The Kansas Forest Service s 53rd

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1 Spring 2009 Issue #30 Contents: Comments from the State Forester... 2 Tree Profile... 3 Extreme Home Makeover... 4 What is an Emergency?... 5 Friend of the Kansas Forest Service... 9 EQIP Money... 9 Field Day...10 Fire Master Plan Calendar of Events...12 Tree Planting Season Begins The Kansas Forest Service s 53rd Conservation Tree Ordering and Distribution season is nearing its midpoint. The program began accepting orders the first Monday in December and will continue accepting orders until the first Monday in May. This year the program offers: 36 species of trees and shrubs that can be ordered in bundles of 25, Four specialty bundles targeted toward specific wildlife needs (pheasant, quail, songbird, and wildlife mast), and Several nonplant items that assist in seedling survival such as weed barrier fabric, protective rabbit tubes, and protective root slurry. A complete list of items offered can be viewed online at conservation. If you are looking for conservation tree seedlings, you can order via the internet, mail, or phone. Orders placed by phone can be taken Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We Need Your Help In an effort to reduce printing and mailing costs, the Kansas Forest Service would like subscribers who are willing to receive the newsletter electronically to send their address to szimmer@ksu.edu or call us at (785) Your address will not be given to any other organizations. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to let us know. Shipping will begin in mid-march, weather permitting. You will not be notified before the shipment of your order. Orders will be shipped in the order they were received, unless otherwise specified. Pick-up orders can be processed at the Kansas Forest Service State Office, 2610, Claflin Road, Manhattan after the middle of March. Pick-up hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If picking up a large order, please call 1 day before the desired pick up date. If you ordered seedlings from the Kansas Forest Service, and they have arrived, you need to properly care for them before planting. The first thing to do when receiving the plants is to inspect them for obvious signs of concern. The seedlings should be wrapped in plastic and the roots covered with a layer of moist shredded cedar. Some signs of possible problems include dry roots; excessively wet plant material, which can cause molding; frozen seedlings; and damaged plants. A tip sheet on proper handling and planting procedures should be included in the box. If you have concerns about the plants or did not receive a legible copy of the tip sheet, please contact the Kansas Forest Service immediately. If planting is not to occur immediately, re-moisten the roots, re-wrap the plants with the plastic, close the box, and store them in the coolest place available. Basements and cellars work well if a cooler is not available. Periodically check the seedlings to ensure that the roots have not dried out. Do not put the plants where they will freeze or in a bucket of water. Either of these will kill the plants. Storage in a refrigerator is acceptable, but you must check the roots for moisture frequently as continued on page 4

2 Newsletter Publication Information: Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service State Forester: Larry Biles Contact Information: Kansas Forest Service 2610 Claflin Rd. Manhattan, KS (785) Contributors: Kansas Forest Service Staff To receive the Adobe Acrobat version of this newsletter instead of a paper copy, please contact the Kansas Forest Service by mail, phone, or . To discontinue receiving this newsletter, please contact the Kansas Forest Service by mail, phone, or . 2 Comments from the State Forester The Green Side of Economic Stimulus Economic stimulus will likely be one of the top five focal points for the early portion of President Barack Obama s administration. In that regard, the Council of Western State Foresters and subsequently the National Association of State Foresters advanced a green component to the president s economic stimulus package. The state foresters message to President Obama s administration highlighted many green job opportunities associated with the nation s interest in reinvesting in America. Green jobs include tree planting to restore fire and insect damaged forest, labor and equipment to thin overstocked forests to protect communities and watersheds, and tree plantings for energy and highvalue products. Other green jobs cited by the state foresters are those associated with upgrading or decommissioning roads, improving trails, and upgrading public facilities; and tree planting and tree maintenance jobs within the nation s towns and cities. For Kansas, tree planting and tree maintenance jobs in the state s towns and cities, is the paramount portion. Expanding tree-planting and tree maintenance activities in the state s towns and cities is a simple but effective way to stimulate the nursery and arboriculture industries. In addition, trees strategically located around public and private buildings can substantially reduce fossil fuel consumption for heating and cooling purposes. This element lessens the nation s dependence on foreign sources of energy and carbon emissions. A recent fact sheet from the Nebraska Forest Service, Green Action for Economic Stimulus, quotes several economic data records from American Forest, the U.S. Forest Service, Sacramento Tree Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The quotes, paraphrased below are: Planting one tree on the west side of 55 million homes nationwide would save 318 gigawatts of electric power over 30 years. A research project in Sacramento discovered that three shade trees strategically planted around homes reduced air conditioning costs up to 30 percent. Similar research by the U.S. Department of Energy found that strategic tree plantings could reduce nationwide air conditioning use by at least 10 percent. In Minneapolis, Minn., street trees provide an annual savings of $6.1 million in energy costs and increase property values by $7.1 million. In Atlanta, trees remove an astonishing 19 million pounds of air pollutants at a savings of $47 million. Lastly, metropolitan Washington, DC s tree canopy is credited for reducing the need for 949 million feet of storm-water retention structures valued at $4.7 billion, and Minneapolis, Minn. s tree canopy is credited for reducing its storm-water treatment cost by $9.1 million annually. Expanded tree planting and tree maintenance activities in Kansas towns and cities could become a highly desirable economic stimulus for the state s nursery and arboriculture industries. Moreover, this action could have a positive impact on existing and emerging industries as research has shown that healthy urban forests do entice economic development. In other words, the economic and social well-being of rural and urban communities is dependent on the long-term health of their forests. Conversely, the ecological wellbeing of forests is dependent on the social and economic vitality of rural and urban communities. The Kansas Forest Service is committed to healthy forests and vibrant economies. Our role in the latter will likely be indirect as the economic and social subtleties associated with healthy forests are not easy to observe or measure. Nevertheless, we are proud of our role. We are also proud of the state s communities and the hundreds of volunteers working to sustain the state s urban forest. Their efforts are fundamental to the economic, social, and environmental needs of Kansans. In their honor, the Kansas Forest Service will work to advance the state s green infrastructure and green jobs. Larry Biles, State Forester, oversees all operations of the Kansas Forest Service. Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

3 Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra Family: Hourse-chestnut (Hippocatanaceae). Native Range: Indigenous to 42 counties in eastern Kansas. Ranges from western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and southern Michigan west to south central Iowa, southwestern Oklahoma and central Texas. Mature Height: 20 to 40 feet. Spread: 20 to 30 feet. Form: Oval with round crown. Growth Rate: Slow to medium. 7 to 10 feet over a 6- to 8-year period. Foliage: Palmately compound, five to seven leaflets. Eliptic to obovate 3 to 6 inches long with tapered tip and base. Finely toothed margins. Curled hairs below, but shiny (glabrous) dark green above. One inch-long petiole. Usually yellow fall color with some trees showing an orange to reddish brown color. Flowers: male and female on the same flower (polygamo-monecious). Yellow-green moderately showy. Appears after leaves form in early spring. Four to 7 inches long, 2 to 3 inches wide. Fruit: A leathery 1- to 2-inch diameter capsule containing 1 to 3 seeds. Ripe seeds (buckeyes) are dark chocolate to chestnut brown, smooth, and shiny with a helium resembling an eye. Seeds contain a narcotic clucoside poisonous to livestock (although eaten by some wildlife). Bark and Stems: Smooth, brown bark on young trees turning to dark brown and scaly on older specimens. Stems are brown to ash gray, with prominent lenticels and white homogenous pith. Prominent sharp-pointed conical apical buds. Stems, bark, and leaves may have a disagreeable odor when crushed. Site Description: Generally, an understory tree (shade tolerant) that most often occurs in moist soils in open woods adjacent to streams, but can be found on rocky hillsides. Hardiness zones 3 to 7. Appropriate for the eastern third of Kansas. Insect and Disease Problems: Leaf blotch is a fungal disease that is very common. Leaf scorch also can be a problem on dry unprotected sites. Spring 2009 Issue #30 Limitations: Hard to transplant from the wild (because of a long tap root) and is not readily available in the nursery industry, although red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is. One of the first trees to lose leaves in the fall and combined with leaf blotch, can make for a short exhibition of fall color. Suggested Applications: A good tree for parks and as a specimen tree. Not a good street or shade tree. The palmately compound leaf is unique and attractive. A good smallto medium-sized tree for semi to shady landscapes. Cultivars: None. Wildlife Benefits: General habitat for songbirds. Squirrels will use seed and pith as a food source. Comments: An attractive ornamental with limited commercial use because of the soft light wood. Found as an understory tree in mixed stands of bur and chinkapin oak and a variety of mixed hardwoods. It is not on any lists of Kansas Forest Service s Preferred Trees. Taxonomist s identify two varieties in Kansas, Aesculus glabra Wiild., var. arguta (Western Ohio Buckeye) and Aesculus glabra var. glabra (Eastern Ohio Buckeye). References Kansas Biological Survey, Vascular Plant Database; Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Michael Dirr; Know It and Grow It, Carl Whitcomb; Silvics of North Amercia, Volume 2, Hardwoods, Agricultural Handbook 654. Bob Atchison, Rural Forestry Coordinator, coordinates rural forestry activities for the Kansas Forest Service. Leaf blotch is a common problem for Ohio Buckeye. Ohio Buckeye can have beautiful yellow spring flowers. Ohio buckeye is a good choice for parks and as a specimen tree. 3

4 While a construction crew builds Chapman s new community center and storm shelter, volunteers plant a Sienna Glenn Maple. Volunteers were shown how to properly plant, mulch, and stake a tree before working throughout Chapman. Extreme Tree Planting in Chapman It s not every day in a forester s life that a popular television show decides to film in one of their communities. For a week in November, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC) descended upon Chapman, which was severely damaged by a tornado on June 11, Not only was a home for the Patrick Tutwiler family built, but due to the outpouring of assistance, volunteers, building and landscape professionals also were able to build and landscape a storm shelter/community center and renovate multiple homes. I hope you ll understand my bias when I report that one of the more important projects was to plant more than 30 trees throughout the city. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, approximately 40 volunteers helped plant more than 30 trees at various planting locations throughout a large geographic area of town. To ensure that all trees were properly placed and planted, State Forester Larry Biles, staff from Fort Riley s Conservation and Restoration Branch, and members of Abilene s and Chapman s Tree Boards lent their assistance. Several planting groups made for quick work and with staking and watering crews bringing up the rear, the group finished in just over 2 hours. This was an energetic group of people whose work was not shown when the episode aired on January 25 because the television cameras did not move as fast as they did! This planting was an important step in re-establishing Chapman s lost canopy, but also important was the specie diversity that it created. Nearly all trees were new additions to the specie selection in town, with two species, Heritage Oak and Emerald Sunshine Elm, newer introductions available in the nursery trade. Additional plantings conducted in November brought the total number of trees planted in Chapman at more than 70. With the assistance of several volunteers and generous donations and support, Chapman is making strong strides in re-establishing the canopy that was lost in just a few minutes. Kim Bomberger, District Community Forester, provides technical assistance, education, and training to Kansas communities in Northeast and North Central Kansas. 4 Tree Planting, continued from page 1 refrigerators will quickly draw the moisture from the plants. If the seedlings are properly cared for, you will have about a week to get the plants in the ground. If you start to notice that the buds of the plant are swelling or green foliage is emerging, it is critical to get the plants in the ground as soon as possible. When it comes time to plant, re-moisten the roots, keep the box in the shade, and remove only the plants that you will need to complete a small section of the planting area at a time. Removing a small number of plants at a time, lessens the chances that the roots will be dry by the time they are planted. When carrying the plants, carry them in a planting bag, a bucket, or some other way that allows the plants to remain protected. Wrapping the roots with a wet towel will reduce the chances of the roots drying out. Once the seedlings have been planted, it is a good idea to give the seedlings a good soaking with 1 or 2 gallons of water, even if the soil is already moist. This will ensure that the roots are moist, that they are in good contact with moist soil, and will help remove any air gaps left in the soil. Proper care of the seedlings before and during planting is critical to planting success. To improve your chances of success, take time to properly handle the plants. Mark Haller, Conservation Forester, manages the Conservation Tree Planting Program and related activities for the Kansas Forest Service. Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

5 What is an Emergency? How does a fire chief, define an emergency? Mr. Webster states that an emergency is a situation, often dangerous, which arises suddenly and calls for prompt action. Does this not describe a wind-driven prairie fire, consuming square miles of grass faster than a horse can run? So, my question is, when do you admit that an emergency is more than you can handle and start calling for additional resources? We do not want to cry the sky is falling every time we have a fire, but every department should have some trigger points or thresholds in place in preparation for such events. One of the first triggers should be the need for additional resources, usually those neighbors that we have mutual aid agreements with. When the chief calls for mutual aid resources, that should also be the trigger to get the local emergency manager (LEM) involved, assuming that person is not already engaged. Through pre-established protocol, the LEM asks the fire department s governing body to sign a local disaster declaration (LDD). This document must be signed, dated, and time documented to be 100 percent effective. For those reluctant to seek the LDD, work out the details now. They do not cost or automatically bring in outside resources. They do create opportunities to use state, federal, and other resources if necessary. Once the LEM is engaged and the LDD is in place, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management should be put on notice. Remember, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management is not staffed 24/7/365, so there may be some phone tag before additional resources will be available (beyond mutual aid resources). The LDD, has to precede a State Disaster Declaration and if the event gets to the point that it may qualify for a FEMA declaration, the LDD and state DD both have to be in place. Making the Kansas Department of Emergency Management aware that you have an emergency that may need additional resources does not cost until those resources are activated. But if there are lives, homes, or infrastructure threatened, make decisions you can live with and are perhaps not financially driven. At the state level, we are in the process of developing protocols to make the necessary notifications as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Those protocols should be in place and available to LEMs by the early spring fire season. All LEMs will be made aware of these protocols when they are developed. Spring 2009 Issue #30 So what makes something a trigger point? That will vary from department to department, but may be based on weather, resources (including personnel), location of the event, lives or infrastructure threatened, or a combination of these and other factors. Even the time of day or day of the week may trigger the need for addition resources. When developing trigger points, do not overlook the small things or the obvious. One trigger may be who has had the training to handle multiagency events. Using the Incident Command System, the only person available to manage the initial operations may be the newest person on the department. In that situation, the trigger for additional personal may be tripped sooner than if a well-trained, seasoned veteran is present. Because most Kansas fire departments are served by volunteers that have other careers, these departments can expect to experience a lack of leadership on some events. The National Incident Management System requires that those people in leadership positions that may manage a large incident need to have ICS 300 training. Since we are a state of volunteers, more than just the chief should be trained to handle these large incidents. The training is free and readily available. To get the training process started, contact your LEM. This will also get them involved in the department and the way you currently manage fire emergencies. If this article sparked your departmental interest to develop some standard protocols for adding resources on an incident, the Kansas Forest Service Fire Program, as well as the Kansas Department of Emergency Management can assist you. Protocols or Standard Operating Guidelines do not restrict your options to act, they give you directions on how to act, they are guidelines. Departments and people working in emergency situations that get in trouble are the ones that don t have or don t follow written guidelines. Work on this document now, before the busy wildland fire season arrives. Remember, an emergency is a situation that needs immediate action. Ross Hauck Fire Management Coordinator, directs fire management activities for the Kansas Forest Service. How do you tell when a fire is an emergency? 5

6 Sherman Rawlins Thomas Graham Rooks Osborne Wallace Logan Gove Trego Ellis Russell Greeley Stanton Morton Wichita Grant Stevens Scott Haskell Decatur Sheridan Lane Gray Meade Seward Ness Hodgeman Ford Clark Rush Pawnee Edwards Kiowa Comanche Barton Stafford Pratt Barber Jewell Mitchell Lincoln Ellsworth Cloud Ottawa Saline Washington Clay Dickinson Riley Pottawatomie Jackson DO Atchison Jefferson LV Geary Wabaunsee Shawnee Douglas Osage Morris Lyon Franklin WY Johnson Miami Cheyenne Norton Phillips Smith Republic Marshall Nemaha Brown Hamilton Kearny Finney SW NW NC Rice Reno Kingman Harper District Highlight: Tim McDonnell What Does it Take to Have a Good Community Forestry Program During the Economic Downturn? People have heard me say, the four key ingredients to become a Tree City USA community or have a successful community tree program are: A tree board NE member that is a diehard volunteer tree advocate, A council member McPherson Marion Chase Coffey who is pro trees, Anderson Linn Harvey Butler Greenwood Woodson Allen Bourbon Sedgwick SE A public works Wilson Neosho SC Crawford Elk person that believes Sumner Cowley Montgomery Labette Chautauqua Cherokee and professes trees are good, and An educated public that understands the benefits of trees. When missing any one of these key ingredients, your program may be good, but it will not be great. It will take a strong effort from the remaining three to sustain the program. I compare it to a four-legged chair. If one leg is missing, it makes it extremely difficult for the other three to hold it upright, if at all. People/Employees A program is only as good as its people. Use the good ones, encourage them, and ask them for their input. Hire the right people and Invest in them. Educate them and retain them. Employees are the frontline that interacts every day with the general public. The impression they make is usually a lasting one. As once stated by Margaret Mead, Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. It is the only thing that ever has. The Tree Board Member I refer to the over-dedicated, fanatic member who is the driving force of all that gets accomplished. Everything goes through this person. You all know whom I am talking about; we all have one. This ultimate tree advocate/taxpayer who pushes the succes of your tree program. The Pro Tree Council Member Cultivate an advocate on the council to stand up for the program when the time is right, or when the program is in need of that voice. A person that may question a decision or offer a solution to a problem that would be to your benefit. You need a spokesperson for trees in general that supports your tree program. The Trees are Good Person Find an advocate in support of the program within the public works department. Tree programs can easily become lost amongst the scheme of roads and bridges. You need a person to defend the program when it comes under attack. This person will educate those within this department and not merely feel that trees are something that need to be mowed around. The Green Educated Public It is the job of everyone from the top to the bottom to educate the public. Educate the employees to educate the public with whom they interact on a daily basis. By building a knowledgeable public, a program can start to build consensus by numbers. A viable, successful community forestry program is all about these individuals and groups working together toward a common goal. Ideas for Tough Times: Budgets and Staff The first area to be cut in a budget may be considered fluff. In my opinion, we have already removed the fluff in recent years, and are now looking at cutting programs. Do not allow tree planting and tree care to be one of the cut programs. While some may view trees as fluff, I could not disagree more. Trees are as vitally important as any grey infrastructure. We must constantly educate the public, public works, and policy decision makers regarding the benefits that trees provide for us. 6 continued on page 7 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

7 District Highlights continued from page 6 You all know the drill. Trees: clean the air, reduce noise, reduce energy costs, increase property values, reduce storm water runoff, encourage economic development, speed healing and have a calming effect on humans, are a food source and shelter for both humans and wildlife, and will prolong the life of an asphalt street if trees shade it. I usually promote trees after a storm, as it is usually trees that are being blamed for the damage. When in fact, the blame should be placed on man. Trees are not at fault, someone either chose a poor species or planted the wrong species in the wrong place. In tough times, we all have to do more with less. As budgets tighten, we need to become tougher with our standards. It is necessary to raise our standards of what we deem to be acceptable. Raise expectations when dealing with contractors; maybe we should pay more for quality versus quantity. You get what you pay for. Maybe if we were not required to accept the low bid, we could increase our success and thus save time and money. I have witnessed many low bid contractors poor installation practices only to see the trees die or struggle during the establishment phase and never really receive a healthy start. The taxpayer notices these failures and blames the city staff for these as they did not take notice of who installed the project. Sometimes, I think that we are better off doing it ourselves and doing it right the first time: saving money in the long run. In times of declining budgets, do not cut back on training opportunities. The education process is vitally important to acquire and maintain experienced staff. Being more frugal in this area is acceptable, but do not let education training become axed entirely. An experienced staff will save money in the long run. Spring 2009 Issue #30 Promotion It has been said that, We are great plants people, but we are not worth a darn at marketing. We need to do a better job of self-promotion. It would pay dividends tenfold, if we would just take the time to do some marketing and promotion of our programs. Many communities have developed educational materials including brochures, publications, and even posters. They are promoting their tree programs, proper tree selections, and proper tree planting. Many have cost share programs and preferred tree lists, and periodically send informational brochures out with the water bill. Recently, I shared an idea with the newly formed Greensburg Tree Board suggesting they develop a two- to four-page publication: 1) to introduce the tree board and their activities, 2) reference the recommended tree list and other K-State/Kansas Forest Service publications that deal with selection and planting, and 3) display the setbacks as written in their tree ordinances. Basically, open the lines of communication with homeowners to educate the public on planting the easement area correctly, the first time. Let us not forget the power of a city Web site. There are a few communities in northeast Kansas that display their ordinances and easement setbacks on a web link. The TREES Once the trees are planted and established, they become the workhorse for selling the program. Successful planting projects that encompass proper selection, proper site preparation, and proper planning guidelines will sell your program. Whereas, a poorly developed planting project will return to haunt the program many times over. Again, not blaming the trees, as they were not really given the chance to become a sustainable and healthy plant. When talking about the trees themselves within the continued on page 8 7

8 District Highlights, continued from page 7 overall tree canopy, we need to continue to strive toward: diversity of age, as well as species, implementing a hazard tree program to reduce the city s liability and increase public safety, promote an aggressive pruning program from youth to maturity to prevent the tree defects that lead to failures, and possessing a proactive utility program that promotes the removals of large growth trees under the utility lines and replaces them with under story trees. Obviously as we get aggressive with removal of our-over mature trees we need to be just as aggressive in our replanting efforts. Lately, I have seen improvement in species selection. The city of Hutchinson not only provided large planting islands, but also is using the Whiteshield Osage Orange. The city of Winfield used some of the hybrid elms as their pit-planted trees. If you read my article from the last Kansas Canopy I discussed the need for a hazard tree removal program from both a liability and a safety standpoint. For many years now, we have concentrated training on pruning issues. Especially, on being proactive with pruning during the formative years for proper branch and canopy structure that will prevent structural failures. Westar Energy is currently working with many communities on the removal of trees directly under power lines and replanting with understory trees. I am currently reviewing a similar project for the City of Chanute, referred to as a Trade a Tree program. They are doing this in response to the fact that the city is spending over $150,000 a year in utility pruning. All of the above are progressive and proactive types of thinking that may in the long run save the city money. This is nothing new, need to strive to become better educators, promoters, and marketers of our green resource when the opportunity arises. The ideas in this article are to promote and enhance your programs during tough budget times. Green Economic Ideas We are hearing from Washington that a portion of the economic stimulus package will be green. Here are my ideas for community forestry program in Kansas: a cost-share tree planting program, a cost-share program for tree maintenance, a cost-share hazardous tree removal program, a cost-share tree inventory program using a system called Tree Works, a cost-share program to plant trees in FEMA purchased properties in cities in southeast Kansas, a cost-share program for tree removal by utility lines and replanting with understory trees, a cost-share program for storm recovery for communities, a cost-share program for urban watershed protection, a cost-share program for watershed easements, a cost-share program for tree/forest preservation, a cost-share program for eradication of invasives, a cost-share program using woody biomass alternatives for electric/utility generation, a cost-share program for planting windbreaks for energy reduction and economic gains, and an economic stimulus coordinator for all the above projects. Tim McDonnell, Community Forestry Coordinator/District Community Forester, coordinates community forestry activities and provides educational and technical services for communities and green industries in southeast and south central Kansas 8 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

9 Forest Service Friend Eulogized David Jackman, Jr., a long-time friend of the Kansas Forest Service, was laid to rest on Monday February 2, Mr. Jackman s eulogy featured both benevolancy and frugality. Mr. Jackman was credited for a long list of fiscal and ambassador services to the state s oil and gas industries, the Society of Civil Engineers, Kansas State and Wichita State universities, the Mayo Foundation, the Kansas Forest Service, and the Butler County Soil Conservation Service. For the latter, Mr. Jackman was humorously remembered as one that knew and appreciated the value of a dollar. Many persons fondly spoke of their association with and respect for Mr. Jackman and Mr. Jackman s family. The printed message from Mr. Jackman s service follows: When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room! Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little but not to long And not with your head bowed low! Remember the love that we once shared Miss me But Let Me Go! For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone; It s All a part of the Master s Plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good Deeds Miss Me - But Let Me Go! Mr. Jackman, thank you for all you have done for and with the Kansas Forest Service. You are missed and you will be remembered. David Jackman, Jr. Larry Biles, State Forester, oversees all operations of the Kansas Forest Service. Financial Assistance for Windbreaks Significant changes in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for Forestland Health offer cost-share funds to establish and manage agroforestry practices for windbreaks and riparian forests state-wide. Until last year, the program was only offered in the eastern third of Kansas with a strong focus on forest stand improvement. Forest stand improvement will continue to be an important part of the program, however, funding is now available to renovate older windbreaks, establish new field windbreaks and riparian forests. Cost-share rates have also increased from 50 percent to 75 percent and funding has increased from $100,000 in 2008 to $160,000 in The primary resource concerns these practices address include the health and productivity of forest and Spring 2009 Issue #30 cropland, and soil erosion by wind and water. The deadline for signing up for 2009 funding is April 10. Interested landowners should contact their local district forester through the Kansas Forest Service Web site at www. kansasforests. org/staff/rural/ index.shtmland or by calling our state office at (785) Bob Atchison, Rural Forestry Coordinator, coordinates rural forestry activities for the Kansas Forest Service. Windbreak renovation can often be accomplished by simply adding a row of trees like the bur oak in this photo. 9

10 Agroforestry Field Day May 20 The 2007 Spring issue of the Kansas Canopy ran a featured article on Roy and Cherry Brown, winners of the 2007 Kansas Agroforestry Award. Since then the Kansas Forest Service has been looking for an opportunity to showcase the impressive tree plantings and windbreaks on their farm. That opportunity has arrived in the form of the 2009 Agroforestry Field Day, scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, in Smith County. Although the Brown s livelihood has been devoted to growing wheat, milo, and raising cattle and hogs, the couple now enjoys retirement on their farm near Lebanon, surrounded by beautiful windbreaks and a 3.5 acre woodlot of black walnut and bur oak. The Browns have established more than 10 acres of agroforestry practices that include field windbreaks, farmstead windbreaks, and a livestock windbreak designed in a horseshoe shape as a living barn to protect their hog operation. In addition to the 2007 Kansas Agroforestry Award, the couple received the 1993 Kansas Banker s Association Windbreak Award. Roy and Cherry Brown in front of their living barn. The Browns began planting trees in the late 1970s when Roy realized they would be an effective way to keep snow from drifting into the farmstead. I got tired of using a scoop shovel to remove snow from feeding areas, Roy said, There s got to be a better way. The 2009 field day plans to use the windbreaks and woodlot as sites for the agroforestry educational sessions targeting landowners and natural resource professionals. The day will begin with Roy and Cherry providing an overview of the tree farm followed by these sessions. Establishment and Care of Woodlots Jim Strine, Kansas Forest Service, District Forester, will discuss proper site Deer, wild turkey, songbirds and other wildlife are a common sight at the Brown s Tree Farm. preparation, weed control, and follow up pruning necessary for success. Making Lumber from Native Woodlots Wade Wagner, local sawmill operator, will conduct a portable sawmill demonstration and discuss how landowners can convert their own timber into a variety of wood products. Design, Benefits, and Management of Windbreaks Dennis Carlson, Kansas Forest Service, District Forester, will provide information on windbreak design options, function, and the follow-up management needed to sustain the health of windbreaks. Landscaping the Farmstead Holly Dickman, K-State Research and Extension, Horticulturist, will lead a walking tour around the beautifully landscaped farmstead discussing appropriate trees and shrubs for planting, and important design considerations. Protecting Trees from Wildlife Damage Charlie Lee, K-State Research and Extension, Wildlife Damage Control Specialist, will demonstrate a variety of techniques to control deer and other wildlife damage to tree plantings. Woody Plant Control in Grasslands Keith Harmony, K-State Agricultural Research Center (Hays), Range Science Specialist, will discuss options for controlling the spread of trees like honeylocust into grasslands. A small registration fee will be charged to cover the cost of a catered lunch. Look for registration information in the mail sometime in April or check it out on our Web site at You are also welcome to phone the Kansas Forest Service State Office at (785) for more information. continued on page 11 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

11 Agroforestry, continued from page 10 The American Tree Farm System has been certifying the Brown s as Tree Farmers for 29 years. The program recognizes landowners who own at least 10 acres of forest or windbreaks and practice sustainable forestry. Cherry Brown thinks every farmstead with suitable land should become involved with the Tree Farm Program. I wish every landowner would plant trees, Cherry notes. Years ago, Roy encouraged his uncle to plant additional windbreaks on What is a Master Fire Plan? In the 1990s, Kansas Forest Service began working with the Resource Conservation and Development Districts (RC&Ds) to provide a new service by developing Master Fire Plans to help counties improve their fire protection. The first several plans were produced by a contractor. When staffing became available, the Kansas Forest Service began producing them in-house. Since that time, 23 counties in Kansas have received plans and another 10 are pending. Counties that have received plans have used the information and recommendations to improve fire protection and coordination between departments, to support grant applications, and to work toward lower ISO ratings in short, to do their jobs better, safer, or more efficiently. To start the process, a request must be received from a representative within the county. Most commonly, requests come from the county commission, or from a chiefs association or similar group. The next step is for the fire planning specialist to mail a packet of survey materials to each fire department within the county being studied. These include vehicle and equipment inventories, a department profile survey, and some other information that provides basic statistical and overview information. We also solicit any and all input available from departments being studied, including any challenges or problems they are facing, coordination or communication issues, or other situations that may be addressed. Once the survey information is received, the planner spends some time in the county, touring the area, seeing fire stations and equipment, and learning the area. Spring 2009 Issue #30 his property. His uncle s response was, It will take so many years to get them going. Because of patience, foresight, and hard work, the Browns now enjoy their beautiful trees, which stand as a living memorial to good environmental stewardship. You are invited to meet these remarkable people and see their good works first hand by attending the 2009 Agroforestry Field Day. Bob Atchison, Rural Forestry Coordinator, coordinates rural forestry activities for the Kansas Forest Service. The master fire plan itself can be produced in as little as a few weeks to as long as years, depending mostly on how quickly the fire departments provide needed information. The RC&Ds and Kansas Forest Service staff help compile the information, but it is ultimately up to each fire department to provide the information as accurately as possible. The timeliness of response determines how soon the plan can be completed, and the completeness of the information provided directly dictates the quality of observations and recommendations that can be provided. Once completed, the plan is printed and bound. Copies are provided to each fire department, the RC&D that helped facilitate it, and the county commission. There is no cost for the plan. Each county, fire department, and their leadership can then read the plan, review the recommendations, and determine how best to apply the suggestions included. There is no obligation. If local officials can use the material to come up with an even better answer to their challenges, the objective has been met as well. A backlog of requests has been reduced in the last couple of years, so if additional counties are interested in developing master fire plans, new requests can be addressed as quickly as the affected fire departments provide information. We in the Fire Management Program stand ready to assist in this, and any other way we can support Kansas fire departments. Eric Ward, Fire Planning Specialist, has statewide responsibility for county-wide fire planning and Equipment Donation Program. 11

12 Links of Interest: Kansas Forest Service K State Research and Extension State of Kansas Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Natural Resources Conservation Service Kansas Farm Service Agency Kansas Calendar of Events March 9 May 14, 2009 Conservation Tree Planting Program Shipping Schedule. March 25, 2009 TCUSA Recognition Day, Manhattan, KS. Contact Tim McDonnell at tmcdonne@ksu.edu for more information. May 20, 2009 Agroforestry Field Day, Lebanon, KS, Roy and Cherry Brown s Tree Farm. Contact Bob Atchison at (785) or atchison@ksu.edu for more information. August 2-5, 2009 National Walnut Council meeting, Clarksville, IN. Contact Bob Atchison at (785) or atchison@ksu.edu for more information. For a current listing of events, check our Web site: Kansas Canopy Kansas Forest Service 2610 Claflin Road Manhattan, KS Notice of nondiscrimination K State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Fred A. Cholick Director. 12 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service