaley.Today we are privileged to present

the 1990Heiberg Memorial Award toDr. Ross S. Whaley, acknowledginghis dedication to Forestry andConservation in New York.

ROBERT A. HELLMANN, Environmental ConsultantPO Box 231, Brockport, NY 14420 716·637-5983

Do you need a multiple-useconservation plan for 5 acres ofopen land -- or even 500? I canprepare one that is ecologicallysound, compatible with nativevegetation, beneficial to wild-life, aesthetically appealing.Call or write to arrange a freeinitial consultation.

JULY/AUGUST 1990 7

total sales by all container sizes. Notethe price per gallon unit was $11.75less, at $38.00.)How many containers were needed

to package this producer's productionfor its market? The answer is 200gallons, 340 half-gallons, 1000quarts,1200pints, and 1200half-pints.Retailing maple syrup in a variety

of container sizes can be part of aprofitable marketing strategy. It'sworth keeping track of your sales andmaximizing income by meetingconsumer needs for different size andprice containers of maple syrup.Obviously, if priced appropriately,you may make more money bymarketing your crop in smallcontainers. It is important to knowyour customers and their preferences.In addition, profits may be increasedby capturing new market segmentsthrough appropriate productpackaging.

Marketing Maple Syrup Requires StrategyByDAVIDW. TABER,JOHN W. KELLEY, and

LEWIS J. STAATS,Department of Natural Resources,

New York State College ofAgriculture and Life Sciences,

CornellSugar house operators can maximize

profits through marketing practices.According to one producer, retailprices varied considerably per fluidounce in 1988 for the 845 gallonsretailed from his northern New Yorkbusiness. Unit price depended oncontainer size, with gallons selling at$38, % gallons at $21.25, quarts at$12.50, pints at $7.50, and % pints at$4.75. Converting these to a per ounceprice (or "unit price"), yields thefollowing levels of gross income perounce:

gallon (128ounces) $.296/ounce% gallon (64ounces) $.332/ounce

Healthy Trees and ForestsProduce Oxygen

A tree provides 1.07 pounds ofoxygen to the atmosphere andconsumes 1.47 pounds of carbondioxide in the production of a pound ofwood, according to the AmericanForest Council. Therefore, if annuallyone acre of forest grows one standardcord of wood, more than two tons ofoxygen would be added to theatmosphere each year. And based onan estimate of our need for one poundof oxygen a day' per person forrespiration, the forested acre wouldprovide enough oxygen for 10 peoplefora year.

America Grows on TreesBased on the American Forest

Council's compilation of data in"America Grows on Trees" in 1988,wood products made from trees areused by thousands of Americansevery day, as illustrated in thefollowing ways:• Americans use almost 2 pounds of

paper per day per person.• Well over 1 million new housing

units are built each year.• One cord of wood yields 1,000-2,000

pounds of paper.

quart (32ounces) $.391/ouncepint (16ounces) $.469/ounce% pint (8 ounces) $.594/ounce

Based on these values per unitounce, which size container providedthe most income to the maple syrupproducer? The answer depends onhow many of each size are sold.For this particular business in this

particular year, quarts of syrupreturned the greatest gross income:$12,500 (29.74 percent of total salesdollars). Pint units were next with$9,000in sales (21.41percent of total).Gallon containers brought in $7,600

(18.8 percent); half-gallon containersyielded $7,225 (17.19 percent); andhalf-pint containers brought $5,700(13.56 percent). (Total sales for 845gallons retailed in the different size"marketing packages" amounted to$42,025, and this gave an averageretail price per gallon of $49.75 for

* 80 cubic feet of lumber(equivalent to one cord of wood)yields 12 dining-room tables that intotal would seat 96people.* 10,000 board feet of lumber -

equivalent to 20cords - are needed tobuild an average 1800 square-foothome.* For every ton of wood a forest

grows, it removes 1.47 tons of carbondioxide and replaces it with 1.07 tonsof oxygen.

Cycle of Healthy andOvermature Trees

The healthier a tree and the faster itgrows, the more oxygen it contributesto the environment. Healthy trees arenot only attractive, they are assets tosociety. A tree planted in an urban orsuburban location, it if is the rightspecies for the site, will not only makethe environment more beautiful andprovide habitat for song birds, but itwill enhance property values andprotect people from sun, rain, wind,and snow. .All trees will die over time. In the

process they may becomeovermature, thereby providing towildlife den trees, nesting cavities,sources of insects, or places to perch.These "wildlife trees" will be created

continually over time in a maturing"roadside," urban, or rural forest;and as new space becomes availabledue to natural or human removal oftrees, establishment of new trees isneeded by either natural seeding androot sprouting or human tree planting.Having a continuing supply of

healthy trees always developing isimportant to both present and futuregenerations of wildlife and people. Toensure that there will always bebenefits provided by trees, we need tomake an investment and commitmentby managing the cycle of healthy andovermature trees.

Timber Sale ContractsTimber sale contracts can be

beneficial or detrimental. Provisionsin a timber sale contract can helplandowners achieve their goals andavoid unexpected, unpleasantexperiences. Understanding loggingpractices, forestry lingo, andstumpage values helps a landownergain satisfaction and appropriate'benefits from a timber sale. For theperson who sells standing timber"once in a lifetime," guidance from aprofessional forester looking out forthe landowner's interests will paydividends.

8 FOREST OWNER

Stewards of Forest Land BenefitThemselves and Society

Congress has enacted the "ForestStewardship Act of 1989" whichauthorizes the Secretary of Agricul-ture to carry out a Forest StewardshipAssistance Program for owners ofnon-industrial private forest land.Nationwide, according to Congress,

nearly three-fourths of thecommercial forest land is privatelyowned, and most of this land is held by8 million non-industrial private forestland owners. The law authorizesCongress to appropriate $25 millionfor each of the fiscal years 1990through 1994.The initial appropriationwas $6million for 1990.The goal of the Forest Stewardship

Program is to place 25million acres ofnon-industrial private forest landsunder stewardship managementwithin five years.Four objectives to be achieved by

landowners, through information andassistance provided to them by theprogram, involve understanding andevaluating actions they can take toachieve the following four results:(1) protect, maintain, and enhance

fish and wildlife, water, wetland,recreation, and timber resources;(2) invest at least a portion of the

proceeds from the sale of timber orother forest products and services instewardship practices that wouldprotect, maintain, and enhance theresources identified in paragraph (1);(3) ensure that forest regeneration

or reforestation occurs where neededto sustain long-term resourceproductivity and to help preventmajor climatic changes as a result ofthe "greenhouse effect"; and(4) protect their forest lands from

damage caused by fire, insects, ordiseases."An investment in stewardship is an

investment in the environment to:enhance fish and wildlife habitat -improve air quality - preservenatural settings and biologicaldiversity - improve water qualityand reduce soil erosion (and) properlymanage natural resources,"according to "Stewardship of theLand - Managing the ForestEnvironment, by the USDA ForestService.

New York State's total land area of30,234,800acres is 61 percent forestedwith a total of 18.5 million acres ofcommercial and non-commercialforests, as of 1980. This includes anincrease of nearly 1.2 million acres offorest land between 1968and 1980.By definition, commercial forest

land "is capable of producing crops ofindustrial wood products (more than20 cubic feet per acre per year) andnot withdrawn from timber

utilization." in New York State, 94percent of the 15.4 million acres ofcommercial forest land is held in506,500 private ownerships; and 47percent of the ownerships hold morethan 10 acres, accounting for 94percent of the private forest land,according to 1980 USDA ForestService data.Commercial forest land in New

York was held in the followingcategories: Category, Number ofOwnerships, Forest Land Acres.Farmers-133,500ownerships with 3,945,600acres

Forest Industry - 300 ownershipswith 1,034,700acres

Miscellaneous Private -372,700ownerships with 9,446,500acres

Forest stewardship, beginning witha management plan to meet alandowner's needs, can provide avariety of benefits: a diverselandscape, enhanced fish and wildlifehabitat, improve air and waterquali ty, reduced soil erosion,

JULY/AUGUST 1990

preservation of natural beauty, andavailability of wood and maple syrup'crops.Forest stewardship begins with

each landowner, but public"conservation of private forest landsrequires commitment by the ownersand support of the nation." And "asmultiple-use pressures intensify onpublic lands, private landowners willabsorb more demands for recreation,fish and wilflife, and timber harvest,"according to the USDA ForestService.

THE TREEThe tree is beautiful.The tree is habitat for birds and squir-

rels.The tree is protection to people from

sun, wind, and rain.The tree is unique beauty to the envir-

onment it touches.The tree is shade and cool air on a hot

summer's day.The tree is protection to the earth

from sun and rain.The tree is fresh oxygen.The tree is value.

Aerial Photo MapsFor as little as $100.00 we can fly

an 11" x 14" scaled photo map ofyour property to be used as amanagement tool or documentation.

Scale will depend on size anddimensions but a 300 acre, 3615foot by 3615 foot tract, can bemapped at 1" = 400 feet ... sameas most rural tax maps. We can alsoproduce contour overlays fromUSGSQuad sheets or special mapsin our computer aided mappingsystem.

Firm quotes and info no obliga-tion.

Write or Call:

Box 269C . Fitch RoodBoonville, NY 13309 (315) 942·5206

9

Spring Woodswalk a SuccessIn spite of early morning rain, 81

people of all ages showed up for theNYFOA Woodswalk at the KrebsFarm in Springwater, LivingstonCounty, on Saturday, June 9, 1990.After coffee and sign-in, host JohnKrebs handed out leaflets describinghis management philosophy for his435 acres acquired in 1965. Hisphilosophy is based on good landstewardship, improvement of wildlifehabitat, enhanced quality of timberstands, the generation of yearlyincome, and promotion ofrecreational values.During the 3 hour walk, John guided

the group through many differentstands to demonstrate variousmanagement procedures and theresults of both TSI and timber sales.Ten and twenty-year-old clearcutsamply proved that naturalregeneration is a viable alternative tore-planting; a two year old softwoodclearcut made for wonderful wildlifehabitat, and, as if to underline thepoint, a turkey flushed from thebrush. Several deer, a red fox, andbirds such as scarlet tanagers,ovenbirds, red-eyed vireos, woodpewees, and assorted warblers wereboth seen and heard. Ponds stockedwith fish added immensely to therecreational and wildlife habitatconsiderations.A stand of mixed hardwoods which

had undergone a timber cut in 1986gave the impression of a park. Thelogger had removed stems and tops,and any residual wood had been soldas firewood. Such a beautiful post-harvest stand should allay fears thatlogging of necessity ruins theaesthetics of a forest. The remainingtrees in the stand are allapproximately even aged and willrequire additional thinning. Acomputer analysis will be done todetermine the mix of species toremove.John was eager to explain what had

been accomplished in each area of theproperty, and answered any and allquestions. He also stressed the need tomark boundary lines clearly. SeveralDEC foresters and a wildlife biologistcontributed much information andinsight as well. Although Johnformerly emphasized themanagement of his softwood stands,

he now favors the growth ofhardwoods as they provide a morevaluable product with the growingconditions in this area. Both thinnedand unthinned stands were visited,and the TSI efforts made for adramatic comparison.The work on the 310 forested acres

of the Krebs Farm are managed byJohn with guidance from StateForesters. TSI of 130 acres has beendone on a cost-sharing basis under theForest Improvement Practice Actwhen possible, and timber sales havebeen done by contract with loggersfollowing a bidding process.At the conclusion of the woodswalk,

the hikers were given tips on how togenerate profits on their woodlots.Among the suggestions given, inaddition to timber sales, were therental of land for agricultural or otherpurposes, hunting and camp siteleases, sales of rocks or stone forlandscape or architectural purposes,ponds for rearing fish or minnows forbait, the sale of fence posts, firewood,evergreen boughs for holidaydecorations, and anything else that afertile imagination can devise. Aboveall, John urged that junk trees beremoved so that desirable trees canflourish, and "waste not, want not! " Itwas truly an instructive Woodswalk.

By Harriett Hamilton

NY Christmas TreeGrowers Meeting

July 28This year the New York Christmas

Tree Growers' Associa tion(NYCTGA) is holding its annualsummer meeting in July instead ofAugust. And it will be a one-day eventrather than a two-day "plantationexperience." Scheduled for a smallownership's plantation on theBroome/Tioga County border nearBinghamton, the educationalprogram is scheduled for Saturday,July 28, 1990. For additionalinformation contact the NYCTGA,John B. Webb, Executive Secretary,2947E. Bayard St., Seneca Falls, NY13348(Phone: 315-568-5570.

NYS Timber ProducersAssociation News

The New York State TimberProducers Association, Inc. heldtheir Annual Meeting April 21st at theAlpine Restaurant in Constableville,N.Y. Guest Speaker, David Taber ofCornell Cooperative Extension spokeon Forest Stewardship and LoggerTraining. Marc Marion of W.J. CoxInsurance spoke briefly on OSHAregulations and what they mean inregards to our insurance coverageand employers responsibility. Manytopics were discussed by the mem-bers throughout the day.One topic which brought a lot of

concern and discussion was LoggingOrdinances. This year's AnnualMeeting brought to light many areasof concern and possible things for theNYS Timber Producers Association towork on for their members and theForest Industry.Election of Officers and Directors

for the year were voted on bymembers present. President - JohnCourtney Jr.; Vice-President - NickPolce, Poland; Secretary-Treasurer -Thomas Luchsinger, Boonville;Directors - George Getman, Turin;Ron King Sr., Lorraine; AlfredOstrander, Willow; Henry Pettit,Lacona; Nick Tipple, Ghent; andThomas Trathen, Piffard.

Woodmen's Field DaysThe New York State Woodsmen's!

Field Days are set for August 17-19,1990, in Boonville. For a flyer aboutthe event or information, contactPhyllis A. White, ExecutiveSecretary, NYS Woodsmen's FieldDays, P.O. Box 123, Boonville, NY13309(Phone: 315-942-4593).

Gregory PhillipsForester

Forest Management PlansEnvironmentally Sound

HarvestingPremium Prices Paid

Robinson Saw Mill Works. Inc.Quality From Tree to Trade

Hillside Rood (914) 557-6666Barryville, NY 12719 FAX (914) 557-6901

Evenings (914) 457-5671

10 FOREST OWNER

Heterobasidion Annosum Root RotBy THOMAS GILMAN,CF A Student Intern

Annosum root rot is one of the mostimportant and most studied forestdiseases in the temperate zones of theUnited States. Heterobasidionannosum is more prominent in theSouth where forest management prac-tices have been occurring for manyyears. It will affect both managed andunmanaged forests particularly aftera thinning or harvest. Heterobasidionannosum kills its host's roots andcauses decay which very often leadsto suppressed growth, wind throw , andtree death. Windthrown trees inrecreational areas and around housescan cause dangerous and costlyproblems.Annosum root rot is more prevalent

and does more damage to itsgymnosperm hosts which may includeDouglas fir, pine, hemlock, larch,cedar, juniper, and spruce. This iscrucial because of the possible effecton conifer plantations. It can also befound on numerous hardwoods such asbeech, cherry, birch, maple, oak,poplar, and fruit trees such as pearand apple.Signs and symptoms may include

chlorotic needles and brown tufts ofneedles at branch tips. Pines mayexude resin at the tree butt which is adefense mechanism and an obvioussymptom of the disease. Much of thedisease cannot be readily seen aboveground as it mainly attacks the roots.A good diagnosis of Heterobasidionannosum is the fruiting body which isnormally present on rotting stumpsand decaying logs. They may beabove the ground or hidden below theduff layer of the soil. The fruiting

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bodies (or basidiocarps) are a whiteto dull-brown color and have aleathery texture. They may be verysmall or can take the form of largebracket-like conks. White mycelialgrowth forms appear between thebark and wood of parts colonized bythe fungus, except where resin ispresent.Infection occurs most commonly by

airborn basidiospores that germinateon freshly cut stumps or other woundsthe tree may have. Heterobasidionannosum colonizes on the stumps andthen grows out into the roots. It isspread within the stand by rootgrafting and root contact.Environmental stress and treecompetition are more likely to causeinfection of trees. This root rot fungiweakens trees' defenses and allowsother pathogens and insects to invadethe trees. Among these are Armillariaroot rot which is another very seriouspathogen to forest stands.Soil types play a major role in the

degree of infection. A deep, well-

Reverence for TreesTrees come in many shapes and

sizes. All trees start young and somegrow to maturity. In New York thereare more than 100kinds of trees. Andin the U.S. some 1000 species,varieties, and hybrids of trees can befound. In the world, especially with itsdiverse plant community of thetropics, there are thousands of typesof trees.Trees recycle moisture from the

earth to the sky by pumping theearth's soil moisture through treeroots to the leaves where water istranspired and evaporated to theatmosphere.Trees beautify landscapes. They

accentuate the individuality of anurban or suburban home. Along majorhighways, they contribute to thevariety of scenic views. Along smallroads and city streets they mayprovide rows of tree-trunk columnsand even archways complete withcanopies of leaves and limbs toaccentuate the environment formotorists, walkers, and bicyclists.

drained sandy or sandy loam soil ismore conducive to annosum infection.Clay, organic matter, and poorlydrained soils tend to avoid seriousdecay and root rot problems.To control Heterobasidion annosum

it is important to limit the number ofthinnings to only what is needed forproper forest growth. Freshly cutstumps give the fungal spores a placeto colonize. The application of borax,urea, or sodium nitrate to the stumpat the time the trees are cut willreduce disease attack. Although notwidely used, another alternative is toinfect the stumps with spores from acompetitive saprophytic decay fungisuch as Peniophora gigantea.Heterobasidion annosum is a very

important root rot disease in foreststands and can cause major losses oftrees to decay and windthrow.Understanding and recognizing thesigns and symptoms is very importantfor proper management and possiblecontrol.

MarketingChristmas Trees

Are you marketing Christmas treesfrom your land? You should develop amarketing strategy long beforeNovember. Many growers sell bymore than one method: wholesalestanding, cut, or delivered; roadsidemarketing; choose and cut; retaildelivered or delivered and set up; orat a city lot. Risks, profits, and workall have important implications formarketing methods used. .Knowing costs is important. Getting

the right product to the right customerin the right package at the right timeby the right method for the right priceis good marketing, Capitalizing on theuse of free public-relations activitiesto complement advertising canincrease sales. Evaluating thesituation through knowing yourS.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses,Opportunities, and Threats) can leadto greater satisfaction and profit forthe Christmas tree farmerbusinessperson.

JULY/AUGUST 1990 11

Forestry News and NotesConservation

Biology Symposium"Challenges in the Conservation of

Biological Resources: Exploring NewTools for Managers, Planners &Educators" is a symposium to be heldin Ithaca, N.Y., September 18-20,1990.It has been organized by CornellCooperative Extension - Depart-ment of Natural Resources and theCornell Laboratory of Ornithologyand sponsored by a host of interestedorganizations.The symposium will examine the

emerging disciplines of conservationbiology and landscape ecology.For a flyer on the symposium,

contact Deborah Walsh Grover,Conservation of Biological ResourcesSymposium, Natural ResourcesDept., Fernow Hall, Cornell Univer-sity, Ithaca, NY 14853-3001 (tel. 607-255-2115).

ForestStewardship ProgramThe Forest Stewardship Program is

an initiative involving many conser-vation-minded organizations in NewYork. The "Forest Stewardship Act of1989" at the national level aims toplace 25 million acres of non-industrial private forest lands understewardship management within fiveyears. This program is important inNew York with its 17.5 million peopleand 30.2 million acres of land, 61percent of which is forested, includingsome 15.4 million acres of commercialforest land, held in over 1f2 millionprivate ownerships.

Landowners and ForestIndustry Meeting

Renowned speakers at the"Landowners and Forestry IndustryMeeting" on Friday evening, August17, 1990, (with a 6:45 p.m.registration) at the Adirondack HighSchool in Boonville, N.Y., as part ofthe New York State Woodsmen'sField Days are as follows:• Robert H. Bathrick, Director of

Division of Lands and Forests, NYS

DEC, on the topic, "Forest Steward-ship" .• Curtis H. Bauer, professional

consulting forester, FORECON, Inc.,on the topic "Is Your ForestForever?"• Hugh O. Canham, professor of

forest economics, faculty .of forestry,SUNY College of Environmental Sci-ence and Forestry, on the topic"Economics of Your Forest, and NewYork's Forests".According to program moderator

David W. Taber of Cornell'sDepartment of Natural Resources,this "state of the times seminar," willinclude "gifts from the forests" forattendees, and a meet-the-speakerssegment with refreshments. It issponsored by the New York ForestOwners' Association, Inc., andCornell Cooperative Extension, aspart of the New York StateWoodsmen's Field Days. WBRVRadio of Boonville, 900 on the AM dial,will broadcast the seminar live, andarrangements are being made foraccepting questions from callers andbroadcasting pre-meeting interviewswith official delegates from conserva-tion-minded organizations throughoutthe state.

Street Tree FactsheetsAvailable while they last are sets of

"Street Tree Factsheets" in looseleafbinders, containing technicalinformation about 122 cultivars andspecies of street trees appropriate forplanting on many urban sites in NewYork, Ohio, Pennsylvania, NewJersey, Illinois, and Maryland.Developed at Penn State, the set of

122 Street Tree Factsheets andlooseleaf binder may be purchased,while the supply lasts, by sending acheck for $17.50 payable to "PennState" to Agriculture ConferenceCoordinator, Penn State University,306 Ag. Adm. Bldg., University Park,PA 16802.For additional information, contact

Henry D. Gerhold, Assistant Directorfor Research and Graduate Studies,Penn-Forest Technology Center,School of Forestry, 109 FergusonBuilding, Penn State University,University Park, PA 16802 (Tel.814/865-3281) .

'Forests Forever'Broadcast

A "Forests Forever Seminar" willbe broadcast live by radio stationWBRV in Boonville from 7:30 p.m. to9:30 p.m. at the New York StateWoodsmen's Field Days, according toprogram moderator David W. Taberof Cornell Cooperative Extension,Department of Natural Resources.Topics of the seminar include

"Forest Stewardship," "Is YourForest Forever?" and "Economics of .your Forest and New York'sForests." Presenting the topics, inorder, are Robert H. Bathrick, stateforester and director of the Division ofLands and Forests, NYS DEC; CurtisH. Bauer, president of FORECON, aconsulting forester firm ofJamestown; and Hugh O. Canham,professor of forest economics, SUNYCollege of Environmental Science andForestry in Syracuse, Speakers willrespond to questions from theaudience.There is no registration fee.

Registration begins at 6:45 p.m.,followed by door prizes andintroductions at 7: 15 p.m., prior to thefirst speaker at 7:30 p.m. Foradditional information contact yourCornell Cooperative Extension countyoffice.

Forestry, Fish, andWildlife Publications"Directory of Forestry, Fish &

Wildlife Publications" (revisedwinter 1990) is a "ConservationCircular" that lists 140 publicationsand a woodland management home-study correspondence course,available from Cornell University. Toobtain a copy of the directory, whichcosts $1, contact a county office ofCornell Cooperative Extension.

Nolan'sSporting Supplies

Outdoor Equiprnen! SpeCialist

37 - 47 Genesee StreetAuburn, N.Y. 13021

315-252-7249

12 . FOREST OWNER

Outstanding Tree FarmerFor 1990 Named

The New York State Tree FarmCommittee has announced itsOutstanding Tree Farmer Award for1990. John and Harriet Hamilton ofSpringwater in Livingston Countyhave been honored for theirexcellence in forest management,land stewardship, and commitment tothe Tree Farm Program of theAmerican Tree Farm System, whichis sponsored by the American ForestCouncil ofWashington, D.C.According to the Hamiltons, who

until their retirement were fromRochester, N.Y., where Dr. JohnHamilton was a practicingobstetrician, their tree farm waspurchased in 1932by Harriet's father,Arthur A. Davis. He was aconserva tion-minded andenvironmentally concerned "oilman" (marketing industriallubricants). Decades -ago Davis wasasked by two governors to serve asNew York's conservationcommissioner, which shows his highregard for the environment.As an absentee landowner from

Rochester, Davis started managinghis farm property and its woods inLivingston County soon after hebought it. According to HarrietHamilton, when she was young, herfamily traveled to the farm everyweekend. In total since 1932 theDavis family has planted well over100,000 red pine, larch, and Norwayspruce trees.Now, after nearly 60 years of family

ownership of the farm property,which through land purchases grewfrom 90 acres to 345acres, the family

has been honored for its commitmentto conservation. As the OutstandingTree Farmer of 1990in New York, theHamiltons are recognized for theirstewardship. They had a detailedmanagement plan prepared in 1974with the assistance of NYS DECsenior forester Billy Morris. Andduring the next 15years, thinning andcull tree removal was completed on180 acres to improve the forest whileyielding hundreds of cords of fuelwoodthat kept three homes warm duringwinter.The management objectives for the

"farm" involve wildlife, recreation,and long-term enhancement of theenvironment. Multiple use of the landincludes hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, woodswalking and products harvesting.Six ponds were constructed; and

near them, trees and wildlifeshrubbery were planted andnumerous bluebird boxes were aptlyplaced. With a love for the land, andas advocates of stewardship, theHamiltons have hosted woods walksfor the New York Forest Owners'Association, tours for the NYS DECRegion 8 Forest Practice Board, andan outdoor meeting of the New YorkSOciety of American Foresters.In total 55 acres were planted in the

1930s and 1940s to softwoodplantations. In 1988 and 1989 twotimber sales were conducted. An old12-acre hardwood .tract wasselectively harvested for sawtimber,and an eight-acre red pine plantationwas clearcut for utility poles, sawlogs,and a better view.

1I

I

JULY/AUGUST 1990

With continuing guidance from NYSDEC forester Morris since 1974, theHamiltons, through theirmanagement' activities, have hadtheir forest property certified in 1976as a tree farm under the AmericanTree Farm System. Displayed ontheir property is the green and whiteTree Farm sign which is "the sign ofgood Forestry." Their continuedcommitment over the years has beenrewarded as they are honored thisyear as the Outstanding TreeFarmers of New York State.For more information about the

American Tree Farm System, contactMike Virga, Chairman, N.Y.S. TreeFarm Committee, c/o Lyons FallsPulp & Paper, P.O. Box 338, LyonsFalls, NY 13368(Phone: 315-345-8411).

Checkyour preferredmembership option:D Regular - $10 D Family - $15D Contributing - $16 - $99D Supporting - over $100Send checks payable to:New York Forest Owners AssociationP.O. Box 360Fairport, N.Y. 14450

Name

Address

City

State/Zip

County Phone

Christopher Babcock. CPA, Owner10 Central St. .Moravia, New York 13118

H&R BLOCKTHE INCOME TAX PEOPLE

Telephone (315) 497-3259If no answer call:(31 to) 255-3341

13

Because of a pine tree's extrasusceptibility to tree trunk injurywhen the bark and wood interface isweak immediately after winter,neither thinning nor pruning isrecommended in springtime. (Note:good pine trees hit by a falling cut treecan easily have their bark stripped;improperly pruned branches, whenfalling, can injure the tree by tearingthe bark on the trunk; and the pinetree's pitch can be unpleasant when incontact with clothes or skin.)Forest planning based on

evaluating one's forest resources andneeds should be done with methodicalcare. This can be done nicely duringthe spring or summer. If a drive by ora walk in your woods indicates thatyour pine trees may need attention,you can begin a more comprehensiveevaluation and develop anappropriate plan of foreststewardship action. Now is a goodtime to do it.The forest steward needs to

consider the soil and aspect of a forestsite, as well as the existing effects onindividual trees of insects, diseases,genetics, and mechanical injury,when evaluating the condition of one'spine trees and forest.Ask a professional forester for

information about these topics if youhave questions. Investigate theadvantages of being a cooperatorunder the Forest Practice Act'sService Forestry Program of theDivision of Lands and Forests, NYSDepartment of EnvironmentalConservation (DEC). A privatecooperating consultant forester listedby the NYS DEC may be of help.

Crowded Pines May Die NaturallyBy DAVID W. TABER,

Department of Natural Resources,New York State College of Agriculture

and Life Sciences, Cornell

Are the pine trees in your forestdying naturally? You may noticesome white, red, or Scotch pine treeswith dying crowns. The needlesbecome fewer and fewer. In additionto damage from insects and diseases,overcrowding also can cause trees todie. If a pine tree does not have atleast one-third of its height in livebranches that support an abundanceof needles, it is not as healthy as itshould be.In a forest stand (a group of trees

that can be distinguished fromadjacent vegetation by its attributes)smaller diameter pines are likely tohave relatively small crowns. Pineneedles provide the basis for a treetrunk's diameter growth. Becausepine trees are relatively intolerant ofshade, their needles and branches diewhen crowding from adjacent treesprevents sunlight from reaching thefoliage. With less foliage, a tree growsmore slowly. When the length of apine's trunk that supports healthyfoliage is about 10-15 percent of thetree's total height, the pine tree islikely to die or grow very slowly for along time without recovering.A forest owner may be able to

enhance the health and growth ofpines on a good site, or even a poorsite, by identifying those trees thatshould be left to grow and removingthe trees that compete with them.Competing trees that need to be

removed to allow the best trees togrow unencumbered are "living

trees" which interfere with theavailability of sunshine and groundmoisture for the more desirable trees.By not removing the competing trees,the health and vigor of the better treesare affected, while the poorer treescontinue to exist. Therefore, properthinning around the pine trees to besaved benefits each remaining tree aswell as the structure of the entireforest.Pruning the dead branches on pine

trees has almost no effect on treegrowth because the limbs withoutneedles do not contributecarbohydrates to the tree trunk androots through photosynthesis.However, to accompany the benefitsof thinning around fast-growing pinetrees, advantages from pruning(dead) branches without needlesinclude the following: _* quick healing of the branch wound

by overgrowth of tree trunk;* growth of wood without black

knots or knotholes;* improved appearance of forest

stand; and* enhanced access to forest for

pleasant woods walks.Removing dead or dying trees in a

forest stand does little to reducecrowding of other trees because thesparsely foliated trees compete verylittle. However, felling these trees orcutting them for firewood can makethe forest more attractive, reduce thedanger of unexpected falling trees,and improve the quality of walks inthe woods. But if the dead or dyingtrees are being used by birds andsmall animals for food and shelter,then they may be left for the benefit ofwildlife.

MEMBER

WE SPECIALIZE IN LOGGINGAND ALL YOUR FORESTRYWORKBuyers of Standing Timber

A A PEPPE Timber ProductsLOGGING and FIREWOOD

Dept. FMoravia, NY 315/497-1760

i4

Woodsmen'sField Days

For a flyer (which will be availablein late May) on the New York StateWoodsmen's Field Days to be held inAugust, send your name and addressto NYS Woodsmen's Field Days, P.O.Box 123, Boonville, NY 13309 (Mrs.Phyllis A. White, ExecutiveSecretary, Tel. 315-942-4593).

FOREST OWNER

The New York Forest OwnersAssociation Outstanding Service

Award to Earl PfarnerBy BOB SAND

In recognition for outstandingservice to the New York ForestOwners Association, the 1990Outstanding Service Award goes toEarl Pfarner of Chaffee, Erie County,N.Y. For the past dozen years thisaward has been presented as tangiblerecognition for dedicated service toour membership. Let me review thegrowing list of past recipients:

1978 Emiel Palmer1979 Ken Eberley1980 Helen Varian1981 J. Lewis DuMond1982 Lloyd Strombeck1983 Evelyn Stock1984 Dorothy Wertheimer1985 David H. Hanaburgh1986 A.W. Roberts, Jr.1987 Howard O. Ward1988 Mary & Stuart McCarty1989 Alan R. Knight

Earl's keen interest in Forestry wasfirst sparked 60 years ago when in

Christmas TreeGrowers AssociationSummer Meeting

The Summer Meeting of the NewYork State Christmas Tree GrowersAssociation, will be held Saturday,July 28, at the Richard MolyneauxPlantation on Route 38B, SherderRoad, north of Endicott, NY, andabout 6 miles west of Binghamton,NY.There will be guided tours of the

plantation, and about 40 exhibitorswith displays and demonstrations.You may pre-register (prior to July21st) by mailing 18 dollars (24.50willinclude chicken barbecue) to Mr. J.B.Webb, Exc. Secty, 2947 East BayardSt., Seneca Falls, NY 13148-9707.Phone number 315-568-5571.Activitiescommence between 7:30and 8:30AM.

High School. He researched and wrotea Senior thesis on Forestry in theUnited States. Thus began a lifetimefilled with thousands of days involvedwith Forestry - both in his woodlotand with other Forest ownersthroughout New York.In the Southeast corner of Erie

County in the Town of Sardinia, Earloperated a Dairy Farm until 1963andfor the next ten years was employedat a Retail Building Materials andLumber Yard. Adjoining the PfarnerFarmstead is his 78acres woodlot thathe'd purchased shortly after it hadbeen logged in the early 50'S, butreserved when he sold the farm.Ever since, he has nurtured and

groomed his growing forest holding,initially salvaging dying Beech andlater the topwood from stumpage soldin 1983and 1986.Between his propertyand salvaging his downed topwood aswell as from neighboring woods, Earlhas for many years personallyproduced 200 cords of 18" firewoodannually for local sale.

The Pfarners are Charter Membersof NYFOA, and have attended mostall of our Annual or Fall meetings,except two, each year since 1964.Earlserved with distinction two terms as aDirector (1983- 1988), Chaired the fallmeeting held in Erie County threeyears ago and has been a devotedadvocate of our Association. He is asu+year member of both FarmBureau and The CooperativeExtension Service. He is a Volunteerleader for Nature and Woods Walks atthe Erie County's Audubon NatureCenter.Now 78, Earl has associated much

of his long lifetime with the ForestResource. Presently, Earl iscontinually adding to his collection ofover 400wood samples encompassing30 States and 30 Countries, forty ofwhich grow in the Pfarner Forest.Today we recognize Earl Pfarner

by presenting our 1990 OutstandingService Award to acknowledge hisdedication and long service as aCharter Member of this Association.

Membership Report1992 calendar year. Watch for thecontest rules in the next issue of theForest Owner. Cameras ready?

Mary Soons McCartyMembership Chairman

Custom Signs

Membership is gaining. We havemore than 1400members and revenueis up over 23% through May of thisyear compared to the same period lastyear.The goal of 2000members by the end

of 1990seems attainable if we continueto follow the basic formula.#1 Every member enlist a member.

Brochures are available from JohnMarchant and at each meeting and atwoodswalks.#2 Continued good publicity about

Chapter meetings - we're spreadingthe word. Be sure there is the phrasein news releases that includes acontact person for furtherinformation.It is possible that we'll have a

beautiful and useful calendar withpictures taken by our members.Distribution and sale would be for the

-- VOSS SignsDept. NYF, Box 553, Manlius. N.Y. 13104'

Ph. (315) 682-6418(Mon.-Fri. 9-5)

Family Owned & Operated Jar over 25 years

JUL Y / AU'GUST 1990 15

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Marathon, N.Y.13803

Permit No.2

R.D. #1, Box 103lisle, N.Y. 13797

-I9103

WALTER A. MAIER3534 OAK HILL ROADMARIETTA, NY 13110

Lo~ten compose a group of trees withslml~r ages, heights, sizes, andspecies !hat distinguish the groupfrom ~dJacent groups; and such arecognizable group is called a foreststand. By definition, a forest is a largetract of land covered with trees and itmay consist of many stands. 'Trees,stands, a~d forests, continuallychange as time passes and ecologicalinteractions affect them. As theychan~e, the food and cover theypro~l~e to wildlife changes; inaddition, the scenic beauty orlan~scape, they provide changes. 'TImber harvesting under

prescribed silvicultural-managementplans can help trees, forest stands,and forests provide a multitude ofb~nefits to forest stewards.~Imultaneously, silviculturally basedtimber harvesting can provide anarray of benefits to urban consumersof paper and other wood products tothe people dependent on ru'raleconomic activities, to tax-dependentgovernments, to forest-relatedrecreationists, to tourists and to thetourism industry. Prope; harvestingca~ protect fisheries, watersheds fordrinking water, wildlife habitat, andvast tracts of unpopulated forests thatprovide peace, solitude a lack oftraffic congestion, and' scenic butdynamic forest landscapes.People change, generation after

generation. The stewards offorestland change, "owner" after" " A downer. n trees, stands, andforest landscapes change continually,

President's Message -(Continued from Page 2)

lands in such a way as to maintain orhopefully improve their producti;ityand esthetics.This wider message will have more

appeal, but as important is theconcept of including landownergroups, as NYFOA, in formulating themessage and spreading the word.After all, who should know better howto stimulate and interest landownersthan a group of concerned ownersthemselves? Previous efforts weredevised ~nd sponsored by the publicsector WIth little or no input fromlandowners.All of this makes me optimistic

about our future and I will be workingto improve our program and expandmembership during my term.I would also like to welcome my new

colleagues on the Board of Directors:Dave Colligan, Buffalo; VernerHudson, Elbridge; Mary McCarty,Rochester; Sandy VreelandSpringwater and Don Wagner, Utica:All of us on the Board look forward tohearing your suggestions forimproving the organization.

Sincerely,Allen Horn

Forest Landscapes -(Continued from Page 3)

shaped by the micro-environment inwhich they compete to survive, andthey will finally die. Individual trees

MemberPhotography ContestNYFOA expects to publish a

calendar that will be useful andattractive. It will have the dates of ourmeetings and woodswalks as well asthe moon phases and major holidays.A contest for the thirteen pictures

needed is in order. The rules are:1. Slides must be horizontal.2. Originals must be submitted with

name and address.3. Subject matter should be

woodland scenes, specific trees orNew Yor~ vistas of trees and scenery.(Forest industry activities, Forestmanagement activities)?4. Winners will receive recognition

as well as other prizes.5. ~embers of NYFOA only.Think of year-round pictures - all

~our seasons. More details in nextIssue.Respond to:Mary McCarty4300East Ave.Rochester, NY 14618

forever. Expecting change, thrivingon c.hange, and managing change areattributes of people who will be goodstewards of their forest resourcesincluding forest landscapes, forestcrops of wood products, sap for maplesyrup, and wildlife habitat.

b FOREST OWNER