Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Workshop: Interference with the Regeneration of Hardwood Forests



This sounds like a good one, and very applicable to Pennsylvania.  If you have time and can get away, plan to attend. 

Come to Cornell’s Arnot Forest on September 30, 2016 for a day-long workshop that will (i) provide foresters and woodland owners information about the ecological role of American beech (and other interfering vegetation) and deer in limiting forest regeneration, and (ii) review herbicide, organic and fence management strategies to ensure effective regeneration. This workshop will help participants understand the ecological principles that underlie the complications of forest regeneration, especially the interaction of deer and interfering plants.  Management strategies that limit exposure to deer impacts may reduce the need for herbicidal control of beech, and without deer control more vegetative control may be necessary. Addressing neither of these issues in a practical and viable manner will likely result in a failed attempt to regenerate an acceptable new stand.

Deer browsing interacts with interfering and invasive plants to complicate the management of woodlands for owners and foresters.  Deer preferentially browse desired species and avoid browsing undesirable interfering plants such as beech, fern, black birch and striped maple that constrain forest regeneration. These species can shade desirable species, slowing their growth and making them more vulnerable to deer browsing.  Successful regeneration requires some combination of controlling the impacts of deer, limiting the abundance of interfering plants, and using sustainable silvicultural practices.

The workshop will mix classroom and field lectures with presentations by Dr. Paul Curtis, Dr. Peter Smallidge, Brett Chedzoy and Kristi Sullivan. Registration starts at 9:00AM with light refreshments, and the workshop starts promptly at 10:00AM.  Final session concludes at 4:20PM. Bring a bag lunch.  Bottled water will be provided. Visits to field sites will be by carpooling.  Field stops will include limited but quick walking on level terrain regardless of the weather.  Pre-registration is required and is $20.  Online registration closes September 28.  Visit https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8J5G74551tVLlc1

This workshop has been approved by NYSDEC Bureau of Pest Management (Pesticide Certification) for 3.75 credits in category 2 (Forest).  Participants desiring pesticide recertification credits must bring the pesticide card and should arrive by 9:30AM. This workshop is pending approval by the Society of American Forests for CFE credits.  A detailed agenda is available as a blog at www.CornellForestConnect.ning.com 

Location – Cornell University’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, 611 County Road 13, Van Etten, NY 14889 (Schuyler County) www.ArnotForest.info

Registration questions – Diana Bryant, 214 Fernow Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. 607-255 2115. DLT5@cornell.edu

Program questions - Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, 219 Fernow Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14889. (607) 592 3640.  pjs23@cornell.edu


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Peter J. Smallidge, Ph.D.
NYS Extension Forester
Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest

219 Fernow Hall, Department of Natural Resources
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

(607) 592 - 3640

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