Spring 2016 Idaho Tree Farm Program
204 E. Sherman Ave. • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 • (T) 208.667.4641 • (F) 208.664.0557
www.idahotreefarm.org • admin@idahotreefarm.org
Idaho Tree Farm Program Annual Meeting
2015-2016
Officers:
• Chair – Steve Funk
Edge Creek Tree Farm (T) 208.661.0644
• Vice Chair – Russ Hegedus
Idaho Forest Group (T) 208.255.3250
• Treasurer – Steve Cuvala
Idaho Dept. of Lands (T) 208.245.4551
• Administrator – Savannah Miller
ID Tree Farm Program (T) 208.667.4641
2015-2016
District Chairs:
• District 1 Chair – Andy Eckberg Idaho Forest Group aeckberg@idfg.com (T) 208.255.3276
• District 2 Chair – Tim Schaffer Bennett Lumber Products
(T) 208.819.1214
• District 3 Chair – John Lillehaug
All About Forestry (T) 208.630.4076
Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year 2016
The Wood Family of Sandpoint, ID
The annual meeting of our Idaho Tree Farm Program was held the first night of the 2016 Family
Forest Landowners & Managers Conference & Exposition on March 28 in Moscow. We have had a very good
turnout for the event the past several years and this one was no exception. Committee Chair Steve
Funk gave a recap of the happenings from 2015, most notably the audit review of our certified Tree
Farm Program. Only a very few items of improvement were noted by the auditors and our Idaho
management plans were praised as some of the best they had seen nationwide. A big “thank you” to
all the Inspectors and Tree Farmers that took part in this time consuming but worthwhile process.
The high point of our annual meeting is the presentation of awards for our Outstanding Idaho Tree
Farmer, Inspector, and Logger of the Year. This year we are very pleased to announce the Wood
Family of Sandpoint as our Idaho Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year! Jim and Virginia Wood, their
five children, and an ever growing extended family are long established members of the northern
Idaho area. Virginia’s family first homesteaded in the Gold Creek area northeast of Sandpoint just
prior to 1920, with Jim’s folks making their way there around 1940. Much of the country was cut
over and bleak in those days, but a lifetime of care and good stewardship has made it a beautiful
place to work & live today. As the family grew, they have continually added to their land base in
an effort to keep everyone together and engaged. Operations today include not only timberland, but
also cattle ranching, agriculture, commercial meat processing, road construction, a guest ranch,
and a community grade school. Wildlife is abundant throughout their ownership and care is taken to
protect the riparian areas. One item that greatly impressed the nomination committee
The Wood Family accepting their award for 2016 Idaho Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Page 2 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program 2016 Annual Meeting (continued
from page 1)
was the family’s involvement in the Forest Legacy Program. As a testament to their dedication of
keeping the land intact for future generations, in 2009 they placed 640 acres of timberland in the
Forest Legacy Program to be forever managed as a working forest. What a wonderful gift to give to
those generations to come! Congratulations to the entire family and we look forward to having a
great turnout this coming September at our Fall Tour on the Wood Family Tree Farms.
Also recognized at our awards program is the recipient for Idaho Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of
the Year. Our Inspecting Foresters are a very crucial part of the Tree Farm Program and the award
this year went to Robert Barkley. Robert is with the Idaho Department of Lands, working out of the
Ponderosa Area Office. For the past 15 years he has been not only one of our most diligent and hard
working Inspectors, but also served continuously during that period as our District 2 Chair. During
our recent program audit he took the lead in working with the various Tree Farmers and other
Inspectors to ensure the southern half of our audit sites were properly prepared and ready for
inspection. He has been a familiar site for many years at countless field tours, clinics, landowner
conferences and other outreach activities. Though he has taken a very well deserved break and
stepped down as our District 2 Chair, he has pledged to remain an active part of our Idaho Tree
Farm Program. Thanks for all you have done and continue
to do for Tree Farming, Robert!
Luke (L) and Gary (R) Finney –
Idaho Outstanding Tree Farm Loggers of the Year
Robert Barkley –
Idaho Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
When it comes down to boots in the dirt, a logging job is only as good as the logger on the site.
Our recipient for Idaho Outstanding Tree Farm Logger of the Year went to Gary and Luke Finney of
Harrison. The Finney family has been involved in logging for many years and is well known for the
fine job they do working with private landowners. During the field inspections the nomination
committee was very impressed with both their utilization of harvested material as well as the care
they give to the residual stand. Road work, culverts, water barring and slash management are all
well above par. To them, doing that little bit extra is just part of doing the job right and we
greatly appreciate their efforts. It has been said the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and in
this case it applies very well. Luke’s father, the late Jack Finney, and Gary’s brother Paul
Finney, were also recognized as our Idaho Outstanding Tree Farm Logger of the Year some years back.
Nice job keeping the legacy going guys!
Page 3 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program
Forest Health Issues – Drought, Winter Storms, El Niño and Bark Beetles
Tom Eckberg, Idaho Dept of Lands Entomologist
The 2015 drought and warm El Niño weather made things difficult for trees in Idaho, and we are
seeing some of the effects now. Bark beetles often attack trees that are experiencing stress, and a
moisture deficit through the growing season stressed many trees last year. Ponderosa and lodgepole
pine mortality began to be observed in November, especially on drier exposures. Western pine beetle
and pine engraver were often found infesting the same stands. Damage was often worse in overstocked
stands. Some trees that were attacked last year are just now starting to fade to yellow and red.
Many small diameter grand fir and Douglas-fir trees have been turning red since at least November
in northern Idaho. Many have been growing on thin, rocky soils where the effects of the drought are
even more pronounced. Some trees may have been killed by the drought alone, but bark beetles are
also taking advantage of the stress. Fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis) is commonly found on grand
fir growing on drier sites. Secondary bark beetles have been found on small diameter Douglas-fir,
and in the branches of larger trees. In Douglas-fir, these secondary bark beetles (some with no
common names) cannot compete with Douglas-fir beetle, so they attack smaller trees, or in the tops
or branches of larger trees.
We expect the infested acres of fir engraver, western pine beetle and pine engraver to increase
during the 2016 Aerial Detection Survey due to the effects of the drought.
Wind and winter damage was severe in many parts of Idaho in 2015. High winds downed many trees in
November, and heavy snow loads toppled trees in December and later. Two bark beetles are of
particular concern when green, damaged pines or Douglas-fir are present in the spring; pine
engraver (Ips pini) and Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae). Pine engraver is already
infesting green slash in the Coeur d’Alene area.
Pine engraver eggs being laid now will develop into adults that emerge in June or July to attack
standing trees. Douglas-fir beetle will be flying soon to attack down Douglas-fir, but new adults
will not emerge from these trees until this time next year. There is still time to salvage the
damaged pine before the new adults emerge in the summer. Infested Douglas-fir is not as time
sensitive, so it can be removed before the snow flies. On both pines and Douglas-fir, look on the
bark for piles of boring dust or frass to confirm if the tree is infested. Adult galleries will be
seen under the bark.
Grand fir poles killed by fir engraver near Harrison, March 30, 2016 (L). Small diameter GF killed
by fir engraver near Santa, November 17, 2015 (R).
Page 4 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program 2016 Forest Owners Field Day
Saturday, June 25th – Orofino, ID
The Forest Owners Field Day is a fun and informative opportunity for you to get together with other
family forest owners and improve your forestry knowledge and skill set. Experts from all across
the forestry spectrum will be leading workshops on items including forest insects & diseases,
logging safety, wildlife habitat, thinning & pruning your stand, reforestation, marketing your
logs, and much more. Regardless of whether you own a small tract or large, or whether you are a
greenhorn or an old hand, there is something of interest for everyone. The event is open to your
entire family; both young & old are welcomed. Pre-registration by June 17th is $20 per person or
$30 for a family of 2 or more. Registration at the gate is $30 per person or $40 for a family of 2
or more.
Event Timing – Gates will open at 8:00 AM, Presentations will be held through the morning at 9:00,
10:00, and 11:00 AM; and in the afternoon at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 PM.
Lunch – A catered lunch will be available for $10 with a deli sandwich, chips, cookie, and soda or
water (must be ordered no later than June 17), or feel free to bring your own picnic lunch.
Site Logistics – Walking short distances over nearly-level forested terrain is required. Portable
restrooms, drinking water, coffee, and refreshments are available on-site. Some seating is provided
at the stations and lunch area, but bring a camp chair if you have one. On-site non-hookup RV or
tent camping is available. For permission call (208) 476-7364. Be sure to dress for the weather and
wear sturdy footwear.
Directions – From the Orofino Bridge (Milepost 44 on Idaho 12), proceed East across bridge, turn
left onto Hwy 7, proceed North on Hwy 7 for ~0.1 miles, and turn right onto the Dent Bridge Road.
After 1.1 miles pass by the Lake View Road on your left. After 4.6 miles stay left, avoiding the
Wells Bench Road. After 4.9 miles stay right avoiding the Twin Ridge Road. At mile marker 11.1,
turn left onto Loseth Road, travel ~1.3 miles and turn left through green gate w/Tree Farm sign. Go
~.5 miles south to parking area. Follow the Forest Owner Field Day signs!
Registration – Register by June 17, 2016 to: Idaho Forest Owners Association, P.O. Box 1257, Coeur
d’Alene, ID 83816-1257. For questions or more info email to info@idahoforestowners.org or phone
(208)-262-1371.
Upcoming Events on the Extension Forestry Calendar
The University of Idaho Extension Forestry Program does a wonderful job providing classes and
training for landowners. Here are just a few of the upcoming events they are offering:
Pruning to Restore White Pine – June17, 2016 in Sandpoint Thinning & Pruning Field Day – June 18,
2016 in Plummer Forest Shrubs Field Day – July 8, 2016 in Coeur d’Alene
Forest Insects & Disease Field Day – July 15, 2016 in Bonners Ferry
For a complete list of events log onto http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry or contact:
Chris Schnepf (208)-446-1680 Bill Warren (208-476-4434)
Randy Brooks (208)-885-7718 (Coeur d’Alene)
(Orofino) (Moscow)
Page 5 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program Idaho Tree Farm Program – Member
Outreach Efforts
When we voted last year to remain as a Certified Tree Farm Program, a couple requirements given us
by the National ATFS office were to ensure all members are reinspected within the 6 year standard
and that our database is current & correct. In order to help facilitate this we will be sending
out a post card sized mailer very soon asking some basic information about you and your Tree Farm.
We will eventually contact all our members, but will begin with the most long standing Tree Farmers
that show in our database as not having been reinspected in excess of 6 years.
When you receive your mailer there will be just a few basic questions. First, do you wish to remain
in the American Tree Farm system? If so, do you have a management plan? If you have a plan, is it
up to the current 2016-2020 Standards? Do you want to have an Inspector contact you?
Pretty simple and painless, but it will be a big help to us in cleaning up the database. The
return portion of the card will already have postage on it, so all you need to do is check the
appropriate boxes and pop it back in the mail to us. We all know that as the years go by parcels
are sold or added, family members pass away, and contact information sometimes changes. Ultimately,
we want to be sure we are properly serving you as Tree Farmers and that no one slips through the
cracks. Be watching for your card and please take a few moments to help us stay current and in
compliance with the requirements of our certification program. Thanks and we will be in touch!
Project Learning Tree Update
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for
teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool
through grade 12. Like the American Tree Farm System, PLT is also a program of the American Forest
Foundation that uses the forest as a window on the world, engaging the next generation of America’s
thought-leaders and decision makers.
Here are some of the upcoming PLT Professional Development Workshop Classes in Idaho:
Walk in the Forest – June 9/10 – Idaho City (camping available but not required) Focus on
Literature with WILD, WET and PLT – June 14/15 – Boise
Wildfires & Weeds – June 28/29 – Moscow
Focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) – July 21/22 – Lewiston or Cd’A Wildfires &
Weeds – July 25/26 – Boise
Focus on Literature with WILD, WET and PLT – August 3/4 – Post Falls Project Learning Tree –
October 21/22 – Boise
More classes are to be scheduled, check the website for the latest information.
Visit www.idahoforests.org/plt1.htm or call 208-334-4061
New Chairman for District 2
We are pleased to welcome Tim Schaffer as our new Chairman for District 2. Tim is with Bennett
Lumber Products in Princeton and will make a great addition to our Idaho Tree Farm Program. His
contact information is listed on the cover sheet if any of you wish to touch base or help welcome
him aboard.
Page 6 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program
Events to Highlight
May 12, 2016 – Idaho State Forestry Contest, Delay Farms, Careywood, ID
June 25, 2016 – Forest Owners Field Day, Orofino, ID
July 21, 2016 – Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting, CDA, ID
Sept 10, 2016 – Idaho Tree Farm Program Fall Tour, Wood Family Tree Farm, Sandpoint, ID
Stay Informed…..
In case you are ever wondering what is going on at the committee level, our Minutes are now being
posted on the Idaho Tree Farm Program website. Just log onto our website for Minutes of previous
sessions, contact information, upcoming events, and other news of note to help you in your Tree
Farm endeavors.
We’re on the Web!
Learn more at:
www.idahotreefarm.org
About Our Organization…
The purpose of the Idaho Tree Farm Program is to promote better forest management among
nonindustrial forest owners. The vehicle for achieving this aim is the American Tree Farm System®
(ATFS), sponsored nationally by the American Forest Foundation (AFF), state wide by the Idaho SFI
State Implementation Committee (SFI SIC), and administered by the Idaho Tree Farm Committee (State
Committee).
Welcome New Members!
The Idaho Tree Farm Committee extends a special welcome to the 61 newest Idaho Tree Farm Program’s
certified members. Thank you to the District Chairs and Inspecting Foresters for promoting
membership in the Idaho Tree Farm Program through the American Tree Farm System®.
As a current member, and a steward of the land, we appreciate your current support of the program
and your management of the forestland for pride and pleasure. Thank you for your continued
commitment to protecting watersheds and wildlife habitat, conserving soil and, at the same time,
producing the wood America needs and uses.
Tree Farm Member Acreage County
Inspecting Forester
Matthew Henningsen 960 Teton
Matthew Engberg
John Knous 40
Kootenai Diane Partridge
Dennis Mayer 19
Clearwater Chris Gerhart
Nick Albers 216
Clearwater Chris Gerhart
Rich Monteith 183
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Bear Tree Farm 64
Kootenai Gary Hess
Xann-Shapella Smith 30 Bonner
Tim Kyllo
Mike Westhoff 37
Idaho Clark Christiansen
JeAnn Willson 93
Nez Perce Clark Christiansen
Jere Watson 384
Lewis Clark Christiansen
Oxbow Ranch LLC 2712 Idaho
Clark Christiansen
Mike Johnson 16
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Tim Brown 35
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Mike Sowders 21
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Brian Daniels 15
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Richard Brown 19
Bonner Russ Hegedus
William McCann Jr 2020 Lewis
Clark Christiansen
Neil Wimberley 27
Bonner Tim Kyllo
David Schunke 75
Valley John Lillehaug
IFG Timber Runge #1 Tree Farm 433 Kootenai
Tim Kyllo
Keith Olson 170
Latah Gary Hess
Eric Braunstein 10
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Clint Gray 30
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Spencer Hutchings 52
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Matthew Anthony 12
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Richard Rago 60
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Freda Campbell 19
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Pamela Hodaka 40
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Jake Hansen 13
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Pat Mason 73
Latah Gary Hess
Susan Degro 19
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Chris Courser 43
Bonner Tim Kyllo
IFG Timber Chilco Tree Farm 86 Kootenai
Tim Kyllo
IFG Timber Runge #2 Tree Farm 43 Kootenai
Tim Kyllo
Tom Martin 32
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Lloyd Wallace 19
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Larry Boyer / Boyer Ranch 840 Clearwater
Clark Christiansen
Bethany Ranch Home 67 Boundary
Tim Kyllo
Edward Tubbs 19
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Page 7 of 7 Idaho Tree Farm Program
Welcome New Members (Continued from Page 6)
Tree Farm Member Acreage County
Inspecting Forester
Julie Ernest 94
Bonner Van Smith
Oxley Deep Creek, Inc 40
Boundary Tim Kyllo
Robert Reineke 28
Clearwater Chris Gerhart
Archie George 60
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Robert Tanner 40
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Roman Poplawski 19
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Patricia Hart 75
Boundary Tim Kyllo
James Jacobsen 38
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Russell Keyser 15
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Maryann Boseth 21
Bonner Tim Kyllo
Gene Soper 10
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
James and Elvina Doyle Family Trust 10 Kootenai
Tim Kyllo
Robert Young 10
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Phillip Henry 10
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Sean Rogers 10
Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Mitch Belzak 30
Kootenai Tim Kyllo Carothers Mirror Lake Campground Tree Farm 10
Bonner Tim Kyllo Ted Leach
137 Clearwater Chris Gerhart
James Sharman TF3538 10 Bonner
Tim Kyllo
James Sharman TF3539 10 Bonner
Tim Kyllo
James Sharman TF3540 20 Bonner
Tim Kyllo
James Sharman TF3541 37 Bonner
Tim Kyllo
Congratulations once again to our
2016 Idaho Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year! Make Plans to attend the Fall Tour on September
10th
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