April 18, 2018 ITF Committee Minutes

IDAHO TREE FARM PROGRAM

Idaho Tree Farm Committee Program

9:30am-12pm, Thursday, April 19, 2018

University of Idaho Extension Office Kootenai County – 1808 N 3rd St – CDA, ID 83814

 

  1. Call to Order

President Russ Hegedus called the meeting to order at 9:30am. Those present for all or part of the meeting      were:

Russ Hegedus, ITFC President

Sean Hammond, ITFC Vice President, Tree Farmer

Doug Bradetich, IFG

Erin Bradetich, IFTF Communications Chair/IFG

Andy Eckberg, ITFC District 1 Chair/IFG

Jane Thornes, PLT

Jim Thornes, Tree Farmer

Tim Schaffer, ITFC District 2 Chair/BLP

Steve Funk, IFOA/Tree Farmer

Janet Funk, ILRCC/Tree Farmer

Chris Schnepf, ITFC/U of I Extension

Colleen Meek, ITF Administrator

Madeline David, IFOA

Kirk David, IFOA

Tom Bollacker, Tree Farmer

Dan Meyer, Tree Farmer

John Lillehaug, ITFC District 3 Chair

Mary Fritz, IDL

Kurt Koetter, Tree Farmer

  1. Anti-Trust Statement

Russ Hegedus reviewed the Anti-Trust Statement with the Committee.

  1. Look over and review Q1 Meeting Minutes

Kirk David pointed out there was one correction in the minutes in New minutes, section j-IFO/Tree Annual Moscow Winter Meeting March 25th-27th, 2018. The word plague should say plaque. Sean Hammond approved minutes, Doug Bradetich seconded. Motion accepted unanimously.

  1. Review Q1 2018 Treasurer’s Report

Doug Bradetich represented Steve Cuvala in his absence at the meeting. The Treasurer’s Report Program Funding year to date $3,427.82. Beginning balance as of 1/1/18 was $28,097.66. Cash balance is currently $31,525.48 in the positive.

Doug went over the new budget for 2018. Russ suggested the rate $500 for Program Supplies & Equipment to raised to $1000, since projectors & screen are priced higher. Donation for the teacher tour was $250 raised to $500 and took off $250 on DC. Doug Bradetich moved to approve the treasurer report and Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Sean Hammond moved approval of the 2018 Budget, Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

  1. Communications Report

Communication Chair, Erin Bradetich, updated the committee that another newsletter should be coming out in another couple weeks.

  1. Old Business
  2. 501c3 Status and CPA Updates (Colleen Meek)

The CPA, (Matthew Peterson) sent in the 1023EZ report (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code) to the IRS which cost $275 to file on line. Colleen Meek called the IRS April 4th, 2018 to find out the status of the 1023EZ report. The report just went into review and it will take 4 to 6 weeks, around mid-May, to receive a written answer nay or yay from the IRS. The gentleman at the IRS did say to have the CPA file the 990N form, since it’s due May 16th. Colleen called Mr. Peterson, he will file the 990N form. When the letter is received from the IRS a copy will be sent to Mr. Peterson.

  1. Moscow Spring Meeting roughly 80 people in attendance.

Madeline David was wondering how DC will charge a Tree Farmer by the tree farms or per tree farmer for the cost of SFI certificates. It is actually by tree farmer. AFF will be passing part of the cost of 3rd party forest certification on the states. The committee decided to charge by tree farm but it will have a cap for the tree farmers that have multiple tree farms which will be $50.00. The $10 will go towards the 2019 audit also. Doug Bradetich made a motion to charge $10 per tree farm with a cap of $50. Kurt Koetter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Chris Schnepf suggested putting testimonials about the $10 fee in the newsletter. Mary Fritz asked, if everyone has a good email address. Not all tree farmers have an email address and there’s a few with bad addresses. John Lillehaug suggested that getting the monies from the tree farmers earlier, move the date up to July. John Lillehaug moved to have a committee get together to find out the correct number of tree farms and have a logic approach for implementing a billing system for the tree farmers. Chris Schnepf seconded the motion. Russ asked for volunteers to be on the committee. Doug Bradetich, John Lillehaug, Tim Schaffer, and Colleen Meek will be on the committee. The committee will contact Madeline and Kirk David to see how IFOA has handled their billing issues.

  1. UI Nursery Advisory Committee consolidated a seat for IFOA and ID Tree Farm.

Janet Funk talked about different representatives on the Nursery Advisory Committee. It was suggested by a member of the tree farm maybe they should consolidate the IFOA and ID Tree Farm voting position. Members of the Tree Farm Committee felt comments were misguided and unauthorized. It’s believed all tree organizations should have their own representation on the UI Nursery Advisory Committee. Kurt Koetter moved that to accept the letter that was written to rescind the motion regarding the “NIPF” (Non-Industrial Private Forestland) representation and restore the committee members to their previous designations. Sean Hammond seconded the motion. Majority in favor.

  1. New Business
  2. PLT Report (Jane Thornes)

ID-SFI annual meeting voted funding new units. PLT will be focusing on workshops, core subjects and activities for 6th to 12th grades. There were 43 teachers that went on tour. Stem outreach-grant ID State ED-donated by Clearwater Paper. There were nearly 200 photographs submitted. The Photo contest winners: Grand Price and winner 11-12th grade was Miranda Fry. 10-11 Kaden Grow, 7-8 Tegan Garrison and 5-6 Elise Pearse.

PLT offers Forestry Grants up to $1000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental projects. May is Wildfire Awareness Month.

Jane announced it would be her last meeting representing PLT. Mary Fritz will be taking her position.

  1. ILRCC Report (Janet Funk)

The ILRCC Assessment Core Team continues to work on the updates and revisions to the Forest Action Plan. Attention has been heavily focused on the forests “Threats and Benefits” section of the FAP.

The Western Fire Manager grants were reviewed and found to be within the scope of action, and the funding limits.

The LSR (Landscape Scale Restoration) projects were reviewed.

The Forest Legacy Program update showed that the Hall Mountain/Kootenai Valley project (3281 acres) has been funded. There are two other projects that are in “application status”. The Legacy Program, to date, has 30 purchased conservation easements on 95,768 acres, and 8 donated conservation easements on 2661 acres. Approximately 86,200 acres are open to public recreation, free of charge, in perpetuity.

 

A report on the Treasure Valley Carbon study was given. Among other things, it shows that tree canopy in an urban setting has more monetary value, for carbon sequestration, than the same amount of canopy in a forest setting.

 

  1. Forestry Contest Athol, Idaho – May 10, 2018 at Careywood-Delay Tree Farm-mile marker 454 W side of 95 – Forestry Contest will start at 9:30. Volunteers should arrive by 7:45a.m. Kurt Koetter needs volunteers to help clean up on April 20, 2018. On April 25th they will be setting up for the contest. Karen Robinson of IDL, is the organizer to contact if a person would like to volunteer.

 

  1. Forestry in Southern Idaho Tour, Wed May 16th, Council, ID.

John Lillehaug is the contact person regarding the tour. John said, everything is set to go. Russ Hegedus and Tim Schaffer will be attending the tour.

 

  1. Inspector training and certification chair (open)

Russ Hegedus said, the position is still open. Madeline David suggest asking a retired person that might like to help with the training for inspectors.

 

  1. Inspections update by District Chairs

Required: What has been assigned & what’s been turned in.

District 1 has done 7 required and 12 left. District 2 has 2 required to be done. District 3 had 1 required and that has been completed.

 

Optional and Pioneer’s What has been done?

There has been 8 optional done. There are 40 left which majority of the optional have been assigned to inspectors.

 

  1. 004 Form completion (make sure and fill all the appropriate areas)

 

  1. The vote on assessing each tree farmer a $10.00 annual fee per tree farm number to cover the cost of SFI Certification. The vote on assessing the tree farmer an annual fee of $10.00 was discussed earlier in the meeting.

 

  1. Kroetch Family Fall Tour – September 8, 2018 Prep:
  2. Brainstorm ideas and points of interest to assist landowner.
  3. Tour Attendance: How many might come, any guesses

Brian Kroetch wasn’t in attendance at the meeting. Russ Hegedus will circle back with Brian.

 

  1. Remind Landowners and Inspectors One Plan Template does include Stewardship.

Russ Hegedus suggested the inspectors remind the landowners that One Plan Template does include Stewardship.

If, they have Stewardship they can be dual involved.

 

  1. Other Business
  2. Next Meeting date: Thursday, July 19, 2018.

 

  1. Adjourn

Russ Hegedus adjourned the meeting at 12:00p.m. Doug Bradetich moved the meeting be adjourned. Sean Hammond seconded, motion carried unanimously.

 

Respectfully,

Colleen Meek

ITFP Administrator

 

 

 

 

Spring Newsletter 2018

Spring 2018
Idaho Tree Farm Program
P.O. Box 2659 • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 • (T) 208.667.4641, ext 503 • (F) 208.664.0557
www.idahotreefarm.org • admin@idahotreefarm.org
Idaho Tree Farm Program

Outstanding Tree Farmer 2018

Kroetch Land and Timber

Coeur d’ Alene, ID

 

The annual meeting of our Idaho program was held March 26 at the Family Forest Landowners Conference in Moscow. Turnout was great with over 80 Tree Farmers and guests in attendance.     Program President Russ Hegedus gave a short recap of the program and what’s new in Tree Farming then turned to our program awards for 2018. This year the award for Outstanding Idaho Tree Farmer of the Year went to Brian Kroetch of Kroetch Land & Timber and Mica Bay Land Company.

 

Brian’s family has a long history in forestry, starting with roots in logging & milling in Germany before some of his ancestors immigrated to America and incorporated in the area near Coeur d’Alene in 1921.     Over the years they have continued to acquire land and are over 21,000 acres today. Working on a sustained basis, they grow and harvest 5-6 million board feet annually. Brian says, “We are particularly proud of operating a profitable business for the family in a way that’s both sustainable and environmentally sound”.     Congratulations to Brian and his family!

 

2017-2018
Officers
•   President –

Russ Hegedus
Idaho Forest Group
(T) 208.255.3250

•  Vice President –
Sean Hammond
(T) 208.610.8754

•  Treasurer –
Steve Cuvala
Idaho Dept. of Lands
(T) 208.245.4551

•  Administrator –
Colleen Meek
ID Tree Farm Program

admin@idahotreefarm.org

(T) 208.667.4641

2017-2018
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

 

 

 

Left to right – Vice President Sean Hammond, President Russ Hegedus, Brian Kroetch, Dana Kroetch.

 

ITFC Annual Meeting (continued from page 1)

 

Our Idaho Outstanding Logger of the year for 2018 is Luke Peterson. Luke and his wife Amy operate Northwoods Forestry near Sandpoint. His fine work may be familiar to many of you from our Fall Tour a couple years back as he had done much of the logging for the Wood family, our 2016 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. Luke began his career in 2004 with just a saw and skidder. He has since expanded the operation to include a processor, buncher, several skidding rigs and a full-time employee.       Working with private landowners all around North Idaho, his gives a great deal of attention to leaving a site better than when he entered it. Good job Luke!
L-R – Northwoods crew member Matt Henry, truck driver Robert Laude (Woods Crushing and Hauling), Amy Peterson, Luke Peterson our Outstanding Logger of the year, Vice President Sean and President Russ
Also honored during our meeting were Outstanding Inspector and Outstanding Logger of the Year for 2018. The award for Outstanding Inspector of the Year went to Steve Cuvala, Private Forestry Specialist for the Idaho Department of Lands in the St Joe Area. Steve has been a long-time supporter of our program as both a dedicated Inspector and a Tree Farmer in his own right as well. In addition, Steve has served many years as our Idaho State Committee Treasurer.       President Russ thanked Steve for his long service to our program and presented him with a plaque and embroidered rain parka.
Steve Cuvala, Idaho Outstanding Inspector of the Year 2018

 

Forestry Tour for Southern Idaho

Wednesday, May 16 beginning 8:30 AM

 

Whether you own 10 acres of forest land or 2000, the Forestry Tour for Southern Idaho will provide the tools and information you need to improve the health of your private forest. If you want to harvest commercial timber, limit outbreaks of insects and disease, or reduce fuels near your home, you’ll learn some of the different management practices to accomplish your goals.

The Idaho Department of Lands brings the Forestry Tour for Southern Idaho to Adams County on Wednesday, May 16th. We’ll kick things off at 8:30 a.m. with a coffee social at the fairgrounds exhibition building, hosted by the Idaho Tree Farm Program. Then you’ll learn about “Bugs and Crud” that can affect your forest land, and how to estimate timber volume in “Log Scaling 101,” presented by IDL forestry professionals.

We’ll tour Western Timber Company and learn about their specialty lumber products and view a sawmill demonstration at a local mill. In the afternoon, we’ll visit two different private properties to take a look at examples of before-and-after recommended management activities, including pre-commercial thinning, bark beetle control and fuel reduction treatments.

Throughout the day, you’ll have a chance to talk with foresters and other resource professionals, loggers, and your fellow timberland owners. We limit the number of participants so that everyone has ample time to ask questions and discuss best management practices.

Register now by contacting the Adams SWCD office at 208-253-4668, or email aswd@ctcweb.net. The cost of the tour is just $10 to cover materials.

Please bring your lunch and dress for whatever our mid-May weather may throw at us.

Loggers and foresters can earn Society of American Foresters continuing education credits for this workshop. For more information, contact John Lillehaug, Private Forestry Specialist with IDL, at 208-634-7125.

This Idaho Forest Stewardship Program tour is brought to you by Idaho Department of Lands, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Tree Farm Program, and the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District.

 

Idaho Tree Farm Committee Approves Fee System
As we discussed in the last newsletter our parent organization, the American Forest Foundation (AFF), has indicated they will be passing part of the cost of 3rd party forest certification on to the states. We will need to put together an economic plan to show AFF how we will cover this cost and the Idaho Tree Farm Committee voted at the April meeting to institute a fee system for our members. We created a subcommittee group to look into the specifics implementing this system and the exact cost for each Tree Farmer we would need to assess in order to keep our program fiscally sound. The subcommittee will be reporting back at our next quarterly meeting in July with a recommendation of how to proceed.       As we firm these details up we will be passing that information along to our members.

 

Upcoming U of I Extension Forestry Classes
Nearly everyone has seen dead trees dotting northern Idaho forests. Most of the trees you notice were killed by bark beetles, but many other insects and diseases kill trees, often in less visible ways.

On Friday, July 27th, the Forest Insect and Disease Field Day will give participants first-hand exposure to a wide range of organisms that impair the growth of trees and forests in northern Idaho, including: western pine beetle and other bark beetles; Armillaria and other root diseases; white pine blister rust; Indian paint fungus, pini rot and other stem decays; and dwarf mistletoes. Experts will help participants identify insect and disease symptoms and discuss practical long and short-term methods of dealing with them.

Forest Thinning & Pruning Field Day to be held in Bonners Ferry, June 2nd
Trees killed by bark beetle attacks always make forest owners ask: “what can we do about it?” Whether you have problems with insects or disease, concerns about fire, or just want to help forest growth, the response from foresters is nearly universal: thin your forest. This is especially true in northern Idaho, where forests frequently become overstocked. Thinning and pruning can favor better adapted tree species, improve tree quality, reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance many other values.
Forestry Shortcourse offered in Sandpoint, Wednesday mornings, June-July, 2018
Many Idaho forest landowners desire a better understanding of how forests grow and how they can better manage their forest property to meet their goals. Furthermore, forest landowners are often required to demonstrate planned, active forest management to qualify for lower forestry property tax rates and cost-share assistance for management activities such as thinning.

This summer, a 6-session program, titled the Forestry Shortcourse, will help enrich forest landowners’ understanding of forest ecology, silviculture, forest health, wildlife habitat, and other forestry topics. In the process, participants are coached by natural resource professionals on how to develop a management plan for their forest.

———————————————————————————————————

For more information on specific sessions in the series, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1680
“Forest Insect & Disease Field Day” to be held July 27th in Sandpoint

 

Forest Health Updates, Idaho Department of Lands

Current Projects Statewide – Erica Eidson. Forest Health Specialist

EDRR funnel traps placed near waste or recycling facilities
Another important reminder for this time of year relates to pine engraver beetle management. Now that the weather is warming up, folks are eager to start on forest management projects. Freshly cut (or storm damaged) pine is highly attractive to Ips pine engravers this time of year, as they are just beginning their first flight period. Fresh pine logs and slash on the ground are likely to become infested, and after about 6 weeks, a second generation of beetles can emerge from the down material and move into adjacent standing pine. We are starting to get some calls about this and seeing a number of new pine slash piles cropping up. Here are a few slash management suggestions for this time of year that might be a good reminder to help folks avoid problems with pine engraver outbreaks: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/forestry/forest-health/2017-single-pest-fact-sheet-pine-engraver.pdf

 

Currently, we are hard at work putting out MCH, which is an anti-aggregation pheromone of Douglas-fir beetle. It comes in small pouches or ‘bubble caps’ that can be stapled to trees for 1 year of protection against Douglas-fir beetle. https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/MCH_handbook_11_15_508.pdf Recently burned areas with scorched Douglas-fir and storm damaged areas with recent (still green) Douglas-fir or larch blowdown are particularly good candidates for MCH treatment (Douglas-fir beetle can successfully attack and reproduce in down but not standing western larch). We treated several areas near Kamiah and will be treating additional areas in SE Idaho. Now is the best time of year to put out MCH, because Douglas-fir beetles will be emerging and looking for new hosts to attack soon.
This year, Idaho is participating in Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) surveys https://foresthealth.fs.usda.gov/edrr to monitor for invasive wood borers of deciduous and coniferous hosts, as well as for exotic species of Ips bark beetles. We are in the process of placing funnel traps (see attached photos) at 12 sites across the state and will be monitoring them for 12 weeks. We have selected sites in close proximity to wood waste facilities (i.e., transfer stations and wood recycling facilities) or areas that store imported goods with wood packing materials, such as wooden pallets (i.e., shipping yards, granite slab vendors). The idea is that potentially infested wood material may end up at these types of locations, and the EDRR trapping program could help us detect any new infestations at early stages, before exotic insects become established in an area.

 

Events to Highlight

May 16, 2018 – Forestry Tour for Southern Idaho, Adams County, ID

June 2, 2018 – Forest Thinning and Pruning Field Day, Bonners Ferry, ID

July 19, 2018 – Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting, CDA, ID

July 27, 2018 – Forest Insect & Disease Field Day, Sandpoint, ID

Welcome New Members!

 

The Idaho Tree Farm Committee extends a special welcome to the 8 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
Ben & Farrah Zumhoff 200 Clearwater Matthew Engberg
Jake & Karen Rajala 27 Latah Robert Barkley
Scott & Michelle Schlader 21 Nez Perce David Summers
Michael & Marcia Stayton 182 Latah Robert Barkley
Sam Duncan 20 Latah Robert Easley
Brandon & Rene Creed 20 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Alan & Debbie Flory Tree Farm #2 10 Boundary Tim Kyllo
Roady Tree Farm 193 Boundary Russ Hegedus

 

 

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).

 

Congratulations Kroetch Family! 

Make plans to join us on the Fall Tour of their Tree Farms September 2018

 

 

Idaho Tree Farm Committee Minutes-January 18, 2018

Idaho Tree Farm Program

Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting

9:30am-12:00pm, Thursday, January 18, 2018

Fire District #3, Kootenai County

1500 North 15th St. -Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

 

1. Call to Order
President Russ Hegedus called the meeting to order at 9:27 a.m. Those present for all or part of the meeting were:
Russ Hegedus, ITFC President
Sean Hammond, ITFC Vice President, Tree Farmer
Doug Bradetich, IFG
Erin Bradetich, ITFC Communications Chair/IFG
Andy Eckberg, ITFC District 1 Chair/IFG
Jane Thornes, PLT
Jim Thornes, Tree Farmer
Steven Cuvala, ITFC Treasurer/Tree Farmer
Tim Schaffer, ITFC District 2 Chair/BLP
Steve Funk, ITFC Past Chair/Tree Farmer
Janet Funk, Tree Farmer/ILRCC
Chris Schnepf, ITFC/U of I Extension
Kurt Koetter, Tree Farmer of the Year
Dan Myers, Tree Farmer
Colleen Meek, ITF Administrator
John Lillenhaug, ITFC District 3 Chair/IDL
Owen Retzlaff/I.E.P
Mary Fritz/IDL
Tom Bollacker, Tree Farmer

2. Anti-Trust Statement
Russ Hegedus reviewed the Anti-Trust Statement with the Committee.

3. Review of 2017 Treasurer’s Report
Steve Cuvala gave the Treasurer’s Report Program Funding year to date ($565.02) and Doug Bradetich reviewed the 2017 Budget against actual income and expenditures as of December 31, 2017. All expenses are in line, Cash balance is currently $28,097.66 in the positive. Steve Cuvala was wondering what was the difference between Host Gator, Godwin (our maintenance for website) and Go Daddy. Approval of Q4 2017 Treasurer Report John Lillehaug approved and Doug Bradetich seconded. Motion carried Unanimously.
Treasurer Report as of January 16, 2018 balance $26,784.00. John Lillehaug moved and Doug Bradetich seconded to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

4. Old Business:
Janet Funk will represent IDTFC at the UI Nursery for landowner seedling needs. U of I Seedling would like a 20-minute presentation, since they have not heard of or knew what Idaho Tree Farm Program is. Janet has provided them some information to the UI Nursery Committee and read through it with the ITFC. Russ Hegedus volunteered to give a presentation, since research is vital to Idaho Tree Farm.
A few general observations discussed were: There’s various outlets for seedlings. It’s a person choice where they would like to get their seedlings. Larch seedlings are the hardest to get.

5. New Business:
a. Communications Report
Communications Chair Erin Bradetich updated the Committee on communication efforts with Tree Farmers. Erin Bradetich currently working on the next newsletter for distribution. There were 4 sets of post cards sent out about 250.

b. ILRCC (Idaho Lands Resource Coordinating Council) Report
Janet Funk said, there’s no updates. There will be a meeting coming up in CDA.,

c. PLT Report “It is: SFI” (Jane Thornes)
Project Learning Tree had 21 workshops. Each year roughly 400 preK-12th grade teachers and youth leaders participate in Idaho PLT professional development workshops. In 2017 there was about 24,500 Idaho students reached by the educators. There was 18 Grants issued to teachers.

The new E-units are ready for teachers. These units include lesson plans, student pages, and other supporting materials online. The standards pop up throughout the
E-unit, making it handy for teachers. Additional opportunities include Sustainable Forestry Tour for Teachers and Counselors, Forest Products Week Essay Contest, Arbor Day Student Photo Contest, Papermaking and Forester tools lending kits, Forest Education Grants, social media, and Natural institutes websites are increasing.

One sponsor, Idaho Fire Wise is backing out, is not coming through with $3000.00. PLT would like ITFP to donate $2000.00. There are also additional Funding partners include the IDL, US Bureau of Land Management, USFS, License Plate Fund, and various grants. IFG supplements’ when needed. PLT under SFI now, it was suggested maybe SFI would donate and suggested PLT should approach ALC and individual loggers.

Janet Funk moved to table on donation until Jane brought more information regarding who will donate. Sean Hammonds Second the motion. Motion carried.

d. New ID TFC U.S.D.S. Soil Conservation Service Rep, Kirk Sehlmeyer:
Russ invited Mr. Sehlmeyer but he wasn’t able to make it.

e. 501C3 Status (Russ Hegedus)
All steps are completed and 501c3 status is now in place. IFG can start making payments directly to IDTFC & rather than send payments to the National ATFS office. IDFT will do an Annual Tax Return with Magnuson & McHugh in CDA, ID
The cost for the tax return will be estimated about $150.00.

f. Data base clean up: 004 forms – legal description
Russ suggested that for legal description enter Township, range, section & the RP#.
It was discussed that a person cannot always find the piece of property just with that information.
Monthly, Washington will be sending out ATFS Data Quality Report.

g. F.O.R.I Guidance: See Hand Out
Russ asked everyone to look at the hand out for F.O.R.I., Idaho really doesn’t’ have F.O.R.I. but the landowners are in the driver’s seat. It’s based on the inspectors’ perspective and given the size and scale of the individual landowners’ property and scope of landowner’s objectives on their property.

h. Inspections Update 2018: Required D1 18 D2 2 D3 1
Optional D1 26 D2 16 D3 6
Pioneer D2 4

Tim Schaffer has assigned his requires for District 2. John Lillehaug has the required done for District 3. Andy Eckberg is going to contact the inspectors for District 1.
Russ informed the committee that there’s an opening available as the inspector Training & Recognition Committee Chair. The inspector cannot charge a tree farmer but can get a donation. Doug Bradetich suggested that they can put the opening in the newsletter.
i. 2018 NLC will be held in Albuquerque, NM Jan 31-Feb 2nd.
Sean and Russ will be in attendance. This year’s theme is “Bring Our Impact into Focus”.

j. IFO/Tree Farm annual Moscow Winter Meeting March 25th-27th, 2018.
1. TFOY Kroetch, LOTY Luke Peterson-Northwoods Forestry, IDTY Steve Cuvala signs engraved. Russ asked, Steve Funk to help with the signs and he agreed. Steve will plan for 3 smaller signs & 1 big sign. Sean Hammonds is going to check for the correct spelling for all plaques.

There’s a travelling plague for the Tree Farmer of the Year, it goes to the nearest IDL office but no one was certain what location the plague was last. Mary Fritz and Steve Cuvala are going to check at their offices.

2. Inspectors gifts and awards ideas: gift cards, hats, pens, vest, plaque for desk, Biltmore sticks. It was suggested looking in the website for Bob Falkner, for Tree Farm Promotional items. raisethebardesigns@gmail.com

3. At the ITFP annual meeting in Moscow, there will be a no host bar for the award ceremony and then dessert hour for the Idaho outstanding award recipients.

k. Thanks to Mary Fritz good efforts a donation should be made to IDTF from Joyce Thompson, a retired USFS employee on the Nez/Clearwater whose father passed away & wants to leave a donation to a forestry-based organization in Idaho. Mary hasn’t heard anything but the donation will come in the mail.

l. Forestry Day at the Legislatures is Jan. 24th, Wednesday & John Lillehaug is putting this on. John said, the Legislators come for Lunch & visit. Displays will be set up. John said, he doesn’t need a lot of help.

6. Other Business:
a. VOTE ON CHARGING ACTIVE TREE FARMS $10 A YEAR.
Russ reminded the committee that as a certified program, we will be assessed by National ATFS a few of $10.00 per Tree Farm to help cover 3rd party auditing. We are required to have an economic plan in to them by 12-31-18 detailing how we will cover this cost and he suggested instituting a $10.00 annual fee to each Tree Farm. Detailed discussion by the committee ensued on this proposal. Consensus was that a fee system of some sort needs to be started. John Lillehaug believes if Tree Farmers are charged $10.00 per tree farm in his area, the tree farmers might opt out of the program. Doug Bradetich suggested we need to inform the Tree Farm members ahead. Erin Bradetich & Doug will inform tree farmers about the fee structure in the winter newsletter. Janet Funk thought there needs to be more incentive to belong to the tree farm. Russ will ask, if there’s any other options while he’s at the National Leadership Conference and report back at the April ITFC meeting. Janet moved to table the vote on charging the $10.00 until the meeting in April. Kurt Koetter seconded the motion, motion carried unanimously.
b. IFG TO CHANGE LANDOWNER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR CERTIFIED WOOD.
After the Forum, Russ will be addressing the SFI-SIC with the ITFP annual report. He will be requesting additional funding to help with rising administrative costs. Depending on the outcome, we may ask Idaho Forest Group to change their $5.00 per thousand-foot Tree Farm incentive from the current $4.50 Tree Farmer and $.50 state program to $4.00 Tree Farmer and $1.00 state program.

c. CHRIS SCHNEPF OF U of I EXTENSION THERE WILL BE LEAP UPDATES.
There needs to be more logger outreach to Landowners. There will be L.E.A.P. classes Tues, March 20th in Lewiston, Wed, March 21st in St. Maries, & Thurs, March 22nd in Sandpoint.
April 6th, UI Extension, Bonner County-Identifying Idaho Trees.

d. Next meeting date: Thursday, April 19, 2018

7. Adjourn
President Russ Hegedus adjourned the meeting at 12:05p.m. Sean Hammond moved the meeting be adjurned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Colleen Meek
ITFP Administrator

Meeting Minutes-October 19, 2017

IDAHO TREE FARM PROGRAM

Idaho Tree Farm Committee Meeting

9:30am- 12:00pm, Thursday, October 19th, 2017

University of Idaho Extension Office – Kootenai County

1808 N 3rd St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

 

  • President Russ Hegedus called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. Those present for all or part of the meeting were:
    1. Andy Eckberg, ITFC District 1 Chair/IFG
    2. Jane Thornes, PLT
    3. Jim Thornes, Tree Farmer
    4. Steve Cuvala, ITFC Treasure/Tree Farmer
    5. Tim Schaffer, ITFC District 2 Chair/BLP
    6. Steve Funk, ITFC Past Chair/Tree Farmer
    7. Janet Funk, ILRCC/Tree Farmer
    8. Chris Schnepf, ITFC/U of I Extension
    9. Colleen Meek, ITF Administrator
    10. Kurt Koetter, Tree Farmer of the Year
    11. Dan Meyers, Tree Farmer
    12. Ken Homik, IDL
    13. Russ Hegedus, ITFC President/IFG
    14. Sean Hammond, Vice President/Tree Farmer
    15. Erin Bradetich, ITFC Communications/IFG
    16. Doug Bradetich, IFG
  • Anti-Trust Statement 
  •         Russ Hegedus reviewed the Anti-Trust Statement with the       Committee.
    • Minutes Q2
    •  Doug read the Minutes for Q2, there was one correction, instead of Wildlife it should have said, Wildfire Response Committee. Doug Bradetich moved minutes approved and Sean Hammond seconded the motion. Motion carried
    • Russ Hegedus introduced the new administrator, Colleen Meek to the committee. 
  • Review of July’s Treasurer’s Report
  • Kurt Koetter moved and Doug Bradetich seconded to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
    1. Steve Cuvala gave the Treasurer’s Report and Doug Bradetich reviewed the 2017 Budget against actual income and expenditures as of October 16, 2017. All expenses are in line. IFG stumpage premiums will be considerably less than expected this year, 8-9k rather than expected 15k, due to inclement weather. Cash balance is currently $30,215.85 in the positive. It was suggested by Steve Funk to get 3-4 more IOTFY signs coming with estimate around $500.00 each. Sean Hammond approved and Steve Funk seconded. Motion carried.
  • ILRCC (Idaho Lands Resource Coordinating Council) Report Updates  
  • Janet Funk no updates.
  • Communications Report 
  • Communications Chair Erin Bradetich updated the Committee on communication efforts with Tree Farmers. Erin Bradetich and Doug Bradetich are currently working on a Fall Newsletter for distribution near the end of October. There were about 100 post cards mailed out. When the post cards are received back to the Tree Farm, the post cards all should go to the appropriate District Chair.
  • Old Business
  • 501(c)3 Status (Russ Hegedus)
  • The paper work is on its way to Boise as soon as the check is written and mailed.
  • Fall Field Tour Review 
  • Annual Fall Tour Saturday, September 9, 2017 was well attended with 82 family, friends, quests gathered at the home of Kurt and Sandy Koetter, Idaho Outstanding Tree Farmers for 2017. The group toured their Wood Wizard Tree Farm with stops including PCT, fire proofing near the home, noxious weed control, and light commercial harvest. Kurt Koetter mentioned he would have liked see to some press release for more notation. Jane and Jim Thornes suggested more signs getting to the location of the Tree Farm. Jim will check with his sign maker-cost of signs with wording FORESTRY EVENT with an ARROW.
  • New Business:

PLT Report “It is: SFI” (Jane Thornes) E-unit, making it handy for teachers.PLT anticipates drops in PLT funding due to:

    1. The new E-units are ready for teachers. These units include lesson plans, student pages, and other supporting materials online. The standards pop up throughout the
    2. Project Learning Tree is settling in with new sponsor Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) having been transferred from American Forest Foundation (AFF). SFI and PLT are getting to know each other better at the national level. The next step will be for SFI Implementation Committees and State PLT program to get better acquainted.
  1. Secure Rural Schools law was not reauthorized. PLT had successfully competed for about $15,000 per year from those funds. That funding no longer exists and doesn’t look likely to return.
  2. Federal funding is uncertain right now and likely to decrease more over time. A large amount of current PLT funding comes from BLM and USFS in various ways.

Jane indicated she and PLT greatly appreciate the support of all their sponsors, including Idaho Tree Farm. If ITF would like to contribute to the 2018 program, they welcome knowing by 11/15, if that is possible, so they can get things in their draft budget in time for the Steering Committee meeting.

It was suggested that Idaho Tree Farm donate to PLT $200 sent to Betty Munis, director of  the Idaho Forest Products Commission. Tim Schaffer approved, Doug Bradetich second. Motioned carried.

  • Andy Eckberg indicated there have been letters recently sent to landowners and loggers regarding the assessment for the Idaho Forest Products Commission. He asked, how it is determined who receives these. Per Russ anyone that delivers logs to Idaho mills will receive the letter.
  • Outstanding Tree Farmer, Inspector and Logger of the Year Selections for 2018:
  • President Russ announced the following recipients, which will be announced at the ITFP annual meeting in Moscow in March, 2018.
  1. Tree Farm of the Year-Brian Kroetch
  2. Logger of the Year-Luke Peterson
  3. Inspector of the Year-Steve Cuvala

Russ also let the committee know the Wood Family did not make the selection for the Regional Tree Farmer of the Year, although they continue to be an outstanding example of excellent Tree Farm stewardship and public outreach.

  1. National Leadership Conference

Attending the 2018 National Leadership Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico will be Russ Hegedus & Sean Hammonds.

  1. Required/Optional Inspections Update

All National Sample Required Inspections have been assigned and most have been completed. District I have 2 left to complete. District II has 4 to complete. District III has completed all their required inspections.

Optional and Pioneer – District 11 has 14 pioneers and 4 optional inspections to complete. ATFS National has offered grants to assist in bringing Pioneers up to certified status. The Committee continues to discuss potential plans to complete these.

  1. New Tree Farms and 004 Form Completion Emailed Updates

Russ reminded Colleen when 004 inspection forms have been fully completed and signed by all required parties, the Administrator will enter them into the database. Confirmation of their entry into the database will be sent via email to the Inspecting Forester and Landowner (if they’ve provided an email). A physical letter will also be sent to the Landowner’s mailing address recognizing their Tree Farm’s recertification to the updated standards. The new Tree Farms will receive welcome certificate and a letter of explanation.

  1. Laptop donated by Idaho Forest Group for the administrator.

Russ informed the committee that IFG donated a laptop computer to the ITFC. IFG  will provide the IT services for the computer. Idaho Tree Farm bought the software for the laptop.

 Website:

Changed to GodwinMarketing Communications LLC (Candace Godwin) from Host  Gator Domain, there is only a $12.00 difference per year. Candace Godwin is out of Coeur d’Alene.

  • Other Business:
  • Next meeting date: Thursday, January 18, 2017, at the U of I Extension Office in Coeur d’ Alene, ID at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Additional Program Funding 
  • Russ reviewed how Washington and Montana are currently adding ways to come  up with more monies for their programs. Washington is suggesting a set amount per Tree Farmer. Montana is on fee system by Timber Companies. He also indicated how important the Idaho Department of Lands is for our Idaho program. The IDL provides 50 percent chapter help in our field inspections and it would be difficult if not impossible to continue without their level of support. To prepare for the upcoming audit it was suggested the ITFP request a $12 to $15 donation from tree farmers. This was discussed by the committee, but tabled with no action.
  • U of I Research Nursery-Seedlings – Root Section
  • There’s a need for more representation on the Advisory Committee, with an aim to be able to bring the latest research for forest nursery stock. It was suggested that the administrator of the Tree Farm with the help of Janet Funk prepare a letter to request a position to sit on the Advisory Committee. If approved the ITFC will need to appoint a volunteer to sit on the committee. Dan Meyers said, they’re collecting Douglas Fir cones with seedlings with a grant with IFM at Boundary county.
  • Family Forest Landowners and Managers Conference & Exposition/Tree Farm Annual Meeting will be in Moscow March 26 & 27, 2018
  • ITFC will work on the Roster for the 2018 year in January meeting.
  • Inspector training will co-ordinate with Russ and Kurt.
  • Adjourn
  • President Russ Hegedus adjourned the meeting at 11:34 a.m.
  • Respectfully Submitted,
  • Colleen Meek
  • ITFP Administrator

 

Newsletter Winter 2018

Winter 2018
Idaho Tree Farm Program
P.O. Box 2659 • Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 • (T) 208.667.4641, ext 503 • (F) 208.664.0557
www.idahotreefarm.org • admin@idahotreefarm.org
Idaho Tree Farm Program

2018 Annual Meeting

Family Forest Landowners and Managers Conference

March 25-27, 2018, Moscow, ID

 

With the days getting longer and spring starting to appear on the radar, that means one thing for sure – It’s time to pack your bag and make plans to attend the Family Forest Landowners and Managers Conference in Moscow! The 2018 conference will be held March 25-27 at the University Inn Best Western and the theme for this year is “Securing the Future of My Forest – Balancing the Risks & Rewards”. As in the past the annual meeting of our Idaho Tree Farm Program will be held Monday night (26th) at 6:30 PM and all are welcome.     There will be some appetizers and a no host bar, updates on last year’s accomplishments, a look at what’s in store for the upcoming season, and the crowning of our Idaho Outstanding Tree Farmer, Inspector, and Logger of the year.

The schedule for the conference this year will be a “Ties to the Land” session Sunday facilitated by Kirk and Madeline David followed by a “Get Acquainted” no-host social. Monday will cover various issues surrounding forests and fires, with a showing of the video “The Era of Megafires”. Topics will cover updates on the federal level regarding fire funding, the use of prescribed fire on private lands, and what to do to prepare for & work through the event when fire comes your way.     Tuesday morning the classes will center around “Making Management Pay”, with various breakout sessions in the afternoon on “Forest Critters and Forest Intruders”. There will definitely be something for everyone about caring for your Tree Farm – fires, funding, forest health improvements, and much more.

In addition to the Idaho Tree Farm Program annual meeting, there will also be a business meeting for the Inland Empire Society of American Foresters at 4:00 PM Monday, and the annual meeting of the Idaho Forest Owners Association at 7:00 AM Tuesday.

Plan to come for learning, socializing & networking with landowners, foresters and agency personnel from all facets of private timberland ownership.

 

2017-2018
Officers:
•   President –Russ Hegedus
Idaho Forest Group
(T) 208.255.3250•  Vice President –
Sean Hammond
(T) 208.610.8754•  Treasurer –
Steve Cuvala
Idaho Dept. of Lands
(T) 208.245.4551

•  Administrator –
Colleen Meek
ID Tree Farm Program

admin@idahotreefarm.org

(T) 208.667.4641

2017-2018
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

 

 

 

 

Fee Structure to be Implemented for Idaho Tree Farm Program

 

What is being a Tree Farmer worth to you? Program costs continue to rise, and we have discussed the possibility of a fee system to cover these for some time now. Most likely this will be put in place for 2019. The Idaho Tree Farm Committee is currently considering an annual charge of $10.00 per Tree Farm and plans a final vote on this at the April 2018 committee meeting.

Tree Farming means many things to many landowners. Caring for a special timbered tract, creating a plan to reach your personal goals, access to new information as it comes along, socializing with other landowners, and being a part of the largest and oldest private land stewardship organization in America – these are all part of ATFS.

The thing that sets the Tree Farm program apart from others though is that it exists as a certification body. As a certified Tree Farm your land is recognized under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as meeting required standards for sustainability. As such, products from your land can be sold into various markets as sustainably certified, which is becoming increasingly important to manufacturers.       Many of you will remember the “State Voice, State Choice” discussion we had regarding whether to remain a certified program and our vote to go ahead with this in April 2015.

This certification hinges on regular 3rd party audit review of each state’s program. Up to this point our parent organization, American Forest Foundation (AFF), has borne the entire cost of the 3rd party review. Beginning in 2019 though, they have given notice a $10.00 charge for each Tree Farm will be assessed to the various state programs. As part of our decision to continue as a certified state program, we need to provide AFF with a financial plan by the end of 2018 as to how we will generate this assessment, hence the need now to begin a fee system.

Keep in mind, the charge from AFF to each state is by Tree Farm, not Tree Farmer. Those of you that own a single Tree Farm will be assessed a single $10.00 fee, but those with multiple tree farms will be assessed $10.00 for each Tree Farm number in our system.

If you have any questions or desire more information, we will go over this as well at our annual meeting during the Family Forest Landowners & Managers Conference in Moscow this coming March. You may also contact our State office at 208-667-4641 or admin@idahotreefarm.org

 

 

In our last newsletter we told you a little about the University of Idaho Nursery and Seedling Research committee and the role it plays in developing the best seedlings to meet our needs. Currently, Tree Farm is not represented on the research committee and we have formally requested a seat at the table. They are considering this request and have asked for some information as to what Tree Farm is all about, which we have provided them. We will keep you abreast of their decision and whatever information is available regarding seedling research and development news of importance to Tree Farmers.
U of I Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research

 

Project Learning Tree Update

 

Change and Stability: PLT Moves into Fifth Decade

The past year brought big changes for Project Learning Tree (PLT). In mid-2017, after many decades with the American Forest Foundation, PLT became a program of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI). Integration into SFI provides PLT with opportunities to expand its reach and impact. In turn, PLT helps with SFI’s increasing focus on community engagement.

Idaho PLT continues to operate as in the past. Since 1993, PLT has served as the anchor environmental education program of the Idaho Forest Products Commission. IFPC is funded by mandatory assessments paid solely by the forest industry. Additional Idaho PLT funding partners include the Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Firewise, Timber License Plate fund, Idaho Tree Farm Program, and a variety of competitive grants.

Each year, roughly 400 PreK-12th grade teachers and youth leaders participate in Idaho PLT professional development workshops. These educators can easily reach over 25,000 youth every year. IFPC also provides tree cookie kits and Idaho-specific and forestry related printed and digital resources that are classroom appropriate and readily augment PLT. Additional opportunities for this key audience include the Sustainable Forestry Tour for Teachers & Counselors, Forest Products Week Essay Contest, Arbor Day Student Photo Contest, Papermaking and Forester Tools lending kits, Forest Education Grants, social media and a comprehensive website, idahoforests.org.

Of particular interest to family forest owners are PLT’s Nature Activities for Families. Nearly forty activities are available FREE for download at https://www.plt.org/activities-for-families/. Explore PLT’s website to get acquainted with the many exciting things PLT is doing. The most recent additions to PLT’s extensive menu of teaching resources include innovative new E-Units. These units provide the hands-on, minds-on indoor and outdoor activities you expect from PLT, with the curriculum and resources accessible online. Teachers applaud the E-Units’ intuitive instructional design, and the ease with which they can meet academic standards.

As PLT moves into its fifth decade of teaching students how to think – not what to think – about the environment and their responsibility for it, PLT and SFI will work closely together to expand environmental and sustainability education in diverse ways. Idaho PLT looks forward to working with our local partners to achieve this in our beautiful Idaho back yard!

Learn more at www.idahoforests.org. Contact Idaho PLT at plt@idahoforests.org or you may call Michelle Youngquist at 208-334-4061

 

 

Upcoming U of I Extension Forestry Classes
Nearly everyone has seen dead trees dotting northern Idaho forests. Most of the trees you notice were killed by bark beetles, but many other insects and diseases kill trees, often in less visible ways.

On Friday, July 27th, the Forest Insect and Disease Field Day will give participants first-hand exposure to a wide range of organisms that impair the growth of trees and forests in northern Idaho, including: western pine beetle and other bark beetles; Armillaria and other root diseases; white pine blister rust; indian paint fungus, pini rot and other stem decays; and dwarf mistletoes. Experts will help participants identify insect and disease symptoms and discuss practical long and short term methods of dealing with them.

 

Forest Thinning & Pruning Field Day to be held in Bonners Ferry, June 2nd

 

Trees killed by bark beetle attacks always make forest owners ask: “what can we do about it?” Whether you have problems with insects or disease, concerns about fire, or just want to help forest growth, the response from foresters is nearly universal: thin your forest. This is especially true in northern Idaho, where forests frequently become overstocked. Thinning and pruning can favor better adapted tree species, improve tree quality, reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance many other values.
Forestry Shortcourse offered in Sandpoint, Wednesday mornings, June-July, 2018

 

Many Idaho forest landowners desire a better understanding of how forests grow and how they can better manage their forest property to meet their goals. Furthermore, forest landowners are often required to demonstrate planned, active forest management to qualify for lower forestry property tax rates and cost-share assistance for management activities such as thinning.

This summer, a 6-session program, titled the Forestry Shortcourse, will help enrich forest landowners’ understanding of forest ecology, silviculture, forest health, wildlife habitat, and other forestry topics. In the process, participants are coached by natural resource professionals on how to develop a management plan for their forest.

———————————————————————————————————

For more information on specific sessions in the series, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1680

 

“Forest Insect & Disease Field Day” to be held July 27th in Sandpoint

 

Forest Health Updates, Idaho Department of Lands

Pine Slash and Bark Beetles – Tom Eckberg. Entomologist

In the middle of winter, we don’t often think about bark beetle problems, but when you have ponderosa or lodgepole pine, you need to consider the pine engraver, Ips pini. This is a very common bark beetle that has the potential to cause problems in the late spring and summer, but the problems often start in the winter. Due to access and logistical issues at sawmills, pine stands that are in lower elevations are often harvested in the winter or spring. During the cooler times of year, pine log decks do not have as many problems with staining due to the symbiotic blue stain fungi that bark beetles transmit. While this is a valid concern, untreated pine slash created in the winter and spring can cause unwanted mortality the following summer if precautions are not taken.

Pine engraver prefers to breed in fresh pine slash >3” in diameter, such as topwood and cull logs; branches are usually not a problem. When slash piles are created in the winter or spring, it will be green and is infested by overwintering beetles which emerge from the duff or from beneath bark of dead trees when temperatures reach about 60O F. Since this species has 2-3 generations per year, the next flight of beetles emerges about six weeks the piles are first attacked (usually June). If the beetles cannot find fresh slash, they will attack standing trees. Mortality usually occurs in dense stands of small diameter trees, often in close proximity to slash piles. During the last two years, we have seen three or a partial third generation in the Coeur d’Alene area where two generations is the norm.

If you create slash in the winter or spring, it’s almost a certainty that pine engraver will find it, so if pine harvest or management activity occurs during this time, you should take precautions to treat the slash. The idea is to make the slash unavailable or unattractive to the beetles, and can be accomplished by lopping it into smaller pieces and scattering it to aid drying. Using the slash as a mat for equipment will remove the bark and destroy the food source for the beetles. Removing as much topwood as possible, either as sawlogs or as pulp is an excellent option where markets allow. Burning pine slash as you go also removes the problem, if it can be done safely and where regulations allow.

Leaving small pine slash piles or log decks in a stand to be burned in the fall is a recipe for tree mortality. The piles will get infested, dry out and emerging beetles will attack nearby standing trees. If there are landing piles that won’t be burned, try to leave long butts, cull logs and topwood at the bottom and space the piles throughout the stand. These larger piles tend to stay green longer and beetles will reinfest the piles. This technique has been successful, but failures occur during droughts and hot summers.

The best advice is to NOT create slash during the winter and spring, but if this is unavoidable, take precautions to prevent unwanted “thinning” by the pine engraver.

 

Same site in July before slash pile is burnt and later in November after the pile was burned. Note the beetle activity throughout the understory.

 

Events to Highlight

March 25-27, 2018 – Family Forest Landowners & Managers Conference and Exposition, Moscow, ID

March 26, 2018 – Idaho Tree Farm Program Annual Meeting, Moscow, ID

April 19, 2018 – Idaho Tree Farm     Committee Meeting, CDA, ID

 

Welcome New Members!

 

The Idaho Tree Farm Committee extends a special welcome to the 26 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
Joseph Gamon 19 Bonner Van Smith
Joan Spencer 374 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Leonard Wood – Ely Place Tree Farm 80 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Gary & Debra Little 156 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
SPG Tree Farm #2 160 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Wuennecke Jachetta Road Tree Farm 12 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Wuennecke Dufort Road Tree Farm 30 Bonner Tim Kyllo
PRLC Frost Peak 2 300 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Mary Strom Bernard 30 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Teresa Highsmith 11 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Steve Wood Colburn Tree Farm 157 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Steve Wood Center Valley Tree Farm 28 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Steve Wood Gold Creek Tree Farm 40 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Steve Wood Grouse Creek Tree Farm 10 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Steve Wood Grouse Ck Rd Tree Farm 40 Bonner Tim Kyllo
Thomas Mackey 42 Boundary Russ Hegedus
Richard Dombrowski 100 Kootenai Meghan McEldery
Banks Family Trust 72 Bonner Doug Bradetich
Janet Hume 130 Bonner Mike Wolcott
Jacob Soni 10 Bonner Doug Bradetich
Brian Hooker 25 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Fernan Lake Tree Farm 10 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Dennine Fatato 29 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
McFaddan Tree Farm 11 Kootenai Tim Kyllo
Patrick Santy 19 Kootenai Dennis Parent
Dale Hutchings 26 Ada Tim Kennedy

 

 

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).

 

We look forward to seeing you at our annual meeting in Moscow.

Think Spring!