Improvements

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In general, the word “improvement” means something that enhances value or utility. In real estate, an improvement is defined as a specific and permanent change to a property that enhances that property’s value, utility, or desirability. In real estate lingo, that usually means a building like a home, office building, shop, or garage. However, when we talk about land, improvements can take many forms which, more often than not, don’t involve buildings. If you are looking to “improve” your property, here are a few ideas that will … [Read more...]

Zebra Mussels

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Sometimes, due to a lack of natural controls such as disease or competitors, a non-native species can easily become established in a new area. Once established, it can out compete and displace the native species, disrupting and degrading the environment. That’s an invasive species. And the zebra mussel is definitely invasive. The zebra mussel is native to the Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It was probably brought to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of a cargo ship. When the ballast was emptied, the … [Read more...]

Common Problems with Burns

ControlledBurnHighPark

Planning and preparation for prescribed burns should start several months or even a year prior to a burn. The following issues represent the most common problems we encounter regarding well-intended, but poorly prepared or executed burns: Little training and experience Inadequate fine fuel Absence of a well-prepared burn plan Poorly prepared fireguards Coarse or volatile fuels too close to fireguards Impatience (related to poor decisions) Lack of training can be overcome by attending prescribed burning workshops and courses … [Read more...]

Controlling Aquatic Vegetation with Grass Carp

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Controlling aquatic vegetation with grass carp is one of the options available to pond owners with aquatic plant problems. In many situations, the use of grass carp is an economical, long lasting, and effective option. However, grass carp are not appropriate for every pond with abundant aquatic plants. Whether grass carp should be stocked in a pond or not, depends on the goals for the pond, the plant species causing problems, and the probability of grass carp escaping the pond. Grass carp should not be stocked in a pond where attracting … [Read more...]

Different Types of Gardens

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Gardens are always a nice topic to discuss but it seems to be even more pleasant to talk about these days when so many of us have been inundated with snow, ice, and frigid temperatures for the past few months.  Hoping the Groundhog was correct yesterday, we can all envision and dream of the garden warmer temperatures will bring.  But what type of garden will you plant?  Tired of the doing the same thing every year?  We have some ideas. John Fech, from the UNL Extension Service, says, "generally, a garden is a plot of ground on your … [Read more...]

Forestry Aesthetics

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Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring a series on forestry aesthetics loaded with information for any landowner to use.  In order to better understand the series, we felt it would be beneficial to start with a glossary of terms.  Some are very familiar and some aren't but all are important to know with regard to your forest and maximizing your landownership experience. Aesthetics Management Zone (AMZ) - An area of land, typically along a roadway or water body, in which forestry is practiced in a manner sensitive to the aesthetics … [Read more...]

Planning for a Timber Cruise

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There are many reasons for conducting a timber cruise on your property.  While it is an expense that may not have any immediate return on investment, it is in the best interest of landowners to know the value of their timber whether they are preparing to sell their property, determining net worth, considering a timber harvest, or simply making decisions on how to best manage their timber. Before conducting a timber cruise, landowners need to make sure that the professional involved in the timber cruise has all of the information he or she … [Read more...]

Roadside Management for Wildlife

Talbot County, GA

As more acres are converted into pine plantations, roadside management becomes more important for wildlife. Roadsides if managed properly can provide habitat for various wildlife species. Development of these areas is relatively inexpensive and requires very little maintenance. During the first few years of pine growth, an abundance of grasses and weeds provide seeds, insects, and browse (depending on past land use, site quality and preparation). Deer, turkey, quail, rabbits, songbirds, and small mammals commonly use these areas for food, … [Read more...]

Avoid A Fish Kill

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A catastrophe many pond managers experience each year is a fish kill due to dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion. Fish kills can occur any time the DO demand is greater than the water can supply — but pond managers can take steps to avoid such an event in their ponds. Fish kills commonly occur in ponds where channel catfish are fed supplemental food. Typically, the pond owner stocks fingerling catfish and begins a feeding program. Given the small size of the catfish, initially the pond water supplies plenty of oxygen. However, in seven or eight … [Read more...]

Forestry Tools – Measurement

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Our last in the series of Forestry terms deals with measurement and if you are planning to cut timber, these are terms you will likely hear and want to be familiar with.  The picture to the left is a prime example of a defect in a tree which can considerably alter its worth when cutting timber.  For more information on timber measurement, view the Greenwood Project video on log scale sticks. Acre - An area of land measuring 43,560 square feet or 10 (66-foot) surveyor's chains by 1 (66-foot) chain. Basal Area -  The measurement taken, … [Read more...]