Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm Program - A VOICE FOR HEALTHY FORESTS
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Vermont Woodlands
Association and Vermont
Tree Farm Program
A VOICE FOR HEALTHY FORESTS
Vol. 15, No. 2 June 2019
MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER
Proud Sponsor of the American
Tree Farm System in Vermont
vermonttreefarm.org
vermontwoodlands.org
VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Annual Meeting.......................3 2019 TFOY............................... 14
Forestry Issues..........................4 Maple Business..................... 16
Vermont Woodlands Association New members...........................5 EAB & Birds............................. 17
2019 Officers and Directors Native vs. invasive..................6 Inspectors................................ 18
Adapting forests......................8 Pull up Party........................... 19
OFFICERS
Cons Foresters..........................9 SFI................................................ 20
Putnam W. Blodgett, President, Hanover, NH
John Buck, Co-Vice President, Waterbury Center, VT Keep Every Cog..................... 10 Book Review........................... 22
Allan Thompson, Co-Vice President, Waterbury, VT Forest Business..................... 12 Ski the Trees........................... 24
Trevor Evans, Treasurer, Newport, VT
Marli Rabinowitz, Secretary, Guilford, VT Tree Farm in DC..................... 13
Alan M. Robertson, Secretary, Sheffield, VT
Front cover photos:
DIRECTORS Kathleen Wanner
John Buck, Waterbury Center, VT
Jamey Fidel, Montpelier, VT
Chris Fife, Fairfield, ME
Steve Handfield, Poultney, VT
2019 Advertising Rates:
(per year): member/non-member
Luke Hardt, Hardwick, VT
Dan Kilborn, Island Pond, VT Business Card: $175/$225 • 3.625” wide x 2” tall
Leo Laferriere, Waitsfield, VT 1/4 Page: $250/$375 • 3.625” wide x 4.4” tall
John McClain, Randolph, VT 1/2 Page: $450/$600 • 7.5” wide x 4.4” tall
David Paganelli, So. Strafford, VT
William Sayre, Bristol, VT Additional charges for graphic design and printing, if needed.
Allan Thompson, Waterbury, VT Membership Newsletter is published four times a year.
David Wilcox, Berlin, VT
Stephen Webster, Randolph, VT Please note that the newsletter prints in full color.
Keith Thompson, Advisor, VT Forests, Parks & Rec Send camera-ready ads and payment to VWA,
PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702
802-747-7900 • info@vermontwoodlands.org
Mission Statements:
Vermont Tree Farm Vermont Woodlands Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation
whose mission is to advocate for the management, sustainability,
Committee Members perpetuation, and enjoyment of forests through the practice of
Richard Bizzozero, Co-Chair, Tree Farmer, Brookline excellent forestry that employs highly integrated management practices
Kathy Beland, Co-Chair, Forester, Clarendon, VT that protect and enhance both the tangible and intangible values of
Allen Yale, Secretary, Tree Farmer, Derby, VT forests - including clean air and water, forest products, wildlife habitat,
Jayson Benoit, Forester, South Royalton, VT biodiversity, recreation, scenic beauty, and other resources - for this and
Robert Cowles, Landowner, Derby, VT future generations. VWA objectives are to communicate the benefits
of working forests, recognize exemplary actions of woodland owners
Jock Irons, Tree Farmer, Woodford, VT
and managers, provide educational opportunities, and represent its
Ryan Kilborn, Forester, W. Topsham, VT membership before governmental bodies.
Ian Martin, Forester, Newfane, VT
Kyle Mason, Bennington County Forester The American Tree Farm System, first organized in 1941, is the Nation's
David Paganelli, Orange County Forester oldest certifier of privately owned forestland. Tree Farm members
Alan Robertson, Tree Farmer, Sheffield, VT share a unique commitment to protecting watersheds and wildlife
Mary Sisock, Burlington, VT habitat, conserving soil, and providing recreation; and at the same
Dave Stoner, Tree Farmer, Craftsbury Common time producing wood products on a sustainable basis. The Vermont
Woodlands Association strives to educate, train, and support private
forest landowners in sound management practices concerning wildlife,
Program Administrator water, wood, and recreation. We do this by managing and enhancing the
Kathleen Wanner, Rutland, VT American Tree Farm System® Program in Vermont.
2 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm
VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
NEWS FROM VWA
2019 Annual Meeting Highlights
by Kathleen Wanner, Executive Director
By most accounts our annual meeting John Nininger, our keynote speaker,
held on April 6th was a success. The captured the audience with his
lineup of speakers seemed to have presentation on building the
appeal to a variety of audiences. Our Mousilauke Ravine Lodge with some
hope is always that there’s something for ginormous logs. It was an incredible
everyone. The day began with updates feat of engineering that resulted in an
from our partners at VT FPR and absolutely stunning building. And, of
included an introduction to Danielle course, we can’t forget that our own
Fitzko, our new Director of Forests. Put Blodgett supplied many of the long
Danielle comes to the position from timbers from his Bradford Tree Farm.
Urban and Community Forestry so has if sugaring is
been our long-time partner. Deputy Tree Farm gets its moment to shine at not yet over, or
Commissioner Sam Lincoln provided the annual meeting with awards for if there’s an ice
an up to the minute overview of his Outstanding Tree Farmer and Tree or snow storm,
efforts on Worker’s Compensation for Farm Inspector. This year’s recipients, OR, OR, OR…
logging contractors. You can expect respectively, were Alan Robertson Then we wonder
to see ongoing communications from and Ryan Kilborn. Although it’s not a about the cost.
the department on how landowners prerequisite, both are active members It’s expensive
and foresters can navigate new systems of the Tree Farm Committee. Our to put on an
to help ensure safety in the woods. Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector is annual meeting
The policy update from the Deputy chosen by a point system and Ryan and we try to
Commissioner indicated that there is racked up some impressive numbers feed you well.
still much work to do in certain areas, with many initial and recertification This year we
especially Act 250 reform. inspections, articles for the newsletter, lowered the price
serving on boards and committees, to $30 thinking
With increasing concerns about and so much more. He is definitely an that might have
fragmentation and biological diversity example of the service we seek from been an issue
in the face of climate change, Vermont foresters. but we actually
Conservation Design’s BioFinder is a tool had fewer people than at the previous
that helps identify priority areas. Eric These were the highlights but I’d also $40 rate. Maybe it’s the agenda. Our
Sorenson from VT F&W walked through like to mention the concerns. Our audience is mixed with landowners,
this great tool available online. A simple attendance was low this year with foresters, and other resource
google search will get you there. Anyone about ninety people present and we professionals so what appeals to one may
curious about markets appreciated are honestly not sure why. We know be too technical or not technical enough
Charles Levesque’s presentation that that timing will never be perfect for for others. And how do we attract the
had some hope for the future. We heard everyone but we try to go with less general public without making it all
from Dave Wilcox about the soon to be busy times for those who work in the about entertainment. Whether you did
released new AMPs for Water Quality woods. Early April, either before or after or didn’t attend this year, let us know
Manual and Christine McGowan Easter, has proven best… except if that why or why not. If you have suggestions
previewed the Forest Products Summit happens to be the 2nd Saturday which for next year… SAVE THE DATE, April
(which was again excellent!). is also opening day of trout season, or 4, 2020… pass them on.
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VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Forestry Issues in the
2019 Legislature Put Blodgett
by Put Blodgett, President
To meet our newsletter deadline, this to bedrock. As one licensed forester percent of the population but in actual
is being written on May 6 and the pointed out “The definition for ‘critical numbers too. But, the Department’s
following could be changed before the resource area’ still includes lands at any responsibilities range far and wide
Legislature adjourns. There were at least elevation characterized by shallow to beyond hunting and fishing related
21 bills introduced that had an effect on bedrock soils and slopes over 15%. This work. These include conserving and
forestry, some major, some minor. encompasses probably 80% of the land I managing almost 200,000 acres of public
work on (and likely many consultants), wildlife lands for public enjoyment,
The most major of all is the updating of meaning an Act 250 permit would protecting critical wildlife feeding and
Act 250 after 50 years of existence. be required for logging jobs on these nesting habitat threatened by poorly-
lands?” The bill contains no definition planned development, endangered
For 50 years logging below 2500’ of “shallow” or “forestry.” Are volunteer species protection, conservation
elevation was exempted from Act members of District Environmental education programs, and providing
250. The new bill lowers the elevation Commissions prepared to handle law enforcement for all of the State’s
to 2000’, adding half a million acres this? Will consulting foresters and environmental laws and regulations. It is
to the jurisdiction of Act 250, over- landowners be able to deal with it? clear the Department cannot and should
whelming District Environmental not be supported by hunters and anglers
Commissions and adding delay, This 81-page bill is still a work in alone. The study committee that H.190
complexity and expense to harvesting progress and will be carried over to the would establish would be charged with
operations. Ridgelines above 1500’ next session. identifying funding mechanisms that
would come under Act 250, adding reflect the larger, broader public interest
considerably more acreage to its H.190—“This bill proposes to establish in wildlife beyond hunting and angling
jurisdiction. Obviously, this is to control the Vermont Working Group on that include photography and viewing.
the development of wind farms. While Wildlife Governance to advise the
many would prefer to see our ridgelines General Assembly regarding the The study committee is being charged to:
unencumbered, Vermont has a goal management of fish, wildlife, and fur-
of becoming less dependent on coal, bearing animals of the State in a manner ‘analyze whether the purposes and
oil and gas and increasing its use of that serves the interests and values of all guiding policy of the Department
renewables—a difficult choice. of the people of the State.” reflect the current values of the
public regarding the management
The proposed update includes Since its inception in the late 19th of fish, wildlife and fur-bearing
“Repealing the exemption for farming, century, the Fish & Wildlife Department animals, including whether
logging, and forestry when those has overseen the conservation of wildlife Vermont statues, rules, and policies
activities take place in critical resource on behalf of Vermont citizens. This are consistent with 21st century
areas.” “Critical resource area” means work was largely supported by hunting wildlife governance principles’ and:
a river corridor, a significant wetland and fishing license fees throughout
as defined under section 902 of this most of the 20th century. As Vermont’s ‘identify additional opportunities
title, land at or above 2,000 feet and population doubled during the past 50 for increased participation by
land characterized by slopes greater years, the number of hunters and anglers all members of the public in the
than 15 percent and shallow depth has steadily decreased, not only as a governance of fish, wildlife, and
4 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm
VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
fur-bearing animals of the State Department and for Vermont citizens to
through proposed changes to the engage in a democratic decision-making S.160 and H.525 both address problems
structure, culture, or operation of process for our valued wildlife heritage. in agriculture but also cover forestry
the Department or the Fish and H.190 has good points to consider, but subjects such as: Green Mountain
Wildlife Board.’ requires modification should it reach State Forest Carbon Pilot Project,
the legislative floor next year. Vermont Forest in Carbon Markets,
To accomplish these goals, proponents Logger Safety, Value-added Forest
seek to restructure the current rule H.541—Revenue Bill. Reduces Products Financial Assistance, and
and regulation authority of the Fish percentage of the capital gains exclusion Appropriations for Logger Safety and
and Wildlife Board by amending its from 40% of certain assets to either 30%, Value-added Forest Products Assistance.
regulatory authority status to that of or a total gain of $450,000, whichever is What forestry features will survive in a
an advisory panel and its membership less. Also increases the state exclusion combined bill is unknown at this time.
criteria to ‘represent the diversity of the for estate tax from $2,750,000 to
people’s values.’ First, the authority to $5,000,000 by January 1, 2021. From Jane Clifford, our legislative
regulate fish and wildlife matters was eyes, “At this point there seems to
vested in the board by the legislature S.96—An act relating to the provision be agreement on forming a summer
some 25 years ago to address just that of water quality services (cleaning up committee of House and Senate
concern. By rendering the board to an state waters). The Governor, House legislators to work on language for a
advisory capacity, decision-making and Senate all have identified differing wetlands bill.”
would be regressively sent back to the sources of funds to make up the
legislature. Second, requiring board requested $15,000,000 which will have
membership that is representative of to be reconciled.
the diversity of the people is a nebulous
dictum. How does one determine if H.82 corrects an oversight and adds
representative value quotas are being parts and accessories for timber
met? Currently the governor has the harvesting equipment to the sales tax
duty and authority to select any citizen exemption for logging equipment.
willing to serve on the 14-member
board the governor feels is capable of H.514—Miscellaneous tax provisions:
upholding the duties and responsibilities No later than October 15, 2019, the
of board membership. Creating a Department of Taxes shall make
mandated membership spectrum is an recommendations to the Current Use
unnecessary step. Advisory Board for rulemaking to
address the application of the land use
VWA fully supports broad-based change tax when land is withdrawn
funding approaches for the long-term from current use and subsequently only
health of the State’s Fish and Wildlife a portion of the land is developed.
Welcome New VWA members
Many thanks to all who have decided to join VWA. Our Voice for Healthy Forests is stronger because of you. No matter how you found us, we
appreciate that you did. Every member makes a difference.
Amos & Jennifer Doyle, Chelsea, VT Nina Otter, Moretown, VT
Steve Engle, Peacham, VT Bruce & Doreen Jones, Rochester, VT
Alison & Matthew Dickinson, Ripton, VT Fred Glanzberg, South Royalton, VT
Sarah Harding, Evanston, IL Carolyn Casner, Plainfield, VT
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VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
NEWS FROM VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF
FORESTS, PARKS & RECREATION
Vermont Native Plants vs. Invasive
Plant Look-a-likes: Invasive
Porcelainberry vs. native grapes
by Elizabeth Spinney, Invasive Plant Coordinator, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
The growing season is in full swing in change in pH of the fruit as it ripens. native grapes (Vitis spp.- summer
Vermont forests—spring ephemerals The primary mode of spread is through grape, fox grape, river grape). The
are blooming, tree buds are bursting, wildlife and human activity moving the native grapes like fox grape have a
and the swaying strands of various seeds in the fruit. brown pith and lack obvious lenticels.
vining plants are still visible. These
trellis’ of wild grapes and Virginia- Porcelainberry can be found in As one of the common names suggests,
creeper reminded me of one invasive disturbed habitats and in landscaping, it can be confused for the true wild
plant we should all be looking the shores of lakes and rivers, grapes (Vitis spp.). Those dark colored
for: Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis marshes, forests, and forest edges. This fruits, the twining vining nature of its
brevipedunculata (syn: glandulosa)). species belongs to the grape family growth, and the leaf shape all assist in
Also known as “amur peppervine,” (Vitaceae), along with Virgina-creeper this confusion.
“creeper,” and “wild grape” it is widely (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and the
planted as an ornamental plant, but is
now recognized to be highly invasive in
habitats like forests and forest edges.
The presence of this species in the US
was first recorded in the late 1800s as a
landscape and ornamental plant. This
deciduous woody vine, which can reach
heights over 20’, originates from Japan
and China. The leaves have serrated
margins and are heart-shaped to
deeply lobed. Other identifiers include
the presence of obvious lenticels (gas
exchange pores in the bark—think of
the spots on a cherry tree), as well as
solid white centers to the vine (pith).
The best time to identify it is in the
fall, when you might spot the colorful
fruits as they transition from speckled
robin’s-egg-blues to deep purples.
Those various colors are a result of a Leaves and colorful fruits of an invasive Porcelainberry. Mature leaves are deeply lobed.
Photo- N. Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
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VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
While widely distributed as an dense growth of this plant means
ornamental plant, it has only been that Porcelainberry can smother
officially recorded to have escaped other understory vegetation, and
and spread in natural habitat in New even climb and overgrow trees. The
England in the states of Connecticut, environmental impact it’s had in other
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New England states has led to its listing
Rhode Island, and New York. It is not on the unofficial Vermont Watchlist
currently recorded in natural habitat in (https://fpr.vermont.gov/sites/fpr/files/
Vermont, and therefore it is considered Quarantine_WatchListUpdate-2017_
an early detection species of concern. November.pdf).
Its ability to grow in a variety of If you find porcelainberry growing
conditions (light, soil, temperature), outside of an ornamental planting
and hearty root system mean vines in Vermont, please report it to
can persist when escaped from an VTinvasives.org. https://vtinvasives.org/
ornamental planting. Rapid and get-involved/report-it
To learn more about Porcelainberry, check out www.VTinvasives.org and these
additional resources:
• https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ampelopsis/glandulosa/ Colorful fruits of the native summer grape, range from
• https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=78266 pale greens to deep blueish-purple.) Photo- J.H. Miller &
T. Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org
• http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_010236.pdf
• https://www.fws.gov/delawarebay/Pdfs/Porcelain-berry_Fact_Sheet%20.pdf
• https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/porcelain-berry.pdf
• https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3007
• https://www.bbg.org/news/weed_of_the_month_porcelain_berry
• https://www.nybg.org/files/scientists/rnaczi/Mistaken_Identity_Final.pdf
Information and Guidance to
a Successful Timber Harvest
Timber harvests come with a lot of questions–
some answers you need to know, some you
don't. To help you answer those important
questions about your woods, the Vermont
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
has created the Landowner Guides to a
Successful Timber Harvest. They’re simple
and concise guides that handle topics
including: Overview of a timber harvest,
Water, Wildlife, Economics, and Working
with Foresters and Loggers. Download the
series or just the booklets that pertain to you
at VTCutwithConfidence.com.
VTCutwithConfidence.com
Infestation of Porcelainberry. Photo- S. Manning, Invasive
Plant Control, Bugwood.org
vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 7
VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
Adapting Forests to Climate Change –
Healthy Forests are Not a Luxury
by Keith Thompson and Joanne Garton
The two dry summers of 2016 and 2017 Fortunately, the maple tree deaths For decades, foresters, biologists and
marked a challenging time for trees. of 2018 were not widespread. The researches have been collaborating
Lack of water, high temperatures, and resulting landscape, however, is a to understand how to moderate the
dry soils added to the growing list of reminder that chronic climate-related vulnerability of forests to climate
environmental stressors that often tax stresses are having real impacts. change and improve forest health. For
Vermont’s forests. Sometimes, stress Vermonters depend on our forests for individual landowners, helping forests
can trigger development of larger-than- all kinds of benefits, from clean water adapt to climate change could include
average seed crops, and by most reports, and wildlife habitat to maple sap and actions like:
the maple seed crop of 2017 was massive. sawtimber. In this real time of climate
All over Vermont, maple seedlings change, we also count on forests to store Retain Connected Forests
sprung from the moist soils that followed carbon. Vermont forests are estimated Reduce or eliminate the conversion
snow melt this past spring. to capture more than half of the state’s of forest to non-forest conditions and
annual emissions. By providing so avoid dividing blocks of forest into
However, most of Vermont remained in much for Vermonters, healthy forests smaller pieces.
moderate drought this summer. Some are critical in our efforts to slow, and
foresters reported that large numbers adapt to, climate change. As such, Reduce Stressors
of first year seedlings had withered healthy forests are not a luxury; they are Limit forest stressors like invasive
and died. In Essex and other Northern a practical imperative. plants, root damage from management
Vermont counties, at least 4,500 acres activity, excessive deer browse or others.
of overstory maples were killed, with Compared to 50 years ago in Vermont,
some patches hundreds of acres in size. winters are warmer and shorter, Reduce Vulnerability
The compounding stresses of forest summer days are hotter, and storms are Address conditions that make forests
tent caterpillar defoliation and drought more intense. The degree and rate of susceptible to damage, such as
stress, coupled with the loss of energy climate change is expected to increase. the dominance of a single species,
used in producing large seed crops, These changes will affect where certain large numbers of pest-susceptible
likely resulted in heavy crown dieback plants can grow, and where animals tree species (think ash trees and
and mortality of these trees. thrive – or don’t. their pest, the emerald ash borer),
overcrowding among trees, and the lack
Part of the solution to climate change of regeneration of climate adapted tree
is to remove carbon dioxide from the species.
atmosphere and in Vermont, trees
and forests do it best. Because 76% of Provide Refuge
Vermont’s forests are privately owned, Protect habitat for rare, threatened
some of the most important work we and endangered species or currently
can do right now is to help private common species that we may lose as the
landowners sustain and enhance the climate changes.
potential of their forests to absorb and
store carbon. This contribution to the These recommendations are applicable
climate change solution depends on a across the landscape but the specifics
lot of healthy forest, a landscape that of how they are achieved on a
shouldn’t be taken for granted. given property will depend on the
characteristics of the forest and the
8 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm
VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
goals of the landowner. Fortunately, A more in-depth resource is: providing world-class outdoor
there are many “right ways” to help Creating and Maintaining Resilient recreation, keeping our residents
forests adapt to climate change and Forests in Vermont: Adapting Forests healthy, and addressing climate change.
many resources available to help. to Climate Change, published by But our forests can only be part of
The four goals identified above came Vermont Department of Forests Parks the solution to the extent that they
from Increasing Forest Resiliency for and Recreation. This report covers are healthy and able to adapt to the
and Uncertain Future written by Paul specific strategies to adapt forests to changing climate. For this reason, we
Catanzaro, Tony D’Amato, and Emily climate change, including a species- need to make sure that the management
Silver Huff. This is a solid resource for by-species summary of how trees are we do on our own land supports, and
landowners and foresters that distills expected to respond to climate change. does not undermine, forest health. By
the current thinking about what This resource provides a level of detail adapting our management, we can help
threatens forest health, what supports that can help in developing site specific our forests, and ourselves, adapt to a
it, and what activities promote it. It also recommendations. changing climate.
provides a process for considering these
actions on your specific land. With Forests owned and managed by private More information about forests and
easy-to-understand lists and helpful landowners are part of the solution to climate change can be found at: https://
graphics, it puts the ideas behind forest Vermont’s biggest challenges: flooding fpr.vermont.gov/forest/ecosystem/
resilience in one readable place. hazards, Lake Champlain water quality, climate_change.
maintaining a vibrant rural economy,
Vermont Woodlands Consulting Foresters
Committed to promoting and strengthening the long-term conservation and management of Vermont’s natural resources.
VWA Consulting Foresters are licensed by the State of Vermont and meet all continuing education requirements.
Dan Adams Ben Campbell Steve Handfield, TSP* Addison Kasmarek* Len Miraldi*
Dan Adams Forestry Svc E.B. Campbell Poultney, VT Greenleaf Forestry Tamarack Forestry Harris Roen*
Brattleboro, VT Forest Land Mgmt. 802-342-6751 Westford, VT Services Long Meadow
802-254-3502 Starksboro, VT 802-849-6629 Norwich, VT Resource Mgt.
802-453-5591 Luke Hardt* 802-649-1564 Burlington, VT
Patrick Bartlett, TSP* Hardt Forestry Ryan Kilborn, TSP* 802-658-2368
Bartlett Forestry & Richard Carbonetti* Hardwick, VT Meadowsend Forestry Co Scott Moreau
Wildlife LandVest Timberland 802-673-7769 Washington, VT Greenleaf Forestry Andrew Sheere, TSP*
Woodstock, VT Newport, VT 802-323-3593 Westford, VT Long View Forest
802-291-0179 802-334-8402 Zachary Hart 802-849-6629 Management
LandVest Timberland Lynn Levine* Westminster, VT
Kathy Beland* Beth Daut* Newport, VT Forest*Care Ross Morgan* 802-428-4050 ext. 103
Not Just Trees M.D. Forestland 802-334-8402 Dummerston, VT Northern Forest
W. Rutland, VT Consulting 802-254-4717 Conservation Services Allan Thompson*
802-438-5495 Berlin, VT Dan Healey Craftsbury Common, VT Northern Stewards
802-272-5547 Long View Forest Ben Machin 802-586-9697 Waterbury, VT
Markus Bradley* Management Redstart Forestry
802-244-8131
Redstart Forestry Edward Denham* Westminster, VT Bradford, VT Tyler Pelland*
Bradford, VT NE Woodland Mgmt. 802-428-4050 ext. 105 802-439-5252 LandVest Timberland Tucker Westenfeld*
802-439-5252 Stockbridge, MA Newport, VT Bartlett Forestry &
413-232-4000 John McClain* 802-334-8402
Frank Hudson, TSP* Wildlife LLC
Michael Brown NE Forestry Consultants
Not Just Trees Woodstock, VT
Bridseye Forestry Peter Everts* Randolph, VT Josef Peterson, TSP*
W. Rutland, VT 802-291-0179
Moretown, VT Everts Forest Mgmt. 802-728-3742 Timbercraft Forestry
802-483-2397
802-777-5240 Barnet, VT N. Clarendon, VT
802-592-3088 Elisabeth “Tii” McLane*
Andrew Hutchison 802-773-0370
Alan Calfee* S. Strafford, VT
Hutchison Forestry
Calfee Woodland Mgmt. Charlie Hancock, TSP* 802-765-4745 Russell Reay*
Leicester, VT TSP: NRCS Technical
Dorset, VT North Woods Forestry Cuttingsville, VT
802-247-3117 Service Provider
802-231-2555 Montgomery Ctr, VT 802-492-3323
802-326-2093 * Tree Farm Inspector
HOW CAN A Consulting foresters assist private landowners in identifying and achieving goals for their PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702-6004 | 802.747.7900
CONSULTING woodlands, including managing for forest products, wildlife habitat, recreation, water resources, Visit the website for complete forester contact information:
FORESTER HELP YOU? and aesthetics. VWA Consulting Foresters can help you meet your management objectives. www.vermontwoodlands.org
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Keep Every Cog
by John Buck, Wildlife Biologist
One day this past spring, while taking Gliding is achieved
a break from pulling taps, I stopped by stretching the
to watch some newly arriving hermit patagium between
thrushes forage their way through their wrists and
the leaf litter. The snow cover was ankles to create
still deep and persistent throughout an air foil. A patagium is a web of skin
most of the forest but the thrushes found between the animal’s limbs or
had found some scattered patches digits. The latter is the case which allows
recently revealed by the retreating snow bats to fly (bats actually do fly, the
cover. Whether they were preparing only mammal to do so). The squirrel
to stake out their respective territories steers and brakes by a combination of
or were simply refueling for the next tail direction and flexing its patagium.
day’s flight I couldn’t tell. But, I found Whether looking for food or fleeing
myself watching them from the base from a predator, being able to move
of an old spruce bole with multiple quickly some distance from tree to
holes inscribed by the various resident tree would give the flying squirrel an
woodpeckers and this reminded advantage over other forest competitors male. Litter mates may remain with
me of another flying forest resident. and predators. Those Vermont predators the mother for another month and
Although the northern flying squirrel would include the woodland hawks then they are off to learn the world on
can’t actually sustain flight as we know such as northern goshawk and Cooper’s their own. Flying squirrels are sexually
it, it is an accomplished glider that can hawk, great-horned owl, barred owl, mature by their first birthday.
skillfully and effortlessly ‘fly’ from tree grey and red foxes, bobcat, and fisher.
to tree. The ecological importance of the flying Northern flying squirrels are different
squirrel is yet to be fully understood. from other more familiar forest
But, the fact that a notable flying squirrel squirrels such as the grey and red
predator of the Pacific Northwest is the species and even its closely related
Northern Spotted Owl, itself a federally cousin the southern flying squirrel. For
threatened species, provides some example, these related squirrel species
indication of a complex link. are dependent on seed abundance
each year to support their respective
Being small and nocturnal has made populations. However, the northern
it more difficult to learn about the flying squirrel has a far more diverse
squirrel’s biology. What is known about diet feeding on berries, moss, fungi,
northern flying squirrel reproduction seeds, and buds. And even in abundant
indicates courting and mating begins in nut years will seek out these other
March and may continue until late May. foods. Research has indicated a link
A gestation of about 40 days leads to the between the northern flying squirrel’s
birth of single litter of between 2 to 4 diet and the subterranean fungi
young. Litters as small as 1 and as large naturally found in mixed older aged
as 6 have been recorded depending on forests and forest health (Weigl, P.D.
habitat quality. Newborns are poorly 2007. The Northern Flying Squirrel
developed at birth but leave the nest Glaucomys sabrinus: a Conservation
in just 40 days and are totally weaned Challenge, Journal of Mammalogy,
after two months. Care for the newborn 88:4,897–907).
squirrels is done without the aid of the
10 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree FarmVERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
Northern flying squirrels are not the only fungi eating
species in the forest, but their propensity to forage on
the ground and high degree of mobility greatly assist the
dispersion of fungal spores. The dispersed inoculated spores
then grow into new fungi, the mycorrhiza of which aid in
nutrient and water uptake and general soil fertility of the
trees they associate with.
Northern flying squirrels are not well understood. A small
nocturnal forest rodent isn’t one to catch the human eye
as quickly as a larger more charismatic species. Thought
to prefer the older-aged conifer forests of Canada and the
northern United States research indicates the squirrel also
fares well in mixed deciduous-conifer forests as well as
the intervening young forests too. However, as the eastern
forests were extensively cut over in the 19th and early
20th centuries it is likely that much of the northern flying
squirrel’s habitat was lost. It’s Appalachian range likely
decreased too.
Clearly, the ecology of this relationship is more complex.
However, it does point to the fact that many parts are
involved with creating and maintain a healthy forest, many
of which are not completely understood. This further
highlights the importance of Vermont’s contiguous and
continuous forest cover and the role it plays in sustaining the
dynamic and intertwined ecological forces involved.
Aldo Leopold, the revered and iconic forest biologist and When it comes time
writer said many years ago, “The last word in ignorance to sell your forest,
is the man who says of an animal or plant, “What good is
it?” If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every
part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota,
in the course of eons, has built something we like but do not Contact the land experts to
understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly
useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first help you achieve
precaution of intelligent tinkering.” maximum value from a
broad marketplace.
Maintaining a healthy,
functioning forest ecosystem for
the generations to come is a big
challenge on many fronts. But, Michael Tragner
it will be the most important Vermont Broker and Forester
outcome of our collective land 802-233-9040
management decisions.
Trusted Professionals in Timberland Brokerage for Over 30 Years.
vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 11VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
Extension Forest Business and the
Business of the Forest
by Chris Lindgren, Forest Business Educator, The University of Vermont Extension
You can’t stay in your corner of the forest forests (and the value created) down your business goals we are surveying as
waiting for others to come to you. You to a business proposition; they are many forest economy participants as we
have to go to them sometimes. correct. Whether that value-add is can. Visit our corner of the forest and
- A. A. Milne maple syrup, saw logs, table tops, share your thoughts on business and
clean air and water, spectacular views finance educational needs for the forest
Go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is. and recreational opportunities, a economy. Help out Forest Business
- Jimmy Carter BTU, or wildlife, the economy of and complete our educational resource
the forest is vast, with, innovation, assessment survey —5 minutes really—
To understand the business of the exchange, and value creation ongoing. at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/
forests we have to leave our corner of The participation of humans in these LVNWHGG. This questionnaire will
the forest and go and see what others processes is fragmented and represents help Extension develop Forest Business
are doing in their corners. I have been but a sliver of the whole economy of the programming to best address the needs
doing just that. The University of forest. Yet simple models can facilitate of forest economy participants.
Vermont Extension has been growing understanding of complexity. This is At the beginning of this article I asked
Forest Business, a business planning where a business plan or a business you, “What do you do”? Couple this
and coaching program, for 4 years. model comes in. A business plan helps question with, “who are you?” and you
During this time I have been visiting understand value creation in a forest have the start of a business plan. I will
many corners of the forest. My aim is economy. A plan helps businesses leave you all with 5 questions that are
twofold: understand risks and make decisions the heart of business planning.
about which limbs to go out on. This
1. Work with forest business owners in turn will help a business profit from 1. Why am I doing what I am doing
and managers to develop business the forest economy. To understand the and what do I want to be? (Mission
plans and strengthen, planning and business of the forests we have to leave and vision)
financial management skills. our corner of the forest and go and see 2. What assets are on hand? (Natural
2. Understand these skills needs in what others are doing in their corners. assets, fixed assets, financial,
the context of continuing education human, knowledge, skill, etc.)
for forest business owners and This work has led to the development 3. What assets am I missing?
managers. of business skills workshops and the (Investments needed? Relationships
publication of Small Business Planning to develop.)
Odds are if you are reading this you for Loggers, a business planning 4. How have I or can I make money?
are involved in the business of the template. (Built on mission, vision and
forest. What is the business of the assets)
forest? It’s what do you do! What do You can find the template at: https:// 5. How have I or can I make enough
you do? Depending on your corner of tinyurl.com/LoggerTemplate. money in a given time period?
the forest, and where along the value There is much more work to do. (To justify continuing operations,
chain from forest to consumer you There are many corners of the forest growth, or investment)
operate, you are going to answer the that I have yet to visit, many forest
question differently. We can use an businesses I have yet to discover, many Make your plan today by addressing the
understanding of business to dig into owners and managers whose needs 5 questions above. Want some help or
what it means to be a forest business, to for business and finance education a review of your plan? Contact Chris
understand the business of the forest. I have yet to understand. To further Lindgren: christopher.lindgren@uvm.edu.
To some it is crass and simplistic to our understanding of how Extension
boil the complex systems known as Forest Business can help you reach
12 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree FarmVERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
NEWS FROM THE
VERMONT TREE FARM COMMITTEE
VWA and the Tree Farm Program-
Working for you in Washington!
by Al Robertson, VWA board member and Tree Farmer
VWA again participated in the USFS (passed in the Farm Bill, but very hopeful that a more robust
American Forest Foundations semi- not funded) version of last year’s successful
annual Washington Fly-in to talk to • Fixing the definition of bill will be introduced including
our representatives about forestry BIOFUELS as now written by the the grant program for endangered
issues that concern us all. On May 1st Environmental Protection Agency tree species, a program to fund
Kathleen Wanner and I, along with Dr. with respect to renewable energy the re-introduction of successful
Faith Campbell, an expert on invasives sources. Right now “biofuels” tree research in the field, and more
who has been helping us with our include crop wastes and planted emergency funding authority for
legislative efforts, visited with staffers forests but not natural forest wood, APHIS to help them deal with
in all three of our legislators offices- meaning all the low quality wood newly discovered invasives before
Congressman Welch and our two available in our Vermont forests is they can do significant damage. By
senators, Pat Leahy and Bernie Sanders. not legally considered renewable the time you read this we hope to
We’ve been doing this now for over energy sources by the Feds. have the bill in hand and will begin
ten years and the effort has been very • Lastly, and most important, we looking for support from other
productive. discussed the re-introduction of states to insure passage and funding!
the legislative effort we have been
Past successes include two iterations of working on to deal with invasives. We are also working several issues
the Farm Bill and many smaller bills that In conversations with Mr. Mark locally in Vermont (see the President’s
have resulted in either new legislation, Fowler, Congressman Welch’s article) and will provide updates on the
or legislative efforts to fix bureaucratic point man on the issue, we are 2019 session as available.
rules that stand in the way of our
continued efforts to promote good
forestry in Vermont. This year was no
exception. On the agenda we discussed:
• Disaster Recovery Aid- Both aid to
help landowners and changes to the
tax code to help accurately value Serving Vermont Woodland Owners Since 1968
Full Service Forestry Consulting & Surveying Firm
timber losses.
Serving all 14 VT Counties
• The Forest Recovery Act- an effort
to help forestland owners who have Use Value, Timber Sales, Recreation & Wildlife Management
suffered extensive woodland damage VT Licensed Forestry Staff (4), Licensed Surveyor & Licensed Real Estate Sales
from natural disasters (Held up in FSC Group Certified Manager & Certified Tree Farm Inspectors
the Senate over the level of funding Timberland Transaction Services
for disaster funding for Puerto Rico)
Newport, VT 802-334-8402 | Concord, NH 603-228-2020 |W. Stewartstown, NH 603-246-8800
• Appropriations for the Landscape
Scale Restoration program in the www.landvest.com
vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 13VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
NEWS FROM THE
VERMONT TREE FARM COMMITTEE
Al Robertson, 2019 Outstanding
Tree Farmer of the Year
by Kathleen Wanner, Tree Farm Program Director
Each year Vermont recognizes a Tree
Farmer for exemplary stewardship.
What are the qualities that define
exemplary stewardship? You need look
no further than our 2019 awardee
Al Robertson who joins a very select
group of Tree Farmers in the state and
the nation.
Al’s Tree Farm, known as Pfälzerwald,
is 60 acres in Sheffield purchased in
1979 and under active management for
the last 32 years. It was part of an 800
acre parcel and hindsight being what
it is Al wishes he had done whatever it
took to buy it all. He lived in Maryland
at the time of purchase and wasn’t
able to spend much time here until
moving to Portsmouth NH in 1983.
That’s when he started working every
weekend on his land. And since he
didn’t know much about forestry, he harvesting is done from a permanent
concentrated on trails. This actually trail system and utilizes single and
helped his later management strategy. group tree selection. The result is an
ongoing conversion to an un-even aged
Al’s stewardship ethic was born from stand with annual harvesting of Spruce, aided selection and harvest activities.
his many years in Germany while Fir and Cedar and hardwood firewood. This is a long term proposition and the
serving in the Air Force, hence the An average harvest is approximately full conversion is still decades away...
name. Pfälzerwald, or its slang PFALZ 5,000 bf of Spruce, Fir and 10 cords of
emblazoned on Al’s license plate, firewood. Al also plants trees – about It would be hard to find a more active
comes from the Palatinate Forest of 200 annually – to improve quality and Tree Farmer in Vermont. Al has been
southwestern Germany, designated resiliency in the face of climate change. on the tree farm committee and VT
as a nature park. His management is History is helping the conversion. The Woodlands board for nearly two
consistent with Dauerwald, or “back parcel had not been logged in 50 years decades. He is a regular participant
to nature” concept for permanent, and “accidental” early development of in the American Forest Foundation’s
perpetual, and continuous forest. All the trail system as a first priority has National Leadership Conference and
14 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree FarmVERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
If all that Al does today is remarkable,
his meticulous planning for the future
is also extraordinary. The Pfälzerwald
Tree Farm is conserved through
Vermont Land Trust to ensure that it
remains intact in perpetuity. But that’s
not all... As someone who has no heirs
to inherit the property, the Tree Farm
will become the Robertson Memorial
Town Forest, named for his parents,
and managed by a board of directors.
This resource that he has tended
with such care and devotion will be a
community asset for all to enjoy into
the future.
This September 14th Al invites you
all to come for his Tree Farmer of the
Year tour of Pfälzerwald. These full day
bi-annual visits to Capitol Hill. He events offer lots of educational walks,
helped to organize an AFF forest tour informal networking, presentations,
in Germany, France, and Switzerland and great food and beverage – think
in 2016 and has welcomed foresters cider! So, save the date and be on the
from these countries to his Tree Farm lookout for additional information
in Sheffield. He was an early member coming soon.
of AFF’s National Public Affairs
Committee, is currently on the board
of the National Woodland Owners
Association, and a member of the State’s
Private Lands Advisory Committee.
There are not many people who could
match Al’s land and community based TIMBER SALES,
efforts. If you hear the words bachelor,
only child, engineer, retired military
FOREST MANAGEMENT,
what comes to mind? This is what & CONSULTING...
drives Al’s razor sharp focus, passion,
commitment, and tenacity. During his
annual walk in the woods, visitors get
to see his extensive system of trails,
Using our skills and market knowledge
innovative bridges, “corduroy,” and to help you meet YOUR objectives.
water bars made from old guard rail
sections that have been replicated by
many a tree farmer. If you stick around JEFF LANGMAID
after a walk you may get to taste Al’s Montpelier, VT
famous - or infamous – apple cider jeff.langmaid@fwforestry.com
802.223.8644
made from his well-tended orchard of
ancient varietals. Then there’s his home,
a 7-story silo that without a doubt has
the best views in Sheffield. fwforestry.net fountainsland.com
vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 15VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
Maple Business Programs
Supporting Forest Land Owners
by Mark Cannella, Associate Professor, University of Vermont Extension
Vermont has a long history of syrup The average investment (not including been used in the agricultural community
production and we see many paths for the purchase of forest lands) is $45 per to share profits and share risk. There are
small and large scale maple sugaring that tap. A 5,000 tap maple enterprise will also different ways to establish business
satisfies the goals of the producers and have $225,000 invested in tubing system, partnerships for forestland owners and
forest landowners. Recent high profit equipment and buildings in addition to maple operators to share their skills and
potential merged with the special lure land ownership costs. resources.
of sugaring has been irresistible. The
business environment and land ownership Major expenses: The largest economic In 2018, UVM Extension began a three
patters continue to shift, however, and expense is employee and owner labor. year project to build a maple leasing
new relationships are evolving. Maple Many Vermonters support their educational library. The library will
producers and woodland owners are livelihood from a maple business and include several standard leasing templates
asking for current information about the they need to pay themselves for their and legal resources to assist with entity
economics of modern maple to guide time. A good deal of planning is required set-up for multi-party relationships. The
their decisions. Woodland owners may to match business scale, budgets and same project will also produce updated
be planning for their own operation, workloads to be successful. Investment silvicultural guidelines with input from
establishing a business partnership depreciation is often the second largest regional foresters and maple specialists.
or responding to a rental request for expense. This means that a maple These new resources will provide a
their sugarbush. In all these cases the business generating high cash income framework for the long term sustainability
involved parties want to have a solid needs to reserve a good deal of cash for that will keep our people and woods
understanding of potential income, costs, future repairs and replacement. working together for decades to come.
risks and opportunities that impact maple
development. Lease and Partnership Resources Coming
New and unique business relationships
Maple Finances are developing as enterprises expand and
The University of Vermont established new start-ups join in. Maple operators are
the Maple Benchmark program in 2013. looking to lock in at least 15 year leases
Industry leaders anticipated that the and often more. Landowners are thinking
record syrup prices from 2009-2012 would about their short and long term goals for
inevitably drop. The maple benchmark the property too. Will the tubing systems
program emerged to support producers be removed? Will
with cost analysis education that would sugaring impact
help their business planning. Four years forest health?
of annual benchmark reports are now Should I charge
available to the public with new reports $1.00 per tap like
added annually. (These reports are my neighbor?
available online at the UVM Farm Viability
website http://go.uvm.edu/maplebizuvm) Flat tap rents
are not the only
Several key benchmarks have emerged that mechanism for
can assist with maple development plans. woodland owners
and operators to
Investments: Contemporary maple form business
businesses are making significant relationships.
investments in tubing system installation Numerous lease
and sugarhouse processing technology. structures have
16 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree FarmVERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
Allies in the War on Emerald Ash
Borer: Studies suggest birds may
help regulate populations of
invasive insect
by Steve Hagenbuch, Audubon Vermont
tree, girdling it and causing the tree the fight to reduce the impacts of EAB
to die. Fortunately, Vermont’s forests on our forests. These allies include
provide habitat for a variety of bark- Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Pileated
foraging birds, such as woodpeckers Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Yellow-
and nuthatches. When these birds are bellied Sapsucker, White-breasted and
working their way up and down the Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown
trunk of a tree they are often searching Creeper. We can’t expect that these birds
for an insect to eat including, as it turns will eradicate EAB or prevent its spread
out, emerald ash borer larvae. to other areas of the state. What they
will likely do is to provide a measure of
A 2013 study conducted in Ohio control on the EAB populations. And at
(Flower et al) provides valuable insights this point let’s take any help we can get
into the interactions between forest on the war against EAB.
birds and emerald ash borers. Results
Adult emerald ash borer beetle Photo: vtinvasives.org
of the study show that in a forest To learn more about what you can do to
impacted by EAB, bark-foraging birds support bird allies in the battle on EAB
It was only a matter of time. The forage more heavily on ash trees than on your land visit http://vt.audubon.org/
emerald ash borer (EAB), an insect non-ash trees, and that they prefer to conservation/landowners
native to China, eastern Russia, forage on ash trees that show signs
Japan, and Korea, was found in of health decline, presumably due to To learn more about emerald ash borer in
Orange County Vermont in February EAB impacts, instead of foraging on Vermont, including an up to date known
2018. First discovered in the US in trees that were more visually healthy. distribution, go to https://vtinvasives.org/
southeastern Michigan in 2002, this This would suggest that the birds use invasive/emerald-ash-borer
small beetle is responsible for killing visual clues to identify which trees are
millions of ash trees in North America. infested. The study also reports that a
While there is currently no proven sampling of 46 ash trees shows that birds
solution to stopping the EAB, research significantly reduce the densities of EAB
conducted in the upper-midwest larvae by upwards of 85%. So, although
suggests that forest birds may have the trees that the birds foraged EAB
an important role to play in the fight from are past the point of saving, there
against this exotic invader. may be up to 85% fewer adults able to
eventually emerge from the trees and fly
Adult EAB beetles lay eggs on the bark to infect more ash trees.
of ash trees. When the eggs hatch, the
larvae bore into the bark and begin What does this all mean for Vermont?
feeding. This disrupts the movement One fact rings clear - native bark-
of nutrients and water within the foraging birds are going to be allies in
vermontwoodlands.org • vermonttreefarm.org | 17VERMONT WOODLANDS ASSOCIATION • VERMONT TREE FARM PROGRAM
VERMONT TREE FARM
INSPECTOR’S LOG
Kathy Beland, Tree Farm Instead of hearing from Kathy
Beland in this issue, you’re going
Forester… and More! to hear about her. She has been
dealing with some very difficult
family health problems and unable
by Kathleen Wanner to write her usual “Trekkie” focused
column. We do ask that you keep
Kathy Beland is both a colleague and around where you could spend time Kathy and her family in your
a dear friend. Her most recognizable in the woods, hiking and enjoying the thoughts and prayers.
characteristic is her laughter and as I surroundings. Sunday afternoon family
often tell her… she’s much too easily outings were often spent in the woods
amused. Kathy readily admits that she’s a around Camp David. teach forestry so gave up consulting.
sucker for a good “pun.” But she also says But even with such a love of the Frank Hudson joined NJT, Inc. in 2001
that laughter is much less tiring than woods, her forestry education was not and became a partner in 2002. The
tears. I suspect she’s right. Being able to the original plan. Kathy intended to company manages about 17,000 acres
keep a sense of humor can definitely help study agriculture or horticulture at in Rutland, Windsor, and Bennington
us wear the world a bit lighter. the University of Maryland but found Counties in a management style that
the size of the school overwhelming. encompasses many forest values.
If you’re a tree farm forester, Kathy is So she retreated to Allegany College
also recognizable as the one who trained in Cumberland where she received When I asked her the very best thing
you. I think it would be fair to say an Associate’s in Forestry. Just out of about being a forester, she quickly said,
that as our training facilitator, she has school, she was hired to be the Park “the smell of the woods.” It seems that
trained virtually everyone since 2013. Manager by the town of Sykesville in leaf mold, flowing streams, fresh air…
This is a tree farm task that she takes on MD, except there was no park. Her take her back to childhood where the
routinely and without complaint. She role as manager was to develop a park world of the forest was so different than
does, however, sometimes ask that you from open space through a town grant. the fields, where she could breathe so
come to her home, which is also her After two years she went to work for easy. Kathy lives in Clarendon where
office, rather than have to travel. What Maryland Forest Service as a forest she has a 10 acre woodland that she
you may not know is that this has been technician. This is where she had her “manages for invasive control.” But
a strictly volunteer endeavor. You may first introduction to Tree Farm and this is also where her kids grew up
also recall that Kathy was honored as where she began a 35-year history of and where they come home to, with
the National Outstanding Tree Farm dedicated action. grandkids in tow, where Kathy can
Inspector of the Year in 2014 because share the things she loves … listening to
of her incredible commitment to Tree Marriage and a desire to move north the birds, fishing, walks in the woods.
Farm. It would be impossible to find brought Kathy and her husband Tom to
another forester who has consistently Vermont in 1986. Shortly after arriving,
given so much to the program. Kathy was hired by Mark Skakel who
had a consulting forestry business in
As close as Kathy and I have worked Rutland. She and Mark worked together
together and for as many years, I must until 2001 and during those years,
admit that there were many things I she earned her share of the business
didn’t know. So I asked… Kathy recalls through blood, sweat, and tears. The
that the best days of childhood were old business was abandoned and Not
when mom and dad would say “let’s go Just Trees, Inc. was launched as a new
to the woods.” She lived in Maryland business partnership in 2001; however,
farm country but there were places Mark soon decided he preferred to
18 | Membership Newsletter: Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree FarmYou can also read
