Northeast
Research & Extension Center
601 E. Benjamin Avenue, Suite 104
Norfolk, NE 68701-0812
Phone: (402) 370-4024
FAX: (402) 370-4010
E-mail: SRASMUSSEN2@UNL.EDU
website: http://nerec.unl.edu/forestry/ForestryNews.htm
July - August - September 2002
In this Issue:
COOKOUTS
ARE FUN IF DONE SAFELY
Hot dogs and burgers cooked on the grill are tastes hard to beat. The Nebraska Forest Service reminds you that outdoor cooking can also lead to tragedy when carelessness causes serious burns. Use common sense and remember to cook safely:
Follow these rules for preventing fire on your farm:
o Never permit smoking in or near barns, out buildings or flammable material
storage areas.
o Never refuel an internal combustion engine while it is hot or running.
o See that crops are dry before storing; provide adequate ventilation and repair
leaking roofs. Check for other spontaneous combustion hazards such as hay stacks,
manure piles and oily or paint soaked rags.
o Be sure that all electrical wiring is inspected and approved.
o Provide all major buildings with lightning rods.
o Burn rubbish only in an incinerator equipped with a spark arrester or a covered
burn barrel. Never burn on windy days. Keep water and fire fighting tools handy.
o Do not conduct field burning without proper safety precautions and a permit
from the local fire department.
o Be sure that grain dryers have adequate controls to shut off blowers or dampers
when temperatures get too high in the heat transfer chamber. Never use homemade
dryers.
o Never use fumigants near open flames or electrical equipment.
o Provide adequate fire extinguishers in all areas where the potential of fire
exists, i.e., work shops and machine sheds, vehicles, tractors and fueling areas.
When a fire is discovered, call the fire department at once. DO NOT attempt
to fight the fire before calling the fire department.
Bob E. Vogltance, Fire Resource
Manager
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
441 S. Colfax
West Point, NE 68788
(402) 372-5665
E-mail: bv55315@navix.net
FORESTRY INTERN LEARNS ABOUT FORESTRY
IN NEBRASKA
Pam
Bergstrom from Plainview, NE has been interning for Steve Rasmussen and Erik
Duncan at the Northeast Research and Extension Center in Norfolk since late
May. She has been working with the FIA (Forestry Inventory Analysis) plots,
direct seeding study, the LENRD Conservation Tree Program, community inventories,
and the Northeast Arboretum near Concord, NE. A member of the Plainview High
School class of 2001, Pam is currently attending the University of Nebraska
with a major in pre-forestry and a minor in communications. She is also involved
in the Nebraska FFA Alumni, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, and Big
Brothers/Big Sisters organization. In response to how her internship was going
Pam answered, "I am really enjoying my time here and I have learned
a great deal of information and facts that will help me in my forestry classes
later on in my college career. I have had the pleasure of meeting many people
who want to make a difference in Nebraska, from concerned citizens who want
to keep the trees in their community alive and healthy to farmers who protect
their crops and livestock from the elements with shelterbelts and living snow
fences. It is encouraging to see so many people interested in maintaining natural
resources and seeking advice from others about what trees to plant, where to
plant them, and where to obtain tress of good quality." Pam will be helping
with the forestry projects through the middle of August.
2002 COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANTS
1. TREE RECOVERY PROGRAM
The Tree Recovery Program has once again been funded for this fiscal year. Grants will be available to state and local political subdivisions for tree removal and/or replacement programs on state or local government owned land. Funding is available at a 50/50 cost share rate.
This grant funding may be used to remove and replace trees on public property. Tree removal will include dead or seriously damaged trees. A minimum of two trees must replace every tree removed. Shrubs or perennials are not a part of this program.
Application forms and further information about the Tree Recovery Program grant can be obtained from the Nebraska Forest Service. Deadline for applications will be September 13, 2002.
David Mooter, dmooter2@unl.edu
402-444-7804
Rachel Allison, rallison1@unl.edu
308-532-3671 ext. 161
Chip Murrow, jmurrow2@unl.edu
402-472-1382
2. NEBRASKA COMMUNITY TREE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The NCTIP is in its second year as a pilot program. The Tree Improvement Program is designed to encourage smaller communities to take aggressive steps to maintain public trees in a proper manner by providing "seed" money for the establishment of extended community forestry programs. The program helps pay for maintenance and safety pruning of trees on public property and more specifically municipal streets and municipal parks. Topping of trees is not allowed and utility pruning is not covered under this grant.
To qualify for this program, communities must be under 5,000 in population. Further inquiries about this pilot grant should be made to Rachel or Chip. (See above contact sources)
3. COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Nebraska communities can apply for funds to landscape local public roadways through a cooperative program of the Nebraska Department of Roads, the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA). Under the Community Enhancement Program, entry roads, highway right-of-way areas, downtown streets and hiking and biking trails all could be eligible for facelifts, according to Kate Schumacher, Program Coordinator with NSA.
Approved projects will receive up to 80 percent of the funds needed for trees, shrubs, perennials, native and ornamental grasses, wildflowers, installation costs, and other landscaping expenses. Locally raised matching funds must contribute at least 20 percent of the costs. The maximum grant award is $20,000. A total of $315,000 is available for 2003 projects. Applications will be available later this summer.
For more information about
the Community Enhancement Program or for application forms, contact Kate Schumacher
(402) 472-2212 or e-mail her at cschumacher2@unl.edu.
(Source: Down the Shady Lane Newsletter, July 2002)
NORTHEAST ARBORETUM TO HOST OPEN HOUSE
On Tuesday, August 20, the Northeast Arboretum will host an open house and annual meeting. Members and the public are encouraged to attend. The program will begin at 6:00 P.M. The featured speaker will be Dave Shelton, UNL Extension Specialist. He will give an update on the conservation buffer being established at HAL. A beautiful wood creation made by Russ Moomaw will be in a special drawing. You must be "present and a paid" member ($10) for the chance to win.
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Evening Agenda |
IS
THE DROUGHT DAMAGING MY TREES?
Water is generally the limiting factor to tree growth and establishment in most areas of Nebraska. The current drought has accentuated this problem by severely depleting soil moisture reserves. Eventually, a point is reached where physiological processes of the tree can no longer be carried out as tissues and life processes are affected.
Dr. Kim Coder of the University of Georgia indicates that trees develop a series of prioritized stages in reacting to drought. Listed below are these reactions in order from least damaging to most damaging response:
1. Recognizing ("sensing")
soil/root water availability problems
2. Chemically altering (osmotic) cell contents
3. Closing stomata for longer periods
4. Increasing absorbing root production
5. Using food storage reserves
6. Close-off or close-down root activities (suberize roots)
7. Initiate foliage, branch and/or root senescence
8. Set-up abscission and compartment lines
9. Seal-off (allow to die) and shed tissues/organs unable to maintain health
Trees also respond to drought with decreased stem elongation and diameter growth. In addition, stress resulting from drought may predispose trees to insect and disease attacks due to their weakened condition.
Landowners should be vigilant in providing water to drought stressed trees. The need for supplemental water during the growing season is obvious, however winter watering is equally important. Winter watering should be accomplished during periods of little or no snow cover and when the soil is not frozen. Water early enough in the day to allow water time to infiltrate into the soil thereby avoiding ponding and freezing of water under the drip line of the tree.
Control of competitive vegetation (weeds and grasses) in the area under the drip line will also reduce tree stress. Control of competing vegetation will reduce or eliminate utilization of moisture and nutrients, leaving more for the tree. Secondly, the likelihood of damage from weed eaters and lawn mowers, which can further stress the tree, will be minimized.
Once a week watering for newly planted trees; once every 10-14 days for 2-3 year established trees; and once every 3-4 weeks for older trees is necessary during below normal rainfall events. Four gallons of water for every 1" in caliper should be sufficient.
(Source; Modified from Wyoming
Tree News, Winter/Spring 2002)
To "spruce up" your knowledge of North American trees and shrubs, try leafing through a free guide created by a former forestry professor and colleagues as part of their site selling landscaping software. More than 800 accounts organized by family, species, and state include range maps and basic facts such as the identification of pollinators and degree of shade tolerance.
This is a great reference and for some species, such as the yellow poplar, there's an illustrated page with detailed paragraphs on ecology, life history, interactions with other species, and potential uses. See http://www.treeguide.com
(Source: Science Magazine Vol. 294)
CEDAR
TREE & WEED CONTROL IN THE PASTURE WORKSHOP
This field workshop will be held three miles south of Center or seven miles north of Creighton on Highway 13. The workshop will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15.
Dr. Stevan Knezevic, UNL Extension Weed Specialist, will be conducting his second year test plot on cedar tree control and his first year test plot on weed control in pastures.
We will view the herbicide treatment test plots at this location for both cedar trees and weed control. Dr. Kvezevic will review treatment results, costs, environmental impact and strategies for economic cedar tree control. These plot viewings and reviewings should be of interest to many Northeast Nebraska farmers and ranchers.
Steve Rasmussen, UNL Forester, will review other non-herbicide treatment of cedar trees. He will also talk about the benefits of properly placed cedar trees.
Ralph Kulm, Extension Educator in Holt and Boyd Counties, and Terry Gompert, Extension Educator in Knox County, will review the cedar tree problems and suggest solutions.
The invading cedar trees may be the most unwanted weedy plant in pastures located in north and northeastern Nebraska. They have the potential of taking over a pasture and eliminating all of the grazing potential. Cedar trees can become so thick in unmanaged pasture that even wildlife has trouble using the land.
All landowners need to develop a strategy for economical control and management of cedar trees in pastures. Please join us at this three hour, outdoor, no-fee workshop. Bring a hat and lawn chair!
For more information contact
Terry Gompert at the Knox County Extension office in Center, NE, 402-288-4224.
CHILDREN AND THE URBAN AND COMMUNITY
FOREST
A house surrounded by nature seems to help boost a child's attention capabilities, a study by a Cornell University researcher suggests, making the issue of urban green a matter for the environment as well as human health and well being. "When children's cognitive functioning was compared before and after they moved from poor- to better-quality housing that had more green spaces around, profound differences emerged in their attention capacities even when the effects of the improved housing were taken into account," says Nancy Wells, assistant professor of design and environmental analysis in the New York State College of Human Ecology at Cornell.
Wells notes that although the study group was small at just 17 children, she says the statistical findings were highly significant. What this means is that the children who had the greatest gains in terms of "greenness" between their old and new homes showed the greatest improvements in functioning. "The findings suggest that the power of nature is indeed profound," she says. Wells notes that simple interventions, such as preserving existing trees, planting new trees or maintaining grassy areas, would likely have a significant impact on children's welfare.
The study, published in Environmental and Behavior (2000, Vol. 32, pp. 775-795), was funded in part by the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Forest Service.
(Source: SAF Urban Forestry Working Group Resource Letter)
WHAT
PUTS THE POISON IN POISON IVY?
While enjoying the warmer weather, be sure to avoid the rash, blisters and itch of poison ivy.
What does it look like? Poison ivy leaves usually cluster in threes. Leaves are often shiny and have smooth or saw-toothed edges. Blossoms appear in late spring, white berries in late summer.
What causes the itch? It's urushiol (uh-ROO-she-all), an oil in the sap of poison ivy and its cousins, poison oak and sumac. Urushiol can remain active on contaminated objects (such as clothing and tools) for many months.
Is everyone allergic to urushiol? About 85 percent of people are, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, it may take several exposures to trigger an allergic reaction.
Do pets get poison ivy? No, but their fur can spread urushiol to you. Fact is, urushiol can be transferred from any contaminated object, including clothing and firewood - even a gardening tool you haven't used in a year. So try not to touch anything you think has been exposed.
Can I catch the rash from someone else? No. By the time a rash appears, the urushiol is gone.
How can I guard against poison ivy? Wear gloves and other protective clothing if you suspect you'll be exposed. And some commercial products, such as Ivy Block, have been shown to prevent or minimize the rash.
How do I remove urushiol? Rinse exposed areas with running water right away; urushiol can penetrate the skin in minutes. If you're out in the woods, use water from a lake or stream, premoistened towelettes or even soda. Wash clothes in strong detergent and wipe off shoes.
(Source:UNL publication TopHealth: The Health Promotion and Wellness Newsletter, May 2001)
Flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with hairspray and they will take a dive.
Crayon marks on walls? A damp rag dipped in baking soda and the mark comes off with little effort.
For permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt blue) use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.
Use vertical strokes when washing outside windows and horizontal strokes for inside windows…this way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean, but don't wash them on a sunny day, as they will dry too quickly and will probably streak
Candles last longer if placed in the freezer for at least three hours prior to burning.
Spray Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains.
To unclog a drain, drop three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run hot water.
(Source: Water Current, June 2002)
Steven D. Rasmussen
District/Extension Forester
Northeast Res. & Ext. Center
601 E. Benjamin Avenue, Suite 104
Norfolk, NE 68701-0812
Phone: (402) 370-4024
FAX: (402) 370-4010
E-mail: srasmussen2@unl.edu
