ForestConnect

There is something special about eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). It is some combination of its rich history in making America, the beauty of the tree growing among other white pine or mixed with hardwoods, the softness of the foliage, and its ability to colonize disturbed sites and grow, in some cases, to awesome size and produce hundreds of feet of useful timber. In NY, the volume of eastern white pine growing stock has increased from 1823.8 M.cu.ft in 1993 to more tha...n 2000 M.cu.ft in 2004 (http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/fia/states/ny/index.html). There has been a sizable shift in the distribution of that volume with increased volume in the larger diameter classes from 1993 to 2004. For those interested in learning more about the growth and survival of eastern white pine, see the recent story from the Univ. of MN and "My Minnesota Woods" via this link http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu//a-landowners-guide-t/ Although the story and information come from Minnesota, the concepts should apply nicely to many of the white pine stands in New York.

Grouse season is upon us. Here are some thoughts about the bird and the experience. Those familiar with Sand County Almanac will recall Aldo Leopold's fond memories of grouse hunting in the fall as the tamarack turned golden. http://www.pressherald.com//to-find-grouse-locate-their-fo

Here is an interesting story about the economic role played by timber in a northern Virginia town. The details will vary, but the pattern no doubt has parallel in many other states, such as much of NY. http://www.northernnecknews.com/news/view_sections.asp

What options do private woodland owners have to retain forested landscapes? One option is government funding, but what other strategies should owners and woodland enthusiasts consider? If budgets shrink, which they may, new approaches will be necessary. http://www.nhpr.org/conservation-groups-fear-congressional-

There is some concern that the sluggish economy has stimulated illegal dumping of household items in woodlots, at least in Maine. This may be increasingly common in other states as well. See more about this issue in ME http://www.wlbz2.com//175136/3/Illegal-dumping-a-growing-c