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Asian bush honeysuckles are a real problem in our community parks, woodlands and the more forested areas of Kansas, especially the eastern third of the state and near the Wichita area. These trees can grow so dense that they shade out everything on the woodland floor. This inhibits tree regeneration, essentially stopping forest succession. Kansas Forest Service health specialist Nicole Opbroek discusses how to identify and control these invasive shrubs.
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There is pressure on Midwest agriculture producers to grow the world’s food and do it in a way that reduces impacts to rivers and streams. Kansas Forest Service watershed forester Billy Beck discusses how producers can utilize today’s best management practices to bolster production and minimize stream impairments – and at the same time – help prevent additional federal regulations from being implemented.
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There are many diseases that colonize stressed trees. One of the most common, hypoxylon canker, attacks hardwoods, especially species in the red oak group. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease. Kansas Forest Service health specialist Nicole Opbroek looks at the symptoms and signs of hypoxylon canker and discusses how to deal with infected trees.
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Streamside trees provide a number of benefits, including increasing soil infiltration capacity – the rate at which rainfall can enter the soil. A parking lot has the lowest soil infiltration capacity and a forest has the highest. Billy Beck, watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service, explains how streamside trees reduce downstream flooding and help to recharge groundwater.
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Arbor day, which started in Nebraska in 1872 and became a national holiday in 1882, is celebrated on the fourth Friday of April. This year’s observance falls on April 26th. Planting a tree is on Arbor Day is encouraged. However, according to state Extension forester Charles Barden with the Kansas Forest Service, there are many other ways to celebrate Arbor Day.
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The Kansas Forest Service is hosting the 2013 Agroforestry Field Day May 8th near Wakeeney in Trego County. Rural forestry program coordinator Bob Atchison says the purpose of the field day is to provide landowners, farmers, ranchers and natural resource professionals the opportunity to learn science-based information regarding the design, function, management and benefits of trees and shrubs within contemporary agricultural systems.
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High prices for corn, soybeans and wheat are great for the Kansas economy, but not so good for the woodlands and forests that follow streams and rivers. Bob Atchison, rural forestry program coordinator with the Kansas Forest Service, says significant areas of forest land are being converted to crop land. He explains how this conversion adversely affects water quality and quantity issues facing the state.
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There is a lot we can learn about the forestry industry in Kansas. For example, its economic benefits are staggering. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator Bob Atchison says the state’s forestry industry contributes 1.5 billion dollars to the Kansas economy, supports over 6.700 jobs and has a payroll of 360 million dollars.
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Many landowners have been noticing periodic decline of oak trees in their woodlands. This occurs when several factors converge, including advancing tree age, site conditions, climate, fungi and insect attacks. Kansas Forest Service health specialist Nicole Opbroek says there are clear signs of oak decline and that thinning and making timber stand improvements will help keep woodlands healthy by reducing stock and competition for moisture and nutrients.
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A late winter or early spring pruning of shrubs and small trees can do more than beautify the home landscape. State Extension forester Charles Barden says it also provides an opportunity to use those branch trimmings for bouquets. He explains how to care for the trimmings so you have sweet smelling blossoms this spring.
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Despite the heavy snowfall in February, 76% of Kansas is still in extreme drought and the remainder of the state is in exceptional drought. This is causing concern that severe dust storms and wind-blown erosion will occur in late winter and early spring. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator Bob Atchison explains how windbreaks – which are far different now than the ones used following the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s – can help reduce soil erosion.
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Homeowners often plant fast-growing tree species – such as Chinese or Siberian elm, poplars and silver maples – to provide rapid shade. However, these trees are often damaged during winter storms. Nicole Opbroek, forest health specialist with the Kansas Forest Service, has some guidelines for assessing the health of trees after a storm.
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The Dust Bowl of the 1930s led to the development of conservation practices to protect the soil from drought and wind. However, many of the trees planted following the Dust Bowl era have been removed to capture more crop acreage or need to be replaced. K-State forester Charles Barden explains how windbreaks today differ from the ones planted in the 1940s and 50s.
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Managing streamside forests for wildlife is growing in popularity. These areas provide a unique combination of food, shelter and water for a variety of wildlife. Landowners considering establishing a streamside buffer this spring can take advantage of the Kansas Forest Service Spring 2013 Conservation Seedling program to purchase a variety of low-cost bundles of trees and shrubs that will benefit the land and wildlife. Kansas Forest Service watershed forester Billy Beck discusses how to participate in this conservation program.
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The deadline to apply for funds from the 2013 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative – or CCPI – is February 15th. Kansas Forest Service water quality forester Billy Beck says CCPI funds can be used for three purposes: to renovate windbreaks, to protect eroding streambanks, and to thin crowded woodlands.
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The Kansas Forest Service operates a seedling distribution program to supply well-adapted, low-cost seedlings directly to farmers and ranchers and even suburban homeowners. K-State forester Charles Barden explains the benefits of the seedling distribution program.
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The Kansas Forest Service at Kansas State University provides assistance to help Kansans protect and manage woodlands and windbreaks. Rural forestry coordinator Bob Atchison says there are seven professional foresters that can assist landowners by designing tree plantings adjacent to streams and rivers, improving the quality of woodlands, and renovating old windbreaks. And, the Kansas Forest Service can offer financial assistance to cover a majority of the cost.
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Trees will grow almost anywhere, but in order to thrive, the right tree species needs to be planted in the right soil. Watershed forester Billy Beck with the Kansas Forest Service says there’s a tool that helps landowners create a soil map so they can match tree species with the soil on their property.
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The 2013 Kansas Natural Resources Conference is being held January 24th and 25th in Wichita. According to state Extension forester Charles Barden, research projects, papers and posters on all natural resource topics will be presented at this year’s conference, including forestry, wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, range management, soil and water conservation and natural resource education. Under Attack: Invasive Species in Kansas is the theme for this year’s conference.
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Foresters with the Kansas Forest Service work with landowners to help them manage their forest resources. But, what is forest management? Watershed forester Billy Beck says a forest management plan starts by determining a landowner’s goals for the woodland and developing a plan to reach those goals – often with assistance from government programs.
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Christmas is over and it’s time to take down the tree. If you had a live tree, K-State forester Charles Barden says that tree can be used to help the environment. He says live trees can be used as food and shelter for birds, sunk in ponds to improve fish habitat or taken to a recycling location to be shredded into landscape mulch.
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Homeowners looking to lower utility bills this winter may want to consider a wood burning or pellet stove as an additional heating source. Charles Barden, a forester with the Kansas Forest Service, explains the benefits of these stoves, how they effectively heat a home, and help to reduce your carbon footprint.
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Established tree windbreaks sheltering beef and dairy cattle operations can save producers money on feed costs, weight loss and milk production during the winter months. A heavy winter coat protects beef cattle until temperatures drop below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, but beyond that point, animals require additional feed to maintain body temperatures. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator Bob Atchison says the presence of a windbreak can help remedy this problem.
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Kansas drought conditions have severely affected trees in both urban and rural settings. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator Bob Atchison discusses the problems the drought has caused and the need to continue to water trees this winter.
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As winter approaches, Kansas’ forests are taking on a new look – making this a great time to get out and assess the woodlands on your property. This is also a good time to plan for the forestry activities you’d like to take on in 2013. Billy Beck, watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service, says without planning and proper site preparation during the fall and winter, many of these projects will fail.
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Winter is rapidly approaching and many trees in Kansas are still suffering from drought-related stress. The outlook for this winter calls for mild temperatures and little precipitation. As a result, forest health specialist Nicole Opbroek with the Kansas Forest Service, says trees will be more susceptible to damage and disease. She discusses some of the steps we can take to help trees survive the winter.
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There’s more to buying firewood than finding a good price. Oak is considered to be the premium fuel wood, but a pound of cottonwood has just as much heat value as a pound of oak. Buying mixed hardwood is another option. However, the cost should be determined by the heat value of the wood – not a set price per cord. Charles Barden, state forester with the Kansas Forest Service, offers some tips for buying firewood to get the maximum heat value for the money.
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Are you having streambank erosion issues? Do you have areas of undesirable trees along creeks you’d like to convert into quality oak and walnut? Are you a hunter or wildlife enthusiast looking to increase opportunities on your land? If so, you’ll benefit from attending the November 15th John Redmond Riparian Forestry Field Day at the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge near Hartford in Coffey County. Billy Beck, watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service, previews the upcoming field day.
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Invasive honeysuckles, both the shrub and vine, have been spreading from their planted locations over the decades and are taking over our urban woodlands. Honeysuckles can rapidly invade and overtake a site, forming a dense shrub layer that crowds and shades out native plants. According to Kansas Forest Service health specialist Nicole Opbroek, young infestations – less than 3-to-5 years of age – are easier to kill than the more established populations of invasive honeysuckles.
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To get newly planted trees and shrubs through this fall and winter, there are a few things to remember. K-State Research and Extension state forester Charles Barden says the most important thing is to provide young trees and shrubs with a slow deep watering every couple of weeks when there isn’t enough precipitation. He also explains how to tell if a tree is still alive and how dead trees can still be beneficial.
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Farmers and ranchers with marginal pieces of farm ground can run a comparison to determine whether it’s more cost-effective to plant crops on that land or create a vegetative buffer. Billy Beck, watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service, says producers can use a simple and effective support tool from Kansas State University to determine which option is best for their operation.
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Fall is an excellent time to plant new trees in the home landscape. However, state forester Charlie Barden says certain precautions must be taken. This includes a commitment to watering and adding mulch to the base of the tree after it turns cold…usually in early December. Barden also says fall is a good time to visit nurseries to find trees that provide the color you want in your landscape.
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The Kickapoo Tribe is hosting this year’s Fall Forestry Field Day on their Pow Wow grounds west of Horton. Since the reservation sits on a rock formation which blocks access to groundwater, water shortages have been an issue for the tribe which uses the Delaware River as its water source. Consequently a large focus of the field day will be the important role trees play in sustaining water quality and quantity. Bob Atchison, rural forestry program coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, has a preview of the activities taking place on October 19th at Fall Forestry Field Day.
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Two Financial “Releaf” Workshops are scheduled for mid-October and mid-November. Topics for the upcoming workshops were chosen by landowners. Billy Beck, watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service, says topics include: how to plant and establish high-value timber – like oak and walnut – in bottomland areas, how to manage existing forests for exceptional deer and turkey hunting, and creating quail habitats along forest edges.
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Kansas landowners wishing to implement conservation practices by improving tree stands may be eligible for federal funding assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program – known as EQIP. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator, Bob Atchison, discusses how landowners can enroll in this program and the benefits of implementing sound conservation practices.
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The Kickapoo Tribe is hosting the 2012 Kansas Forest Service Fall Forestry Field Day October 19th on their Pow Wow grounds west of Horton. The reservation sits on a rock formation, which blocks access to groundwater, creating water shortage issues for the tribe. Consequently, a large focus of the field day will be the important role trees play in sustaining water quality and quantity. K-State Research and Extension forester Charles Barden previews the upcoming Fall Forestry Field Day.
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Over the next few years, a watershed forester with the Kansas Forest Service wants to learn more about cover crops and streamside tree plantings. Billy Beck says cover crops would be desirable for streamside tree plantings because they would help with weed control, moisture retention, and improving soil structure and fertility. In addition to studying existing research from other states, Beck wants to work with Kansas farmers, ranchers and landowners to measure the impact cover crops have when used with streamside tree plantings.
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Trees have played an important role in Kansas history. State forester Charles Barden with the Kansas Forest Service, discusses how cottonwood trees not only helped early settlers find drinking water, but also provided them with a source of shade and firewood. He also says sugar maples helped boost the state’s economy.
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One of the hardest, thorniest trees in North America can be found along fence rows, pastures and bottom lands. In Kansas, these hedge rows served as a living fence. In fact, after barbed wire was invented in 1874, these trees were used as fence posts to string the wire. Kansas Forest Service rural forestry program coordinator, Bob Atchison, says early settlers found a variety of uses for the trees. Today, properly managed hedge rows provide important benefits to wildlife species and conservation resources.
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In addition to row crops, many young tree plantings in Kansas have been struggling to make it through the drought. However, Kansas Forest Service watershed forester, Billy Beck, says there is one exception – streamside tree plantings. Those trees are surviving because of early planting dates, site preparation, proper tree species selection, and an available water supply that can be transported or pumped to the new tree plantings.
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