LIMITED HUNTING
Lesesne State Forest in Nelson County will be open for Archery and Black Powder hunting only during the following dates:
2010/2011 Season
Early Archery Season: October 2 – November 12
Late Archery Season: November 29 – January 1
Early Muzzle Loader Season: October 30 – November 12
Late Muzzle Loader Season: December 11 – January 1
• First come, first serve.
• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries hunting laws apply.
• A State Forest Use Permit is required and can be purchased wherever DGIF permits are sold.
For more information or to purchase a permit on-line, visit www.dof.virginia.gov.
Showing posts with label state forests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state forests. Show all posts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Hunting Season
With archery season opening this weekend across a majority of the state, I would like to caution all visitors to state forests and other recreational areas to be careful while enjoying our natural resources. To protect yourself during hunting season (this goes for hunters and other users):
1) Dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year
2) Wear blaze orange, on your head as a minimum, however, the more you
wear the better people can see you
3) Drive cautiously, be aware of human, machine, and increased animal traffic across the roads
4) Drink plenty of water (just because it's not hot doesn't mean you don't need water)
5) Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone
6) Always carry some basic survival gear: flashlight, water, waterproof matches or lighter,
flagging, an emergency heat blanket, a knife, and simple foods (granola bar, etc)
7) Be respectful of other users!
Hunting is allowed on the following forests (caution should be used on all of them):
Appomattox-Buckingham
Cumberland
Prince Edward Gallion
Conway Robinson (by lottery)
Matthews
Sandy Point
Browne
Channels
Dragon Run
Big Woods
Don't forget that you need a forest use permit on top of your hunting license to hunt on State Forests. You can purchase this permit online or anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Also check out http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ for more information about hunting on State Forests including maps. Thank you for reading and please be safe out there!
1) Dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year
2) Wear blaze orange, on your head as a minimum, however, the more you
wear the better people can see you
3) Drive cautiously, be aware of human, machine, and increased animal traffic across the roads
4) Drink plenty of water (just because it's not hot doesn't mean you don't need water)
5) Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone
6) Always carry some basic survival gear: flashlight, water, waterproof matches or lighter,
flagging, an emergency heat blanket, a knife, and simple foods (granola bar, etc)
7) Be respectful of other users!
Hunting is allowed on the following forests (caution should be used on all of them):
Appomattox-Buckingham
Cumberland
Prince Edward Gallion
Conway Robinson (by lottery)
Matthews
Sandy Point
Browne
Channels
Dragon Run
Big Woods
Don't forget that you need a forest use permit on top of your hunting license to hunt on State Forests. You can purchase this permit online or anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Also check out http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ for more information about hunting on State Forests including maps. Thank you for reading and please be safe out there!
Hunting Season
With archery season opening this weekend across a majority of the state, I would like to caution all visitors to state forests and other recreational areas to be careful while enjoying our natural resources. To protect yourself during hunting season (this goes for hunters and other users):
1) Dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year
2) Wear blaze orange, on your head as a minimum, however, the more you
wear the better people can see you
3) Drive cautiously, be aware of human, machine, and increased animal traffic across the roads
4) Drink plenty of water (just because it's not hot doesn't mean you don't need water)
5) Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone
6) Always carry some basic survival gear: flashlight, water, waterproof matches or lighter,
flagging, an emergency heat blanket, a knife, and simple foods (granola bar, etc)
7) Be respectful of other users!
Hunting is allowed on the following forests (caution should be used on all of them):
Appomattox-Buckingham
Cumberland
Prince Edward Gallion
Conway Robinson (by lottery)
Matthews
Sandy Point
Browne
Channels
Dragon Run
Big Woods
Don't forget that you need a forest use permit on top of your hunting license to hunt on State Forests. You can purchase this permit online or anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Also check out http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ for more information about hunting on State Forests including maps. Thank you for reading and please be safe out there!
1) Dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year
2) Wear blaze orange, on your head as a minimum, however, the more you
wear the better people can see you
3) Drive cautiously, be aware of human, machine, and increased animal traffic across the roads
4) Drink plenty of water (just because it's not hot doesn't mean you don't need water)
5) Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone
6) Always carry some basic survival gear: flashlight, water, waterproof matches or lighter,
flagging, an emergency heat blanket, a knife, and simple foods (granola bar, etc)
7) Be respectful of other users!
Hunting is allowed on the following forests (caution should be used on all of them):
Appomattox-Buckingham
Cumberland
Prince Edward Gallion
Conway Robinson (by lottery)
Matthews
Sandy Point
Browne
Channels
Dragon Run
Big Woods
Don't forget that you need a forest use permit on top of your hunting license to hunt on State Forests. You can purchase this permit online or anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Also check out http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ for more information about hunting on State Forests including maps. Thank you for reading and please be safe out there!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Deer Hunt on Conway Robinson State Forest
The 444-acre Conway Robinson State Forest is a mixture of pine and old growth hardwood stands in Prince William County, adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield and Route 29.
The forest is used for environmental education, hiking, mountain biking, preservation of historic sites, watershed protection and timber production. It also serves as a wildlife and wildflower sanctuary. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) recognized issues pertaining to declining forest health, future forest management, deer herd health and community safety. To actively manage these issues, foresters implemented a Deer Management Program on the forest. For more details and history, read the 2010 Deer Management Report.
Interested in participating in deer hunts on the forest? Read the Hunter Protocol and then submit an online ballot to enter the lottery. Hunters will be selected from a drawing of the ballots.
2010 Hunting Season on the Conway-Robinson State Forest.
Hunter Protocol Map of the Conway-Robinson State Forest (English; PDF format).
Online Lottery Ballot for the 2010 Hunting Season
The forest is used for environmental education, hiking, mountain biking, preservation of historic sites, watershed protection and timber production. It also serves as a wildlife and wildflower sanctuary. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) recognized issues pertaining to declining forest health, future forest management, deer herd health and community safety. To actively manage these issues, foresters implemented a Deer Management Program on the forest. For more details and history, read the 2010 Deer Management Report.
Interested in participating in deer hunts on the forest? Read the Hunter Protocol and then submit an online ballot to enter the lottery. Hunters will be selected from a drawing of the ballots.
2010 Hunting Season on the Conway-Robinson State Forest.
Hunter Protocol Map of the Conway-Robinson State Forest (English; PDF format).
Online Lottery Ballot for the 2010 Hunting Season
Deer Hunt on Conway Robinson State Forest
The 444-acre Conway Robinson State Forest is a mixture of pine and old growth hardwood stands in Prince William County, adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield and Route 29.
The forest is used for environmental education, hiking, mountain biking, preservation of historic sites, watershed protection and timber production. It also serves as a wildlife and wildflower sanctuary. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) recognized issues pertaining to declining forest health, future forest management, deer herd health and community safety. To actively manage these issues, foresters implemented a Deer Management Program on the forest. For more details and history, read the 2010 Deer Management Report.
Interested in participating in deer hunts on the forest? Read the Hunter Protocol and then submit an online ballot to enter the lottery. Hunters will be selected from a drawing of the ballots.
2010 Hunting Season on the Conway-Robinson State Forest.
Hunter Protocol Map of the Conway-Robinson State Forest (English; PDF format).
Online Lottery Ballot for the 2010 Hunting Season
The forest is used for environmental education, hiking, mountain biking, preservation of historic sites, watershed protection and timber production. It also serves as a wildlife and wildflower sanctuary. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) recognized issues pertaining to declining forest health, future forest management, deer herd health and community safety. To actively manage these issues, foresters implemented a Deer Management Program on the forest. For more details and history, read the 2010 Deer Management Report.
Interested in participating in deer hunts on the forest? Read the Hunter Protocol and then submit an online ballot to enter the lottery. Hunters will be selected from a drawing of the ballots.
2010 Hunting Season on the Conway-Robinson State Forest.
Hunter Protocol Map of the Conway-Robinson State Forest (English; PDF format).
Online Lottery Ballot for the 2010 Hunting Season
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
New Trail at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
The other week I got to witness the biggest thing in the forest, a Tigercat mulcher! I had contracted this machine and it's operator to clear a five mile stretch of trail on the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. This trail, tentatively called the Underground Line Trail, stretches from Rt. 618 all the way across the forest to the new Carter Taylor Parking area near the intersection of Andersonville Road and Francisco Road. The Tigercat performed this task in just a few short hours. Although the trail had some existing cleared areas from when it was maintained as a phone line right of way, it had become vastly overgrown. The machine used it's powerful mulching head to grind grass, trees, and woody debris to make a 10+ foot wide trail.
It was spellbinding to watch this large machine work. I apologize that I could not get a better action shot but this machine required a lot of caution while in operation. Even standing several hundred feet behind the machine, it was not unusual to hear the occasional rock go zinging through the trees nearby.
The trail still needs a bit of work to give proper height clearance for users and to clear around some stream areas where the machine could not cross. Otherwise it is currently passable and open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are no signs or blazing for this trail as of yet but if you stay in a straight line you can hardly go wrong. This is currently a straight line trail but I am working on getting some old logging roads bushhogged so that loops can be made.
I will of course let everyone know when this trail is "officially" open but in the meantime if you are out there, take a chance and check it out, and let me know what you think.
Monday, July 26, 2010
New State Forest in Rockbridge County
The Commonwealth of Virginia now has 20 State Forests with the addition of the 2,353-acre Moore’s Creek State Forest in southwestern Rockbridge County. Purchased from the City of Lexington, the tract features mountain vistas, scenic trails and abundant wildlife, including black bear, wild turkey and a host of migratory songbirds.
Funding for the purchase, which totaled $2 million, was provided to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) through the General Assembly’s 2008 conservation bond fund.
“With the exception of Lexington’s 40-acre reservoir in the center of the property, this tract is completely wooded and is surrounded on three sides by the George Washington National Forest,” said Carl Garrison, state forester of Virginia. “Large tracts of unbroken forested acres, which provide numerous environmental benefits for all Virginians, are becoming increasingly rare in the Commonwealth. We are very grateful to the City of Lexington for allowing us to become the stewards of this forest.”
Because of the steep terrain and limited access, timber harvesting is not part of the nascent management plan at this time. But for those people who are willing to hike the moderate-to-difficult 2 1/4 –mile trail, they will be rewarded with some excellent brook trout fishing. And, since the City of Lexington has retained ownership of the reservoir and associated dam, anglers will pay $1 for a daily fishing pass instead of having to purchase an annual State Forest Use Permit – required for fishing on other State Forests – for $16 per year. People wanting to hunt, trap or mountain bike on the tract, however, must have the State Forest Use Permit, which can be purchased through the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website or at local retail outlets authorized by DGIF to sell hunting and trapping licenses.
“Area residents can be assured that we have no plans to conduct a timber harvest on this land during the foreseeable future,” Garrison said. “While timber harvesting is an important forest management tool that we recommend, the condition of the timber and the limited access on this site simply don’t lend themselves to harvesting at this time. What you see there now is what you’ll see for a while.”
Rob Farrell, VDOF’s assistant director for land conservation, said this acquisition was a win-win situation for the City of Lexington and the citizens of the Commonwealth. “Through the concerted efforts of area conservationists, such as Daphne Raz and Faye Cooper, and the City of Lexington’s Manager Jon Ellestad and Attorney Larry Mann, a significant forest has been forever protected. Virginians for generations to come will reap the benefits of this good work.”
Access to the trailhead is via US Forest Service road off State Route 612 in southwestern Rockbridge County. As with most of the State Forests, visitors should carry their own supplies, such as drinking water, and be advised that there are no facilities at the Moore’s Creek State Forest.
For more information on this or any of the other 19 State Forests, visit the VDOF website at www.dof.virginia.gov .
Funding for the purchase, which totaled $2 million, was provided to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) through the General Assembly’s 2008 conservation bond fund.
“With the exception of Lexington’s 40-acre reservoir in the center of the property, this tract is completely wooded and is surrounded on three sides by the George Washington National Forest,” said Carl Garrison, state forester of Virginia. “Large tracts of unbroken forested acres, which provide numerous environmental benefits for all Virginians, are becoming increasingly rare in the Commonwealth. We are very grateful to the City of Lexington for allowing us to become the stewards of this forest.”
Because of the steep terrain and limited access, timber harvesting is not part of the nascent management plan at this time. But for those people who are willing to hike the moderate-to-difficult 2 1/4 –mile trail, they will be rewarded with some excellent brook trout fishing. And, since the City of Lexington has retained ownership of the reservoir and associated dam, anglers will pay $1 for a daily fishing pass instead of having to purchase an annual State Forest Use Permit – required for fishing on other State Forests – for $16 per year. People wanting to hunt, trap or mountain bike on the tract, however, must have the State Forest Use Permit, which can be purchased through the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website or at local retail outlets authorized by DGIF to sell hunting and trapping licenses.
“Area residents can be assured that we have no plans to conduct a timber harvest on this land during the foreseeable future,” Garrison said. “While timber harvesting is an important forest management tool that we recommend, the condition of the timber and the limited access on this site simply don’t lend themselves to harvesting at this time. What you see there now is what you’ll see for a while.”
Rob Farrell, VDOF’s assistant director for land conservation, said this acquisition was a win-win situation for the City of Lexington and the citizens of the Commonwealth. “Through the concerted efforts of area conservationists, such as Daphne Raz and Faye Cooper, and the City of Lexington’s Manager Jon Ellestad and Attorney Larry Mann, a significant forest has been forever protected. Virginians for generations to come will reap the benefits of this good work.”
Access to the trailhead is via US Forest Service road off State Route 612 in southwestern Rockbridge County. As with most of the State Forests, visitors should carry their own supplies, such as drinking water, and be advised that there are no facilities at the Moore’s Creek State Forest.
For more information on this or any of the other 19 State Forests, visit the VDOF website at www.dof.virginia.gov .
New State Forest in Rockbridge County
The Commonwealth of Virginia now has 20 State Forests with the addition of the 2,353-acre Moore’s Creek State Forest in southwestern Rockbridge County. Purchased from the City of Lexington, the tract features mountain vistas, scenic trails and abundant wildlife, including black bear, wild turkey and a host of migratory songbirds.
Funding for the purchase, which totaled $2 million, was provided to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) through the General Assembly’s 2008 conservation bond fund.
“With the exception of Lexington’s 40-acre reservoir in the center of the property, this tract is completely wooded and is surrounded on three sides by the George Washington National Forest,” said Carl Garrison, state forester of Virginia. “Large tracts of unbroken forested acres, which provide numerous environmental benefits for all Virginians, are becoming increasingly rare in the Commonwealth. We are very grateful to the City of Lexington for allowing us to become the stewards of this forest.”
Because of the steep terrain and limited access, timber harvesting is not part of the nascent management plan at this time. But for those people who are willing to hike the moderate-to-difficult 2 1/4 –mile trail, they will be rewarded with some excellent brook trout fishing. And, since the City of Lexington has retained ownership of the reservoir and associated dam, anglers will pay $1 for a daily fishing pass instead of having to purchase an annual State Forest Use Permit – required for fishing on other State Forests – for $16 per year. People wanting to hunt, trap or mountain bike on the tract, however, must have the State Forest Use Permit, which can be purchased through the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website or at local retail outlets authorized by DGIF to sell hunting and trapping licenses.
“Area residents can be assured that we have no plans to conduct a timber harvest on this land during the foreseeable future,” Garrison said. “While timber harvesting is an important forest management tool that we recommend, the condition of the timber and the limited access on this site simply don’t lend themselves to harvesting at this time. What you see there now is what you’ll see for a while.”
Rob Farrell, VDOF’s assistant director for land conservation, said this acquisition was a win-win situation for the City of Lexington and the citizens of the Commonwealth. “Through the concerted efforts of area conservationists, such as Daphne Raz and Faye Cooper, and the City of Lexington’s Manager Jon Ellestad and Attorney Larry Mann, a significant forest has been forever protected. Virginians for generations to come will reap the benefits of this good work.”
Access to the trailhead is via US Forest Service road off State Route 612 in southwestern Rockbridge County. As with most of the State Forests, visitors should carry their own supplies, such as drinking water, and be advised that there are no facilities at the Moore’s Creek State Forest.
For more information on this or any of the other 19 State Forests, visit the VDOF website at www.dof.virginia.gov .
Funding for the purchase, which totaled $2 million, was provided to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) through the General Assembly’s 2008 conservation bond fund.
“With the exception of Lexington’s 40-acre reservoir in the center of the property, this tract is completely wooded and is surrounded on three sides by the George Washington National Forest,” said Carl Garrison, state forester of Virginia. “Large tracts of unbroken forested acres, which provide numerous environmental benefits for all Virginians, are becoming increasingly rare in the Commonwealth. We are very grateful to the City of Lexington for allowing us to become the stewards of this forest.”
Because of the steep terrain and limited access, timber harvesting is not part of the nascent management plan at this time. But for those people who are willing to hike the moderate-to-difficult 2 1/4 –mile trail, they will be rewarded with some excellent brook trout fishing. And, since the City of Lexington has retained ownership of the reservoir and associated dam, anglers will pay $1 for a daily fishing pass instead of having to purchase an annual State Forest Use Permit – required for fishing on other State Forests – for $16 per year. People wanting to hunt, trap or mountain bike on the tract, however, must have the State Forest Use Permit, which can be purchased through the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website or at local retail outlets authorized by DGIF to sell hunting and trapping licenses.
“Area residents can be assured that we have no plans to conduct a timber harvest on this land during the foreseeable future,” Garrison said. “While timber harvesting is an important forest management tool that we recommend, the condition of the timber and the limited access on this site simply don’t lend themselves to harvesting at this time. What you see there now is what you’ll see for a while.”
Rob Farrell, VDOF’s assistant director for land conservation, said this acquisition was a win-win situation for the City of Lexington and the citizens of the Commonwealth. “Through the concerted efforts of area conservationists, such as Daphne Raz and Faye Cooper, and the City of Lexington’s Manager Jon Ellestad and Attorney Larry Mann, a significant forest has been forever protected. Virginians for generations to come will reap the benefits of this good work.”
Access to the trailhead is via US Forest Service road off State Route 612 in southwestern Rockbridge County. As with most of the State Forests, visitors should carry their own supplies, such as drinking water, and be advised that there are no facilities at the Moore’s Creek State Forest.
For more information on this or any of the other 19 State Forests, visit the VDOF website at www.dof.virginia.gov .
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Whitney State Forest Saga
There has been some interest on the blog as to what the future of the Whitney State Forest holds and more specifically what may be done concerning some of the invasive species found there. Here is a short synopsis of planned activities:
approximately 1 acre of kudzu control
approximately 15 acres of understory herbicide application in a Yellow Poplar stand to control invasives (Multiflora Rose, Wineberry, Bittersweet)
Approximately 11 acres of bittersweet control in the thinned area (cut and spray vines running up trees)
Burn the field (winter)
Plant shortleaf in the clearcut
Herbcide release of shortleaf seedlings over the next several years
Gravel for the parking lot
New kiosk
Replace stream crossing with engineered ford crossing
Also it is worth noting that we do know about the trail becoming overgrown for about 1/2 mile where it crosses one of the fields. Currently our tractor with the bush hog is down for repairs but as soon as that is back in service this portion of the trail will be tended to.
If you have interest in helping state forest staff with invasive control or trail work at the Whitney please contact Terry Lasher or Joe Rossetti at the Faquier County office at (540) 347-6358. We are more than happy to have volunteers on board and you can even earn a free forest use permit good for one year from the completion of the necessary hours.
Regardless of the content of the comments, I am very happy to see that so many people are concerned about the Whitney State Forest. Concern equals care, if no one cared then no one would be concerned. Thank you for the love and devotion to this wonderful resource!
PS...If you would like to know more about identifying and controlling invasive plant species consider attending the Good Green, Bad Green Invasive Plant Control for Habitat Restoration Conference in Front Royal on September 16th and 17th. The website for more information is: http://www.forestryforthebay.org/ggbg/. This should be a very information workshop and well worth your time.
approximately 1 acre of kudzu control
approximately 15 acres of understory herbicide application in a Yellow Poplar stand to control invasives (Multiflora Rose, Wineberry, Bittersweet)
Approximately 11 acres of bittersweet control in the thinned area (cut and spray vines running up trees)
Burn the field (winter)
Plant shortleaf in the clearcut
Herbcide release of shortleaf seedlings over the next several years
Gravel for the parking lot
New kiosk
Replace stream crossing with engineered ford crossing
Also it is worth noting that we do know about the trail becoming overgrown for about 1/2 mile where it crosses one of the fields. Currently our tractor with the bush hog is down for repairs but as soon as that is back in service this portion of the trail will be tended to.
If you have interest in helping state forest staff with invasive control or trail work at the Whitney please contact Terry Lasher or Joe Rossetti at the Faquier County office at (540) 347-6358. We are more than happy to have volunteers on board and you can even earn a free forest use permit good for one year from the completion of the necessary hours.
Regardless of the content of the comments, I am very happy to see that so many people are concerned about the Whitney State Forest. Concern equals care, if no one cared then no one would be concerned. Thank you for the love and devotion to this wonderful resource!
PS...If you would like to know more about identifying and controlling invasive plant species consider attending the Good Green, Bad Green Invasive Plant Control for Habitat Restoration Conference in Front Royal on September 16th and 17th. The website for more information is: http://www.forestryforthebay.org/ggbg/. This should be a very information workshop and well worth your time.
The Whitney State Forest Saga
There has been some interest on the blog as to what the future of the Whitney State Forest holds and more specifically what may be done concerning some of the invasive species found there. Here is a short synopsis of planned activities:
approximately 1 acre of kudzu control
approximately 15 acres of understory herbicide application in a Yellow Poplar stand to control invasives (Multiflora Rose, Wineberry, Bittersweet)
Approximately 11 acres of bittersweet control in the thinned area (cut and spray vines running up trees)
Burn the field (winter)
Plant shortleaf in the clearcut
Herbcide release of shortleaf seedlings over the next several years
Gravel for the parking lot
New kiosk
Replace stream crossing with engineered ford crossing
Also it is worth noting that we do know about the trail becoming overgrown for about 1/2 mile where it crosses one of the fields. Currently our tractor with the bush hog is down for repairs but as soon as that is back in service this portion of the trail will be tended to.
If you have interest in helping state forest staff with invasive control or trail work at the Whitney please contact Terry Lasher or Joe Rossetti at the Faquier County office at (540) 347-6358. We are more than happy to have volunteers on board and you can even earn a free forest use permit good for one year from the completion of the necessary hours.
Regardless of the content of the comments, I am very happy to see that so many people are concerned about the Whitney State Forest. Concern equals care, if no one cared then no one would be concerned. Thank you for the love and devotion to this wonderful resource!
PS...If you would like to know more about identifying and controlling invasive plant species consider attending the Good Green, Bad Green Invasive Plant Control for Habitat Restoration Conference in Front Royal on September 16th and 17th. The website for more information is: http://www.forestryforthebay.org/ggbg/. This should be a very information workshop and well worth your time.
approximately 1 acre of kudzu control
approximately 15 acres of understory herbicide application in a Yellow Poplar stand to control invasives (Multiflora Rose, Wineberry, Bittersweet)
Approximately 11 acres of bittersweet control in the thinned area (cut and spray vines running up trees)
Burn the field (winter)
Plant shortleaf in the clearcut
Herbcide release of shortleaf seedlings over the next several years
Gravel for the parking lot
New kiosk
Replace stream crossing with engineered ford crossing
Also it is worth noting that we do know about the trail becoming overgrown for about 1/2 mile where it crosses one of the fields. Currently our tractor with the bush hog is down for repairs but as soon as that is back in service this portion of the trail will be tended to.
If you have interest in helping state forest staff with invasive control or trail work at the Whitney please contact Terry Lasher or Joe Rossetti at the Faquier County office at (540) 347-6358. We are more than happy to have volunteers on board and you can even earn a free forest use permit good for one year from the completion of the necessary hours.
Regardless of the content of the comments, I am very happy to see that so many people are concerned about the Whitney State Forest. Concern equals care, if no one cared then no one would be concerned. Thank you for the love and devotion to this wonderful resource!
PS...If you would like to know more about identifying and controlling invasive plant species consider attending the Good Green, Bad Green Invasive Plant Control for Habitat Restoration Conference in Front Royal on September 16th and 17th. The website for more information is: http://www.forestryforthebay.org/ggbg/. This should be a very information workshop and well worth your time.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Commentary on Clearcuts and Trails
To many people the word clearcut is the equivalent to any choice four letter word and conjures up the image of a wasteland. On our State Forests we often get comments from forest users when a clearcut occurs, especially when their favorite trail runs adjacent to or through the area. I am not going to pass judgement on anyone for their beliefs about forest management. First of all, I can easily see why people get upset over clearcuts. They are not aesthetically pleasing and it is hard not to miss the mature trees that once stood there. What I hope to accomplish is to give a different perspective on clearcuts and explain why we do them.
In forest management foresters apply basic ecological principles to manipulate or control the natural changes and reactions of trees to planned disturbances. Harvesting methods such as thinning, clearcuts, etc. are all types of planned disturbances. However, these methods all mimic unplanned disturbances. What are unplanned disturbances? Wildfire, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, insect invasions, disease, etc. If you were to look at a clearcut versus a patch of forest hit by a hurricane, the differences would be minor with the exception of the wood being absent from the ground. Foresters try to be copycats of mother nature, afterall she has been taking care of the forests since the beginning.
So why do we clearcut instead of letting mother nature do it? There are many reasons. Income, to change species composition (hardwood to pine or vice versa), wildlife habitat, etc. In the most recent case of a clearcut, at the Whitney State Forest, the objective was to harvest a mature stand of White Pine (that was beginning to fall apart naturally) and replace it with a native stand of Shortleaf Pine. Trees do have a lifespan and will eventually die on there own. In a recreational setting such as a State Forest we must take caution when trees are beginning to die as this poses a risk to users passing by underneath.
Well how can a clearcut be good for wildlife when there are no trees left? Clearcuts allow for full sunlight to hit the ground. This allows more grasses and shrubs to become established alongside tree seedlings and stump sprouts. These grasses and forbes provide a food source and habitat not found in a mature forest. Birds, small mammals, and other animals need these things to survive. It may look like a tangled nightmare but think of it from a rabbit's perspective. Do you think you would be safer in that tangled thick brush/thorns or on an open forest floor? A good friend of mine was helping me with a forestry talk recently. We were with a group of adults standing next to a clearcut which was separated from a mature forest by a gravel road. He showed the group something special. He told them to close their eyes and listen carefully. Then he asked what they heard. The answer was bird calls. Then he asked from which direction they were coming. The group sheepishly admitted that it was coming from the clearcut. Neotropical birds thrive in clearcut environments where small seed sources and shelter are readily available.
So I think I have beaten the subject to death, I could keep going, but hopefully I gave readers a little more information to think about. Again, for those of you who don't like clearcuts, I'm not saying you're wrong in your opinion or that you have to like them because foresters do. I'm just trying to bring to light why we use them and will continue to.
In forest management foresters apply basic ecological principles to manipulate or control the natural changes and reactions of trees to planned disturbances. Harvesting methods such as thinning, clearcuts, etc. are all types of planned disturbances. However, these methods all mimic unplanned disturbances. What are unplanned disturbances? Wildfire, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, insect invasions, disease, etc. If you were to look at a clearcut versus a patch of forest hit by a hurricane, the differences would be minor with the exception of the wood being absent from the ground. Foresters try to be copycats of mother nature, afterall she has been taking care of the forests since the beginning.
So why do we clearcut instead of letting mother nature do it? There are many reasons. Income, to change species composition (hardwood to pine or vice versa), wildlife habitat, etc. In the most recent case of a clearcut, at the Whitney State Forest, the objective was to harvest a mature stand of White Pine (that was beginning to fall apart naturally) and replace it with a native stand of Shortleaf Pine. Trees do have a lifespan and will eventually die on there own. In a recreational setting such as a State Forest we must take caution when trees are beginning to die as this poses a risk to users passing by underneath.
Well how can a clearcut be good for wildlife when there are no trees left? Clearcuts allow for full sunlight to hit the ground. This allows more grasses and shrubs to become established alongside tree seedlings and stump sprouts. These grasses and forbes provide a food source and habitat not found in a mature forest. Birds, small mammals, and other animals need these things to survive. It may look like a tangled nightmare but think of it from a rabbit's perspective. Do you think you would be safer in that tangled thick brush/thorns or on an open forest floor? A good friend of mine was helping me with a forestry talk recently. We were with a group of adults standing next to a clearcut which was separated from a mature forest by a gravel road. He showed the group something special. He told them to close their eyes and listen carefully. Then he asked what they heard. The answer was bird calls. Then he asked from which direction they were coming. The group sheepishly admitted that it was coming from the clearcut. Neotropical birds thrive in clearcut environments where small seed sources and shelter are readily available.
So I think I have beaten the subject to death, I could keep going, but hopefully I gave readers a little more information to think about. Again, for those of you who don't like clearcuts, I'm not saying you're wrong in your opinion or that you have to like them because foresters do. I'm just trying to bring to light why we use them and will continue to.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Whitney State Forest Reopening
I am pleased to announce that the Whitney State Forest will be reopened on Thursday July 15, 2010 around 4pm. Forester Joe Rossetti will be at the forest from approximately 4-7pm to answer any questions and talk about the harvesting operations. I do ask that people use caution while walking near the thinned pine area as there may still be branches hanging in the canopy. We appreciate everyone's patience while this important harvesting was completed. Thank you and please enjoy our beautiful forest!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
The new parking area at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest is slowly moving ahead. The gravelled parking area is complete and a kiosk framed has been erected. I am still working on the signage for the parking area as well as for the trail and along the road to direct people to this area instead of parking near our shop complex. The picnic shelter for the parking area has been awarded and construction should begin in late July/early August. I am currently working on plans for a horse corral and non-potable water source. There will also be an equestrian mounting block and several hitching posts for use.
I am also continuing work to contract out the trail clearing for the new trail that will stretch from the new parking area out to Rt. 618 near the intersection with Rt. 24. This trail will be multiple use and will give users a good tour of the various ecosystems found on the forest. My hope is to have the parking area ready for full use by Fall of 2010 and then new trail ready by Spring 2011.
I am also continuing work to contract out the trail clearing for the new trail that will stretch from the new parking area out to Rt. 618 near the intersection with Rt. 24. This trail will be multiple use and will give users a good tour of the various ecosystems found on the forest. My hope is to have the parking area ready for full use by Fall of 2010 and then new trail ready by Spring 2011.
New Trail at Cumberland State Forest
Last Thursday and Friday I had the great pleasure of working with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) group from Bear Creek Lake State Park. These young men spend three weeks of their hard earned summer vacation performing various work for the state park including maintenance, moving the archery range, and trail work. In a welcome partnership with Bear Creek Lake State Park, park ranger Joey Dayton, offered me two days of service from these hardworking gentlemen.
Led by three team supervisors the group showed on Thursday morning not knowing fully what to expect except that it was going to be HOT! In near 100 degree temperatures I led them to Arrowhead Lake on the Cumberland State Forest. Our goal was to clear a one mile trail that would take users on a loop around the lake. The trail was designed to give fishermen better access to different parts of the lake as well as provide a short nature trail for enjoyment. The plan is to eventually put a picnic shelter at the parking area for the lake which would allow forest visitors a chance to enjoy a meal and then enjoy the woods.
The YCC group was an absolute pleasure to work with. They were constantly talking and laughing all while digging in the heat. They chopped small trees, cleared brush, and dug a trail down to bare dirt in no time. The high temperature did take effect on the crew by the early afternoon, but I was more than happy to turn them loose early to go back to the park and get some swim/free time in. The next day the crew showed up ready to work and quickly found their rhythm. The trail is approximately halfway done, reaching from the far side of the dam almost to the creek that feeds the lake. I didn't expect them to finish the trail in only two days but they certainly put every effort towards it.
Words cannot express my gratitude towards the YCC group as well as the state park for allowing me to use them! I look forward to participating in the YCC program in the future as this is a great opportunity for young men and women to gain valuable experience in a natural resource career. THANK YOU YCC!
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