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CURRENT EVENTS
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Are you Firewise, West Virginia?
National trends show that wildfire risk and the size of many wildfires are growing. The West Virginia Division of Forestry (DOF) continues to educate residents and communities about what they can do to prepare before a wildfire strikes their area. Wildfires DO NOT have to burn everything in their paths.
Some steps that can be taken include:
•Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
•Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity.
•Remove fuel within 3-5 feet of your home’s foundation and out buildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
•Remove dead vegetation surrounding your home, within the 30-100 foot area.
•Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have large trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet high.
•Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
For more information on how to organize your woodland community, contact the West Virginia Division of Forestry Firewise representatives, John Anderson at 304-538-2397, email John.L.Anderson@wv.gov
or Rodger Ozburn at 304-825-6983, email M.Rodger.Ozburn@wv.gov
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News from the Appalachian Hardwood Center
Check out the inaugural issue of this newsletter that aims to keep you informed of what is going on at the AHC and in W.Va. forestry and forest products.
This issue includes logging starts for Jan. – March 2013, the West Virginia Forest Products Industry Directory, 4th Quarter 2012 W.Va. Timber Market Report and more.
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Woodland Owners Association hosting educational tours throughout W.Va.
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Federal Contracting Opportunity
The USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) unit will be advertising a forest inventory contract later this winter for data collection on FIA research plots in east central West Virginia.The term of the contract is one year, with the potential of four option years.
Learn more about federal contracting opportunity
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Proper pruning prolongs life of tree
Consult a professional arborist before cutting
Trees should be pruned according to national standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). A certified International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborist, who is knowledgeable about ANSI standards, is the ideal person to consult before starting any pruning job or hiring someone to do it for you.
Topping trees involves removing all parts of a tree above a certain height, but is only a temporary and ineffective solution to height reduction. Topping should be avoided if possible.
Trees that are topped have shorter life spans and often become hazards to homeowners and their neighbors. Topping often removes 50-100 percent of the tree’s leafy crown, essentially starving the tree because the leaves are what produce food for the tree. The scars left behind by the removal of large branches can’t heal as readily and leave the tree vulnerable to insect invasion and the spread of decay. New limbs that sprout are usually weaker and not able to withstand high winds and heavy snowfalls. Older trees, including beeches, do not re-sprout easily and can die more quickly than others. Money-wise, topped trees need pruned more often and can reduce property value due to poor aesthetics.
To find a certified arborist near you or to check an arborist’s credentials, visit www.isa-arbor.com
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Invasive Species
Aliens versus Natives
Download this brochure to find out about 11 of the most invasive non-native plant species threatening West Virginia today.
Find out about the usual suspects - kudzu, garlic mustard, Mile-a-Minute - and a few new kids on the block.
Fighting Invasive Species in West Virginia
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Information on Tornado-damaged Timber
A tornado that touched down in Wayne and Lincoln counties on March 2, 2012, caused $7.5 million in damage to the state’s timber resources. If you are one of the more than 150 landowners who experienced timber damage in this tornado, the DOF has developed an informational packet for you.
2012 Timber Damage Information for Landowners and Resource Professionals
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