Tidings of Great Joy - Kansas Forest Service

Winter 2015 Issue #57

Tidings of Great Joy

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ldo Leopold said “We shall never achieve harmony with land, any more than we shall achieve absolute justice or liberty for people. In these higher aspirations, the important thing is not to achieve but to strive.” Striving is what we’re doing at the Kansas Forest Service.

The addition of this new district forester allows our agency to provide services more efficiently by downsizing districts and reducing the number of counties each forester covers in the eastern part of the state. The water quality foresters will continue to address the issue of sedimentation of our federal reservoirs by working through local WRAPS groups and with the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation to implement tree plantings and forest stand improvement practices.

Conservation Grant

Comments from the State Forester... 2 Wildfire Statistics................... 4 Helping Pollinators............... 5 Forester Highlight.................. 6 For our Feathery Friends..................... 8 Alaskan Fires........... 8 Celebrating 42 Years of Partnership......... 9 Forest Stewardship...........10 Christmas at Cedar Crest........... 11 Calendar of Events................ 12

Landowners in high-priority watersheds may have up to 90 percent of their costs covered when they plant trees adjacent to streams and rivers, and they improve their woodland health through forest stand improvement practices. Funding is offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) with additional potential cost-share support through local Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) groups. Contact your local district forester or our state office for more information about the program. Peterson Cheyenne

Sherman

Wallace

New Staff Members By the time you read this news, the Kansas Forest Service will have hired two new water quality foresters and a new southeast district forester. The new southeast district forester will be located in Chanute.

Rawlins

Thomas

Logan

Kansas Forest Action Plan The Kansas Forest Action Plan is the road map for the Kansas Forest Service and identifies seven of the most important issues facing the woodlands and windbreaks of Kansas. Recently updated, the plan now includes examples of strategies that have been implemented and geospatial maps of high-priority areas where we continue to focus resources and energy. All readers are invited to review and provide comment on the update located at www.kansasforests.org/kansas_ forest_services/. Decatur

Sheridan

Norton

Graham

Phillips

Smith

Rooks

Osborne

Jewell

Mitchell

Wichita

Gove

Scott

Trego

Ellis

Russell

Lincoln

Lane

Ness

Rush

Kearny

Finney

Klempa Gray

Stanton

Grant

Morton

Stevens

Nemaha

Brown Doniphan

Rhodes

Cloud

Clay

Riley

Hodgeman

Ford

Haskell

Pawnee

Stafford

Edwards

Kiowa

Ottawa Dickinson

Geary

Saline

Wabaunsee

Harvey

Butler

Johnson

Franklin

Miami

Dhungel

Chase

Coffey

Greenwood

Anderson

Linn

Woodson

Allen

Bourbon

Wilson

Neosho

Sedgwick

Kingman Elk

Seward

Meade

Clark

Comanche

Barber

Harper

Wyandotte

Douglas

Osage

Morris

Marion

Freerksen Reno

Carlson Pratt

Shawnee

Lyon McPherson

Bruton

Atchison Pottawatomie Jackson

Barton Rice

Hamilton

Marshall

Washington

Jefferson

Ellsworth Greeley

Republic

Leavenworth

Contents:

The long-awaited $13 million dollar Resource Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant, for Water Quality Improvement through the Implementation of Forestry Practices is set to hit the street January 2016.

Sumner

Cowley

Montgomery Labette

Chautauqua

Crawford

Cherokee

New Forester

Peterson

Rhodes

Bruton

Dhungel

Klempa

Carlson

Freerksen

New Forester

New district boundaries proposed by the Kansas Forest Service.

continued on page 3

Comments from the State Forester The Kansas Christmas Tree Industry

T Larry Biles, State Forester, Kansas Forest Service.

Newsletter Publication Information: Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service State Forester: Larry Biles Contact Information: Kansas Forest Service 2610 Claflin Rd. Manhattan, KS 66502-2798 (785) 532-3300 [email protected] www.kansasforests.org Contributors: Kansas Forest Service Staff To receive an electronic version of this newsletter instead of a paper copy, please contact the Kansas Forest Service by mail, phone, or e-mail. To discontinue receiving this newsletter, please contact the Kansas Forest Service by mail, phone, or e-mail.

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hirty-four members strong, the Kansas • To engage in any other projects that Christmas Tree Growers Association will aid in the development of practical (KCTGA) is an active and viable solutions for problems incidental to the group. Annually, they plan and conduct production and marketing of Christmas two educational programs, provide a tree trees and related products. to the state capitol and the governor’s Sandwiched around mansion, and donate association activities are trees to America’s nearly endless grower armed services through chores. Beginning in the Trees for Troops January, there are tax program. While preparation duties records are somewhat coupled with preparing unclear, there is management plans for enough information to the year. Plans include date the association site preparation for back to 1965. Like new plantings, and most associations, a ordering planting stock focus of the Kansas and sundry associated Christmas Tree materials such as Eldon and Marlene Ewing’s Christmas tree Growers Association farm, Country Christmas Trees, in Wakarusa, irrigation and wreath is to sustain private Kansas. wrapping components. businesses through Early spring means member education, sorting and handling consumer education, such as How To Select the newly arrived seedlings, lining up a Your Holiday Tree, and public policy where contract for early summer shearing duties, necessary. Kansas Christmas Tree Growers or preparing to handle this chore at home. Association is no different, as their stated Early summer features shearing activities purposes are: and watching for and treating insects • To promote the interests of the Christmas and diseases. Late summer and early fall tree industry and the forestry program in finds growers preparing trees and labor Kansas. for a hectic 4-week selling and wreath construction season. Finally, it’s the Friday • To bring its members together for their after Thanksgiving and here come the longmutual benefits so common problems awaited customers. For customers that may be solved through the exchange engage in “chose and cut” Christmas tree of ideas, experience, and cooperative operations, it’s a fun day in the woods with efforts. family members and pets. • To engage in any activity relating to the Fortunately, for many growers, a wellproduction of high-quality Christmas trees deserved rest begins shortly after Christmas. and associated products. This time, along with late June to late July, • To engage in the marketing of Kansastends to be the most significant stretch grown Christmas trees. of downtime for Christmas tree growers. Winter is a good time to clean, organize, • To educate the consumer and the general and store sales equipment and to purge public about the Christmas-tree industry. fields of unshapely, likely unusable, trees. • To cooperate with local, state, and federal The summer season can be challenged by agencies and law-making bodies on irrigation issues and by insect and disease matters affecting the industry. monitoring and treatment programs. Also, there’s planning for the forthcoming selling • To keep its members informed season. concerning current developments and research involving the Christmas tree Through it all, you will find extremely skillful industry. and dedicated land stewards and serious businesspeople. They are proud of their continued on page 3 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

State Forester, continued from page 2 farms and their products, and they are proud that they can help people, especially youth, connect to the outdoors. May you have a chance to meet a grower and experience the outdoors as you prepare for the upcoming holidays.

How To Select Your Tree 1. Measure your ceiling height accurately. Take into consideration the height of your tree top ornament and the height your tree stand raises the tree off the floor. 2. Determine the decorating theme that will be used. Some species have more open foliage, stiffer branches or longer needles. Research the characteristics of the different species on the website www.kctga.com, then find a farm near you that has the species you are looking for. 3. Measure the tree you intend to purchase, don’t guess — trees look much smaller outdoors. 4. Proper measuring eliminates the need for pruning and cutting the tree off at home. 5. Everyone looks for the “perfect tree,” but keep in mind that a flat side or two may be helpful in fitting a tree closer to a wall or corner. 6. Remember the freshest tree you can buy is the one you watch being cut.

The next freshest is a tree grown locally. Ask your supplier where the tree came from. A fresh Christmas tree has soft pliable needles that do not snap when bent or come loose when the outer branches are stroked. 7. All conifers (evergreen trees) shed needles from inner branches and these often lodge in the interior of the tree — do not confuse these old needles as signs of a dry tree. Many retailers will supply a tree shaking service. The shaking service actually removes the loose dead needles before you take the tree home.

Participate in the Kansas Forest Service Decorated Christmas tree competition this year by posting a picture of your decorated natural tree to our Facebook page. If selected, you could win 25 free 8. Consider having your seedlings of your choice! Pictured is tree wrapped in netting. Dennis Carlson’s Christmas tree. Dennis is This compresses the the south central Kansas district forester.

tree and makes it easier to transport and maneuver through doorways and hallways.

Provided by: Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association Larry Biles, State Forester, oversees all operations of the Kansas Forest Service.

Tidings of Great Joy, continued from page 1

Kansas Forestry Association Director The Kansas Forestry Association has just hired its first program director, Aubrey Evans, who also manages the Riley County Conservation District. Aubrey brings impressive strengths and experience in natural resource management as well as her experience in nonprofit work with the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD). Aubrey and the Kansas Forestry Association Board will be working with the Kansas Forest Service to develop a peerto-peer mentoring group to explore ideas

about engaging more landowners in riparian tree planting, forest stand improvement, and windbreak planting and renovation. As 2016 winds down, the Kansas Forest Service is grateful for the many partnerships, friends, and colleagues that continue to encourage and support our mission as we to strive to accomplish our legislative mandates. We look forward to working with you in the new year. Bob Atchison, Rural Forestry Coordinator, coordinates rural forestry activities for the Kansas Forest Service.

3 Winter 2015 • Issue #57

Wildfire Statistics

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hile 2014 was not a banner year for wildfire, it was number four with respect to vegetation fires. The current record is 10,801 in one year and 2014 recorded 8,483. What made 2014 such a difficult year for rural firefighters was the compressed nature of the fire season. Not necessarily large acreage fires, but multiple fires on a given day, spreading forces beyond thin, to the point that in some cases, fires went unchecked for lack of resources to respond.

wildland fire calls. April 2006 previously held the record of hours spent at 3,780 hours. The new record was set in March 2014 at 5,810 hours. This is one of the less obvious reasons fires went unchecked. Fire personnel were beat, equipment was stressed to the breaking point and perhaps more obvious is the “compressed” season. Historically, the spring fire season in Kansas is 61 days long, on 32 of those days in 2014, there was more than a 1,000 acres burned daily and these high impact days stretched nearly continuously from March 9 to April 21.

Unlike most years when Saturday As mentioned earlier, Fire fighting personnel have to be ready at a was the busiest, in moment’s notice to assist in national wildfire weather plays a large 2014, Sunday was suppression events. part in the Kansas the frontrunner. The fire season. It was downside being that some of these fires the culmination of weather patterns over a are the result of either rekindles from the 2-year period beginning in 2012, the 15th previous day, or controlled burning initiated driest year on record, that affected the 2014 on days that were marginal and done fire season. That drought continued through because of scheduling constraints. 2013 and into the spring of 2014. By then Eighty-four percent of the firefighters in we were into the second driest spring on Kansas are volunteers, and while not all record and even 1,000 hour fuels (plants in firefighters are volunteers, they do account diameter from 3 to 8 inches) were ready to for a high percentage of the wildland burn. firefighters. Career departments are Another weather factor was in all but six located in metropolitan areas having less of these high impact days, fire activity ungroomed landscape. was associated with a cold front within 24 The demographics of the 2014 fire season hours of the fire starting. Frontal impacts in some respects mirrored previous years. on fires can last for 10 days, but the most As in the past, the hours from 2 to 4 p.m. threatening time is at or along the frontal accounted for 40 percent of all vegetation boundary and can last 2 days. This is the fires. No surprises here as that is typically time when winds will shift from souththe hottest and driest time of the day with southwest to north-northwest, the humidity humidity beginning to rise near sunset and will drop significantly and fires rekindle, decline as the sun rises. The daily climatic blowing embers into once secure flanks of cycle spans 24 hours, from sunrise to sunset the burn. As all of these factors weighed and back to sunrise. Within this cycle as in, it should have become clear that 2014 the temperature rises throughout the day, would be a record year. the relative humidity is dropping and the For additional information on the Kansas cycle reverses itself as the sun sets, the Fire Service, visit: https://firemarshal.ks.gov/ temperatures drop and humidity rises. This docs/default-source/default-documentcycle creates opportunity for firefighters to library/what-the-ks-fire-service-did-in-2014. use the weather to their advantage while on pdf? the fire line. One dynamic that did not follow the trends was the number of hours spent on

Ross Hauck, Fire Management Coordinator, directs fire management activities for the Kansas Forest Service.

4 Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

Helping Pollinators

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arms in the United States today are larger and have less nearby habitat to support bees than in the past. Yet the need for pollinators in agricultural landscapes has never been greater.

diversity can pay dividends by improving crop pollination and reducing pest populations, while also supporting other types of production and natural resource conservation goals.

Globally, the acreage of insect-pollinated crops has more than doubled in the past 50 years. At the same time, commercial beekeepers in the United States are losing an unsustainable percentage of their hives of honey bees each year because of a combination of habitat loss, diseases and pests, and pesticide exposure.

Agroforestry practices can be managed to add more flowering plants and nesting habitat to agricultural or community landscapes. The types of agroforestry and ways pollinators work within each type are described below to help understand the way they fit together.

Windbreaks or hedgerows help reduce wind Native bee abundance and diversity is speed, making it easier for pollinators to challenged as well. fly and visit flowers. Almost 25 percent When planted with of bumble bees diverse flowering are facing dramatic shrubs and trees, population declines. windbreaks provide Ongoing research shelter, pollen, and demonstrates that nectar for pollinators, these native bees other beneficial play a vital role in insects, and wildlife. crop pollination, Windbreaks and and their numbers other linear plantings can be increased serve as buffers to through agroforestry drifting pesticides. and other additions To be pollinator The acreage of insect pollinated crops has more to our agricultural friendly, windbreaks than doubled globally in the past 50 years, yet landscapes. should not include almost 25 percent of bumble bees are facing plants that will USDA agencies dramatic population declines.” attract pollinators are taking steps to when adjacent crops are sprayed. Planting support pollinators. The Natural Resources wildflowers during establishment can Conservation Service through the enhance pollinator resources and reduce Environmental Quality Incentives Program weed pressure. has updated its Conservation Stewardship Program to provide incentives for pollinator Riparian forest buffers are especially habitat; the Agricultural Research Service important for bees and other pollinators has conducted research on pollinators and during hot summer months when upland released guidelines for gardeners, and the plants may not produce nectar or pollen. Forest Service uses collaborative landscape Early-flowering willows, as well as fruit restoration projects to teach students about and nut-bearing shrubs like pawpaws, pollinators, along with many other activities. elderberries, and hazelnuts provide additional farm income as cut flowers or One question many people are asking is: produce, while also providing reliable food how can we incorporate more pollinator resources for pollinators. Honey bees may habitat into our communities, agricultural also visit muddy shorelines to gather water lands, and forests? for cooling their hives. Private landowners can do a lot to help Silvopasture, the combination of trees with support pollinators by providing habitat forage and livestock production, provides and flowering plants that provide food an open understory where a variety of for pollinators. One way is through flowering forbs, such as alfalfa, clover, or agroforestry, the intentional integration native wildflowers can grow. Rotational of trees and shrubs into crop and animal grazing practices give these forbs an farming systems. For producers of insect opportunity to recover from grazing or pollinated crops, pollinator habitat and floral continued on page 7 Winter 2015 • Issue #57

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Forester Highlight: Thad Rhodes Landowner Thoughts About Streamside Vegetation

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s you have probably noticed by reading through past issues of the Canopy, it is not uncommon to see articles on the benefits trees can provide when located next to creeks and rivers.

Typically referred to as riparian forest buffers, these areas enhance water quality and quantity, provide habitat for wildlife, and create an opportunity for recreation or timber production. When located at the edge of crop fields, these benefits are even greater because of their ability to catch excess nutrients and herbicides Figure 1. Map of the Kansas portion of the from adjacent fields, Tuttle Creek Reservoir watershed. reduce downstream flooding damage during high-flow events, and reinforce streambanks. The role of stabilization is especially important considering that streambanks are a significant source of sediment for downstream reservoirs. Even though these benefits have been widely publicized, there are still plenty of locations where riparian forest buffers are lacking … but why? Numerous reasons have been suspected to be the cause for this disinterest in streamside tree plantings: • they are often located on some of the most productive parts of the farm, • landowners are tired of fighting trees at the edge of crop fields, so why would they want to plant more? • it takes too much time and effort to maintain a tree planting, Figure 2. An eroding streambank without the presence of streamside vegetation.

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• tree growth is too slow and the landowner will not live long enough to see their benefit.

However, instead of continuing to try to guess which reasons are most important, why not just take the time to ask the people who will be directly affected by riparian plantings and see what they think?

With this in mind, a survey was sent to landowners in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir Watershed asking their preferences for and against streamside vegetation on their property. Two types of individuals were selected to receive the mailing: those who had either recently planted riparian forest buffers or those who would have an opportunity to do so in the future. A variety of questions were asked, including topics such as attitudes about trees, economic impacts of trees on the farm, awareness of riparian forest buffer benefits, and beliefs about existing financial assistance programs. Those who received the survey were fairly responsive (70 percent participation rate), indicating that a majority of these individuals were aware of the riparian areas on their property and had preferences about their existence. So, what did they say? Well, responses indicated a wide variety of opinions, but a few observations began to stand out: • Riparian forest buffers need to be perceived as profitable. As a whole, landowners did not see commercial value in their existing woodlands, indicating an opportunity for management activities that would increase the quality of the existing resource, as well as add to the recognition of its value. New plantings should include high value species with faster growing plant material and utilize a design that will not be competitive with adjacent crops. • Opportunities exist for education. There is a need to continue promoting the value of riparian forest buffers, but efforts should be taken to quantify what is necessary for a buffer to be functional – often a single row of trees might not be sufficient. Questions related to conservation ethic received some of the highest scores of the whole survey, including responses about the importance of good stewardship, controlling erosion, installing conservation practices, water quality protection, and leaving the land in better shape than obtained. This clearly demonstrates that landowners want to do the right thing, but in regard to riparian forest buffers they might not be aware of what that could, or should, be. continued on page 7

Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service

Streamside Vegetation, continued from page 6 • Provide landowners with necessary resources. Some of the biggest perceived limitations for adopting riparian forest buffers are limited resources (financial and physical) to establish and maintain the plantings. This should not be too surprising since landowners who are full-time farmers would have limited time to dedicate towards a tree planting considering other aspects of the farming operations. While there are individuals who are willing to consider establishing riparian forest buffers on their property, these landowners need help to be able to do so successfully. • Create awareness of financial assistance programs. A significant number of the respondents were unaware of existing programs that could help assist with the costs of establishing riparian forest buffers. For those who were aware, concerns with regulations and low payments were most worrisome. • Wildlife interest is a motivating factor. Not surprisingly, landowners who indicated preference for wildlife were more likely to be interested in establishing riparian forest buffers. Pollinators, continued from page 5 flower before being eaten. Flowering trees can be added to silvopasture systems, supporting pollinators while providing shade for livestock and a potential additional income source. Harvestable flowering trees, such as basswood, black locust, maple, or yellow poplar can enhance a silvopasture system. Alley cropping presents an opportunity to grow plants in close proximity that have complementary flowering periods. By paying careful attention to bloom periods and using varied species, this system provides nearly continuous pollen and nectar forage within a single farm. Consider flowering trees like black cherry, black locust, or basswood along with the more typical alley cropping trees of walnut, pecan, and oak. Diverse forbs and shrubs may be planted in rows for cut flowers, berry production, or the nursery market, as well as for pollinators. A legume forage crop between rows will not only fix nitrogen and help manage weeds, but also will provide nectar and pollen for bees if allowed to flower. Winter 2015 • Issue #57

While this information provides a brief overview of the desires of landowners in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir Watershed who responded to the questionnaire, it should also be understood that landowner interests will vary depending on location and situation. Regardless of this variation, these messages should have relevance Figure 3. A typical riparian forest buffer for other areas as well. design (Source: ASA, “North American By taking steps to Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and incorporate the desires Practice, 2nd Ed.”, Chapter 8). of individuals who will be directly impacted by riparian tree plantings, it is hoped that future efforts of promoting riparian forest buffers will lead to increased levels of adoption. Thad Rhodes, District Forester, provides direct technical assistance to Kansas in 15 north central Kansas Counties for the Kansas Forest Service

Figure 4. A young riparian forest buffer. Note the tree shelters protecting the black walnut trees from deer browse.

Forest farming with valuable overstory crop trees, like yellow (tulip) poplar, maple, basswood, and black cherry provide excellent pollinator habitat. Cultivated understory plants, such as ginseng, goldenseal, and black cohosh, may benefit from pollinator visits. Information for this article was adapted from the USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC). For online resources please use the following links: • nac.unl.edu/issues/pollinators.htm • www.xerces.org/pollinator-resourcecenter/ • NRCS pollinator resources: 1.usa.gov/1VusKNf • Forest Service pollinator’s page: www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/ • Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center pollinator plant resources: www. wildflower.org/conservation_pollinators/ Jeanna Childers Leurck, USDA Forest Service Region 2, Forest Stewardship Program Manager

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For our Feathery Friends

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popular use for conservation seedlings is to attract wildlife. The Kansas Forest Service has prepared a Quail Bundle to provide food and habitat for this upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

and serviceberry have been chosen for the bundle because of their height and fruit, offering all the necessities for our feathery fellows. Each quail bundle is equivalent to one headquarter. Once multiple headquarters have been planted, you can choose whether to plant a travel corridor out of shrubs or tall grass. Tall grasses offer the added benefit of attracting protein-filled insects.

We have carefully studied quail habitats to offer seedlings and spacing requirements that can shelter these birds from predators while allowing them to travel safely. Populations of Bobwhite Quail have Quail coveys gather significantly declined due to loss of habitat For more information and under large shrubby areas and hunting. Dan Dzurisin took this photo design layouts for quail in 2006 and hasn’t spotted Quail at called “headquarters.” habitats, check out the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge since. Kansas Forest Service They prefer to have multiple headquarters to Quail Bundle publication move between, but need to stay protected on our website, www.KansasForests.org while traveling. They can do so through under “Conservation Trees.” Click on “Tree thick patches or shrubs or grasses offering & Product Information” and then “Prepared paths between the headquarters, called Tree Bundles.” travel corridors. Leah Scott, Conservation Forester, promotes Quail bundles consist of 75 shrubs, all native to Kansas. American plum, fragrant sumac,

and assists with the Conservation Tree Planting Program for the Kansas Forest Service.

Alaska Recognizes Kansas Forest Service

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laska governor Bill Walker recognized Kansas governor Sam Brownback, and Kansas State Forester Larry Biles with a certificate of appreciation for the role that Kansas played in helping to fight Alaska’s wildfires throughout the 2015 fire season.

provided from the Lower 48 and Canada, standing alongside our own Alaskan crews,” Walker wrote. “From ground crews and heavy equipment operators to smoke jumpers, helicopter and plane crews and pilots, and everyone in between, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.”

In a letter expressing gratitude for Kansas’s contributions, Alaska governor Bill Walker mentioned that this was the second worst fire season that Alaska has seen since the 1950s, with more than five million acres burned. “We were greatly assisted in our fighting of An Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk these fires because of helicopters, and its crew respond to help gain efforts and resources a slight advance on a nearly 200-thousand acre wildfire.

Individually, Kansas wildland firefighters supported recent firefighting efforts for a combined total of 463 days on 31 fire incidents in eight states, including Alaska. Jennifer Williams, Communications Coordinator, coordinates communications activities for the Kansas Forest Service.


Celebrating 42 Years of Partnership

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or 42 years, the Kansas Forest Service and the Kansas Arborist Association have partnered to educate arborists from across the state by hosting the Kansas Arborist Association’s Arborist Training Course. The Arborist Training Course is typically every fall in Manhattan, but there have also been spring courses in other locations. The course is an intensive 5-day class with a mix of indoor lectures and outdoor demos, in addition to tree climbing education. The course is limited to 40 participants, and those attending complete the first step to becoming Kansas Certified Arborist through the KAA. In 42 years, the course has trained more than 1,800 individuals with 230 of those possessing current certification. Of the 1,800 participants, about half are from the commercial sector and the other half are from the government/municipal sectors. Over the years, this training has increased the professionalism, capacity, and sustainability of both tree service companies and municipal programs. Every year, a network is formed during the week of training between instructors and students that remains for many years. The network is further enhanced by the demographics of the students, as the course encompasses all levels of experience from beginners to 30-year veterans. Along with the education, there are economic benefits to the program for both the employee and the company/municipality.

The employee may use this as a step in their job progression, which could lead to a promotion and or pay grade increase. The company/municipality could see an increase in work completed. Secondarily, the company may see an improvement in the communication and public relations with the customer, which increases trust. Lastly, more and more estimates and bids are requiring that the work be performed by certified arborists, which is a good result for everyone involved. Tree planting demo at the 2015 Arborist Training Course.

The course is typically the first or second full week in October at Cico Park in Manhattan. The registration letter is mailed out to the KAA membership approximately 6 weeks before the course. If you are not a KAA member, you can still register for the course. We will only take the first 40 registrations and the course usually fills in 2 weeks. If you would like any further information on the course, please call Tim McDonnell at 316-7880492, ext. 202 or email: [email protected]. Tim McDonnell, Community Forestry Coordinator/District Community Forester, coordinates community forestry activities and provides educational and technical services for communities and green industries in southeast and south central Kansas.


Forest Stewardship

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he Forest Stewardship and Kansas Tree Farm Program work hand-inhand to encourage Kansas farmers and ranchers to value and manage the woodland and related natural resources on their properties. The Forest Stewardship Program is a U.S. Forest Service program delivered through the Kansas Forest Service at Kansas State University while the Kansas Tree Farm Program is a private, not-for-profit subsidized through the American Tree Farm System.

Cal understands the important function trees provide to stabilize stream banks and improve water quality. In the last 3 years he has established four stream bank stabilization projects with forest buffers. As a science teacher, Cal has repeatedly used his tree farm to lead environmental education sessions and projects to teach young adults the value of forest stewardship.

“My wife and I are honored to receive this award and recognition,” says Ammons, award Both programs provide winner. “We have worked professional forestry this property most of expertise, planning and our adult lives. We have certification to help continually strived to 2015 Forest Stewardship Tree Farmer of Kansas farmers manage improve and protect this the Year award winner Cal Ammons and their woodlands, using his wife, Pam at the 2015 Fall Forestry Field wonderful resource that Day in Madison, KS. professional Kansas we have been blessed Forest Service foresters at with. The stewardship Kansas State University. Healthy, productive, required to preserve and improve a piece woodlands will increase the overall value of property is a never-ending task. We have of a farming operation and provide both pretty much made it our life’s work. Now, private and public benefits. we get to share this place with folks that want to marry in the beautiful outdoors, and Each year the Forest Stewardship and with inner-city kids from Wichita that come Kansas Tree Farm Program collectively out and do summer school at the farm. recognize a Kansas farmer who has done an Those opportunities to share our farm with exceptional job managing their woodlands. others has been one of the most fulfilling This year Cal Ammons was selected to things in our life.” receive the Forest Stewardship Tree Farmer of the Year award. As winner of the 2015 award, Ammons received a $200 cash award from the On his Butler County Tree Farm, not far Kansas Forestry Association, an award sign, from Towanda, Kansas, Ammons has and commemorative plaque, which was demonstrated his love for the land in variety presented at the 2015 Fall Forestry Field of ways. He has improved the health of his Day, held Saturday, October 17 at Paul woodlands through “thinning” operations Dean’s Tree Farm in Madison. removing lower-quality, invasive species Jennifer Williams, Communications Coordinator, to encourage more valuable walnut and coordinates communications activities for the oak. He has planted thousands of trees for Kansas Forest Service. a variety of purposes, including a pecan plantation for nut production.


Christmas at Cedar Crest

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he governor’s tree and wreath this year were delivered by a team of two beautiful black Percheron draft horses named Bill and Buck, driven by Robin Dunn, of Dunn’s Landing from Wellsville, Kansas. Governor Sam Brownback hitched a ride on the wagon up to the governor’s mansion, and then was presented with the tree and wreath by state forester, Larry Biles, and district forester, Dave Bruton, both with the Kansas Forest Service.

Dennis and Brenda Yarnall, of Cardinal Creek Farm in Leon, Kansas donated the festive wreath that will adorn Cedar Crest’s front door this year. Just outside Wichita, Cardinal Creek Farm offers a whimsical winter playground full of nostalgic charm and provides a variety of family-friendly activities, including ice skating and a snowball toss. Santa even makes himself available for gift requests and pictures on Saturday afternoons!

Several Christmas tree Dave Bruton, northeast growers in Kansas Kansas district support the Trees forester, mentioned for Troops program, that planting, growing where Christmas State Forester Larry Biles, and district forester and harvesting trees Dave Bruton present this year’s Christmas tree tree growers across is underestimated the country donate to Gov. Brownback and his wife, Mary. by many. “A lot of Christmas trees that are people think you delivered to military can plant a tree and go bases for distribution, out and harvest it the free of charge, to military next year,” said Bruton. families. Harry Peckham “These Christmas tree helps coordinate the growers are putting a lot efforts in Kansas and uses of effort into it. A tree six the gathering of Christmas or seven feet tall - what a tree growers at Cedar lot of people like for their Crest for delivery of the houses - it typically takes Governor’s Christmas eight to nine years to get a tree every year as an tree to that height.” opportunity to collect trees from donors. This This year, the governor’s year was no different, mansion at Cedar Crest and Peckham stacked up will be festooned with a quite a few donated trees beautiful eight foot Scotch to take to his collection pine Christmas tree, site. Information about donated by Strawberry how this program works Hill Christmas Tree Farm in Kansas can be found owners, Eric and Lyn Gov. Sam Brownback arrives by horseon the Peckham’s web drawn wagon to the governor’s mansion Walther. Strawberry Hill site at: pleasantridge. with Robin Dunn, of Dunn’s Landing. Christmas Tree Farm is com. Information about located on the old Oregon the National Trees Trail in Lawrence, Kansas, and is celebrating for Troops campaign can be found at: 31 years in the business this year. On a trip Christmasspiritfoundation.org. General to Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm, you information about the Kansas Christmas can take a free hayride, sip hot spiced cider, Tree Growers Association can be accessed and stroll through their beautiful property at: kctga.com. searching for your own unique tree. Arts and Jennifer Williams, Communications Coordinator, crafts, as well as wreaths and centerpieces coordinates communications activities for the are also available for sale on the premises. Kansas Forest Service.


Kansas Canopy Kansas Forest Service

Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Permit #525 Manhattan, KS 66502

2610 Claflin Road Manhattan, KS 66502–2798

Notice of nondiscrimination K‑State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, John D. Floros, Director.

Links of Interest: Kansas Forest Service www.kansasforests.org K‑State Research and Extension www.ksre.ksu.edu State of Kansas www.kansas.gov Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism ksoutdoors.com Natural Resources Conservation Service– Kansas www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov Farm Service Agency– Kansas www.fsa.usda.gov/ks 12

December 7, 2015 through May 2, 2016 — Order Conservation Tree Seedlings. Order online at: www.kansasforests.org, or call 1-888-740-8733.

February 4-5 — Kansas Natural Resource Conference, Wichita. Contact Charles Barden, 785-532-1444 [email protected], or http://www.kansasnrc.org/.

January 6 — Rice County Prescribed Burn Workshop, Lyons. Contact Lori Shoemaker, [email protected].

February 6-7 — KSFFA Regional Fire School, Oakley. Contact Rodney Redinger, 620-728-4464 or [email protected].

January 7 — Labette County Prescribed Burn Workshop, Lyons. Contact Kitra Cooper, 620-7845431 or [email protected].

February 9 — Bourbon County Prescribed Fire Workshop, Fort Scott. Contact Chris Petty, 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

January 9-10 — KSFFA Regional Fire School, Wilson. Contact Rodney Redinger, 620-728-4464 or [email protected].

February 11 — Harper County Prescribed Fire Workshop, Anthony. Contact Jennie Carr, 620-842-5445 or [email protected].

January 13-15 — Kansas Arborist Association Annual Shade Tree Conference, Topeka. Contact Tim McDonnell, 316-788-0492, ext. 202, [email protected], or www.kansasarborist.com/shadetree.aspx.

February 17 — Butler County Prescribed Fire Workshop, El Dorado. Contact Greg McClure, 785-537-6350 or [email protected].

February 19 — Riley County Prescribed Burn Workshop, Manhattan. Contact Greg McClure, 785-537-6350 or [email protected].

February 3-5 — Midwestern Chapter – ISA Conference and Trade Show, Kansas City. Contact Tim McDonnell, 316-788-0492, ext. 202, [email protected], or www.mwisa.org.

March 23-24 — Tree City USA Recognition Day, Topeka.

February 4 — Ellsworth County Prescribed Burn Workshop, Wilson. Contact Sheila Thacker, 785-4833157 or [email protected].

Contact Tim McDonnell, 316-788-0492, ext. 202 or [email protected].

For a current listing of events, check: www.kansasforests.org/news_and_events

Kansas Canopy: Newsletter of the Kansas Forest Service