Granite State Division SAF

February 13, 2009

Good Forestry in the Granite State

Breakout Group Comments

 

Question 1: Regarding the Table of Contents: Did we get topics right and grouped in a logical way?

 What topics are missing? Are there some that we shouldn’t include?

 

Group 1 – Darrel Covell

1. Guidelines – Good Forestry
   1. 1^st thing
2. guidelines for “development” cutting
3. Using certified loggers/consulting foresters. ?- is it there yet?
4. Aspen Mgmt. -Is that deserving of own heading? – 1 disagrees – maybe subcategory.
5. Not Enough on soils – need more
6. Add matching soils w/ vegetation
7. Need current use/ tax issues
   1. 1 disagrees- just an on-ground doc. (how to)
8. Under habitat/landscape
   1. Elaborate on soils/ph/waste treatment of soils when stumping – fields. (Native seed mixes too).
9. How to get publications on topics
10. Forest health – move closer to front (ahead of recreation, e.g.)
    1. Salvage operations info.
11. Good mix of timber/non-timber info
    1. Unsure of “forest stewardship planning” to start publication – yes, good to have
    2. Make it concrete – mgmt plan before talking about mgmt
    3. Combine First Steps in Forest Management with Management Plan
12. Make sure emphasis up front on “voluntary” nature of this publication
    1. 1 disagrees – not both “recommended” and “voluntary”
    2. should be “recommended”
13. Do we need safety in this?
    1. If for landowners – yes
    2. what kind of safety

 

Group 2 – Sarah Smith

1. who us the audience for GFGS – it seems unclear
2. Are the timber harvesting laws in there?
3. Is the term “silviculture” used as part of a title
4. why are there 2 section on the Bald Eagle – combine nesting and roosting
5. Why do pine barrens merit their own section?
6. there should be discussion of heavy (moose) browse and how it effects stand composition
7. is highgrading/liquidation harvesting discussed
8. is current use tax law discussed as part of NH timber harvesting law?
9. stream crossing discussion should address wetland crossings also.
10. discussion of land use conversion – forest to field or pasture
11. does safety fit into this document – it is very specific. Perhaps it belongs in an appendix.

 

 

Group 3 – Inge Seaboyer and Chris Mattrick

1. add details on other habitat types and forest practices associated with that type
2. Perhaps combine eagle nest and roosting? Combine some other very specific sections without chapters
3. Organize the document flow from big to small: landscape level to habitat level to species level.
4. add generalization of forest soils – common soil type groups
5. make soils section larger and put a discussion of compaction in there
6. discuss different harvesting systems – whole tree and biomass

 

Group 4 – Susan Cox

1. give safety its own section, not part of the introduction
2. add wildlife to habitat sections (fragile and sensitive and stand level)
3. soil productivity – whole tree harvest issues and site index should be discussed
4. Current Use should be discussed – many towns requiring management plans with updates to qualify for current use

 

Group 5 – Andy Fast

1. Why are vernal pools and seeps discussed under water resources? They should be left in the habitat section
2. Harvesting systems section should include information/discussion on biomass harvesting.
3. We like soils, water, wildlife sections.
4. Like the basic information provided in the first edition, such as the wildlife species list.
5. Don’t like the silvicultural systems information.
6. Brushpiles should be discussed as habitat

 

Group 6 - Neal Bungard

1.       Other issues: economic, taxation, estate planning

2.       wood energy

3.       prescribe fire

4.       emphasize forest health (put this section in early)

5.       addition of wildland fire protection (firewise; wildland urban interface)

6.       Missing- champion and legacy trees

 

Group 7 - Wendy Scribner

1.       Basics of habitat, What wildlife need, general

2.       Discussion of natural processes and how management works with it- perhaps in the intro

3.       natural disturbances damage forest products- but it is natural

4.       expansion/ clarification of natural disturbance silviculture

5.       regeneration and heavy browsing in forest health

6.       identify “clearcut” as an option of a silvicultural process/ treatment for regeneration

7.       Boundary info is missing (maintenance and id)

8.       green certification is missing

a.       ties with carbon markets and sustainability

b.       tell people there is an option of certification

9.       missing- estate planning- where is it?, conservation easements

 

Group 8 - Chuck Hersey and Tim Fleury

1.       update laws and regulations

a.       state, federal and local

b.       reference laws and regulations by topic or redirect to applicable law and regulation (appendix)

2.       spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC)- spill containment should be referenced within water resources

3.       harvesting instead of harvesting systems

a.       practical measures and methods for timber harvest layout

b.       control logging damage (under harvesting)

c.       landowners and general public should understand (simple)

4.       include info on forest products markets (timber quality chapter?)

a.       utilization

b.       definition of forest products (weasel words about change in markets)

 

Group 9 – Fred Borman

1. Timber Trespass
2. Forensic Forestry
3. Hazard Trees
4. Nothing on basic forest law
   1. Boundary trees
   2. Timber trespass – what resource?
   3. Who can mark boundary lines? (BMPs)
5. Chapter on surveying acceptable levels of error
6. Should document be more technical? Or kept simple?
7. Might these topics be included in appendices?
8. Expanded silviculture – do not make it more technical
   1. Needs to be basic – can refer to more technical pubs
9. Harvesting systems
   1. Logging techniques

                                                               i.      Whole tree

                                                             ii.      Conventional chainsaw – skidding

 

Group 10 – Don Kent

1. Better balance between silviculture and timber harvesting (commercial).
2. Missing chapters
   1. Marketing and products – helping foresters and loggers develop a sustainable business
   2. The forestry business – tax regulation/deductions; cost share funds; other funding (could be combined with marketing and products)
   3. Urban and community forestry – for small (< acre) forestry
   4. Forestry/logging machinery

 

Question 2: We plan to include new topics. What do you think of them and what should we say about them?  Refer to starred items on the table of contents for topics, but here are some examples:

§         Ecosystem service

§         Carbon

§         Invasives

§         Forest stewardship planning

§         Expanded silviculture section

§         Buffers: We are toying with the idea of including a summary about buffers. Should we and what should we say?

 

Group 1 – Darrel Covell

1. Buffers- shore land zoning
   1. Legislated info might need to be in here (maybe an appendix).
2. Ecosystem Services. + Carbon are out of place in “how to” manual
3. Does “pine barrens” warrant own subheading?
   1. Probably not but some disagree
   2. Some will be “how to” and some educational.

                                                               i.      people like the educational info

4. wood energy
   1. Weeding and thinning section to ensure not cutting future sawlogs.
   2. “Include risky treatments” section
   3. section on values of forest products

                                                               i.      chips, pulp, sawlogs, etc

                                                             ii.      measurements and relative values

                                                            iii.      diagram of tree w/sections

 

Group 2 – Sarah Smith

1.       Forest health – keep it simple by not focusing on the “pest of the week”

2.       what are ecosystem services?

3.       carbon credits could be discussed in the appendix

 

Group 3 – Inge Seaboyer and Chris Mattrick

1. What is the structure of the forest stewardship planning section?
2. Carbon should have its own section – ecosystem services is too broad – consider where discussion of carbon sequestration and climate change should go
3. Forest health – fire damage could be in discussion about climate change
4. Forest health – discussion of how natural disasters change our forests and our management practices
5. Discuss prescribed fire as a habitat management tool and a silvicultural tool
6. Buffers – Common sense application of:
   1. Rationale behind recommendation of buffer and its size both recommended and regulatory
   2. Put actual buffer width in the body of the document based on RSA.
   3. When is it okay to modify a recreational buffer based on professional judgment
7. Consistency between various BMP manuals (required BMPs) and GFGS.

 

Group 4 – Susan Cox

1. discussion of invasives is important
2. landowners should understand that carbon sequestration and forestry can happen together
   1. keep language easy to understand.
   2. Carbon credits – what are the standards? Discussion and logic
   3. Do the same for climate change
3. Climate Change – we do not want landowners thinking that they should not manage for fear of adding to climate change
   1. Manage forests to keep them adaptable to changes
4. forest stewardship planning is a confusing term, please define it well
5. Include the following in forest stewardship planning:
   1. How to establish ownership goals
   2. How to have good relationships with neighbors
   3. Explain the difference between short term and long term planning
6. Add a new section discussing community and neighborhood relations
   1. Connecting with neighbors, knocking on doors, letters to abutters prior to timber sale
7. Buffer discussion – start by discussing the objective of the buffer
   1. One rule of thumb (tree length)
8. Discussion of political relations? Awareness and activism – know what is going on in town and with state regulations

 

Group 5 – Andy Fast

1. Perhaps we shouldn’t be addressing carbon and climate change? Does it suggest that we are “pushing policy”?
2. If carbon is discussed, maybe it belongs in the non-traditional chapter under emerging markets.
3. Need to discuss income from recreation in non-timber chapter.

 

Group 6 - Neal Bungard

1.       add a section describing concept of carbon sequestration (carbon 101)- not enough sound science yet, but should be mentioned

2.       greater detail on harvesting systems and current technology

 

Group 7 - Wendy Scribner

1.       Ecosystem services- water quality and quantity, carbon, timber/fiber, habitat

2.       buffers- leave it up to professional opinion with possible cross reference with sensitive area section, not an absolute

3.       permanent openings- recognition of investment needed

 

Group 8 - Chuck Hersey and Tim Fleury

1.       Stewardship planning

a.       Good new inclusion

b.       Highlight the importance of a good plan

c.       Comprehensive plans too complex for smaller acreage, simplify for smaller ownerships

d.       Use as a motivational tool

e.       Use plans as a portal and transition for new owners

2.       Forest certification systems

a.       Either intro or appendix (glossary)

3.       Buffers- include in relevant sections

4.       invasives- is invasive the discussion needed? Frame the discussion within the context of unwanted vegetation. Controlling invasives as an objective in itself is not needed.

5.       risk- consider risk within timber quality/ silviculture

a.       risk factors- catastrophic natural disaster, silvicultural system, site related, financial

b.       recognize most stand structures are irregular (don’t worry about Q factor)

 

Group 9 – Fred Borman

1. Science of carbon still in infancy
2. Links to research relationship to silvicultural systems
   1. Use links on hard copies to get more information
3. Why consider buffers?
   1. What are the types of buffers
   2. Does not rise to stand alone chapter
4. More details in stewardship planning re: the components of a stewardship plan

 

Group 10 – Don Kent

1. Do not include specific numbers that are not existing laws or rules.  For example, existing document vernal pool buffer is 50 ft, but not DES rule.  Consensus fear that someone will use the document to regulate practices, no matter how many times we state the document is not regulatory.  Acceptable position would be to discuss factors to be considered when planning to avoid impacts, identify parties that can help with planning, provide ranges only if supported by science. 

 

Question 3:  We hope that this is a useful book for you, but have learned that many foresters don’t use it. What would make this a more useful resource for you? What forest management related topics do you have trouble finding information about that we might include in Good Forestry?

 

Group 1 – Darrel Covell

1. Audience
2. Foresters using BMP manuals
3. Not enough outreach on first edition of GF
4. Need programs regularly (logger, forester, SAF workshops)
5. Original thought audience = landowners

 

 

Group 2 – Sarah Smith

1. Description of sustainable forestry – use “Why trees grow where they do” because it is simple with good pictures. It is useful to a wide-ranging audience.
2. GFGS should go to the state library with key words for distribution.
3. there should be more references so the book isn’t too big.
4. there should be a “roll out” party to celebrate the publication
5. need to indicate that this is a revision
6. Use of the web is okay as long as it is easy to use and in sections (e.g., the BMP manual is useful on the web)
7. CD and/or DVDs are a possibility

 

Group 3 – Inge Seaboyer and Chris Mattrick

1. The web is a useful tool but it is very important to have a hard copy version
2. hard copy version should be plentiful and affordable
3. make crosswalks obvious and visible – perhaps in the TOC
4. Move cross references to the front of each sub-heading
5. have an index of topics in the back
6. good glossary for landowner use

 

Group 4 – Susan Cox

1. each chapter should be posted separately in a PDF format on the web.
2. Distribute info about revised document through:
   1. NHPR
   2. Con Coms
   3. Libraries
   4. Ag ed teachers/FFA
   5. High school use with active science teachers (CD)
   6. Private schools
   7. Farm Bureau
   8. NH Municipal Assoc
   9. Center for Local Government
   10. Tree Farmers
   11. Foresters
   12. SPACE

 

Group 5 – Andy Fast

1. By and large, the group used the document when developing a plan, and less so for field work.
2. The document is too large (dimensions), and should fit in a vest pocket.  Alternatively, there could be a pull-out section that goes to the field, and the balance of the document remains in the office.  Requires identifying those parts needed in the field e.g., numbers, laws, and those that lend themselves to office planning efforts.  See existing BMP manuals e.g., Maine.
3. Provide document on-line and as CD as alternatives to printing (or burnable to CD).  Users can print what they want, how they want, and laminate for the field.

 

Group 9 – Fred Borman

1. Current GFGS not difficult to use. Information easy to find.
2. White Mountain Forest uses it to illustrate good forestry on federal land
3. Expanding appendices information online opens doors to more cooperation
4. Needs to be online
5. Consultants use as a reference
   1. Extremely useful
   2. Adds credibility to recommendations in management plans
6. Link to consulting foresters

 

 

Question 4: What do you want us to include for your landowners? What do you want landowners to know and understand about forests and forestry in NH?

 

Group 1 – Darrel Covell

1. Describe “unsightliness” after cut, then looks better over time. Photos better than sketches
2. Explain relationship/roles of logger, landowner, forester. Don’t get too much info. here.
3. High grading explained vs. sustainable practices – differences between in silviculture section
   1. Will landowners already know about high grading? - No
4. Tabs in front – explaining how to use if you’re a
   1. Landowner
   2. Forester
   3. Logger
   4. Municipal officials (road bounds).

 

Group 2 – Sarah Smith

1. timber value and markets

 

Group 3 – Inge Seaboyer and Chris Mattrick

1. What products are produced? What markets exist? What do we do when markets disappear or change? What are the implications of less of no harvesting?

 

Group 4 – Andy Fast

1. there should be a section in the appendix that summarizes all laws and rules
   1. there should be a table showing where that law or regulation is referenced in GF book.
   2. It is good to be able to remove chapters from the book for separate use
   3. Students can pull out sections for use in different classes
2. raise publics awareness of foresters and what they do
   1. (NH Chronicle) – realtors
3. Landowners must understand the importance of a timber sale contract
4. Landowners must know:
   1.  how to find a forester
   2. cutting trees is good (and fun)
   3. non-timber forest products
   4. that managed forests are healthy
   5. not all loggers are honest
   6. foresters in NH are licensed
   7. the difference between stumpage and delivery prices
   8. sources of help
5. Write a section on what can go wrong.
   1. If written carefully, this section can demonstrate the value of good advice.
   2. It should cover timber tax, DES fines, doomage.
6. identify things that tie into the value of timber (slope, distance to road, mill)
7. NRCS and Fish and Game cost share opportunities – the pros and cons

 

Group 5 – Andy Fast

1. important document in that it communicates the principles of good forestry to clients.
2. landowner demographic is changing fast – small landowners need to understand how their ownership fits into a larger context.
3. expectations of timber quality/income/contracts
   1. difference between stumpage and the delivered price
4. What does a forester do? This may go best in the stewardship planning section
5. the county forester should be a landowners first point of contact
6. the importance of forests in NH (intro)
7. keep working forests working
8. estate planning – keep working forests in the family
9. explain why landowners own land – income not high on the list of reasons

 

Group 7- Wendy Scribner

1.       Link to NH licensed forester- the value of using a forester; what they do

2.       Promote GFGS to regional planning commissions and other non-traditional audiences such as conservation commissions, open space committees, conservation districts

3.       When is the forestry not “good”

a.       What is BAD forestry- highgrading and how to id it

4.       visual section

a.       point out just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is

b.       forestry doesn’t equal landscaping

c.       the value of debris

5.       Values of products coming off your woodlot and how different silvicultural pathways will affect those values

6.       magnitude in value differences, from high grade products and low grade products

7.       new owners to conservation easements

a.       link to laws for estate planning, forest protection and other basics

b.       bundle of rights description in conservation easements

                                                   i.      timber rights and promotion of working forest

c.       expansion of land protection

                                                   i.      liabilities of creating and owning one

8.       discussion of forest products locally- the importance to local economy and landscape

 

Group 9 – Fred Borman

1. Chapter on land protection techniques
   1. Conservation easements
   2. Include with stewardship planning?
   3. Steer landowners in the right direction
2. Start thinking about the next generation of landowners

 

Question 5:  What else is on your mind?

 

Group 1 – Darrel Covell

1. Remind /revisit folks about publication every year or two. NHACC, SAF
2. Updates to “loose-leaf” format. (electronic)
3. Carbon may be included later if and when it is clarified.
4. Need field version of this publication – highlights
5. Electronic version – downloadable/CD
6. Who is the audience?
   1. Loggers, foresters, landowners
   2. If only a manager’s reference. then pare down
   3. Also used by municipalities, but in a different way (e.g. monitoring)

 

Group 2 – Sarah Smith

1. keep it simple! Much concern that it will get too big and not be useful
2. some may want this to be the “bible” of forestry, but it not intended to be a list of laws
3. How does GFGS tie into the BMP manual? It should.
4. How current are the appendices? (BMP Manual)
5. towns are using this book as a base for regulations, conservation easements – practices are becoming more mandatory than voluntary
6. keep the title the same
7. watch the jargon

 

Group 4 – Susan Cox

1. DES website is a “beast”. Be sure to itemize links in GFGS to help navigate through wetlands and other DES related stuff
   1. Make a list of what forestry notification allows
2. Keep the simple organization of the original and don’t clutter up with junk

 

Group 5 – Andy Fast

1. Improve the directory in the appendix:

2. how “voluntary” are these practices later on (in easements)?
3. perhaps add a disclaimer to the book that says these practices are not the only way to achieve good forestry practices

 

Group 6- Neal Bungard

1.       size of parcel dictating management practices

2.       include internet links- current stumpage rates, contract samples, etc.

3.       need of retaining woody debris on-site for future stand productivity (nutrients)

4.       entry of ownership (condition of stand; age)

5.       add a definition of what “good forestry” is right in the introduction

6.       first version had a very heavy emphasis on wildlife management- need to emphasize all aspects of forestry- remember audience

7.       emphasis on landowner decisions and guidance (ask landowner “who are you”)

8.       make GFGS a living document? (keep up with changes)

9.       incentive to use GFGS?

 

Group 7 - Wendy Scribner

1.       needs to be practical and flexible

2.       practical recommendations

3.       discussion of practical reasons for deviations of recommended practices

4.       the book/binder is a good format, make online format easy to print by chapters, sections, illustrated guide is good

5.       have available on CD

6.       need to promote publication continuously

7.       think of conservation commission as an audience as well

8.       working forestland- social, landscape, conservation

 

Group 8 - Chuck Hersey and Tim Fleury

1.       don’t use three ring binder

2.       use spiral bound book

3.       emphasize overall value small ownerships contribute

 

Group 9 – Fred Borman

1. Explanation of
   1. Timber tax
   2. Intent to cut
   3. Report of cut

(Currently included in appendix)

2. Towns use the book to understand specific situations.

3. Demand for hard copies
4. Reinforces subjects w/ landowners   
5. Include shoreland protection rules in appendix
6. Appendix – agency websites and email contact info

 

Group 10 – Don Kent

4. Clarify audience – strong feeling that one document cannot target professionals and layperson landowners.  Consensus was to target professionals, and let professionals clarify practices for laypersons.  My interpretation of the discussion is to ensure we capture professionals, and secondly whatever landowners we can without losing the professionals.
5. Clarify purpose of document – sustainable forestry or good forestry, with the latter perceived as a broader topic.  Issue may be better defining “sustainability”.

 

 

Email Follow-Up Comments Received Post-Meeting:

 

1. Home owners with 1 to 10 or more acres are also interested in forest management but many do not even realize it is an option. This demographic of landowners is likely to increase in the future and should be addressed.
2. add a section on surveying and types of surveys, level of accuracy needed, properly blazed and painted boundary lines, the legal issues associated with blazing and painting lines.
3. under forest stewardship planning, provide a detailed list and an explanation of each of the components of a stewardship plan
4. keep it simple – technical details should go into the appendix