Forestry Tools – Forest Harvesting

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Part three in our Forestry Tools series deals with harvesting and the issues and tools used.  If you missed the first two parts,  Part One on Forestry Management or Part Two which highlighted Silviculture terms are still accessible to all. Broad base dip - An erosion control practice for roads; a shallow depression constructed diagonally across a woods road to drain water off the road. Buffer strip - An area of land in vegetation that is (a) located downslope from forest activities that protects from sediment runoff, especially along … [Read more...]

Is the Hunting Industry Missing the Point?

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Wildlife management, particularly white-tailed deer management, is becoming more and more commercialized. Hunting magazines and TV shows bombard landowners and hunters with commercials from seed companies, feed dealers and feeder manufacturers. They are catchy ads, too, with pictures of huge, sometimes out-of-proportion antlers and promising trade names such as "Rack-Up," "Antler King," "Rack Attrack," "BigAz' Feeder," "Rackmaster," "Pro-Vide," "Bio-Logic," "Big Buck Crunch," and the list goes on. Food plot implement dealers and deer stand … [Read more...]

Forestry Tools – Silviculture

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In part two of our series on Forestry terms, we are highlighting terms used with regard to silviculture; a term used often but misunderstood by many.  Simply put, silviculture is the manipulation of a forest stand to achieve desired production outcomes.  Whether you are a landowner or looking to invest in property either small or large, the following terms will help you better understand forest management. Bedding - A mechanical method used to prepare a site for planting seedlings, bedding involves plowing the ground to form cultivated … [Read more...]

Forestry Tools – Terms for Forest Management

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Forestry continues to be a hot topic for the Greenwood Project.  We regularly get questions concerning timber, timber value, and how to navigate through the forestry world.  We came across a list of terms specific to forestry and found it to be an excellent reference tool.  In the first of a multi part series, we have defined key terms used in forest management.  In the coming weeks we will be highlighting other terms related to forestry measurements and harvesting.  Follow us on facebook and find out when the next part is hot off the … [Read more...]

Tree Topping and Storm Damaged Trees

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Many of us, all across the country, have experienced storm damaged either from the harsh winters or devastating springtime and summer storms.  Many of the trees damaged by severe storms will have large broken branches.   Repairing trees damaged like this is often difficult and more time consuming than the simpler job of "topping" them.  Topping is a very destructive approach to pruning trees and is not recommended.    Our friends at the Nebraska Forest Service have some advice concerning Tree Topping. What is Tree Topping? According … [Read more...]

Weed Wiper: Good for You and Bad for Weeds

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Have you ever needed to spray your pasture, but it was too windy? Or have you ever needed to spray but didn't want to damage your clovers and other legumes? Do you want to save money, cut down on herbicide rates and help the environment? Then consider a weed wiper as your herbicide application method. If you can graze desirable forages so that weeds are 6 inches taller than the forages, a weed wiper will work for you. Many people are unfamiliar with wiper or wick applicators. However, they have been used for years to control volunteer corn … [Read more...]

Native Plants Important for Wildlife

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The most important concept to understand for successful wildlife management is the importance of native plant communities. Conservation and management of native plant communities should be the emphasis of wildlife management efforts. Without appropriate native plant communities present, most wildlife species cannot exist. One of the most common questions our wildlife specialists receive is "What should I plant for wildlife?" Usually, the answer is "You do not 'need' to plant anything." Sometimes there is a justification for planting some … [Read more...]

Think About Use Before Constructing Ponds

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With the prevalence of drought the past few years, many landowners have realized the value of their ponds (Texans call 'em tanks). Unfortunately, some have had to pay more for their "value" than others, depending on how much the drought affected them. Many landowners are building and stocking new ponds, as well as re-stocking old ponds that dried up, with fish to increase water reserves and provide fisheries for family enjoyment or income. It is good to take time to consider all of the values that ponds have to offer before actually … [Read more...]

Conservation Buffers

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What is a conservation buffer? A conservation buffer is a small strip of land in permanent vegetation that helps to control an environmental problem or concern.  They are typically less expensive to install than other practices which require more engineering and construction.  There are many different types of buffers such as a windbreak which we discussed in a previous article,  shelter belts, field borders,  alley cropping,  areas of shallow water,  living snow fences, contour grass strips, vegetative barriers, and riparian buffers.  … [Read more...]

Windbreaks

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Windbreaks are designed and can be beneficial for many reasons.  In certain parts of the country, there is little consideration given for a windbreak while in others it is an issue that is constantly front of mind.  I found it very interesting to learn about them and the reasons we need them.  The top reasons for creating a windbreak are: 1.  Conserve Energy - a well designed windbreak can reduce the amount of energy needed both in the winter and summer by as much as 20 - 40 percent.   2.  Control Snow - In many parts of the country, … [Read more...]