The New York Forest Owner - Volume 34 Number 6

The New York

FOREST OWNER A publication of the New York Forest Owners Association NovemberlDecember

1996

THE NEW YORK

FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION VOL. 34, NO.6 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Bill Minerd, President 1123 Cold Springs Road Liverpool, NY 13088; 315/451-3712 Jill Cornell, Vice President 703 Johnsonville Rd. Johnsonville,NY 12094; 5181753-4336 Robert M. San", Recording Secretary 300 Church Street .

Odessa, NY 14869-9703; 607/594:2130

FOREST OWNER A publication of the New York Forest Owners Association Editorial Committee: Betty Densmore, Chair, Alan Knight, Mary McCarty, Jim Minor, Bob Sand, and Eileen VanWie.

Materials submitted for publication should be addressed to: R.J. Fox, Editor, R.D. 3, Box 88, Moravia, New York 13118. Articles, artwork and photos are invited and are normally returned after use. The deadline for submission for Ian/Feb is Dee 1.

Please address all membership fees and change of address requests to P.O. Box 180, Fairport, N.Y. 14450. Cost of individual membership subscription is $20.

THE MASTER FOREST OWNER/COVERTS

PROGRAM

Mary Richardson, Treasurer 150 Chatfield Road Elbridge, NY 13060; 315/689-6890 Deborah Gill, Administrative Secretary P.O. Box 180 Fairport, NY 14450; 716/377 -6060

1997 John T. Hastings, Queensbury; 5181798-0248 Charles Mowatt, Savona; 607/583'-7006 Norman Richards, Syracuse; 315/472-3696 Elizabeth Wagner, Utica; 3151733-7391 1998 Jill Cornell, Johnsonville; 5181753-4336 Elizabeth Densmore, Machias; 716/942-6600 Robert Sand, Odessa; 607/594-2130 Bob Sykes, Elbridge; 315/673-3691 1999 Harry Dieter, Honeoye Falls, 716/533-2085 Thomas Ellison, Manlius, 315/682-9376 Richard Fox, Moravia; 315/497-1078 David Swanson, Mount Morris, 716/658-4601

AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Dick Mark, THRIFT; 315/623-9476 Donna Rogier, Catskill Forest Assoc.; 914/586-3054 CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Don Huber, Allegheny Foothills; 716/549-5025 Tom Hewitt, Cayuga; 315/497-1266 Barry Cornell, Capital District; 5181753-4336 Tom Graber, Central New York; 315/255-3662 Jeff Wiegert, Lower Hudson; 914/831-3109 Bob Howard, Northern Adirondack West; 3151262-2692 Herb Boyce, Northern Adirondack East; 518/946-7040 Donald Fraser, Niagara Frontier; 716/773-7011 Ernst Spencer, SE Adirondack; 5181792-1726 Larry Lepak, Southern Tier; 607/656-8504 Don Schaufler, Tioga, 607/589-6095 Eileen VanWie, Western Finger Lakes; 716/ 367-2849

All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. NYFOA does not necessarily support or approve procedures, products, or opinions presented by authors or advertisers.

COVER: THE FALL MEETING - The Catskill Forest Association's Executive Director, Dinnie Sloman, with NYFOA at Paul Steinfeld's Catskill property-Gilead Tree Farm. (See page 4.)

2

NY FOREST OWNER

MFO Class of "96 practicing their tree scale stick skills at Cornell's Arnot Forest.

(See Page 11)

Table of Contents Green Certification: Maybe We're Nuts, John Schott Fall Meeting, Patricia Kay BioMass-For-Energy, Daniel Robison, et al NYS Cons. Council Awards, Tim Noga Nuts to Meat, John Braubitz Master Forest Owner/COVERTS Program, Bonnie Colton Chapters/Affiliates Leadership ConferencelEditorial Meeting The Green Cape That Is Brown, Henry Kernan Highlights on the Life of Dr. Hardy L. Shirley, Robert Zabel Death and Taxes, David J. Colligan The Pine Bark Adelgid, Douglas C. Allen Herbs are Fun, Jane Sorensen Lord

NYFOA

- 1-800路836-3566

- INFO

3 4 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20 22

:

NOVIDEC

1996

GUEST EDITORIAL: By New Hampshire Landowner-JOHN

SCHOTT'

GREEN CERTIFICATION: Maybe We're Nuts There are a lot of nuts out there. Remember those back-to-earth hippies and their organic gardens and "natural" foods? Remember how we considered this organic nonsense a fleeting fad? Eventually, we said, they'll grow up, have babies, and get a job. And now look what's happened!

Health food stores proliferate. Organic farming becomes profitable. And consumers are prepared regularly to pay premium prices for organically produced groceriesat the local farm stand and now from major supermarket chains. The market in a very short span of time, has become consumer driven.

Maybe those nuts weren't so crazy after all, and maybe some of us weren't so very smart.

Just like now, when it comes to green certification.A bunch of environmental nuts are boycotting products made from tropical woods in hopes they'll save the rainforests. From tree huggers to middleclass "concerned citizens," consumers of wood products are wanting to know if the wood comes from "properly managed" forests. On everything from furniture to firewood, little tags are now appearing which declare the product to be "environmentally friendly."

Something's happening here. Maybe these nuts aren't so crazy. Maybe it's we in New Hampshire's timber industry who are nuts.

It's hard to imagine that Home Depot doesn't know what it's doing when it offers premium priced "green" products and whose Environmental Marketing Manager says that Home Depot is "committed" to the green certification movement. Or when Home Depot's British counterpart (B & Q it's called) says it intends to phase out by 1997 all wood and wood products that fail to come from so-called "well-managed" forests.

What's gong on here? We are beginning to hear more and more about 'sustainable forestry' (as in Charlie Moreno's piece in the Spring issue of the TIMBER CRIER.) Both are linked: A basic tenant of the certification movement is to ensure sustain ability of the forest resource and the maintenance of forest ecosystems.

We also hear a lot of uniformed grumbling within the industry here in New Hampshire (and elsewhere); there's no seNY FOREST

OWNER

rious public demand for "green" products; certification would be ridiculously expensive; it'll just be another regulatory hassle.

Are we going to permit a gaggle of starryeyed environmentalists tell us how to manage our woodlands and operate our sawmills? That'll be the day!

The problem for those myopic footdraggers among us is that they (and, thanks to them, all of us, including landowners) may miss a moderatively lucrative boat. International markets may be closed to us, and domestic marketing opportunities could be lost by default to our own stodgy lack of imagination and creativity.

Unquestionably our fragmented woodlands ownership and the" chain of custody" issue are daunting problems for New Hampshire owners. It is much easier for a large, vertically-integrated operation to obtain and maintain certification. They can control the whole process from the forest to the mill and its marketing division: and they can manage their lands on a multigenerational basis.

But what of small, independent landowners who truly manage their woodlands on a sustainable yield basis, are dedicated stewards of their land, may be labeled environmental nuts by their neighbors, and may, for these same reasons, be most particularly eligible for green-as-all-hell certification? What can they do?

Alone, they can do precious little. The effort must involve a number of players in order to develop a system which would lend itself to certification. Fortunately in New Hampshire there are a number of openminded and foresighted organizations and individuals who are actively exploring (and even seeking) green certification. Also in New Hampshire we are fortunate to have the ideal organization within which representatives of all required parts of a pilot system could discuss its feasibility.

The organization, of course, is the NHTOA [New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association.]

Would it be possible for our organization to provide a forum within which serious discussions could take place about green certification? Could these take place in cooperation with UNH [University of New Hampshire] Cooperative Extension and the Division of Forests and Lands? At the least, could the NHTOA Landowner NYFOA

• 1·80()'836·3566

• INFO

Task Force take a look at the subject, perhaps reaching out to the environmental community in so doing? We may all have something positive to say to each other about green certification.

We may also prove to be crazy as a fox.

John Schott is a former president of the NHTOA and a former chairman of the NH Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. He swears that he is not a nut.

[This article is reproduced in its entirety from the Fall 1996 Issue of the TIMBER CRIER, a 16 page newsletter published quarterly by the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association.

The NHTOA of nearly 1500 members own over 1 million acres of productive forestland and was founded in 1911. The membership consists of landowners (60%), loggers (10%), wood processing & other industry supporters (11 %), foresters (6%), and leg/state offices (13%). Membership dues are assessed according to number of acres owned, MBF sawed, number of trucks, cords harvested, etc. - minimums of $30, $50, or $100 depending uponclass.

The income for a budget of $200,000 per year is provided by membership renewals (almost 50%), contributions (13%), grants (8%), contracted services (11 %) and programs/mtgs & misc. (20%).] .•.

One Single Birth

By Dorothy S. Darling The first frost seems gentle now that winter has deepened into snow and covered the land with its bleakness and beauty, spreading crystal on chilled waters alight with a world of stars that burn deeply into the broad zero sky, and while the nesting limb leans stiff and creaking in the wind, over white fields the snowbirds fly.

The young winter has a bitter thrust but faith transcends the whims of season, raising the ancient songs of earth to recall that hour of mystery and reason when perfect love and high hope sprung with joy into the human heart from one single birth.

NOVIDEC

1996

•

3

THE FALL MEETING

By Patricia Kay An entertaining and delightful potpourri of Catskill crafts and skills, forests, people, forest management, history, hospitality, and fellowship.

4

A lesson in orienteering.

On the Forest Preserve.

The Quilting bee.

For what ails ya.

Fly tying.

Partners for Wildlife.

NY FOREST OWNER

NYFOA • 1·800.836·3566 • INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

Lillian Steinfeld and the shelter symbolic of the seasonal Sukkoth and the temporary shelters built by the Hebrews after the Exodus as they wandered for forty years in the Wilderness. (right)

Paul Steinfeld

Speakers: Peter Smallidge, Cornell Cooperative Extension, (r) Mike Greason, NYSDEC, (c). and Ed White, SUNY ESF, (1).

Paul Steinfeld and some of his Gilead Tree Farm waterworks.

Paul with pond and the many questions of pond management.

Saw chain sharpening by Dave Riordan

Patty Kay is a Master Forest Owner, Class 0/,96, and a member ofNYFOA 's Southeastern Adirondack Chapter. She is known, professionally, as- Patricia Kay Photography; (6051 Greens Corner Road; Galway, NY 12074-2203; Phone 5181882-9613.)

NY FOREST

OWNER

NYFOA

- 1-800.836·3566

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

•

5

BIOMASS-FOR-BIOENERGY.路 A NEW AGRI-FOREST CROP SLATED FOR COMMERCIALIZATION

By Daniel J. Robison, Lawrence

P. Abrahamson,

Edwin H. White and Timothy A. Volk -SUNY

ESF

CULTIVATION AND HARVEST INTRODUCTION capable of producing 5 to 10 dry tons per On August 23, 1996 the U.S. Secretary Trees are established at 6200 per acre in acre per year. It is envisioned that biomass of Energy, Hazel O'Leary, and Congressa double-row design, using hardwood cutacreage will expand surrounding power tings which are spring planted into a fully man James T. Walsh, visited the SUNY plants and other wood energy using industries, and new business enterprises will deprepared site (complete weed control). At College of Environmental Science and velop to facilitate planting stock distributhe end of the first growing season the trees Forestry's Genetics Field Station in Tully, are cut to promote multiple-stem coppice NY to announce a $13.4 million award to tion, planting, harvesting and marketing.

Examples of potential businesses include, growth the following spring. From then on the College, and its partners, for the comgrower cooperatives, wood fuel brokerages, the crop is coppice harvested once every 3 mercialization of willow biomass crops as utility subsidiaries, etc.After biomass is deto 5 years in the winter. Winter harvest cona source of renewable industrial energy. livered to the power station, it may have to serves nutrients, facilitates good coppice More than half of the award dollars reprebe reprocessed for firing. This could entail growth for the next harvest cycle, and fits sent investments by NY-based organizacourse chipping of whole-stems, tions determined to see this new or pulverization of chips (reducwood biomass crop successfully ing the wood to sawdust size parcommercialized. The commercialticles) for co-firing with coal in ization project is designed as a 6pulverized coal boilers. year effort to lower technological and economic hurdles, in order to ECONOMICS enable markets and crop acreage The economic outlook for to develop. This effort is based on wood biomass crops is currently a College research program undera cautious one - a precommerway since 1983, and the work of cial one. The analysis is compliits primary partners-the NY cated. For wood (any kind) to State Energy Research and Develbe an economically attractive opment Authority, Niagara fuel for regulated utilities it must Mohawk Power Corporation, and meet or preferably beat (to acNY State Electric and Gas Corpocount for the cost of retrofitting ration. Together this group has boilers to burn wood) the price formed the Salix Consortium to of the fuel it will displace-most pursue this program. Other intelikely coal. This translates to $10 gral support and collaboration has to $15 per green ton delivered. come from the USDA through the This is in fact the price range for efforts of Congressman Walsh, mill residues currently purSouth-Central NY RC&D, U.S. Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary announcing chased by utilities. Other wood NYSDEC Saratoga Tree Nursery, a $13.4 million project to commercialize willow biomass and Cornell Cooperative Extenfor energy in NY is sold for $20 crops as a renewable industrial energy resource for NY; to $35 per green ton delivered. sion, among others. the willow crop behind her, in its 3rd growing season, is This wood fuel is generally purThe basic idea (see the FOR25-30 ft. tall, ready for harvest this winter, and expected EST OWNER, Vol. 32:4 and Vol. chased by institutions for steam! to yield nearly 30 dry tons per acre; SUNY ESF Field heat production, where the alter32:5) is to grow agri-forest crops Station, Tully, NY (photo by R. Gaddis, NMPC). native fuel (such as heating oil) of select willow (and poplar) is more expensive. Typically these instituwell with other agricultural operations. As clones to produce wood biomass for burning with coal (co-firing) in electric genertions do not have access to natural gas lines, many as seven 3-year harvest cycles can be expected from the initial planting. Plantating facilities. Co-firing typically displaces as gas is often the least expensive fuel when 2% to 15% of the coal normally used. The available. Non-regulated electricity proing and harvesting are mechanized. Harbiomass could also be burned alone as a ducers can also afford to purchase wood vesting equipment has been developed by modifying corn and sugar cane harvesters. boiler fuel for heat, steam and/or electricfuel at more than $20 per green ton delivity, or in the longer-term-directly gasified These machines drive down the double ered, because they can sell the power to regulated utilities at an artificially high rows of trees and cut, chip and blow the into wood (natural) gas for any number of biomass into a wagon for transport. Other price. The expected deregulation of the utiluses, bioconverted into ethanol as a fuel additive, or converted by several methods into ity industry is likely to change many of the machines have been designed to cut and other alcohols, bio-diesellbio-crude or fine economic attributes of wood energy, but not bundle whole-stems, for road-side pick-up.

In this production system, originally dechemicals. the price of fossil fuels, such as the coal signed and now operational in Europe which utilities can choose to burn alone. (about 50,000 acres in 1996), willows are Therefore, for willow crops to be viable 6

NY FOREST OWNER

NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

for regulated utilities, it must sell for between $10 and $15 per green ton delivered.

During the next 6 years the biomass commercialization project will be working to reach that price. Current economic analysis puts willow in the $15 to $20 per ton range, but several initiatives are underway . to lower the price per ton. These include: expected 15% to 20% increases in yield through tree improvement, increased planting and harvesting efficiency, state-level policy changes to encourage the purchase of local fuels over out-of-state fossil fuels, and reduced establishment and fertilizer costs by using conservation-tillage for site preparation and organic soil amendments to supplant fertilizers. The ultimate goal is to provide a locally produced renewable fuel, without adding to the full cost of energy. By stimulating NY's rural economy with this new crop/fuel and keeping dollars local for fuel purchases rather than for out-of-state purchases, the economic outlook for localities and the state is positive.

RATIONALE AND STRATEGY In NY the crucial question, given our abundant natural forest resources and the challenge to make biomass crops economical, is: Why plant these wood energy crops?

First, the biomass crop production system will enhance the wood energy market in NY and ultimately lead to improved markets for all types of low value wood-on the stump and as residues. This is because the utility industry is a very large potential market, and because the winter-only harvest of biomass crops necessitates a wood fuel mix of the lowest cost material.

Second, as a cropping system (short-rotation intensive agri-forestry) it will help to put idle and economically marginal farm-

acidic deposition and extending the life of older coal-fired stations (by economically meeting Clean Air Act requirements). In addition, wood fuel grown as a dedicated feedstock (biomass crop) for power is considered carbon dioxide neutral-for each pound of wood grown, a pound is burned releasing carbon dioxide, and another pound is grown sequestering it, etc. This system reduces power station contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, by offsetting the carbon otherwise released by burning fossil fuels-thereby reducing the threat of global warming. In fact these emission "savings" also have potential monetary value for utilities, thereby increasing the value of wood fuel beyond its Btu value.

It is for all these reasons that the wood biomass program (Salix Consortium) is aggressively working to commercialize the system. The initial geographic areas of focus are central and western NY, where the cooperatingutilities have power stations amenable to wood co-firing.

Other utility cooperators include the Burlington Electric DepartAMERICAN EXPERIENCES ment in Vermont and General Elsewhere in the U.S., other Public Utilities in Pennsylvania. biomass energy systems have Within the context of the 6-year been designed to fit the local enprogram, 500 to 2000 acres of vironment. For example, forest willow crops will be established industry in the Pacific Northwest with program support on private is planting hybrid poplars at wide land in the focus regions, and cospacings on 7 to 10 year rotations operating utilities will create a for pulp from the bole and energy market. Additional acreage, withfrom the bark, limbs and tops (a New sign identifying the willow biomass-for-bioenergy out program support, will be ensystem also worked on at ESF); commercialization project and its program members, SUNY couraged when the market is in the Lake States the pulp-enready. During the program a stratESF Field Station, Tully, NY (photo by R. Gaddis, NMPC). ergy and willow systems (with egy will be followed so that by NY assistance) are also being land back into production-by farmers or the 6th year the system is ready for the comconsidered; in the Mid-West and South, almercial-open market. A technology transforesters, and by retired farmers or absenfalfa stems (leaves removed for animal fer/outreach and demonstration project for feed) and switchgrass are being developed tee landowners. However, this is not a crop biomass crops is also underway with USDA as energy crops; in Florida, Louisiana and for the poorest soils. To be economically support and collaboration with Cornell CoHawaii sugar cane residues (bagasse) are productive, soils of at least moderate proused for energy; and throughout the U.S. ductivity are required. The system is meant operative Extension. Individuals, groups or industry interested in more information and whole-tree forest chips, wood processing only to be used on currently open land.

Land which is now forested, is best manbeing on the newsletter mailing list, borindustry residues, and clean waste wood are aged as forest. Third, biomass crops offer increasingly being used for energy producrowing videos on biomass systems, visittion. In fact it is estimated that by 2010 a host of land-environmental values, including research and demonstration areas, havnearly 10% of the nation's electric power will ing, reduced soil erosion and chemical use ing program staff make a presentation, joincome from biomass fuels (up from 1% in as compared to agricultural crops it might ing the Consortium, or learning more about 1993). More than any other renewable fuel, offset; enhanced landscape diversity; and bioenergy programs and development nawood biomass is best suited to the Northas filter strips along riparian areas and livetionwide, should contact one of the authors east region. Worldwide, enhanced bioenergy stock concentrations, it can reduce nonat SUNY ESF, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY systems are sought to alleviatefuelwoodcripoint source pollution. Fourth, offsetting 13210 or e-mail: ses, reduce dependency on foreign fuel coal with wood can reduce sulfur and potentially nitrogen emissions from power djrobiso@mailbox.syr.edu • sources, and reduce pollutants associated stations-thereby reducing the threat of with fossil fuels.

NY FOREST

OWNER

NYFOA

• 1·800-836·3566

• INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

•

7

NY STATE CONSERVATION COUNCIL AWARDS TREE PEOPLE

By Tim Noga There are many people in today's world that strive for the conservation of our natural resources. Some of these people stand out to where their fellow conservationists applaud their work with an award.

Recently the New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC) at it's 63rd annual convention in Rochester, September 20-22, awarded several individuals for their outstanding work in conservation. Two of these awards were given to people and programs that dealt with trees.

The NYSCC is the largest statewide umbrella of sportsman and conservation organizations. Since it's formation in 1933 the NYSCC has brought those with interest in the conservation of natural resources together in one united front.

One of it's programs is an annual recognition of individuals, groups and programs that have made an outstanding contribution to conservation.

These Conservation Awards are jointly sponsored by the NYSCC and the New York Power Authority.

Awards are given annually for the following topics: • Conservation Educator of the Year • Outdoor Education Program of the Year • Youth Conservationist of the Year • Conservation Legislator of the Year • Volunteer Conservationist of the Year • Professional Conservationist of the Year • Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees for these awards are solicited each year. A person's or program's history is submitted. Letters of endorsement are also requested.

In 1996, the Conservation Educator of the Year is Bruce Matthews. Mr. Matthews is a Senior Extension Associate and the Director of the New York SAREPprogram.

The Conservation Legislator of the Year is Senator Carl Marcellino of the Fifth Senate District. Senator Marcellino, as chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, has seen that 17 important conservation legislative bills were passed through the legislative process smoothly.

The Youth Conservationist of the Year is given to a group known as the West Irondequoit Greens. The Greens are a group of 4-H youths from 5 to 16 who are NY FOREST OWNER

examples of highly motivated and caring individuals. The group has chosen to address environmental issues as its main focus.

The Professional Conservationist of the Year is Wayne Trimm. As artist and writer for NYSDEC, Mr. Trimm has entertained and informed many readers ofDEC's Conservationist magazine.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to Robert Bannister, Grady "Gene" Hocutt and William Reiner. These individuals were given awards for their lifetime dedication to the conservation of our natural resources.

The 1996 Conservation Outdoor Program is the Urban Forest and Education Program (UFEP) of the City Parks Foundation. This program is a public-private partnership of the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation and City Parks Foundation, It is made possible through the generosity of the Lila WallaceReader's Digest Fund. Representing the program to accept the award were Mary Leou, Education Coordinator and Tim Wenskus, Forester.

The program has made great strides in both forest management and environmental education. It is unique that it tries to link both forest management and education in a predominant urban setting. This project unfolds on the more than 5,000 acres of forest distributed among the 5 counties of New York City. Until 5 years ago, this land was mostly neglected. Curriculum, other teaching tools and trails are being developed.

Elementary school teachers of the NYC school systems will use such forests as field classrooms. 10,000 students working with professionals have restored 550 acres thus far.

The UFEP opened the Urban Forest Ecology Center in the Van Cortlandt Park located in the Bronx in 1993. This forest ecology center is the only one dedicated exclusively to the study of urban woodlands.

Over 10,000 students K-12 use this center.

Workshops and other events are also held there.

In 1996, the UFEP, created a partnership between the middle school students and the local parks and community groups.

The local parks become the classrooms for students of all ages to learn the value of open spaces in their neighborhoods.

The 1996 Volunteer Conservationist of the Year is Herb Darling of Williamsville.

NYFOA.-

1-800-836-3566

- INFO

Herb Darling Mr. Darling is the founder and president of the NYS chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. Herb's love for the American Chestnut tree developed from an early age.

It grew in intensity as he watched this species move from threatened towards extinction. Along with Arlene and Stan Wirsig, they started the NYS chapter of theAmerican Chestnut Foundation. This included securing the needed funding for the chapter's continued efforts. These efforts include restoration projects and educational endeavors. Also included is the support of the development of a blight resistant tree for New York State at SUNY ESE Mr. Darling's love is not only for chestnut trees. His leadership capacities has him involved in other organizations and groups.

These include the Buffalo Museum of Science, Erie County Botanical Society, Nature Conservancy, Buffalo Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, USDA Resource Conservation Service, Erie County Environmental Education Institute, the Buffalo Club, Boy Scouts of America, Beachwood Foundation and the Gatewood United MethodistYouth Center.

For more information contact the NYSCC at 315/894-3302. .A

Tim Noga is a Director representing Region 7 of the NYSCC and Secretary of the Cayuga County Federation of Conservation Clubs of which NYFOA's Cayuga Chapter isa member.

NOVIDEC

1996

By John Braubitz

How nutritious are nuts?

Are nuts as nutritious as meat?

These are two questions that came up in a recent discussion while having coffee in a Skaneateles restaurant.

I don't doubt that nuts are good food, but just how good, I wasn't sure. To solve this problem, I went to my computer and brought up a program called "Diet Balancer." It shows you what percentage of your individual dietary needs are met with servings of different foods based on your particular physical statistics: sex, height, weight, daily activities, age, etc. My wife was used as a subject; she is 5' 5" and 110 lbs. The foods selected for analysis were hickory nuts and chicken breast. After the computer was given the amounts of three ounces each, it displayed what percentage of her daily requirements were met by consumption of the respective servings.

Some of the obvious comparisons are that nuts are higher in calories than chicken but contain fats composed of mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. Those fats are not believed to be as hard on your cardiac system as saturated fats and cholesterol.

It may be a surprise to some to learn that no nuts contain cholesterol because onl y animals produce cholesterol. Chicken, although not high in cholesterol, does contain 71 mg. which is about 25% of the average R.D.A. (Recommended Daily Allow-

INGREDIENT Calories Protein Carbohydrates Total Fat Saturated Fat Mono-Unsaturated Poly-Unsaturated Cholesterol Dietary Fiber Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Thiamine Niacin Folate Iron Zinc *%RDA is calculatedfor NY FOREST

OWNER

Shagbark Hickory

%RDA* CHICK 11 57 0 14 12 16 9 49 0 3 0 4 6 82 8 9 7

(164cal) (24.7 gm) (0 gm) (6.5 gm) (1.87 gm) (2.5 gm) (1.39 gm) (71mg) (0 gm) (22 RE) (0 mg) (0.3 mg) (0.06 mg) (10.6 mg) (23 mg) (0.88mg) (0.85 mg)

%RDA*HICK 39 25 7 113 38 264 32 0 3 1 3 15 60 7 52 18 30

(552 cal) (10.8 gm) (15.3 gm) (54 gm) (6 gm) (42 gm) (5.2 gm) (Omg) (0.9 gm) (5.1 RE) (1.8 mg) (1.2 mg) (0.6 mg) (0.9 mg) (145 mg) (1.8 mg) (3.6 mg)

ance-for a diet of 2000 cals.). The protein content in chicken was 24.7 grams, but hickory nuts contained only 10.8 grams.

Neither nuts nor meat are good sources of Vitamins A, C, and D. Hickory nuts and chicken are only fair sources of Vitamin E, but filberts and chestnuts are excellent. Nuts in general are also good sources ofmagnesium.

After reading the chart and digesting my summary, you can make your own decision.

I have provided the editor with charts containing data on chestnuts, hickory nuts, filberts, black walnuts, haddock, round steak, chicken and pork chops. If you would like copies contact him ...•.

John Braubitz is a Professor in the Science Department of Cayuga County Community College.

Mrs. Braubitz NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

•

9

THE MASTER FOREST OWNER/COVERTS

By Bonnie Colton TheArnot Forest lies in the steeply rolling hills southwest ofIthaca. Here, the tree covered slopes give way to a pleasant clearing with small log cabins and a large dining hall/meeting room. The forest and its rustic classroom are owned by Cornell and are part of the University's extensive educational facilities.

This is where my husband, Don, and I found ourselves on a Thursday evening in September 1995, beginning a four-day seminar on the many aspects of woodland management. The inevitable introductions and explanations were scheduled for that first evening. Informative, but likely to prove sleep-inducing, I thought. It didn't turn out that way.

Gary Goff, program director, began by telling us about the New York Master Forest Owner/COVERTS Program, an unwieldy name for the information packed course we were beginning. The idea is to provide additional training for people who are already actively managing their woods, so that they in turn can be a resource and encouragement for their woods-owning neighbors. Such trained volunteers would help to fill the gap left by cutbacks in stateprovided forestry services.

Some were put off by the term "forest."

"A forest is a large tract of land covered with trees", said one man, "All I own is a small woodlot." Someone else offered, "If you have half-a-dozen trees you manage, you have a forest," he said. Most of us were forest owners, but we still didn't see ourselves as "Masters" of the subject. That feeling would grow about as fast as a tree does. "The term COVERTS (pronounced like "cover"), meaning good ruffed grouse habitat, refers to the co-sponsor, The Ruffed Grouse Society, and is symbolic of the importance of habitat to all wildlife.

The NYS Forest Stewardship Program is the other principal sponsor. The NYS DEC and NYFOA are cooperators to the NY Master Forest Owner/COVERTS Program."

There's academic terminology, there's bureaucratic jargon, and there's just plain talk. We heard all three and learned to adjust our ears to the many voices seeking a common goal-improvement of forest health, productivity, and wildlife habitat.

We listened to the Arnot Forest Director, Charlie Smith, the Arnot Forest manager Don Schaufler and Bill Lacey, Direc10

NY FOREST OWNER

tor of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Each was a gem of knowledge and inspiration.

Their wisdom, condensed, says: You are responsible for your own education. We just provide the opportunities.

Next on the evening's agenda were a couple listed as "Experienced Master Forest Owners," Donald and Suzanne Grosz of Naples (MFO Class of'92).1t was their job to encourage the newcomers with a pep talk and success stories. But we were in for a surprise ...

Don started by saying he couldn't understand why he was chosen for this task.

Their forest management experience, he felt was minimal compared to many of us.

Their real interest in wood, he explained, while motioning to Suzanne, who sat patiently holding a violin and bow, was in finished wood products. He took the violin and showed us the satiny finish of the spruce top and the deep and shining grain of the maple back. He pointed out the rosewood tuning pegs and the tougher-thansteel Brazilian pernambuco wood in the gracefully curved spine of the bow.

Then he handed the violin and bow back to his wife. "This is the way wood sings for us," he said. Suzanne cradled the instrument beneath her chin and the log hall was transformed into a concert stage. We listened with delight as 300 year old music filled the room with the lovely, lilting cadences of J. S. Bach's "Gavotte for Unaccompanied Violin." When she finished, the applause outdid the size of the crowd.

Don stood before us again, while telling us that both he and Suzanne had traveled all over the world as concert musicians. They had met people from many countries and had seen sights difficult to describe. One marvel was a Shinto Shrine in Nara, Japan. The building was 46 stories high and made entirely of wood! The shrine had been built on two huge cypress logs floated over from Korea. It was 900 years old.

Don showed us some of the gifts given them by hosts in different countries. There were bamboo chopsticks from Japan and a delicately carved St. Thomas's Cross from Scandinavia. From Russia there was hand carved cups, their designs colored with pigments from herbs and roots. He demonstrated for us a Kareilian wood bell from Finland. This device is made from two pieces of spruce, one partially hollowed out, fastened together by a cord. It NYFOA

• 1·800-836·3566

• INFO

PROGRAM

can be heard for miles in the cold northern air.

The Grosz's have other family treasures made of wood, too. There is a classic boat that came to them from Dan's father. From Suzie's side of the family comes an ancient hemlock cane owned by the family through 11 generations.

"When you are talking about wood," Donald Grosz told us. "you are talking about people's lives."

In that one sentence he summarized the whole meaning and purpose of the seminar. We would go on to learn something about communication skills, management perspectives, biodiversity, timber trespass, forest ecology and economics, tree identification, timber harvesting, log grading, sawmill operations, wildlife habitat enhancement, boundary marking and forest related organizations. But what it all came back to was the fact that people's lives are intertwined with forests.

I thought of the almost spiritual experience of looking up through the branches of a towering shade tree, seeing the intricacy of the limbs and twigs and distinctive leaf forms and colors. I thought of the lovely forested hillsides that adorn and nourish our landscapes. I thought of the unique pictures found in the swirling grains of sawn lumber.

Several years ago, we harvested some cull trees in our woodlot. We removed damaged or stunted trees that were crowding good crop trees. We cut some overmature sugar maples no longer being tapped. Some went for sawlogs, some for firewood.

We had an inexperienced logger at first. He neglected to cut the tapped section off the bottom of the maple butt logs and the sawmill sent back a slice with 17 tapholes in it and the message to, "Either butt them, or don't send them." I was fascinated by the beauty of that piece of wood. I stared at it for a long time and told my husband not to throw it out, because there was something special it had to say. I just hadn't discovered it yet.

When I did, the wood began to sing for me: "WOODS WISDOM." .A

Bonnie and Don Colton were awarded NYFOA's Heiberg Award/or 1992. This article was reprinted/rom Lowville's weekly newspaper in which Bonnie has a regular column entitled, ROUNDABOUT..

NOVIDEC

1996

J

MFO/COVERTS Volunteers Attending the September 1996 Training Albany County Gerard A. Langhauser 73 Derbyshire Rd Feura Bush, NY 12067 518-768-2094

Andy Dufresne Chautauqua County CCE 3542 Turner Rd Jamestown, NY 14701 716-664-9502

Allegany County James A. Hart 54 Bellehurst Dr. Rochester, NY 14617 716-544-8480

Roger C. Penhollow 4063 Pancake Hill Rd Bemus Pt, NY 14712 716-386-2111

Rick White 1819 Obi-Portville Rd Portville, NY 14770 716-933-6063 Broome County Steve Supa 62 Harrington Rd Johnson City, NY 13790 607-786-9798 Cattaraugus County Thomas and Jeanne Brown 9303 Sisson Cross Machias, NY 14101 716-353-8336

Timothy J. Piotrowski 3135 Donelson Rd Jamestown, NY 14701 716-483-1864 Erie County Fred Thurnherr 7885 Center St Holland, NY 14080 7l6-941-3248 Jefferson County John Donaghy 31669 NYS 26 Philadelphia, NY 13673 315-642-5639

Donald M. Huber 9308 Ryther Rd Angola, NY 14006 716-549-5025

Lewis County John and Betty Woods RR 2, Box 166-C Lowville, NY 13367 315-376-2129

Chautauqua County Daniel N. Anderson 3193 Chautauqua Ave. Ashville, NY 14710 716-763-1168

Madison County Carl D. Stearns 212 Scottholrn Blvd Syracuse, NY 13224 315-446-6634

The 1996 graduating class o/NY MFa/COVERTS volunteers at Cornell's Arnot Forest.

Oneida County Ron Chauncey 7871 Yager Rd. Blossvale, NY 13308 315-245-0296 Onondaga County Edward and Marilyn Dixon 6690 Bush Rd Jamesville, NY 13078 315-677-3145 Ontario County Richard A. Larson 7585 Modock Rd Victor, NY 14564 716-924-2966 Orange County Penny Watkius PO Box 912 Port Jervis, NY 12771 914-856-6467 Oswego County William H. Schriever 540 State Rt 49 Cleveland, NY 13042 315-676-5908 Saratoga County Patricia Kay and Ken Rayna 6051 Greens Corner Rd Galway, NY 12074 518-882-9613 Schoharie County Hans and Joan Kappel 167 Main St., PO Box 646

NY FOREST

OWNER

NYFOA

• 1·800-836·3566

• INFO

Altamont, NY 12009 518-861-8753 Steuben County Jerome M. Witter 7111 St. Rt. 432 Addison, NY 14801 607 -359-3811 Sullivan County Marianne Arnold PO Box 190 Westbrookville, NY 12785 914-754-7841 Kenneth J. Stewart 221 Burnt Hill Rd Roscoe, NY 12776 607 -498-5409 Wayne County George RT. Yancey, Jr. 402 Grace Ave. Newark, NY 14513 716-344-4369 Westchester County Eugene J. McCardle 70 Cabin Ridge Rd Chappaqua, NY 10514 914-945-0504 Yates County Raymond L. Wager 5236 Dunton Rd Middlesex, NY 14507 716-554-4236

NOVIDEC

1996

•

11

CHAPTERS/AFFILIATES WESTERN FINGER LAKES Jim & Barbara Minor hosted a woodswalk on their woodlot in Schuyler County August 10th. Bruce Robinson (Private Consulting Forester) and Jim Peek (Asst. Regional Forester NYSDEC) were in attendance to discuss developing and implementing a SIP for the Minor property. There was a tremendous amount of diversity with open fields, forested sections, hedge rows, fruit trees, and future sites for new ponds. There was even an old foundation from a house. For those that had time, we were treated to a boat ride on Seneca Lake at the Minor cottage. A big thanks to Jim & Barbara for a great woodswalk.

Approximately 8-10 WFL members attended the fall meeting in the Catskills the 28th and 29th of September, CFA did a superb job! They held the rain for the woodswalk in the preserve on Saturday and even made sure it was sunny for the great woodswalk on Paul Steinfeld's property Sunday. It was rumored they will be bidding for the fall meeting next year,also.

Our next meeting will focus on deer management: DEC's party permit system, rights of the landowner, how to post, and the all time favorite-s-seedling devastation.

LOWER HUDSON

CAPITAL DISTRICT

Members of the Capital District survey tornado damage in Columbia County.

Our chapter had a Tornado Destruction Woodswalk in early summer of this year. A devastating tornado in May 1995 destroyed or damaged 49 homes in Columbia County leaving 11,000 people without power for several days. The wind funnel traveled 15 miles with wind speeds recorded up to 157 miles per hour. Approximately 1,400 acres of forest were leveled. Tom Stundze, DEC Region 4 Forester for Columbia County, led a group of 30 woodswalk participants to

affected woodlots to look at different "cleanup" strategies-reforestation involving heavy site preparation, salvage sales, and leaving restoraion to nature. Much of the downed and damaged timber was of limited value because of the forceful twisting to which the trees were subjected. Severely damaged forests left to nature will be impenetrable for a period of years, and it was estimated that it will take at least 80 years to recover to their former condition.

SOUTHEASTERN ADIRONDACKS

At a party September 27th which celebrated the birthday of Sue Kelly (I), Congresswoman for NY's 19th District, Sue became a member of NYFOA through a birthdy gift of Robert Bamber Marshall (r), whcih included the latest issue of the magazine and NYFOA 'sproperty sign. Congresswoman Kelly is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys her forest in Katonah.

12

NY FOREST OWNER

Bill (I) & Olga (r) Badgley, & Ron Cadieux, NYSDEC Forester.

Bill and Olga Badgley were recipients of our chapter's frrstAnnual "Forest StewardAward."

The presentation was made at our annual picnic which was held at Ernie Spencer's property on Saratoga Lake September 14.A review of the Bradley's natural resource management accomplishments shows an annual effort to improve and contribute that begins in 1982!

NYFOA • 1·800·836.3566 • INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEIEDITORIAL Densmore-Allegheny Foothills; Don Fraser-Niagara Frontier; Jim CoufalSUNY ESF; John Marchant, Jim Minor, Eileen Van Wie & myself-Western FingerLakes.

The editorial workshop began after lunch on Saturday. Newsletter editors had a wonderful opportunity to interact and share ideas or try to solve some of their problems. We had time to view everyone's newsletters to discuss layouts & graphics (and see what ideas we could steal from each other!) Since I have never been involved with producing a newsletter, other than writing an article, my eyes were opened to all the details. Copy writing, layout, printing, circulation, postage & mailing, just to name a few. A big thanks to all the editors and circulation people for our newsletters and magazine. It seems certain, that even better newsletters will result from the seminar.

Sunday morning, we dove into the lead-

By Dale Schaefer September 7 and 8 was a perfect weekend to be inside for NYFOA's Leadership ConferencelEditorial Meeting held at the Cortland Holiday Inn. Upon reading that, if you're a woodland owner, your first thought would probably be, "Is the author a forest owner?" Nearly all forest owners I know can't wait to get outdoors in some way or another. TSI, cutting firewood, or just enjoying a walk in the woods are all good excuses to be outside in the forest. However, with the effects of the hurricane crossing the state, all that rain looked pretty good from our dry conference room inside. There were also very important topics to discuss!

Attendees were: Jill & Barry CornellCapital District; Mike GreasonNYSDEC; Jerry Michael & Larry Lepak-Southern Tier; Elizabeth Woods-THRIFT; Bill Minerd & Tom Graber-Central New York; Bob SandTioga; Dick Fox - Cayuga; Betty

HALE FOI{ESTRY COMPANY Professional Forestry Consulting Forest Resource Management TIMBER SALES

APPRAISALS

MANAGEMENT PLANS In PENNSYLVANIA

MIKE HALE

Services

. INVENTORIES In NEWYORK

RESOURCES CONSULTING

Westfield, P A

Wellsville, NY

(814) 367-5915

(716) 593-5075

e-rnail: bgkelly@buffuet.net Fax (814) 367-5919 Society of American Foresters - Pennsylvania Forestry Association NY Cooperating Con:rulting Forester - Member NY Forest Owners Association

LANDOWNERS Maples, 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 & exporters • Sealed bid opening determines the highest bidder • Payment is made in advance to any harvest operation • All harvest operations are supervised by our foresters • We 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 Pamphlet ~ Robert Synowiez - Professional Forestry Consultants

-~

~jt:0P!Clg,Qd~ow.go.NY13827

.~ NY FOREST

607/687-0460 OWNER

NYFOA

- 1·800-836-3566

- INFO

MEETING

ership portion of the workshop. Some of the topics included membership, Bylaws, ideas for woodswalks, how to run a fundraiser and how important they are to the financial health of each organization, and of course the biggest question-"How to get more members volunteering and interacting?" These are problems that most volunteer organizations face. Discussing these issues brings to light new ways ofhandling them, and to let someone struggling know they are not alone.

Hopefully, more editors and leaders can make the next conference. The food was good, accommodations comfortable, discussions inspiring, and as always the fellowship a special pleasure.

We are particularly grateful to Bob Sand, John Marchant, Jim Coufal, & Mike Greason for their inspiring and interactive review of their past leadership roles and their suggestions for the future direction of NYFOA in the forest community.

A

Route 20 Bluebird Research 'frail This summer a long anticipated dream became a reality. The Route 20 Bluebird Research Trail, which started in Schoharie County now stretches across the entire state from the Massachusetts border to the Pennsylvania border, 410 miles.

The eastern half from Cayuga County to Massachusetts as well as the extreme western portion from Buffalo to the western border with Pennsylvania is about 9095% complete. The remainder of the trail is 75% complete and should be done by the end of the year.

There are approximately 1750 boxes dotted along the trail with another 250 more to be added to complete the trail.

The Adopt-A-Box Program, which has provided funding for this impressive conservation effort now has 640 boxes adopted to date. Installation of the Adopt- a-Box tags has been in progress and all those participating in this program will be notified of the location of their boxes prior to next spring's nesting season To participate contact: Kevin Colton; 2043 Worden Road., Seneca Falls, NY 13148 (315/568-6534).

This briefwas adaptedfrom BluebirdNews, the newsletter of the New York State Bluebird Society.

NOVIDEC

1996

•

13

THE GREEN CAPE THAT IS BROWN

By Henry Kernan Five centuries ago and more the Portuguese were groping along theAfrican coast.

Their objectives were fabulous-far-off spice islands, scarcely what they sighted 375 miles into the mid-Atlantic off the continent's western-most point. There were nine volcanic islands; steep, barren, windswept and uninhabited by man or beast.

There must have been seabirds then, and sea turtles and a native flora the like of which we can only guess at today.

The Portuguese chose to return, before long, bringing with them goats, Indian com, and the hoe culture of their African slaves.

This trio has had a profound effect upon the Cape Verdean landscape. Combined with the erratic, torrential rainfall, they have created horrendous problems of soil erosion.

The Portuguese were to stay until 1975, a 515 year record of colonial longevity.

&Jirondack ForestlY Inc. Incorporated 1955

Services Inc(ude: Timber Inventory Timber Appraisal Mana~ement Plans Timber Markin~ Be Sales Sale Supervision Trespass Appraisal S.I.P. Plans Free first consultation Phone: Garry f.. Nelson • (518) 193-9022 James A. farrar • (518) 623-9449 Dennis M. flynn· (518) 581-1055 Member of SAf. NYfOA. Tree farm. NYS ccce. Cons. for.

E-Mail: CDALEBIKE@aoI.com 14

NY FOREST OWNER

Cape Verde Islands (arrow)

Why they chose to stay and defend an area slightly larger than Rhode Island against innumerable, destructive attacks by English and Dutch navies and pirates is comprehensible only in the light of their strategic position. Cape Verde became a warehouse and staging point for the New World and Far East trades in spices, slaves and whales. By mid-century of the 1800's all three were in decline. Cape Verde languished and fell into the long colonial torpor of the recent past.

American involvement was principally with crews for the whaling ships which accounts for the many Cape Verdeans in eastern Massachusetts today.

Other groups of Cape Verdean emigrants live in California, in France, Holland and Brazil. They are descendants of African slaves and of Portuguese colonial officials and soldiers. In all, the overseas groups number more than the island population of less than half a million. They leave because their homeland, for all the strange, austere beauty of the mountains, lands and sea, is desperately poor, with few resources and little hope of feeding the people let alone generating wealth for their uplift. The country lives on the receipts of foreign aid and the help sent home by Verdeans abroad.

For those who stay at home, water dominates every aspect of their lives; the control of water, the use of water and the search of water. In truth how and how much rain falls are enough to discourage and drive away all but the poorest. From October through July rain seldom comes at all. The NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

landscape turns from sparse green to sparse brown and steadily to more burning hot bare rock and sand. Suddenly the clouds break.

Torrents of rain are pounding slopes and roaring down canyons laden with mud. The problem is no longer the search for water, but the control and use. Rock structures help in the short run, but the long term endeavor is toward more in the ground and less scouring stream banks and beds.

The all-pervasive field crop is flint com.

In early summer farmers clear their croplands of whatever free-ranging fuel-gatherers and animals are left. They neither burn nor plow. Once the ground is moist, they sow their seeds of corn and beans in hills wherever their broad, short -handled hoe can turn up a bit of soil. They find such places on the steepest and most isolated slopes.

Weeding and harvest take. the rest of the year, but still leave six months of respite from farm work.

One response to such seasonal idleness, and to droughts and floods has been to build stone water-control structures. The simplest are rock walls laid along a contour to impede the runoff of falling rain. Where the runoff flows into gullies, rock dry walls disperse the kinetic energy of the falling water. The stream bottoms need larger structures. There the Soil Conservation Service builds check dams both to control the flow of water and to accumulate the silt load of the water behind the dam. Thereby, the lands under intense cultivation, increase year by year. They are small patches of garNOVIDEC

1996

den crops and fruits seen as lush exceptions to the dreary fields of corn and beans.

Such public works fit in well with the round of farm work They employ thousands upon thousands of otherwise idle and nearl y starving rural households. The numbers built each year run into the thousands.

They are having a profound influence upon the landscape and upon the supply, use and control of water. They also allow the rural people to survive even the worst drought, such as the latest, which came to an end in 1986 after 16 years.

Further stages of structural complexity are the subterranean catchment dams. They extract water from saturated soils by releasing gravity pressure into an underground gallery. Thence a flowpipe leads to the irrigation system.

Another response to the patterns of climate, rainfall and seasonal idleness on the farm has been to plant trees and shrubs. The most in vogue are the generaProsopia, Acacia, Parkinsonia, Atriplex and Cajanus.

The practice is to place each seedling in a small basin during the season of rains. Because of the discontinuity of the planting sites scattered among fields, steep slopes and rocks, the measure of progress is not area but number. A dozen or so planting projects account for over 1 112 million a year. The sum has now passed 16 million.

The results are doubly impressive on these landscapes of barren waste.

For centuries the soils merely washed away and the people starved by the tens of thousands. Today more than twenty countries have programs of aid to shore up an economy isolated by hundreds of miles of ocean yet entirely dependent upon imports for survival. Other than humans, Cape Verde has little to export to pay for what the country needs. Hence the aid programs and hence the survival. In a sense, the outside world is paying the century-long debts of piracy, slavery, famines and the colonial torpor that allowed all three.

Were the Portuguese sailors to have the choice today, they might think twice before landing on what they saw; They might turn back and leave these islands to the birds and turtles, the rains, the clouds, the sunshine, the booming surf and the long-lost greeneries that gave the Cape Verde Islands their name. Very few remnants of that longlost wilderness remain; and they are, alas, only those well beyond the reaches of human endeavor. .•.

Henry Kernan is a consulting forester in World Forestry, a Master Forest Owner; and a regular contributor to the NY FOREST OWNER. NY FOREST

OWNER

FORESTRY AWARD TO EXTENSION EDUCATOR Laurel Gailor, Extension Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension-Warren County, has been awarded the annual NYS Forest and Woodland EnhancementffREE FARM award, sponsored by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). She also placed third at the Northeast regional level. The purpose of the award is to recognize NACAA members who are conducting outstanding educational programs related to forest enhancement/tree farming. Nominees from the northeast were evaluated on the basis of their educational programs designed to: (1) build awareness of the importance of the nation's nonindustrial private forests; (2) increase understanding of the importance of protecting forests for the public good through proper management and utilization; and (3) enhance understanding of forest issues.

Laurel is involved with the biennial Christmas Tree Growers Assoc. workshops, the annual NYS Maple Production School held via satellite, forest management workshops for woodland owners, forest ecology and silviculture programs for timber harvesters, and pest management workshops.

She is a member of the Greater Adirondack Resource Conservation and Development Council Forestry Committee, and the NY Logger Training Committee at the regional level. As well, she regularly cooperates with the Northeastern Loggers Association on workshops held in Warren County, such as "Buying of Standing Timber", "Logging Aesthetics", and OSHA Safety Standards for Loggers. .•.

SUSAN J. KEISTER Forestry Consulting Services o 480A & SIP Management Plans -Forestry Inventory and Appraisals -Timber Sales -Cost Basis and Real Estate Tax Management Advice

(716) 728-3044 7025 Harpers Ferry Road, Wayland, NY 14572 NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

NOTICE Anyone receiving a copy of the SEP/ OCT issue of the FOREST OWNER and missing a page-please contact the editor or 1-800-836-3566 for replacement.

PROMPT,

AFFORDABLE

LEGAL SERVICES FOR: • Conservation Easements • Estate Planning • Real Estate

Scott Abrahamson, Law Offices in the Catskills:

914 ..657 ..9801 PONDS UNLIMITED INVITES yOU .... to think of all of the benefits you could enjoy from having a pond or a lake on your own property. This idea could become a reality if the right conditions prevail. From our experience it normally requires favorable watershed conditions, .good site conditions, ownercommitment to stewardship for' enhancement of forest land values, appropriate engineering planning and design, and good construction practices. "

PONDS UNLIMITED CAN EVALUATE the site of your choice. We can provide all of the engineering services needed to plan, design and oversee the construction of a dam to create a handsome pond or lake on suitable property. You can get additional information by calling 315/422POND or sending a letter of inquiry to:

PONDS UNLIMITED 719 E. Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 13210 315/422-7663 FAX/476-3635 NOVIDEC

1996

•

15

Selected Highlights on the Professional Life of Dr. Hardy L. Shirley, Dean Emeritus at SUNY-ESF

By RobertA. Zabei,Professor Emeriitus Our readers will be sadden to learn of the death of Hardy L. Shirley, Dean Emeritus of State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry on July 24 at the age of 95. His retirement home was in Elizabethtown, New York (Adirondacks) where he had been deeply involved in the management of a family forest business until his last few years.

Hardy Shirley, already a recognized nationalleader in forestry, after a 16-year period with the U.S. Forest Service, came to the College in 1945 as the Assistant Dean to assist in the program and enrollment expansions of the post-World War II period.

He was appointed Dean in 1952 and served

Lake George Forestry Complete Forestry Services including: • Detailed Plans

Management

• Timber Trespass • Timber Sales • Appraisals • Deed Research • Timber Inventory • Watershed Management • Boundary Line Location • Tax Savings Plans No property is too small or too large to benefit from experienced professional assistance when you are faced with important decisions regarding its use.

Contact Lake George Forestry today to arrange a free initial consultation.

Christian

Gearwear,

President

LAKE GEORGE FORESTRY, INC. 50 Hendrick Street Lake George, New York 12845 Tel: 518.668.2623 1.800·7734611 Fax: 518.668.2486 16

NY FOREST OWNER

in this capacity until his retirement in 1967.

His 22-year period of College service was a time of rapid transition from a large undergraduate teaching institution into the largest forestry college in the nation with tripled graduate enrollment and greatly expanded instructional and research programs.

Public service and extension activities were focused and enlarged to better meet the needs of forest landowners and the forest products industry. New departmental programs were introduced in forestry economics and forest chemistry. Special programs in world forestry, cellulose, polymers and water resources were introduced.

During his 22-year tenure, College facilities were both modernized and more than doubled in size. Four major buildings (Baker Laboratory---chemistry and wood products; Illick Hall-biology and wildlife management; Walters Hall-pulp and paper; and Moon Library) were constructed. A dormitory wing was added to the Ranger School. Also, the 4000-acre Heiberg Forest, near the main campus, was added by land exchange and successive purchases to better support campus teaching programs in silviculture, biology and wildlife management in addition to faculty research.

In one of Dean Shirley's first annual reports to the Board of Trustees are the stated objectives of promoting the interest offorest landowners and providing expert services to New York's forest landowners and forest products industries. These records also indicate the major role he played in the planning and organizing of the first Forest Landowners Forums. Meetings in the falls of 1961 and 1962 at the College, also sponsored by the New York State Forest Practice Board, led to establishment of the New York Forest Owners Association and Volume I of the "Forest Owner" appeared shortly thereafter in July 1963. In these early formative years of the Association, Associate Dean Svend Heiberg and Professor Floyd Carlson also played important supporting roles. Dean Shirley was the recipient of the New York Forest Owners Association's first Heiberg Memorial Award for his many contributions to New York Forestry.

Hardy Shirley received a B.A. degree in NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

DEAN HARDY L. SHIRLEY Photo taken the year of his retirement1967. mathematics (Phi Beta Kappa) from Indiana University in 1922 and a Ph.D. in plant physiology and forestry from Yale University in 1928. He then spent about 16 years with the U.S. Forest Service, first as a plant physiologist and silviculturist at the Lake States Experiment Station and later successively as the Director of the Allegheny and Northeastern Forest Experiment Stations.

His accomplishments elsewhere at the state, national and international levels were impressive. A few examples are: He was Director of President Eisenhower's Advisory Panel on TImber and the Environment in 1972; he was instrumental in the United Nation's FAO's (Food and Agriculture Organization) establishment of forestry training centers at the universities of theAndes, Phillipines and Puerto Rico to train foresters from underdeveloped countries; he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Forestry for several years; he served as president of the Syracuse Council of the Arts and Sciences which proposed the Everson Museum of Art; he chaired the United Nations' FAO panel on forestry education. For his many public and professional services and particularly his leadership role in world forNOVIDEC

1996

estry, he received honorary degrees from the State University of Finland, Helsinki, in 1958 and from Syracuse University in 1966.

His many publications and technical articles were primarily on drought resistance and photosynthesis in forest trees. Textbooks he authored were Forestry and Its Career Opportunities (McGraw-Hill, 1952) and Forest Ownership for Pleasure and Profit. written with Associate Dean Paul Graves (Syracuse University Press, 1967) He was a member of numerous scientific societies and a fellow of the Society of American Foresters and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

His legacy to forestry will be in the minds of his many students, faculty associates and colleagues who were imbued with his love of forests and conviction of the breadth and importance of forestry and its proper practice in national and world affairs.

His wife Mary Connard of Easton, Pennsylvania preceded him in death in 1983. He is survived by three children, Frank Shirley of Vaughn, Washington, Jon Shirley of Boulder, Colorado and Emily Castner of Hollis, New Hampshire.

At the family's suggestion contributions to his memory may be made to the Society of American Foresters Endowment Fund 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-2198 or the Hardy L. Shirley Memorial Fund at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210. .•.

Dr. Robert A. Zabel is Professor Emeritus at SUNY ESF and for most of his professional career researched and published works in wood decay and stains.

30+ Years Experience

ROBERT DEMEREE Professional Timber

Forestry

Consultant

Sales- Management Planning Tax Law • Tree Planting

3987 Northway Drive Cortland, NY 13045-9317 Telephone: (607) 753-0497 NY FOREST

OWNER

New York Chapter Society American Foresters January 29-31, 1997 at the Sheraton 4 Points in Liverpool NY, the New York Chapter of the Society of American Foresters will hold their annual meeting with the focus on "The Maine Referendum: Lessons for New York." Abstracts of accepted posters will be distributed in registration packets.

Abstracts should be submitted in Microsoft Words or Mac Formatted disk or submit via e-mail to:LFPP4MIKE@aol.com.

All abstracts not to exceed 350 words, to in. elude references, and received no later than December 11, 1996. Submit to: MichaelVirga, Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper Inc. PO Box 338, Lyons Falls, NY 13368.

I

Fountain Forestry

Quality Management of Land and Timber , Forest Management 'limber Sales , Forest Investment ConsuHing 'limber 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

FOUNTAIN FORESTRY, INC.

SOME SIP STATS A recent Forest Service report indicates New York strongly leads the northeast twenty states implementing the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP). Since its inception in 1991, New York forest owners have gained: 807,000 acres of forest management plans qualifying them for SIP cost sharing; reforested 2,790 acres under SIP-2; precommercially improved 9,718 acres of woodland under SIP-3; installed 107 acres of windbreaks under SIP-4; protected soil and water resources on 723 acres under SIP-5; improved 130 acres ofriparian or wetland areas under SIP-6; improved 5,887 acres of wildlife habitat; and enhanced recreational opportunities on 33,690 acres.

This means that since the beginning of DEC's service forestry program with the creation of the New York Forest Practice Board in 1946, forest management plans have been prepared covering more than 9,000,000 acres. To place this in perspective, there are 14.5 million acres of privately owned forest in the state. Plans are developed at landowner request only; so these programs are more effective than they have been acknowledged to be. .•.

21 Cliff Avenue, P.O. Box 1002 Tupper Lake, NY 12986

TeUFax: (518) 359-3089

Bruce E. Robinson, Inc. FORESTRY CONSULTANTS • FOREST PRODUCT MARKING & MARKETING • TREE FARM MANAGEMENT • URBAN FORESTRY & COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT • TIMBER APPRAISALS • ACCESS ROAD DESIGN & SUPERVISION • TREE PLANTING • TREE SHELTER DISTRIBUTOR • SUGAR BUSH MANAGEMENT • BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE • CHRISTMAS TREE MANAGEMENT • FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING • FOREST RECREATION PLANNING • WOODLOT IMPROVEMENTS IN IMMATURE STANDS • WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT • FOREST TAXATION

This brief was first printed in the September Newsletter ojNYFOA's Capital District Chapter. .

NYFOA

• 1·80()'836.3566

• INFO

PLANNING

(716) 665-5477 1894 CAMP ST. EXT. JAMESTOWN NY 14701 . NOVIDEC

1996

•

17

DEATH AND TAXES

By David J. Colligan Recent letters to the editor of this publication have asked questions regarding lifetime giving. The last article written by this author gave an overview of estate and gift taxes, as well as the types of ownership that forest owners commonly use for their tree farms. This article will focus more narrowly on lifetime gifts and address some of the questions that have been raised in the letters to the editor.

Gift Taxes A quick review of the gift tax rules should be addressed prior to discussing the advisability of lifetime giving. Under the Federal tax scheme, gifts can be given during one's lifetime without the payment of taxes until the "unified" credit (for gift and estate taxes together) is exhausted. Translated into a dollar figure, this means that an individual may pass up to $600,000.00. The law does provide for an exemption from all gift taxes for gifts up to $10,000.00 per person per year per donee (the person who receives the gifts). This provides estate planners with a wonderful opportunity to plan the orderly distribution of assets on a regular gifting schedule avoiding all taxes for gifts and retaining the unified credit for post-mortem estate planning.

Ownership Issues Before considering how to structure a lifetime gifting program, each individual must take a closer look at the manner in which assets are owned. Among married couples, there is a tendency to own everything jointly, with right of survivorship (Tenants by the Entirety). This means, that on the death of the first spouse, these assets avoid the legal review known as probate and go directly to the surviving spouse.

This generally happens even if there is no Will, or if the deceased spouse's Will specifies otherwise. At first, this may meet a couple's expectations and appear to save taxes on the first death, but instead of both persons enjoying the $600,000.00 Federal exemption previously referred to, only the second spouse's estate can take advantage of the $600,000.00 exemption. The first spouse's exemption would be lost. Therefore, a good starting point in attempting to 18

NY FOREST OWNER

plan for lifetime giving, as well as estate tax planning is to try to balance the assets owned by each spouse to make them as close as equal as possible. Many times this involves breaking up jointly held property into individual ownership or transferring substantial property interest from one spouse with a large amount of assets to the spouse with considerably fewer assets.

How and What to Gift As previously stated, the $10,000.00 annual exclusion from gift tax imposition provides a powerful planning device for individuals of all financial strata. If there is a spouse involved, the annual exclusion can be doubled to $20,000.00, even if the gifted pr~perty is titled to the name of only one spouse. (A gift tax return must be filed, however.)

If property is transferred to a minor, be careful about naming yourself as guardian for the minor, as the property transferred may be included in your estate, and therefore, it is wiser to name someone else as the infant's guardian.

The worst way to gift anything is by creating a joint account because that creates numerous legal questions of ownership from gift and estate tax perspectives as well as Medicaid considerations. High basis property (cash or recen tly purchased assets) are often desirable assets to be gifted, as they create the least amount of income tax liability for the recipient of the gift. Rapidly appreciating property is desirable to gift, as it greatly lessens the burden upon the estate by transferring the assets before the appreciation occurs. Gifts of appreciated property to charitable organizations may result in a tremendous income tax deduction in the year of the gift, and should be considered by anyone with charitable donative intent.

Many of the members of NYFOA have spent a lifetime managing and caring for their forested lands. They now wish to gift these cherished assets to their loved ones, so that their work and plans can be continued indefinitely. However, transferring real property is difficult, as reducing the gift to $10,000.00 increments is virtually impossible. The tree farm is an integrated parcel with various values depending upon frontNYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

age, timber growth, accessibility and other factors. That is why I have recommended in previous articles, that persons wishing to transfer their tree farm should consider forming a family limited partnership and transferring ownership of the tree farm to it, so that individual units can be gifted to limited partners within the family, while the general partners retain all management control and authority. These individual units would also be subject to a minority and marketability discount which can greatly aid in the rapid transfer of value to the new owners.

A well-planned lifetime gifting program can achieve many of the objectives that people wish to achieve while avoiding the risks of holding on to the assets until they are exposed to estate taxes or possible Medicaid recoveries. Everyone reading this article should pause and consider whether it would be wise to transfer some assets during their lifetime. Even if your total assets (including life insurance proceeds) do not exceed $600,000.00, a lifetime gifting program can be an integral part of a wellplanned estate to maximize the dual goals of successful asset transfer and estate tax avoidance. ~ Dave Colligan, a member of NYFOA's Niagara Frontier Chapter, is a practicing attorney with a Buffalo law firm (Watson, Bennett, Colligan, Johnson & Schechter; 600 Fleet Bank Building, 12 Fountain Plaza; Buffalo, NY 14202) and regularly provides articles on legal matters of interest to forest owners.

--

VOSS

Signs

Dc:pt. NYF. Box 553. Manlius. N.Y. 13104 Ph. (315) 882-8418 (Mon.路FIf. 9-51

NOVIDEC

1996

Austere in its bleak, twisted beauty And rooted i1 the depths 01 cold earth, The bare tree stands with its garland of snow As though in homage to the dead below.

Between the balTetllimbs shadows creep With promise of stillness and sleep, Held in the grasp of the winter's might An4 all embraced "" the dark of night.

- Dorothy Darling

IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT "WINTERSCAPES",the series ofphotos ©1986 by Patricia Kay

FARM

CREDIT

INTRODUCING MycorTree™

Loan or lease?

MYCORRHIZAL ROOT DIP 25 years of USDA research proves that mycorrhizae improves:

It depends ...

Stem and root growth Survival rate Disease resistance Drought tolerance

ome say obtaining a loan and buying is the most cost-effective \\"ay to finance expensive equipment.

Others say leasing equipment is the way to go.

In fact, each financing option has certain advantages with regard to convenience, flexibility and tax obligation.

To find out which makes most sense for you, talk to an ag business expert at Farm Credit.

When you do. remember this: Eligible borrowers can buy or lease through Farm Credit - a choice you won't find at manv other institutions.

S

Formulas for 99% of all trees and shrubs.

Call today for information on MycorTree TREE PRO Tree Protectors.

(800) 234-0269

NY FOREST

OWNER

and

800-875-8071

Farm Credit gives you the choice.

First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA 394 Route 29, Greenwich, NY 12834

TM

TREE PRO

~>fh~r.!!L~~!~Ls

3180 W 250 N W. Lafayette, IN 47906

es,

NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

•

19

..... _

-._---------------------------------------.,

THE PINE BARK ADELGID

By Douglas C. Allen

BIOLOGY

While working in some white pine plantations this summer, I ran across a few unusually heavy infestations of this common, aphid-like insect. It occurred to me that many landowners in New York who have white pine on their property undoubtedly encounter the pine bark adelgid (ah-dellgid) and may be curious about its identification and significance.

Adelgids comprise a small group of sucking insects that are confined to needle-bearing trees and are closely related to true aphids. Many species have complicated life cycles and utilize more than one host; a life stage or stages occurring on pine, others on spruce ... The pine bark adelgid is found predominantly on the smooth-barked stems and branches of white pine only, and its life history is relatively straight forward. It overwinters as an immature female (as is the case with many species of adelgids, males are rare in populations or are lacking altogether) on white pine bark. Females mature in the spring and deposit eggs beneath their wax covering (Fig. 2). After emerging from the egg, the first stage nymph (called a "crawler" because it is the only stage with functional legs and capable of dispersing) roams over the surface of the bark until it locates a suitable place to insert its thread-like mouth parts. The insect feeds by removing fluids from cells located just beneath the bark. These cells constitute a tissue called phloem (flow-urn), which is used by plants for the downward transport of food produced in the foliage through the process of photosynthesis.

Most adults are wingless and remain on the host from which they originated. Wind and possibly birds may inadvertently transport a few individuals from tree to tree.

APPEARANCE Infestations of the pine bark adelgid are very conspicuous. Once the insect settles down and begins to feed, it excretes a white, cottony-like wax over its body. Heavily infested sections of tree trunks and the underside of large branches look as if whitewashed (Fig. 1).

INFESTATIONS ARE SPOTTY

Fig. 1. The trunk of the white pine on the left is heavily infested with pine bark adelgid. Compare this to the two adjacent, uninfested trees.

20

NY FOREST OWNER

Typically, infestations consist of single trees scattered throughout a stand or, occasionally, the populations encompass a small group of trees. We do not know enough about the adelgid's biology to explain why one tree can be heavily infested and the insect is totally absent from an adjacent tree of the same size.

This pattern may be explained by the insect's reluctance to disperse once a colony becomes established. Also, it is quite possible that the species is adapted to a very narrow range of microclimatic conditions and/or is attracted to a unique set ofphysical and chemical properties that make some trees more susceptible to an infestation than others. Smooth bark appears to be the only obvious common denominator of infested trees. White pine in all crown positions and diameter classes are susceptible.

NYFOA

• 1·800-831>-3566 • INFO

Fig. 2. Close-up of the waxy covering excreted by adelgids.

CONSEQUENCES OF AN INFESTATION Past experiences with this native adelgid suggests that infested trees are not permanently damaged. The principle impact is aesthetic once populations become high enough to detract from the appearance of white pine in parks, recreational areas or individuals used around homes as ornamentals. .•.

This is the 29th in the series of articles contributed by Dr. Allen, Professor ofEntomology at SUNYIESF. NYFOA has prepared a book of these articles for distribution to the public at a cost of production; please contact the editor for details.

Nolan's Sporting Supplies Outdoor Equipment Specialist 37 • 47 Genesee Street Auburn. NY 13021

315/252·7249

NOVIDEC

1996

A

The Stewardship of Northern Hardwoods

pplication (or use facsimlle) for Membership in the New York Forest Owners Association.

IlWe would like to support good forestry and stewardship of New York's forest lands.

acres of wood-

( ) IlWe own land.

( ) IlWe do not own woodland but support the Association's objectives.

NAME

_

ADDRESS

_

City

Zip

Telephone Kim B. Adams, Douglas C. Allen, Paul D. Manion & Lawrence P. Abrahamson State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York

SPECIAL FOR FOREST OWNERS Arecent publication of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: "Stewardship of Northern Hardwoods: A Forest Owner's Handbook" is now available.

Authored by K.B. Adams, D.C.Allen, P.D. Manion and L.P. Abrahamson, 84, 8 112 by 11, glossy pages contain 32 black and white descriptive photographs intended for tree identification purposes and 67 color photographs detailing a principal diagnostic feature of tree disease. Nine common deciduous trees of New York and their problems are appropriately keyed.

The publication is written expressly for the forest steward and a must-have guide to management of the woodlot.

The cost is $10.00 per copy payable to SUNY Research Foundation and covers the cost of postage and handling with the surplus to provide funds for additional printings.

The initial printing costs were funded by Stewardship Incentive Funds. Mail check to KimAdams. College of Environmental Science and Forestry, ESF Extension, One Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210.

CONSULTING

FORESTER.

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

VINCENT P. CHEBETAR, JR. ACF

(776) 235-7341

NY FOREST

OWNER

NYS Cooperating Consultant Member: NYICF, ACF, SAF

NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

County of Residence

_

County of Woodlot

_

Referred by

_

Annual Dues (Please Check One) INDIVIDUAL

$20

FAMILY (or co-owners)

$25

CONTRIBUTING

$30-$100

SPONSORING MEMBERSHIP

$101and up INCLUDES:

Six issues of the NY FOREST OWNER, woodswalks, chapter meetings, and two statewide meetings for all members.

PLEASE make check NYFOA and SEND TO:

Assisting Woodland Owners Since 1967 996 Arnett Blvd.

Rochester, NY 14619

_

- INFO

payable

to

NYFOA,Inc P.O. Box 180.

Fairport, New York 14450

NOVIDEC

1996

•

21

By Jane Sorensen Lord, PHD, OTR, ND I love seeing you at meetings. It is fun to get your feedback and to hear your tales!

Lurking around city street trees gathering ginkgo leaves for a tincture!

Ordering seeds because you weren't sure what yarrow looks like in the wild and you do not want to die of non-yarrow poisoning!

Storing a Mason jar foil of dried coltsfoot for a year in your pantry because you weren't sure how to use it.

It is fun, isn't it?

Medicinal doses of herbs are found in store-bought extracts that have been steam distilled by factories regulated by the Food and DrugAdministration. Most extracts are made to be taken sublingual in dosages of number's of drops. Sublingual dosing bypasses the stomach and the herb is taken into the blood stream almost as quickly as a subcutaneous shot. Supposedly the strength of an extract is 10 times the potency possible through any methods we can use at home.

Homemade medicines are considered folk medicine or tonics. They may be taken seasonally like worming tonics orregularly like burdock for your heart or ginkgo for your mind. The herbs are being used "preventively."

The weakest herbal potion is a tea (an infusion, if you use leaves; a decoction, if you use roots.) If you are going to drink tea because you don't feel well, you will need to drink a lot. Old recipes for consumption call for 32 teaspoons in a quart, of which you will drink at least two daily!

I see using weak tea to cover a nutritional deficit in a similar way as I may take a Vitamin A because I didn't eat yellow vegetables. Sort of a nutritional Band-Aid that

won't store.

Tinctures made from high-proof vodka pulls the essence from herbal material making a potion which is taken in teaspoon to tablespoon doses probably as strong as over-the-counter preparations. A tincture takes up to 8 weeks to steep. Logically roots and stems take longer than leaves.

The tinctures will keep for years. Very little can mask the taste of most tinctures. Even when aged, I need to mix them with orange or grapefruit juice.

Historically many herbs were smoked by rolling them up or putting pieces of plant on a hot ember in a dish held to the nose and mouth. In my experience this is the fastest way to get herbs to act. My mother is mildly allergic to my cats when they are shedding. Rather than take a benedryl which knocks her out, we roll a mullein cigarette which clears her up before the cigarette is half gone.

Part of the reason the medical community is wary of the use of herbs is because the dosage information is imprecise when compared to pharmaceuticals. That means that if you choose to use herbs, you have to pay exceedingly close attention to your body. The safest way to use many herbs is topically. You swipe herbs you cured in oils, witch hazel or rubbing alcohol on your pulse points.

I am sure that herbs work well for me in so many ways because I am involved and partly in control of my own well being and healing.

Learning about medicinal plants is an ongoing process which is supported by the right attitude. No matter what, you are not going to learn all the plants even though you will learn about them for the rest of

Yarrow, Miifoil your life. You'll make mistakes. I've made any number of preparations that were inactive-plant look-a-likes.

The best way to learn, I discovered, is not to use herbals to identify the plants.

What I do is to use wildflower and weed guides; then, when I know what it is, I check the herbals or medicinal plant guide to see what they do. I have become confident in knowing that a plant is medical.

What I did in the beginning was to collect only plants that have odors. I would put them in separate baggies to bring back and examine and identify at my leisure. You will find the need to reference more than one source for identification because drawings and photos don't always look like your version of the plant. It becomes a fun challenge.

The best part is when you finally figure out that what you found is what you hoped.

When you go back out, pick some more and make a pot of tea that warms your body and tickles your soul!

•••

Dr. Jane, a regular contributor; is a Master Forest Owner and Certified Tree Farmer.

She has aprivate consulting practice in Occupational Therapy and Naturopathic Medicine and teaches on the Faculty of Health at Indianapolis University.

22

NY FOREST OWNER

NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996

The Marketplace ATTENTION small woodlot owners/part time loggers - For FARMI winches and VALB Y chippers, write Hewitt's Hill Haven, Locke, NY 13092 or call (315) 497-1266 (Before 8AM or after 6PM).

MEADOWVIEW NURSERY: QUALITY FIELD GROWN SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS for reforestation and establishing wildlife habitat.

SPECIALIZING IN NUT TREE & WElLAND VARIETIES. P.O. Box 241, Byron, NY 14422 (716) 548-2207 FAX (716) 548-9014.

FOR SALE: 170 acres Allegany County; 80 acres pine and hardwoods; deer, turkey, grouse; call Henry Hansen, evenings (716) 334-3569; Good project for interested woodsman.

For SaJe- A well-managed timberland tract in Ellenburg, NY consisting of191 acres near Upper Chateauguy Lake. ASking $85,000. For more details contact Ben Hudson at Wagner Woodlands and Co., P.O. Box 128, Lyme, NH 03768 (603) 795-2165.

READY TO BUILD: 22.7 Acres, surveyed, good well, septic test approved, 15 acres of beautiful woods, very private, shed and garden, 5 minutes from Cobleskill. Call 5181234-3984 FOR SALE: 611 acres mix woods with streams and over 4000 ft. frontage on private 3/4 mile-long lake, borders state land-Fulton County-l hour west of Albany-$115,000 RRSTERGAS, Broker, 518/762-4484.

Tree Sf-ar

Display: $210 - per full page or 30 cot, in.; $7 percol. in.

Marketplace: $10 minimum for 25 words or less, 10c each additional word.

Contact:

R.J. Fox, Editor RD 3, Box 88, Moravia, NY 13118 Fax/Phone: (315) 497-1078

Circulation

1800.

Forestry - Recreation - Ecology - Conservation

Alone, it hung upon a leaf, by chance I saw it there before it vanished in the air.

Uke a diamond it sparkled with the changing light so with the slightest nod of eye, it changed from red, to green, to blue, to brilliant white.

Suddenly, its myriad crystals coalesced, and quickly dripped from Sight.

In the dawn of morning's light, before the day was warm and bright, I watched a tree star form, and live, and grow, and then I watched it fall from Sight.

-James E. Coufal ©1995 OWNER

Per Insert:

FORECON INC.

In the dawn of morning's light, before the day was warm and bright, a tiny tree star came in sight.

NY FOREST

ADVERTISING RATES

NYFOA

• • • • • • • • •

Timber Sales & Appraisals Timberland Appraisals Management Plans ~.

TimberTaxation Plannin~~ Wildlife Management Trespass Evaluation ~ ~ ExpertTestimony . ~ Real Estate Sales SelVice~ Certified Appraiser on staff

t!~ ~ -..~

Now With Three Offices to Better Serve Your Needs!!!

Main Office 100 E. 2nd St., Jamestown ,NY 11 N. Main St., Suite 202, Cortland, NY 314 E. Fourth St., Emporium, PA

- 1-800-836-3566

- Hi/FO

(716) 664-5602 (607) 753-3113 (814) 486-1276

NOVIDEC

1996·

23

R.J. Fox, Editor RD#3, Box 88 Moravia, NY 13118 FaxlPhone (315) 497-1078

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Moravia, N.Y. 13118 Permit No. 21

NOTICE

\l\lFL

nEBBIE GILL

THE FOREST OWNER is mailed third class and will not be forwarded; notify Administrative Secretary Debbie Gill, PO Box 180, Fairport 14450 or call 1/800/836/3566 with a change in address!

J_

!'-IEI."l

~'C.~vc(~c~sT OWNERS {JI" .... ,\

I

ASSOC.

.""'~"""

PO BOX 180 v 144S0 F~:\IHP()P. "T' , ~l "i

•.• .

••

FOUNDED 1963

•

~

~

•

NYFOA SPECIALS The following promotional items especially designed for NYFOA may be obtained from Deborah Gill, Administrative Secretary; PO Box 180, Fairport, NY 14450; (716) 377-0391 or directly from and with support for your local chapter: Shoulder Patches $2.00 50% Cotton T-Shirts $8.00 Window Decals 0.50 100% Cotton T-Shirts 9.00 Member Sign 2.00 Long -sleeved Shirts 13.00 Pewter Lapel Pins 4.00 Sweatshirts 16.00 PLEASE PROVIDE SIZE & PHONE NO.

For Information On E- Mail, Estate Planning, Land Trusts, Timber Theft, Master Forest Owners .

•

NY FOREST OWNER

NYFOA

- 1-800-836-3566

NOV 2: CDC&SEA; 9:30AM; NYSDEC Saratoga Nursery; Saratoga Springs; 5181753-4336, 798-0248.

NOV 5: THRIFT; lOAM; Harden Furniture Factory Tour; McConnellsville; 315/245-1000.

NOV 6: WFL; General Mtg.; DEER Season; 716/367-2849 (eve.)

DEe 9: THRIFT; Holiday Party; Lowville Presbyterian Church.

Call our FREE information Database and Debbie will get the answers for you.

INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. 1-800-836-3566 24

WOODLOT CALENDAR

JAN 29-31: NYSAF; The Maine Referendum NY Lessons; Liverpool; 315/348-2208.

- INFO

NOVIDEC

1996