Woods Wise Wire - September 9, 2014

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Woodswise Wire

Western Maine SWOAM chapter meeting on Sat., Sept. 20

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.


Volunteers Wanted for Landowner Appreciation Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 13

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.