Woodswise Wire
The
western chapter September meeting will feature one of the most basic
topics of woodlot management – tree identification. Maine has
about 72 native species of trees. Depending on the location a typical
woodlot might have from 10 to 20 different tree species, each with it’s own
unique needs for sunlight, soil, aspect and value, not only in dollars but also
aesthetics and wildlife.
The
meeting will be at the home of Merle Ring, state District Forester and long
time SWOAM member. Merle has 16 acres of forestland he has been managing
for almost 30 years and he will be leading a tour of his lot, identifying at
least 16 different tree species and talking about identifying features.
To
find Merle’s home from Norway, take rt. 118 west through town, passing Norway
lake on the right. About a mile from town, take a left on Rt. 117 heading
toward Harrison. At about 6 miles take a left on Gore road. At
about ½ mile, take a right on Bow st. Follow this about a mile to the
intersection of Ahonen rd. on the left. Continue straight through the
intersection onto a gravel road. Merle’s driveway is about 300 ft. down
this road on the left. Look for the SWOAM sign and his Tree Farm sign.
The
public is, of course, welcome. Coffee and donuts and registration at
8:30, meeting starts at 9. For more information call Merle at 743-5976
evenings.
Volunteer
teams are preparing to clean up 50-60 illegal dump sites in Maine
AUGUSTA-
Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day is September 13. The Maine Department
of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Forestry is coordinating
the volunteer land cleanup effort this year. Forest Rangers working in
cooperation with the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), ATV Maine, and the
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW), as well as other
recreational groups, are preparing teams to clean up 50-60 illegal dump sites
in Maine.
In
other parts of the country, most undeveloped forest land is posted, and
recreation is limited to those who pay club fees to use locations. Maine
landowners have a history of sharing their forest and farm lands for
responsible outdoor recreation. Millions of acres of working farms and forests
are open to the public for enjoyment throughout the year. Unfortunately, the
Maine privilege of enjoying access to private lands is threatened every time
irresponsible people litter or illegally dump trash.
“Landowner
Appreciation Cleanup Day is a way to thank property owners for allowing access
to private lands for outdoor activities, recreation and enjoyment,” said
Governor Paul R. LePage. “Most Maine people understand that public access to
private lands is a special privilege to be respected and cherished, not a
right. I commend volunteers and landowners alike for promoting public access
and awareness of the need to respect private property.”
Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb urged outdoor enthusiasts
and organizations to support the effort by volunteering their time and energy.
“Department staff and our partner organizations have worked hard to make this
annual effort a success,” he said. “It is also symbolic of efforts made
throughout the year by people and individuals to help ensure future access to
private lands by keeping them clear of trash and debris. The goal is to avoid
the posting of ‘no trespassing’ signs and the installation of gates that block
access.”
The
Forestry staff, in cooperation with other state agencies and outdoor recreational
groups, has been working with landowners to identify specific dump locations
and enter them into a database to track progress on site cleanup. It will
supply trucks and trash bags for the cleanup effort, but needs volunteers to
help load the items. Dump sites vary from a single piece of discarded
furniture, a washing machine or discarded tires to several pickup-truck loads
of shingles and mattresses. To make it easier for cleanup volunteers, dozens of
maps have been created that show the exact dump site locations. Cleanup
volunteers who live near an illegal dump site may have to spend only a half
hour or less to help clean it up.
Locations
around Maine:
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?hl=en&authuser=0&mid=zoiiB_uAdliI.kt9_l_dw1qAg
To
volunteer for this project, please contact Jeff Currier at (207) 827-1800,
or the Maine Forest Service at 1-800-750-9777.
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