The New York

FOREST OWNERA publication of the New York Forest Owners Association

July!August 1994

THE NEW YORK

FOREST OWNERVOL. 32, NO.4

OFFICERS &DIRECTORS

Don Wagner, PresidentRD#I,Box203CUtica,NY 13502; (315) 733·7391

Wes Suhr ,lst Vice PresidentRR#I,Box59B •Oswegatchie,NY 13670; (315)848-2136

Robert M. Sand, Recording Secretary300 Church StreetOdessa, NY 14869-9703; (607) 594-2130

Clara Minerd, Treasurer1123 Cold Springs RoadLiverpool, NY 13088; (315)451-3712

John C. Marchant, Executive Director45 Cambridge CourtFairport, NY 14450; (716) 377-7906

Deborah Giii, AdministrativeSecretaryP.O. Box 180Fairport, NY 14450;(716)377-6060

1995Elizabeth Densmore,Machias; (716) 942-6600Richard J. Fox, Moravia; (315) 497-1078John W. Krebs,RoneoyeFalls; (716) 624-1793Tom Ellison,Manlius; (315) 682-9376

1996Albert Brown.Stow; (716) 763-9067Verner Hudson,Elbridge; (315)689-3314Peter Levatich,Brooktondalc; (607) 539-7049Don Wagner,Utica; (315)733-7391

1997John T. Hastings,Queensbury; (518) 798-0248Charles Mowatt,Savona; (607)583-7006Nonnan Richards.Syracuse; (315) 472-3696Elizabeth Wagner,Utica; (315)733-7391

AFFUlATEREPRESENTATIVESCharles Sprague, THRIFT; (315) 788-5920Dinnle Sloman, Catskill Forest Assoc.; (914) 586-3054

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVESMark & Joann Kurtis, Allegheny Foohills; (716)94S-60lZTom Hewitt, Cayuga; (315) 497·U66Dennis Coiliton, Capital District; (518) 895-2706Bill Minerd, Central New York; (315) 451-37UBob Howard, Northern Adirondack West; (315)265-7560Herb Boyce, Northern Adirondack East; (518) 946-7040Bob Colligan, Niagara FrontierGregg Mackey, SE Adirondack; (518) 893-2236Larry Lepak, Southern Tier; (607) 656-8504Don Schaufler, Tioga, (607) 589-6095Eileen VanWie, Western Finger Lakes; (716) 436-5374

All rights reserved. Contents may notbe reproduced withoutprior written permission from the publisher. NYFOA doesnot necessarily support or approve procedures, products, oropinions presented by authors oradvertisers.

COVER:New York State Electric & GasCorporation's Jennison Station South ofBainbridge on the west bank of theSusquehanna River. (See page 4)

2 NY FOREST OWNER

FOREST OWNERA publication of the New York Forest Owners Association

Editorial Committee: AI Brown, Betty Densmore, Alan Knight, Mary McCartyand Bill Minerd.

Materials submitted for publication should be addressed to: R. Fox, Editor, R.D, #3, Box88, Moravia, New York 13118. Articles, artwork and photos are invited and are normallyreturned after use. The deadline for submission for Sept/Oct is Aug 1.Please address all membership fees and change of address requests to P.O. Box180, Fairport, N.Y. 14450. Cost of individual membership subscription is $15.

NYFOA's 32nd Annual Meeting

140 members register. (See page 14)

Table of ContentsPresident's Message, Don Wagner 3Biomass, "Storing Solar Energy", W.H. Benjamin 4Awards ....................................................................•..........................•.6Ask A Forester, Sue & Mark Keister 9Chapter/Affiliates .........................................................•.................... 10The Amazing Amazon, Michael C. Greason 12Annual Meeting, Circle of Stewards ...•.......................•..•................14Fall Cankerworm, Douglas C. Allen 16Ouches and Itches, Jane Sorensen Lord 18

NYFOA ·1-800-836-3566 • INFO JUUAUG 1994

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEA beautiful sunny day in June, hundreds

of people milling around in various areas,children laughing and enjoying themselves,vendors, good food, scores of dedicatedvolunteers, a glorious setting, all add up toan overwhelmingly successful Family For-est Fair. If you missed it, you missed a greattime. The insert photo shows visitors watch-ing or on their. way to watch a portablesawmill demonstration. There wereNYFOAmembers from all over the State present,along with many other. interested individu-als that attended the fair for the forestrycontent or with their children for the sheer -,enjoyment. The effort that went into plan-ning, coordinating, and operationalizing this .major event was extraordinary, I want topersonally thank everyone from the CentralNew York Chapter who participated in theplanning and also all the volunteers fromevery part of the State that worked so hard onthis wonderful outdoor activity. A speciaithanks goes to Vern and Marjorie Hudsonfor allowing their beautiful woods to be usedfor this energetic project. I have heard thatthe event is going to be bigger and betternext year, and maybe even extended to twodays. After attending an event like this,meeting and talking to so many nice people,I understand why I am so deeply involved inour Association. Folks with a genuine inter-est in woodland stewardship, wildlife andthe use of natural resources, are simply greatpeople.

On the 24th of May, I attended the Em-pire State Forest Products Association'sSpring Meeting in Albany and the Legisla-tive Reception that was held early in theevening. It is important for our Associationto participate in these activities and to showour Lawmakers that we are concerned withLegislative issues. Dave Colligan, as our

Portable sawmilling at the Central NY Chapter's Family Forest Fair.Photo by President Don Wagner.

Legislative Committee Chair, normally at-tends this annual event. However, this yearhe had a conflict that he couldn't break so Iagreed to attend in his stead. I am glad I did;it was a worthwhile, educational experi-ence.

If you missed the 32nd Annual Spring .Meeting, you missed four excellent presen-tations, the special awards program, and theopportunity to participate in fellowship withyour fellow NYFOAN's. The session wasintentionally designed to be on the light sideand from the evaluations that were preparedby the members present, it was well re-ceived. This, I believe, was the best attendedmeeting in the recent history of NYFOA.Close to 140were in attendance. Even thoughthe "Ask a Forester" concept was not uti-lized as much as I would have liked, mostfolks surveyed felt the concept should be

The LakeBy Dorothy S. Darling

B y day the lake is filled with skies,And the trees feed their vanity upon it;

Children skip stones across its sighs,And it's put upon by boastful boats

Or most anything that floats.

But when deep night raises its wall,And earth moves on soft soled shoes,

The lake swells to rject them all,And though there's spying by the moon,

Its true identity will be assumed.NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFONY FOREST OWNER

continued with more time allowed to visitwith the forester.

During the business session of the meet-ing, a dues increase of $5 was approved bythe membership present. It is anticipatedthat this will take effect on January 1, 1995.Other details on this issue will be conveyedin future issues of this magazine, after theBoard of Directors has had an opportunity towork out the fmal details. I know some ofyou feel that a dues increase is not necessary;however, the ever increasing cost of every-thing, the gradual dwindling of our treasuryreserve, coupled with our long-range plansto deal with several long-standing issueshave resulted in the need for more operatingrevenue. The fact of the matter is a $5increase is really quite small and only addsup to pennies a day. The advantages ofbelonging to our fine association is certainlyworth a few pennies a day.

Selection of officers was held at theabbreviated Board meeting following theApril 30 program. I am sorry to inform youthat you will have to put up with me foranother year as President. Bill Minerd waselected Vice President, with Clara Minerdand Bob Sands re-elected as Treasurer andSecretary respectively.

The more I get involved in activities ofthis organization and work with all of ourdedicated volunteers, I become very proudof NYFOA. The esprit de corps is phenom-enal. I can't think of a better organizationthan NYFOA. Tell a friend about us andplanon joining all of the great people that will beattending the Fall Meeting in Boonville.

JUUAUG 1994 • 3

BIOMASSBy W. H. Benjamin, PE

New York StateElectric &Gas (NYSEG)is continually striving to protect the environ-ment, conserve natural resources, and beactively involved in the communities weserve. Planning for the use of wood chipsfrom trees grown specifically for a source offuel (biomass) is one way of meeting thesegoals. NYSEG has routinely burned woodchips and sawmill by-products at itsHicklingand Jennison Stations for several years. Theblending and cofiring of chipped wood withcoal can reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide(S02)' One of the most significant green-house gases, carbon dioxide (C02), which isreleased during biomass combustion will bebalanced by the amount consumed by thegrowing trees, thus burning biomass will notincreaseCO2, Since 1988NYSEGhasburned46,000 tons of wood atJennison and HicklingStations. This has offset coal consumption,a non renewable fuel, by 22,780 tons anddecreased sulfur dioxide emissions by ap-proximately 380 tons.

Jennison Station is located one mile south

obtained from short rotation, high yieldhybrid willow trees which have bene devel-oped specifically for this area of the UnitedStates. We will essentially be ''storing solarenergy" by planting and harvesting thesetrees. This renewable energy source willconvert idle land into production of a cropwith a significant market, and provide newjobs. This project is being progressed by theEmpire State Biomass Power DevelopmentConsortium whose members include NewYork State Electric &Gas, Niagara MohawkPower Corporation, and the State Universityof New York College of EnvironmentalScience and Forestry.

Hybrid willow trees can grow to over 20feet high in three years, and produce biom-ass roughly 10 to 20 times faster than con-ventional forests. Harvesting them will pro-duce about 7-10 tons per acre (dry). OneMW of capability from cofrring a 20%blend, by weight, with coal will requireharvesting 1,000 acres per year.Wallace Benjamin is the Technical Special-ist of Alternate Fuels for NYSEG

"Storing Solar Energy"of Bainbridge, New York on the west bankof the Susquehanna River. Hickling Stationis located in East Corning, New York, on thenorth bank of the Chemung River. Both ofthese plants are steam electric generatingstations consisting of four traveling grate,coal-fired boilers and two turbine genera-tors. Jennison Station has a 73 Megawattcapacity and Hickling Station has an 83Megawatt capacity.

NYSEG currently has two research pro-grams in progress. The fuel feed programwill evaluate a cofiring system at a pulver-ized coal plant which can be optimized tohandle wood products and other alternativefuels in a pulverized coal boiler. The fuelfeed program is co-funded by New YorkState Energy Research Development Au-thority (NYSERDA), Empire State ElectricEnergy Research Corporation (ESEERCO),and NYSEG. This program will emphasizethe cofiring of chipped renewable woodfuels currently available.

The longer term project is investigatingthe development of biomass supply to be

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4 NY FOREST OWNER NYFOA • 1·800-836-3566 ·INFO JUUAUG 1994

"Wood Energy Issues in New York"By Daniel Robison, Timothy Rooney,Lawrence Abrabamson,and Edwin White

The Biomass Program at the State Uni-versity of New York College of Environ-mental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESp)in conjunction with the New York StateEnergy Research and Development Author-ity (NYSERDA) held a workshop on woodenergy issues on May 24-25 in Syracuse.Wood as a source of industrial energy wasdiscussed. Debate focused on the pros andcons of using wood from waste streams (millresidues, construction/demolition), naturalforests, and biomass-bioenergy plantations(such as willow and hybrid poplar). Discus-sion on wood energy utilization centered onfiring wood for steam and electricity pro-duction, or co-firing wood with coal forelectric power generation. Wood gasifica-tion and conversion to products such asnatural gas, ethanol and methanol were alsodiscussed.

"wood energy can ... havean important place inthe energy mix for NY"

The benefits of wood energy were re-ported to be many. These include reducedemissions of sulfur as compared with coal/oil (reducing the threat of acidic deposition),domestic energy source, rural economic de-velopment (opportunities for timber standimprovement, biomass as an alternate farmcrop, etc.), landscape and forestry/agricul-ture diversity, carbon dioxide neutral whenthe wood is from energy plantations (theysequester the CO2 released during burning-reducing the threat of global warming), andsoil conservation and reduced pesticide use(as compared with agricultural crops). Therewere also concerns expressed about thesustainability of harvesting wood for energyin natural forests (emphasizing the need forgood forest management), environmentalimpacts of energy plantations (similar toagriculture, but still less intensive), wildlifeimpacts, and ramifications throughout theforest products industry. Policy and electricpower generation discussions revealed achanging utility industry, lack of demandfor new power in the near-term, state man-date for the use of renewable energy sources,timber harvesting regulation concerns, toxicemissions from burning some types of wastewood, and the need to define biomass cropsNY FOREST OWNER

as an alternative agricultural as well as aforest plantation crop.

While consensus was not a goal of theworkshop, the general feeling was that woodenergy can and should have an importantplace in the energy mix for New York. Eventhough new electric power generation is notcurrently needed in NY, the inclusion ofwood as a fuel in current supplies is apositive development. Additionally, the en-vironmental and potential economic ben-efits of wood as an energy resource aresignificant. The US Department of Energyhas estimated that by the year 2010, woodwill supply 10% of the nation's electricpower (up from 1% in 1993), and that by2000 biomass fuels will be cost competitivewith other sources of energy. In Sweden,more than 25 ,000 acres ofbiomass-bioenergyplantations have already been established,and in the United Kingdom 30,000 acres areplanned for establishment in 1995. Thesetrends, coupled with the need for a cleanerenvironment, sustainable/renewable use ofnatural resources, economic developmentand energy independence make the promiseof widespread use of wood energy a foresee-able reality.

The Workshop included speakers anddiscussion group moderators from SUNYESF, NYSERDA, Electric Power ResearchInstitute, National Audubon Society, NYSDepartment of Environmental Conserva-tion, NYS Department of Agriculture andMarkets, Niagara Mohawk Power Corpora-tion, University of Aberdeen (Scotland),NYS Electric and Gas Corporation, NYSEnergy Office, and private consultants.About 80 people were in attendance. A fieldtrip to the SUNY ESF willow and poplar

biomass research trials in Tully, NY washeld at the end of the Workshop. At thesetrials, willow grown at close spacings (1 'xl'to l'x3') and harvested on 1 to 3 yearscoppice rotations have produced up to 13oven-dry tons per acre per year (more thanlOx the rate of growth in natural forests).These tremendous rates of production,coupled with mechanized planting and har-vesting, make biomass crops a potentiallycompetitive fuel source with wood chipsfrom timber stand improvement activities,and fossil fuels.

The Biomass Program at SUNY ESF isdedicated to developing the technology forgrowing biomass-bioenergy crops. Since1983 the program has conducted many trialsacross NYS, and is currently expanding withthe assistance of NYSERDA, NiagaraMohawk Power Corporation, NYS Electricand Gas Corporation, and the US Depart-ment of Energy. For more information onthe workshop, wood energy, or biomass-bioenergy crops, please contact Dan Robisonat SUNY ESF (phone 315/470-6774).

Nolan'.Sporting Suppll••

Outdoor EqUipment Specialist

37 • 47 Genesee StreetAuburn, NY 13021

315/252-7249

LANDOWNERSMaples, Cherry & Red Oak are in strong demand, if you are

interested in selling some of your standing Timber consider ...Each tree to be sold is marked according to YOUR specifications.We send notices to reputable log producers & exportersSealed bid opening determines the highest bidderPayment is made in advance to any harvest operationAll harvest operations are supervised by our forestersWe retain a security deposit until owner is completely satisfied.Guaranteed to net YOU the highest price for your timber.

Write or Call For A Free PamphletRobert Synowlez • Professional Forestry Consultants

~~ ? timberland\~ 1 Box 498, W. Beecher Hill Rd., ONego, NY 13827~ 607/687-0460--....

NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO 5JUUAUG 1994

know him as one who has devoted consider-able energy and time as a willing speaker atNYFOA and SAF meetings.

He is a member of both the American andCanadian Entomological Societies. TheESFStudent Association Distinguished Teach-ing Award was presented him in 1979. Hewas honored in 1992withtheNYSAFChair'sCitation for Service Award and was selectedfor the 1993 NYSAP Forester of the YearAward. Doug was presented the 1994 Col-lege of Forest Resources-Alumni of theYear Award at the Univ. of Maine at Orono.

THE 1994 HEmERG MEMORIALAWARDBy Bob Sand

This is the 28th presentation of theHEIBERG MEMORIAL AWARD. Thefirst award recog nized Dean Hardy L. ShirleyatNYFOA's 4th. Annual Meeting held April30, 1966. It is recognition for outstandingcontributions in the fields of forestry andconservation in New York State.

A renowned Professor of Silviculture,Svend O. Heiberg devoted much of hiscareer here at the N.Y. College of Forestry .Dr. Heiberg first proposed the establishmentof an association of Forest Landowners inN.Y.State. He enlisted the efforts of DeanShirley and together they initiated the meet-ings that eventually organized this success-ful Forest Owners Association. This awardis presented in Dr. Heiberg's memory.

DOUGLAS C. ALLEN earned his B.S.degree in Forest Management in 1962 andhis M.S. in Entomology in 1965 at the Univ.of Maine. In 1968 he was awarded his Ph.Din Forest Entomology at the Univ. of Michi-gan. From 1968 to the present, Dr. Allen hasbeen a Professor of Forest Entomology onthe Faculty of Environmental and ForestBiology, teaching forest entomology to stu-dents in Resource Management here on theSyracuse campus of the College of Environ-mental Science and Forestry (CESF). He isCurriculum Coordinator for the Dual For-estry-Forest Biology Option. His researchcenters around northern hardwood insects,with special emphasis on sugar maple. Hiswork in extension includes: authorship offorest pest leaflets; to date 14 articles haveappeared in NYFOA's The New York For-est Owner, and frequent workshops for DECBureau of Forest Resource Management.Dr. Allen has published 120 papers.

Doug has been a member of the Societyof American Foresters since 1962. Duringhis professional career he has served as:Chair of the NY Society for 1987-'88; amember of the Journal of Forestry Editorial

Photo by C. Mowatt

Bob Sand. Barbara & Doug Allen. Matthew Allen (r).

Board 1982-1994; and in 1990 he was theChair of the SAP Biological Diversity TaskForce. This assignment was at the cuttingedge of change. Change that has added newchallenges to resource managers and forestowners alike. No longer are forestry profes-sionals' major energies directed to maxi-mize wood and wood fiber. A differentforestry-one that carefully addresses thevalue of biological diversity and incorpo-rates the principles of conservation, biologyand ecology is now a challenging part of theequation. Sustainable forest management inall sectors is directed to work with and notagainst ecological processes. The goal toencourage a land ethic that incorporatesstewardship in forest management policiesand programs is applied to public and pri-vate lands alike.

Dr. Allen was a member of both theGovernor's Forest Industry Task Force andthe Northern Forest Land Council AdvisorCommittee. Many members of NYFOA

THE HEIBERG MEMORIAL AWARD1966 Hardy L. Shirley1967 David B. Cook1968 Floyd Carlson1969 Mike Demeree1970 No Award1971 Fred Winch, Jr.1972 John Stock1973 Robert M. Ford1974 C. Eugene Farnsworth1975 Alex Dickson

1976 Edward W. Littlefield1977 Maurine Postley1978 Ralph Nyland1979 Fred C. Simmons1980 Dr. William Harlow1981 Curtis H. Bauer1982 Neil B. Gutchess1983 David W. Taber1984 John W. Kelley1985 Robert G. Potter

1986 Karen B. Richards1987 Henry G. Williams1988 Robert M. Sand1989 Willard G. Ives1990 Ross S. Whaley1991 Robert S. Stegemann1992 Bonnie & Don Colton1993 Michael C. Greason1994 Douglas C. Allen

6 • NY FOREST OWNER NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO

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JULIAUG 1994

NYFOA'S OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDBy Bob Sand

This is the 17th year we have presentedthis award. Our 1994 recipient was nomi-nated as Vice Chairman of the CayugaChapter at its organizational meeting onJune 24, 1985. As a lifetime resident ofsouthern Cayuga County, he brought 70years of wisdom and experience to thatinitial gathering. Richard Fox, then a first-term Director of NYFOA, called that firstmeeting to order. A W. Roberts.Jr., a retiredD.E.C District Forester (Region 7) and aConsulting Forester, Tree Farmer, Christ-mas Tree Grower and our FORESTOWNER's "Ask a Forester", along withthirty other forest owners were there inattendance. N.Y.F.OA. had provided $100for Chapter postage & start up expenses.Thus the CAYUGA CHAPTER, chaired byWendell Hatfield, began to make NYFOAhistory.

ALFRED B. SIGNOR was born Feb. 17,1915; attended the Town of Moravia's ruralSchool District No. 6 and graduated fromthe Moravia High School. At 19, he enlistedin the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps.Conditioning was at Fort Dix, N J.; then hewent to Fort Lewis, Washington and on toOak Harbor and Company 266, to workbuilding the Jos. Whidbey State Park onWhidbey Island and the southern approachto a new bridge over Deception Pass. Uponthe completion of his six month hitch, he

NYFOA'S OUTSTANDINGSERVICE AWARD1978 Erniel Palmer1979 Ken Eberly1980 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. Knight1990 Earl Pfamer1991 Helen & John Marchant1992 Richard J. Fox1993 Wesley E. Suhr1994 Alfred B. Signor

1994 NYFOA Awards Committee: RobertM. Sand. Chairman. Dr. Norman A.Richards. Verner C. Hudson.NY FOREST OWNER

returned home in Oct. 1934. The next year inApril, Alfred re-enlisted in the C.C.C.' s andserved at the Camp S96 in Sempronius, eastof Moravia, doing woodland improvement,tree planting, developing trails, buildingroads and waterholes for fire-prevention.On May 4, 1935, Alice and he were marriedand in July he left the Corps.

Around Moravia everyone calls Alfredby his nickname-'Lfee". Alice and hefarmed for many years. They raised tenchildren and retired to their farmer-owned,farmer-built new home on a beautifulwoodlot site overlooking the Owasco Val-ley.

In today's world, few men live and workin only one county most of their lives; fewmen have both planted trees and harvestedthem in their lifetime - "Lfee" has. He hasenjoyed a life working out-of-doors as adairy farmer, planting, and harvesting. Hestill cuts the firewood needed to heat hishome. And each winter he feeds a dooryardfull ofturkey, deer, squirrels, and song birds.

The Cayuga Chapter with much encour-agement and effort from "Lfee" has dedi-cated two large locally obtained boulderswhich were marked with bronze plagues, asmemorials to the CCC's. One is at the site ofSempronius S96, the other is in the FillmoreGlen State Park just south of the Village ofMoravia, site of CCC Camp SP33.

Each winter, on the weekend closest toFebruary 14th, the Cayuga Chapter alongwith others, sponsor the CABIN FEVERFESTIVAL. It is a Sat/Sun weekend filled

NYFOA ·1-800·836·3566 • INFO

CCC Alumnus"Lfee" Signorand Bob Sand.

Photo by R. Fox

with activities and events dedicated to con-servation and forest utilization. This eventhas evolved from the Cayuga Chapter'sWoodsmen's Demonstration first held inFeb. 1986 in the Moravia School's parkinglot; the next year at the Lamco EnsilageWagon plant near Locke, and in 1988 at theRobert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca.

Beginning in 1989 and sponsored lo-cally, it was renamed the Cabin Fever Fes-tival. It attracts 2-3,000 to the Fillmore GlenState Park at Moravia. "Lfee" is alwayshelping and enthusiastically sharing his ex-pertise with those who are there to enjoy thefamily-oriented activities,

IRS Excludes SIPCost Shares

The Internal Revenue Service hasissued Revenue Ruling 94-27 whichdetermines that the SIP is substantiallysimilar to the type of program describedin Section 126 (a)(1) - (9) of the InternalRevenue Code with respect to smallwatersheds. The outcome of this rulingis that landowners who receive SIPcost-share payments can exclude theamounts received from their gross in-come for income tax purposes. Thisshould be of primary interest to land-owners. The decision came late to helplandowners with filing for 1993; how-ever, because this is retroactive theycan submit an adjusted return for pastyears to exempt their SIP payment frombeing taxed.

JUUAUG 1994 • 7

educational curriculum for their childrenconstituents.

He has suggested the idea of Tree FarmInspectors writing a personal letter and in-serting a copy of the NY FOREST OWNERto give to each of his Tree Farmers. Hethinks the letter should support and point outthe educational function of the magazine.He feels that many of his Tree Farmerswould respond to the educational only, ratherthan the "get involved" approach becausemany are week-enders and go to their TreeFarms for recreation and privacy.

He also hopes to develop workshops onpractical issues such as chainsaw use andcare, tree and plant identification and stew-ardship.

He gives much credit for his success toFrederick J. Gety, Jr. his supportive andencouraging boss and Regional Forester forRegion 3's seven counties.

Rommel Gets a Second First

Dick Rommel, a DEC Senior Forester ofRegion 3 received the NY Tree Farm In-spector Award for the Year, the first time theAward has been given twice to the sameperson. He was also the first National Tree

Farm Inspector.Dick is a strong advocate of Tree Farm as

a recognition of top level forest manage-ment. He believes he is successful in enroll-ing new Tree Farmers because he uses abroad educational approach in presentinginformation. He tries to function beyond astrict timber objective and sees himself moreas an ecosystems manager to his regions'forest owners.

He explains that over 50% of Region 3' sforest owners are non-residents, many fromNew York City, and buy the land for per-sonal rather than business use. Due to thehigh land taxes in the area, timber is not aprofitable focus.

Dick's educational interest is furthertapped as a Project Leaming Tree facilitator.He has trained groups of teachers, scoutleaders and other educators to enable themto integrate environmental messages in their

RC&D MAKING THINGS HAPPEN!The Resource Conservation and Devel-

opment Program, better known as RC&D,gets people involved to identify and solvehuman, economic, and environmental prob-lems in their communities. RC&D addresseslocal problems by obtaining assistance fromthe private sector, corporations, foundations,and all levels of government

RC&D is not a government agency. It isa Council of local citizens that representfarmers, businesses, and units of govern-ment as well as the general public to coordi-nate economic development projects in pri-marily rural areas. RC&D areas are multi-county in scope.

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS), anagency known for its partnerships with localcommunities, administers the program forthe U.S. Department of Agriculture. SCSprovides a coordinator/director as well asgives other technical support to each RC&Darea. But it is the local Council and directorsthat make each RC&D area unique.

Since the RC&D program began 30 yearsago, Councils have raised $6.1 billion infederal and non- federal money to supportnearly 26,000 projects. Volunteer contribu-tions in time, cash, materials, and grants areestimated at more than $30 million annu-ally.

Currently in New York State, there arefive authorized RC&D Councils covering36 counties. Two additional Councils in

8 • NY FOREST OWNER

New York have pending applications andhope to be approved by early 1995.

SULLIVAN TRAIL RC&D COUNCIL3 Pulteney Square EastBath, New York 14810Richard G. Winnett, Coordinator(607) 776-9631J. Clifford Schaefer, Chairman

BLACK RIVER-ST. LAWRENCERC&D COUNCILRD #3, Box 376BWatertown, NY 13061Peter Spadora, Coordinator(315) 782-7553Beriah (Ted) Willson, Chairman

SENECA TRAIL RC&D COUNCIL2 Park SquareFranklinville, N.Y. 14737Howard Schuster, Coordinator(716) 676-5111Maynard Boyce, President

GREATER ADIRONDACK RC&DCOUNCILHC #01, Box 29Chestertown, N.Y. 12817James Baker, Coordinator(518) 623-3090John Reiger, President

NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO

SOUTH CENTRAL RC&D COUNCIL27 W. Main St.Norwich, N.Y. 13815Philip Metzger, Coordinator(607) 334-4715Robert Banta, Chairman

SULLIVAN TRAILSteuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Ontario,Yates, Seneca

BLACK RIVER-ST LAWRENCEJefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Oswego,Lewis, Oneida, Herkimer

SENECA TRAILChautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyo-ming, Livingston

GREATER ADIRONDACKClinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, Fulton,Saratoga, Washington

SOUTH CENTRALTioga, Broome, Delaware, Sullivan,Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Onondaga,Madison, Otsego, Schoharie

ONTARIO LAKES PLAINSNiagara, Orleans, Genesee, Monroe, Wayne

HUDSONIMOHAWKMontgomery ,Schenectady ,Albany, Greene,Columbia, Rensselaer

JUUAUG 1994

ASK A FORESTERBy Sue & Mark Keister

"I was planning a timber sale but now I'mconfused after reading in the NY FORESTOWNER (May/Jun 94), ASK A FOR-ESTER-COUNTERPOINT. I think mywoodlot is even-aged. You are saying don'tcut the larger dominant trees, so what shouldIdo?" - G.G.

Good question G.G! This topic is thesubject of many debates among foresters,because the solutions may be controversialand often pit idealism with reality.

Let's make the assumption that yourwoodlot is "mature" based on your goals asa landowner. (If it is not mature, then aprecommercial or commercial fuelwood/pulp thinning is a possibility) Let's alsoassume you have a fairly good mix of treespecies which you would like to keep in yourwoodlot and like many forest landowners(authors included), you are concerned about

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to think of all of the benefits youcould enjoy from having a pond ora lake on your own property. Thisidea could become a reality if theright conditions prevaiL From ourexperience it normally requiresfavorable watershed conditions,good site conditions, owner-commitment to stewardship forenhancement of forest land values,appropriate engineering planningand design, and good constructionpractices.

PONDS UNLIMITED CANEVALUATE the site of yourchoice. We can provide all of theengineering services needed to plan,design and oversee the constructionof a dam to create a handsomepond or lake on suitable property.You can get additional informationby calling 315/422-POND orsending a letter of inquiry to:

PONDS UNLIMITED719 E. Genesee St.Syracuse, NY 13210

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NY FOREST OWNER

A two acre patch clearcut on authors' property, Livingston County, NY. This is threegrowing seasons later. Primary species are aspen, red oak, black cherry, red maple

and afew ash. (P.S. We don't mind the aspen.)

aesthetics.Clearcutting is a viable solution if young

seedlings (regeneration) are well establishedon the forest floor .... but clearcutting is nota viable alternative because aesthetics is amajor concern. Strip clearcuts 100-150 feetwide or patch clearcuts of a couple acres (orlarger if you are daring) can be a goodcompromise. Strip clearcuts work very wellin woodlots where there is not much regen-eration because the adjoining trees supplythe seed to start the "new" forest. Clearcutssmaller than one acres known as groupselection cuts can also be effective. Groupselection is a good alternative on smallerproperties but it is difficult to keep track ofall the small groups over a long period oftime on larger properties.

A fourth option is a shelterwood. Ashelterwood is two or three harvests sepa-rated usually by 5 to 10 years. The first cutis a preparatory cut where the poorest treesare removed or killed. In some cases this isa non-commercial operation. The next har-vest is called a seed cut. In this cut approxi-mately half the trees are harvested leavingthe very ~ trees to provide seed for regen-eration and to grow a few more years beforethey are removed in the overstory/final har-vest. This method works especially wellwhere there is little regeneration present inthe original woodlot.

Note: When considering any of theseoptions, remember that a high deer popula-tion may consume the regeneration you areworking hard to establish.

All of these suggestions lead to a form of

the first option: clearcutting. In spite ofclearcutting's bad reputation, these varia-tions are the only ones that work to regener-ate many species such as black cherry, oaks,tulip poplar, aspen, walnut. and butternut.These trees need nearly full sunlight asseedlings to survive and grow.

Convincing a landowner to consider"clearcutting" in his/her woodlot is one of aforester's most challenging tasks. In reality,a forester's advise is often compromisedwith what we think is ''best''; because thetrue prescription is not acceptable to thelandowner, or not economically feasibledue to poor market conditions for the lowvalue forest products. In these cases werecommend cutting the yet)' largest maturetrees (to "sweeten the pot" for the harvester),leaving as many codominant trees as practi-cal, harvesting trees with poorer form, insector disease problems, and as many of theintermediate and suppressed trees as marketconditions will allow. We then stand backand hope for the best.

This may not be the textbook solution toa woodlot's needs but at least the foresterand/or landowner will have something towork with in 15 years. Who knows, by thenimproved markets for low value wood prod-ucts may allow for more complex manage-ment techniques.

Sue Keister is the Environmental ResourceManager for ELAM Sand & Gravel Corp.Mark Keister is a Senior Forester assignedto the Avon office in NYS DEC Region 8.

JUUAUG 1994 • 9NYFOA -1-800-836·3566 -INFO

woodlot include a small sugar bush, anorchard, a pond, access roads, a naturalwhite pine stand which was recently thinnedand a bird's eye view of forest research via a70-foot observation tower. Yes, some fewsouls climbed it.. ..

The press release included that thewoodswalk was free and open to the public,that most walking was easy, yet a vehiclecould be used to make the visit, handicappedaccessible. As a new member who attendeda first Woodswalk commented, "What away to spend a day! It's been one of those"closest places to heaven" experiences withthe neatest bunch of people I've found any-where. What more can a person ask?"

Future dates: Thursday, July 7 SteeringCommittee Meeting atFullerton's TreeFarmat 7:00p.m. Bring a dish to pass, meat to grill- call Erwin/Polly at 623-3444 for questions!concerns.

Early August: "Woodswalk" onOrienteering with Mike Hasedorn, N.Y.S.Forest Ranger.

CHAPTER/ AFFILIATESNIAGARA FRONTIER

Our chapter is having a tour at the BeaverMeadows Audubon Center, North Java onSaturday, July 9th at 10:00 AM. We willhave 1 Ifl hour guided tour of the facilitywith emphasis on their forestry manage-ment program and their ongoing develop-ment of an arboretum. For more informationcall Bob Preston at (716) 632-5862.

The chapter will have a tour/meeting10:00 AM Saturday, August 6. We will bethe guests of Robert ScheIbe who will dem-onstrate the operation of his band sawmill. Alarge building on his premises was con-structed using Red Pine trees grown on hisproperty. The property is located at S11280Allen Road, East Concord (716) 592-2748).For more information call Earl Pfamer at(716) 496-7365.

ALLEGHENY FOOTHILLSOn May 21 40+ AFCers went to the

Pierce Whitney Forest inMachias where Dr.Steve Eaton led us on a wildflower and FernidentifIcation walk. Dr. Eaton's encyclope-dic knowledge of the flora and fauna aroundus, plus his charming anecdotes and thegorgeous weather, combined tomake this anenjoyable day in the forest Having 14 chil-dren underage 13made ita lively excursion.We all enjoy having such a mixed group;from senior citizens to our youngest wood-worker two week old Jessica Kurtis!

We do not yet have the name of ourwinner of the $750 internship. But somehigh school graduate will spend severalweeks working in the Pierce Whitney build-ing trails, thinning, etc. with Bruce Robinsonand cataloging the flora and birds with Dr.Eaton.

OJ July 9th we will have our annualpicnic at the Childs property on Cooper HillRoad in Hinsdale.

On Aug. 20 we are planning a Festival intheWoods in Allegany StateParlc. For moreinformation on either event call Joann orMark Kurtis at (716) 945-6012.

SOUTHEASTERN ADIRONDACK

Tim Ward points out features of his lla!Jd..dug pond to othermembers of the SAC Chapter-May 21.1994.

Newspaper announcements, the weatherand loyal members of NYFOA who haveattended woodswalks for up to ten yearsproved that thirty-six (36) persons appreci-ated the opportunity to spend most of the daywith Tim andMary Ward north ofWhitehall.A wide variety of info was shared: fromwhich bug repellant works best to the vastknowledge of Tim Ward on forest succes-sion and how he has developed his twenty(20) acres for a diversity of programs.

The "Forest Homesteading" SpringWoodswalk proved that a large number ofacres is not required to be an active forestowner. The northern Washington Countyacreage includes a c. 1870 Lane Sawmillwhich has transformed trees on the Wardproperty to an octagonal log home and manyof its furnishings. Solar power is beingtapped to dry lumber and provide heat to anearly complete solar room. The secondweek in January is indicative of the end ofwinter in this room. Other features of the

THRIFTThere were 12participants at the May 14

woodswalks on the properties of C. Valen-tine and C. Sprague. The walks were led byDr. Robert Chambers of SUNY College ofEnvironmental Science and Forestry. Dr.

Chambers provided many suggestions andpointers on how to manage forest land forwildlife.

There were a known 28 deer winter-killed on these two woodlots.

10 • NY FOREST OWNER NYFOA • 1·800·836·3566 ·INFO JUUAUG 1994

Cutting Practices SurveyThe NY Section of the Society of Ameri-

can Foresters has formed an eleven membercommittee to obtain base line data regardingrecent cutting practices on private forestlands. A randomly selected sample of 100stands which were harvested for timber in

the last 2-3 years will be chosen. Permissionto cruise the property will be obtained fromthe owners. The committee will character-ize the harvest for subsequent evaluation.

The eleven member committee repre-sents foresters from .industry, academia,public, and consulting categories.

CENTRAL NEW YORKWe did it!! On Saturday, June 4th under

beautiful blue skies the first annual FamilyForest Fair took place at Gurnee Woods inElbridge, NY. The event was a huge successboth in terms of attendance and in terms ofinterest & enthusiasm. It was a pleasantsurprise to see so many counties repre-sented and also out-of-state people. It wasalso great to see a large number ofNYFOAmembers present both from our own chap-ter and many other chapters. And there musthave been at least' 15 or 20 MasterForest ,Owners also.

Most people came with family or friends+ there were so many events and activitiesfor all ages. The horse and tractor drawnwagon rides operated continuously andmany woodland events were repeated dur-

ing the day to keep up with demand. Thefood concessions were busy all day andmaster chef Loren Richardson's barbecuedchicken was a big hit. Bill Minerd on the PAsystem conducted interviews and kept peopleposted on events throughout the date andDave Taber lead some woodland activitiesinvolving tree harvesting. The wildflowerwalks, wetland field trips, tree planting, logand lumber-grading were all,well attended.

We wish to thank all the organizationsand vendors for their participation and sup-port, and especially all the NYFOA mem-bers and their friends and families. A specialthank you to Mary Richardson who coordi-natedall the publicity and promotional work;and to the hosts Verner and Marj Hudsonwho made this all possible.

NY's MasterForest Owner/COVERTS

Program-UpdateThe fourth year of NY's MFO/

COVERTS program will focus onproviding currently certified volun-teers new training and continuedsupport of their efforts aimed atencouraging their neighbor forestowners to consider the many ben-efits of forest stewardship. The Sep-tember training workshop will be a"refresher course", largely plannedand taught by current MFOs, withan emphasis on idea sharing. The_next new class of volunteers will beinstructed in Sept. 1995. Anyoneinterested in a visit from a MFO orin becoming a MFO can receive 'aprogram flyer and MFO address list-ing by writing to: Gary Goff, MFO/.COVERTS Director. Fernow Hall'.Cornell Univ .• Ithaca. NY 14853.

NYFOA'S FALL MEETINGBoonville, NY - Hosted by the THRIFf Afflliate

Tentative ScheduleFriday, September 30, 1994

4:30-6:00PM Registration6:00-7:30 Buffet Dinner at renowned Hulburt House7:30-9:30 - Speakers: John Page, Wildlife Management; Sam Argetsinger, Logging; Carl Golas, Forest Industry

Saturday8:00-9:00AM Breakfast Buffet. Hulburt House9:00 Tours/Field Trips; Lyons Falls Pulp & Paper Mill Tour. Lyons Falls Pulp & Paper Woodlands Woodswalk,

Lewis County & NYS Woodlands Field Trips. Box lunches will be provided.

Optional SundayA self-guided driving tour designed to appreciate the fall foilage.

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM. NEXT ISSUE OF THE NY FOREST OWNER

NY FOREST OWNER NYFOA -1-800·836-3566 • INFO JULJAUGi994· 11

THE AMAZING AMAZONBy Michael C. Greason

Over the past several years, I have readand heard many media horror stories aboutdeforestation of the tropical rain forest. Be-ing a forester, I wanted to see what this wasall about. So about a year ago, I begantalking to my wife, Peggy about taking avacation to the Amazon.

Over the years Peggy and I have takensome interesting vacations to spots we'veboth wanted to see. I don't think Brazil washigh on Peggy's list; but persistence and ahearing impairment obtained a consensus.We began negotiating whether we wouldtake a local tour, rent a car, hike, or take acruise. The car was soon ruled out - NOROADS. Biking would be limited unless wecarried our own dugout canoe and a doctor.Peggy and I have never tried the OutwardBound type of vacation; SO the talks soonwere directed to water travel.

Our travel agent had a brochure showinga tour boat that was a reminder of the movie,"The African Queen". Images of exploringthe jungle on this tour had a romantic appeal.Closer looks at the boat did not reveal thosetravel amenities (private shower, or gour-met restaurant) that we've come to enjoy.

Other brochures advertised cruise ships.Along with pointing out the comforts of aprivate room and bath, Peggy kept holdingout the carrot of cruise ship food I can' tpassa good place to eat any more than my truckcan pass a gas station; we settled on the"Love Boat". The Island Princess was leav-ing San Juan April 1 for the Amazon via St.Thomas, Martinique, Barbados and Devil'sIsland. There were four stops scheduled uptheAmazon; and, yes. food was promised ona regular basis every day. I still had appre-hension about whether we would see much.but we were comfortable that we would nothave problems.

April 5th, we entered the Amazon deltawhere the mouth of the river is 130 mileswide. The appearance of a delta goes on forhundreds of miles; that is, from the top deckof the ship, one could see alternating stripsof land and water for much of the way upriver. In some places, there seemed to be onechannel; but in others we could not tellwhere the actual shore was.

There are vast stretches of flat land andthen there are stretches of steep banks. Thosesteep banks are often severely eroded. ex-posing bright red, orange and yellow soils.12 NY FOREST OWNER

Floodedfann land creates a delta several hundred miles inland on the Amazon River.People and cattle lose ground during the rainy season.

The water is very muddy with large clods of rubber tree (from which they drink the milkysod floating by. We were told, that because sap according to one Indian guide). Where Ithe fresh water pushes 46 miles out into the saw these trees, the canopy was very dense;Atlantic. the sharks here have adapted to I could not tell which leaves went withfresh water. Also. it's OK to swim with the which tree. The guide was helpful in identi-pirranaha - just don't cut your finger - blood fyingtrees. He tossed me a chunk of one treesets off a feeding frenzy. The bigger worry that he called rosewood which had thatis another small. slippery carnivorous fish distinctive odor. He also showed us one treethat chews its way into any body opening. with fruiting bodies on the trunk which theyOnce it gets started the victim prays the collect for chocolate.pirranahas will finish the job. The only wild We were told that 11% of the Amazonfauna we saw was the rare pink dolphin. rain forest has been cut and burned. From

The forest looked to me like other hard- that point the speakers differ in their discus-wood swamps I've seen. The bark of many sion. One claimed that the forest is no longertrees look like sycamore - smooth, creamy being cut, and any burning we would seeand mottled. The whiter ones on the stream was only the burning of leaves. He claimedbanks are apparently rubber trees; though I that farmers had learned pasturing cattle issaw many trees that looked similar but were not a viable business and that timber har-mahogany, rosewood and a relative of the vesting does not pay.

A rubber tree on the bank of a tributary of the River Negro.

NYFOA ·1·800·836·3566 • INFO JUUAUG 1994

A museum director and an Indian guideboth spoke of the urgency for stoppingongoing deforestation. The Indian claimsthat the cutting has led to a 20% reduction inrainfall over the past decade. He furtherstated that the natives cutting small areas for

A home in Boca do Valerea. a rivervillage, The dug out canoe on stilts serves

as a garden,

growing crops, such as manioc root for flour,tapioca, poison for darts, and tea/beer, hasno detrimental effect on the jungle. Allcommercial activity is considered badwhether it is farming or lumbering. Onecan't help but wonder if all these people hadsome perceptions developed through som,ebias rather than from objective study. Themuseum director was seeking contributions.The native guide was seeking to preserve hisculture without competitive forces. And theship's officer, a Brazilian, was protectinghis national honor. I was not there longenough to sort fact from fiction.

The rural natives have very little in theway of material wealth. Many huts we sawwere simple domiciles with no siding andpalm leaf roofs. Some near the water wereon stilts with planks providing access to highground. Some were flooded and their occu-pants had moved uphill for the rainy season.Their primary mode of transportation is bycanoe - both lapstrake and dugout. I wasamazed to see a family of seven paddle adugout a couple of miles off shore to takeadvantage of the fruit and clothing beingtossed off the ship to the hoard of canoesgathered for the occasion. In several of thesecanoes, one child had the steady chore ofbailing.NY FOREST OWNER

My impressions are extremely limitedbased on the small percentage of the regionwe saw in a little over a week; yet I want toshare with you what I saw. First, I did seeareas along the river corridor and on a 30mile bus trip between Santarem (pop. 100-150 thousand) and Alta do Chao (pop. 5-thousand) that have been clearcutand burned.Some of these areas covered more than 100acres and significant portions of the land-

Trees killed by termites on the edge of aclearcut and burned agricultural opening.

scape we travelled through. Most were pas-tured and many did not appear to have beensuccessful. These areas are reverting to treecover through natural succession similar towhat we see here. The invasive growth wasmade up of a variety of species. Somelooked like pin cherry, others looked like anexaggerated grape leaf, and others werepalms of some sort.

The area around Santarem has urbansprawl extending perhaps five miles fromthe city center. The development is humbleand I understand that much of this develop-ment is by squatters. Because they may beforced to move, the people do not invest agreat deal in the construction of their homes.The minimum wage in Brazil is $64 amonth. A person gathering latex can tap 200to 300 trees per day and produce a total ofabout 40 kilos a month which sells for $15.In this culture, one gets the impression thatmoney and other signs of material wealthare not considered important. Yet the peopleappear to be working; I saw some wood-working going on in small open shops where

NYFOA· 1·800·836·3566 • INFO

some fine mahogany and rosewood furni-ture was produced with hand tools.

From a forest health standpoint, I cameaway from the Amazon feeling that termitesare a greater threat than deforestation. Wesaw many dead trees with termite nests inthem. The termites aggressively attack andkill trees there. The natives considered thema natural part of their ecosystem. If theyconsidered growing high quality sawlogs anacceptable practice, they might havemoreconcern over the termites. I was amazed atthe number of trees with access tubes run-ning up the stems to watermelon sized nestsin the crowns. Those trees display thinningor dead tops; and they represented a signifi-cant portion of the forest.

Another home with transportation parkedin the driveway in Boca do Valerea.

I won't try to draw any conclusions foryou regarding the future of the Amazon. Idid not see excessive devastation. Manypeople disagree regarding the appropriatestewardship of this vast resource in Brazil.The few people I talked with did not seem toshare my own view of what might be apossible option. I know I will not study theissue to the point that I will ever become anexpert in tropical rain forest ecology. Butthen there are certainly some who doubt I'llever be an expert in New York's forestresources either.

Mike Greason is an Associate Forester forNYS DEC Division of Lands and Forest inthe Central Office in Albany and last year'swinner of the Heiberg Award.

JUUAUG 1994 • 13

NYFOA'S 32ND ANNUAL MEETING

The Buffet Luncheon (above) in Nifkin Lounge.Dr. George Hudler, (left)Pro/essor of CornellUniversity during his program "Woodland

Mushrooms, The Good, The Bad,and The Ugly.Richard J.McClimans, PE., (right) SUNY/ESFDept. 0/ Forest Engineering addresses NYFOA

membrs on Pond Design,Permits and Construction.

Photos by C. Mowatt

local chapters.New York State's implementation of the

Stewardship Incentive Program was out-standing. Our state foresters provide excep-tional support to private landowners.

We spent a lot of time explaining ourprograms torepresentatives from other states;but we also learned.

A special thanks to John Marchant for thekey role he played in making the conferencea great success."

CIRCLE OF STEWARDS GATHERS IN NEBRASKAMore than 100woodland owners from 44

states gathered at the Arbor Day Farm inNebraska City, NE April 26-29 for the firstNational Conference on Forest StewardshipCalled the "Circle of Stewards," the meetingwas sponsored by the U SForest Service andthe National Association of State Foresters.It was hosted by the National Arbor DayFoundation, with the participation of manyorganizations including National WoodlandOwners Association (NWOA). JohnMarchant, the executive director of the NewYork Forest Owners Ass'n and the North-eastern VP of NWOA chaired the steeringcommittee and the keynote was set by PaulJohnson, the recently appointed Chief of theSoil Conservation Service The Forest Stew-ards in attendance were selected by the stateforestry agencies.

Besides a lot of networking, the attend-ees reviewed the Forest Stewardship pro-gram and developed a list of the top sixissues affecting good stewardship practices:

1. Tax incentives and restoration of faircapital gains, expensing, and estate taxes.

2. Stepped up forestry education includ-ing mentor programs by the landowners

14 NY FOREST OWNER

themselves.3. Create a regulatory environment which

does not threaten the landowner.4. Advertise, promote, and create a greater

awareness of Land Stewardship.5. Simplify governmental programs, poli-

cies, and procedures.6. Establish, increase, strengthen, and/or

organize landowner organizations(local/nat'l).

One of the highlights of the meeting wasthe dedication of Lied Conference Center(see April NATIONAL WOODLANDS)with the impressive timber columns do-nated by members of the Oregon SmallWoodlands Association through a coopera-tive outreach initiated by NWOA.From Woodland Report, June 1994

SO:ME NY COM:MENTSJOHN KREBS:

"Our state was well represented at thisconference. Attendees were Erwin and PollyFullerton, Henry Kernan, Jack and NancyMcShane and myself. We have a very activestatewide organization in NYFOA, with

NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO

ERWIN & POLLY FULLERTON:"Although there was great diversity in

types of forest property represented, theowners all share the same concerns-taxes,regulations An honor to represent NewYork: State "

JACK McSHANE:"The conference was an inspiration and

an eyeopener ... despite regional variations,common concerns .... must educate the pub-lic. Washington people were present andapparently concerned. Thanks to everyone... especially NY Forestry's prized posses-sion, John Marchant"

JUUAUG 1994

'Forests are Essential to Our Lives"Fountain Forestry

47th New York State Woodsmen's Field Days

Public SeJ11inar

Adirondack High School. Ford Street (Route 294), Boonville, NY

Quality Managementof

Land and Timber• Forest Management• Timber Sales• Forest Investment ConsuHing• Timber Appraisal and Valuation• Forest Taxation• Forest Practices and Wetland Laws• Land Use Planning• Conservation Easements• Land Sales and Brokerage• Mapping and Remote Sensing• Wildlife and Recreation• Accounting Services

6:15p.m, Registration - Free 7:00p.m. Door Prizes & Introductions

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994GOAL: Empower people interested in logging and management of forestland to make better decisions based onadditional knowledge.

OPPORTUNITY: You may participate. Aisle microphones will be used for questions and oomments.

WHO: People interested in privately owned woodland tracts and small parcels, including forest owners,"environmentalists," wood-using industry managers, professional timber harvesters, "leaders," policy makers,teachers, loggers, legislators, and elected and appointed government officials, may find this program valuable.

Featuring the following topics and speakers

with Valerie A. Luzadis, Empire State Forest Products Association, as moderator

• values ofa Healthy Forest Products Industry ..Tim Gammell, Division Forester, American PulpwoodAssociation, Augusta, Maine .

• A Guide to Logging Aesthetics - Geoffrey T. Jones, Director of Land Management, Society for the Protection ofNew Hampshire Forests, Concord, NH

• Experiences ofa Professional Timber Harvester - Kevin F. Regan, President, Regan Brothers, Ltd., Director,New York State Timber Producers Association, Camden, NY

FOUNTAIN FORESTRY, INC.26 Lincoln Drive

Tupper Lake, NY 12986

• Meeting Society's Needs aM Concerns ~ Robert T. Persebel, Regional Director, The Wilderness Society,Boston, MA

• Timber Sale Contracts Provide Solutions ..David W. Taber, Senior Cooperative Extension Associate, NaturalResources Dept., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

• Refreshments, Meet the Speakers, and Socialize. Adjourn 10:00 p.m. Tel/Fax: (518) 359-3089

Broadcast by Radio Stations WBRV (900 AM and 101.3 FM) of Boonville;audio on TCI Cable TV Channel 11, of Lowville, and Cable TV Channel 6 in Old Forge

Sponsored by: Cornell Cooperative ExtensionIn cooperation with: the Empire Stste Forest Products Association, the New York Forest Owners Association,

and the Northeastern Loggers' AssociationAs part of: the New York State Woodsmen's Field Days

"People and Trees, Partners in Time"Bruce E.Robinson,

Inc.FORESTRY

CONSULTANTS

NYS Woodsmen's Field Days, New DataDEC foresters will exhibit data from the water and soil quality, biodiversity, old-

growth, and aesthetic concerns into the tim-ber harvesting process."

Kevin Regan. who is treasurer of theNew York State Timber Producers Associa-tion, says "one of the' goals' of the NYS1P Ais to cooperate with landowners for a wellplanned, timely. and beneficial harvest." Headds. regarding timber sale contracts, " ... thebenefits of performance bonding and bestmanagement practices are beginning toshow."

Tim Gammell notes that the president ofthe American Pulpwood Association, Rich-ard Lewis, of Washington, D.C. has said."Trained. educated. professional loggingcontractors will be the loggers who survivein the 1990s."

Robert Perschel, who is primarily con-cerned with maintaining wildernesses, ac-knowledges that on some forested proper-ties, there are needs and/or benefits fromappropriate timber harvesting.

USDA report entitled "Forest Statistics forNew York, 1980 - 1993," based on theUSDA Forest Services' survey. conductedin 1991-1994, and to be released in late1994. The report will include informationon the number, species. and sizes of trees ineach county. Previously, similar forest re-source reports for New York were publishedin 1982,1970. and 1956 by the U.S. ForestService with data dated 1980, 1968, and1952.

Dave Taber notes that, "If you endorse alegal written contract, then any verbal prom-ises or agreements made prior to it, duringnegotiations, must be incorporated in thecontract if they are to be legally binding."

Georfrey T. Jones, author of a recentNortheast Regional Agricultural Engineer-ing Service publication entitled LoggingAesthetics, says, "One of the biggest chal-lenges facing the forest products industry inthe next 10 years will be its ability to inte-grate non-timber values such as wildlife,NY FOREST OWNER

• FOREST PRODUCT MARKING& MARKETING

• TREE FARM MANAGEMENT• URBAN FORESTRY &

COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT• TIMBER APPRAISALS

• ACCESS ROAD DESIGN&SUPERVISION• TREE PLANTING

• TUBEX® DISTRIBUTOR• SUGAR BUSH MANAGEMENT• BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE

• CHRISTMAS TREE MANAGEMENT• FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING• FOREST RECREATION PLANNING• WOODLOT IMPROVEMENTS IN

IMMATURE STANDS• WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

• FOREST TAXATION PLANNING

(716) 665-54771894 CAMP ST. EXT.

JAMESTOWN NY14701

NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO JULJAUG 1994 • 15

FALLCBy Douglas Allen

Two defoliators in the northeast are called"cankerworms". The fall cankerworm is sonamed because moths are active in Octoberto December, depending on location. Adultsof the spring cankerworm appear in Apriland May. The term "cankerworm" origi-nated in Europe centuries ago, and I havebeen unable to determine its meaning. Itmight be more helpful to think of theseinsects as measuringwonns, spanwonns,loopers, or inchworms, All of these termsare used frequently as common names formembers of the moth family Geometridae(geo-metri-dee). Collectively, they refer tothe unique manner in which the caterpillars"inch along" or walk with a characteristiclooping motion.

FALL CANKERWORM - A REVOLU-TIONARY PEST

This is one of our oldest forest pests.Outbreaks of fall cankerworm have beenrecorded periodically since 1661. In 1793,the Massachusetts Society For PromotingAgriculture offered "a premium of 100 dol-lars to the person who shall ... discover aneffectual and the cheapest method of de-stroying the canker wonn ..". Three yearslater two enterprising landowners wereawarded portions of this "bounty". To thebest of my knowledge, fall cankerworm isthe only forest insect that has ever had a priceon its head!

SIGNIFICANCEPeriodically, fall cankerworm defoliates

significant portions of New York's forests,most expecially stands with a significantoak component Our largest outbreaks oflongest duration occur in southern tier coun-ties. It also is considered a pest of northernhardwoods that occur in close proximity tooak stands. In urban areas of the northeast,cankerworm is a common pest of boxelder.

The cankerworm is an early season defo-liator. Overwintering eggs hatch from midApril to early May at about the time hostleaves are beginning to unfold. In this re-spect, its feeding behavior resembles that ofgypsy moth.. Heavy defoliation early in the growing

season is especially important because treesthat loose 60-70% or more of their foliage atthis time of year are likely to refoliate.Production of this second compliment offoliage during a single season places treesunder severe physiological stress.This stress,

16 • NY FOREST OWNER

-.-RWORM

Fig. 1. (Above) Adult female: Note the absence of wings on this moth.Fig. 2. (Below) Adult male.

in turn, may render oak very susceptible toArmillaria root rot and (or) attack by thetwo-lined chestnut borer, two tree-killingagents that flourish in weakened hosts.

long and varies from light green to almostblack. It has a distinct broad stripe down itsback bordered on each side by a pair ofnarrow, light lines (Fig. 4). Larval feeding

APPEARANCEThe wingless female moth (Fig. 1) is 1/4"

to 3/8" long with a uniform, shiny, ash graylook when viewed from the top. The male isan active flyer with a wing span of 3/4" to 11/4". The front wings are greyish, shiny andcrossed by two jagged whitish bands (Fig.2).

The small, barrel shaped eggs are brown-ish-grey and deposited in masses of 100-200laid in parallel rows. Masses are found bothon the tree trunk and in tight bands thatencircle twigs (Fig. 3).

The full grown caterpillar is 3/4" to I"

30+ Years Experience

ROBERT DEMEREEProfessional Forestry Consultant

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Telephone:(607) 753-0497

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often gives foliage a distinct "shot hole"appearance (Fig. 5). The latter is typical ofmany loopers. When cankerworms are veryabundant, however, all leaf tissues exceptthe midrib and a few major veins may beconsumed. Under outbreak conditions, por-tions of the leaf blade that are not consumedmay turn brown.

BIOLOGYWhen caterpillars are full grown, usually

Fig. 3. Egg mass. Openings on the topindicate that many eggs have hatched.

by late May to early June, they drop to theground and burrow a few inches into themineral soil. At all stages of development,the caterpillars are very sensitive to distur-bance and readily drop on silk threads whenbranch is disturbed.Transformation from caterpillar to moth

lakes place in the soil. Moths emerge duringlate fall. At this time, females can be seendnring deer season crawling up the boles ofoak, beech or maple. The flying males areme of several species of loopers referred to

"hunter's moths", because of the time ofyear that they are active.

-- VOSS SignsUcpt. NYY. Box 553. Manlius. N.Y. 13104

Ph.. (315) 682-6418(Man.·F". 9-51

FOREST OWNER

Fig. 4. Mature caterpiller.

NATURAL CONTROLSevere defoliation usually occurs for two

or three years before parasites and predatorsare able to bring about a population collapse.The most important natural enemy is a tinywasp that attacks as much as 80% of the eggsduring the second or third year of an out-break.

pillar merely touches or in some other waycomes in contact with a spray droplet), butB.t must be consumed with foliage. Effi-cacy of the latter increases with an increasein the amount of leaf surface area that isavailable to intercept spray droplets con-taining the microbe.

This article is 15th in the series of contribu-

Fig. 5. "Shot hole" feeding typical of many loopers.

MANAGEMENTI believe that sugarbush operators or

landowners whose objective is to managefor oak sawtimber should be prepared toprotect foliage when a stand is threatened bypersistent (two or more years) of heavy(>50%) defoliation by cankerworm.

There are two options, a synthetic or-ganic insecticide (i.e., a "hard" chemical) orthe microbial insecticide Bacillusthuringiensis ("B.t."). The former can beapplied shortly after foliage emerges fromthe bud. To be most effective, the lattershould not be applied until leaves haveattained 1/3 to 1/2 their normal size. Thisdifference in timing reflects a difference inthe mode of action of these materials. Thechemical is effective on contact (the cater-

NYFOA -1-800·836-3566 -INFO

-iions-bY-Voug Allen. Professor of ForestEntomology at SUNYIESF and winner of the1994 Heiberg Award (see page 6.)All photos by Professor Allen.

_~ CLEAR CREEK"'~~ CONSULTING

Profesalon., F()(eavy Services

Tlmber ApPfaluJa • TImber MarttJng •TImber Trespass.. • Forest Management Plans

And Otner F()(estry Services

PATRICK J. Mc:GLEW(eon 899-3&'&

P.O. Box 104Nichols. NY 13812

JUUAUG 1994 • 17

John has persisted in doing somethingevery year. Billy Morris, Senior Foresterwith the D.E.C. in Bath, will attest to John'spersistence. Billy has given John the bulk ofthe technical information, signed him up asa Tree Farmer in 1974, and made the nomi-nation for the 01F Award. This award isgiven annually to the landowner in NewYork State who best exemplifies ForestStewardship.

John Krebs Wins Tree Farmer Award"Nothing in the world can take the place

of persistence."John Krebs lives and breathes this motto.

John and Carol Krebs of Honeyoe Falls,New York are the recipients of the "1994Outstanding Tree Farmer of New York"award. Thiswas announced by Susan Keister,Chairperson of the New York Tree FarmCommittee. The Krebs own 434 acres in thetown of Springwater, Livingston County,

In 1965, John purchased the first 144acres so he would have a place to hunt. Now,nearly 300 acres are impeccably managedwoodlands, and the balance remain in agri-cultural activities,

Soon after John's initial purchase, hecontacted what was then theNew York StateConservation Department for managementassistance. With persistence and. with thehelp of many members of the Department,the Krebs have made notable accomplish-ments. More than 240 acres of woodlandimprovement have been completed. Fiveponds and 3.5 miles of access trail have beenconstructed. Ninety-two thousand board feetof sawtimber and 34,000 cords of pulpwoodand fuelwood were harvested. More than

Billy Morris (I). John Krebs. and Sue Keister. Photo by C. Mowatt

20,000 trees were planted, with an experi-mental planting of 640 red oak seedlingsplanted with tree protectors; and eight acresof white tail deer cover have been estab-lished.

None of these accomplishments werecompleted as an end in itself. Each practicewas performed to enhance the total prop-erty. The overall ownership goal was toenhance the landscape for as many speciesof wildlife as possible.

OUCHES AND ITCHESBy Dr. Jane Sorensen Lord, PhD, OTR, ND

"Actually, the tick is really a remarkablecreature. It sits there in the leaves and whenit senses heat the tick drops onto it's source,"my brother, Clark, explained during a longdistance call to Indiana. "If you avoid theleaves, it won't sense you."

Yeah, right. Try to avoid leaves in aforest!"

I don't mind big bugs like dragon fliesand bumble bees. But I don't like insidiousbugs like ticks or take-you-over-bugs likeknats and May flies. Since I get a skinreaction to the sprays and clogged poreswith the bath oils, I started to experimentwith my herbs which I have planted on myTree Farm.

Sage, thyme, oregano, savory, lavenderdo not work, even if you do smell nice.

I planted pennyroyal and tansy afterhitting my herb books, which recommendthem. And they do work! Pennyroyal likesdamp and semi-shade so it won't groweverywhere, but tansy hangs on in prettydeep shade (it does stop flowering, though).So I am putting it here and there along ourmost traveled paths to have a steady supply.

Tansy resembles a fern and has an inter-esting yellow flower,which is flat topped18 NY FOREST OWNER

and comprised of numerous small discs. Itspreads rapidly in good soil. With plants likethat (comfrey, the mints, certain wild flow-ers) I put them in my tended, mulched bedsfor a season and then divide and plant themin the fall. Herbs and wildflowers are heartyand you don't have to follow any hard ruleson dividing and transplanting. I divide theminto three or four parts and put them in testareas. Under the most dire circumstances, atleast one clump pulls through. Don't botherto experiment Withplants and pine groves.

When I am ready to hit the woods, I takea few leaves and rub my exposed skin withthem, then slick them on my hair, abortingtick sensors with smell. This technique alsokeeps the little flying bug cloud at bay. Theyhover about a foot away, and seem to me toget agitated; because you attract them, butthey can't reach you.

Mike DeMunn, a consulting forester fa-miliar with Native American culture, saidthe Indian also use fern topically; because itproduces a hormone which interrupts buggrowth and keeps them away.

He also said that using a clay type of mudon an insect bite will make it go away. We·don't have clay (visit our Tree Farm and seethe pond in summer and you won't even ask)

NYFOA -1-800-836-3566 -INFO

so I use mint leaves on them. I have pine-apple, ginger, balsam and peppermint, andthey all work equally well.

If bugs really like you or you forget thetansy or you get a little too much sun, takethe mint, brew a pot of really strong tea, andpour it into your bath. Reserve a little forafter bath astringent. A mint bath soothesand refreshes your mind as well as your bodyand smells great, too. Drinking the tea willhelp you relax. In the Arab countries yourelax with mint tea rather than a beer.

I make an oil of aloe, horsetail, andyarrow to use all over when I'm dry andbefore I go to bed. Stings and itches seem todisappear overnight. Aloe has a high watercontent and is not stable with oil, so thepotion needs shaking each time you use it.

This year I bought a new herb calledSantolina or Pretty Carol. It's label says it isan insect repellant. It is too small to pluck atthis time, but is an interesting plant thatresembles an intricate greyish, green seacoral, sort of mounded and contained. Myinitial impression, of its smell, is that it couldwork. And it also doesn't appear to be a fastgrowing, take-over-the-bed type either. I'llkeep you posted!

JUUAUG 1994

The MarketplaceATTENTION small woodlot owners/part time loggers - For FARM!winches, VALBY chippers, choker chains, hand tools, or equipmentyou have always wanted and did not know where to find, write Hewitt'sHill Haven, Locke, NY 13092 or call (315) 497-1266 (Before 8AM orafter 6PM).Cattaraugus County Conservation Land Available For Purchase:The Nature Conservancy is seeking a conservation minded buyerfor 270 acres of forestland located in Cattaraugus County town ofDayton. The property was donated to the Conservancy with the understandingthat it would be sold subject to permanent conservation restrictions. Theproposed restrictions would allow for forestry, recreational uses, and limitedsubdivision and construction of dwellings. The property consists of a mix ofsecond growth hardwoods and conifer plantations. Several beaver ponds locatedon the property provide habitat for nesting waterfowl. The asking price for theproperty is $81,000.00. Interested parties should contact Andy Zepp of theNature Conservancy at (716) 546-8030.

Travel: Forest-owner's tour of Switzerland, the Black Forest, andBavaria, including Oktoberfest. September 4-18, 1994. Find out whatit's like to be a forest owner in some of the most beautifully forestedplaces in the world, while traveling with congenial folks who share yourinterests. Seventeen years of experience and lots of satisfied repeatcustomers. Send a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope toThe Camelot Agency, 96 Targosh Road, Candor, NY 13743.

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WOODLOTCALENDARJul 9: NFC; lOAM; Beaver MeadowsAudubon Center, N. Java; (716) 632-5862

jul9: APC; Annual Picnic; The Childses;Cooper Hill Road. Hinsdale; (716) 945-0612

Jul 13: CAY; 6PM; WoodswalklPicnic;Locke (315) 497-1266

jul 16: CFA; Stewardship PracticesWoodswalk; Gotsch Property.Grahamsville; (914) 586-3054

Aug (early): SAC; Woods Orienteering;Mike hasedom; (518) 893-2236

Aug 6: NFC; lOAM; Band SawmillingDemonstration; E. Concord; (716) 592-2748

Aug 6: NACE; Wetland ManagementWoods walk; Clinton Co.; Herb Boyce;(518) 946-7040

Aug 19: 7PM; FORESTS SEMINAR;Woodsmen's Field Days. Boonville

Aug 20: APC; Festival In The Woods;Allegany State Park; (716) 945-6012

Sept 30: NYroA's FALL MEETING;Boonville; (800) 836-3566

JUUAUG 1994