Hello Friends....
The educational video on the identification and control of garlic mustard, Stemming the Tide, which we have been working on for more than a year, is now ready for distribution. This video includes the phragmites video you may have seen circulating in the community.
We have a supply of DVDs ready to ship. Currently being sold at cost, the price is very reasonable. Please click on the following link to go to the Garlic Mustard Educational Video Project blog, to view the video and place orders for the DVD if you would like.
Those of us who have been pulling GM on the Island for a number of years, hope that this video educates the community as to the severity of this problem and its threat to our forests and forested wetland areas. We would like you to survey your property in May and June ... as the very first plant in a new location is the most important plant you may/or may not have. Pulling early infestations saves a huge amount of work in the future. Neighbors need to work with neighbors as invasive plants know no property lines.
Absentee landowners! You, your neighbors and the community will benefit if you visit your property during the GM season for a survey. There are volunteers to assist you should you find GM.
This video and others like it belong in elementary through high school libraries/classrooms, public libraries, and anywhere there is an opportunity to train individuals who do not have a natural resources background. This includes town crews, park employees, etc. All of us need to be increasingly connected to the land that sustains our lives, maintains our property values and protects our forest product resources.
Please contact Cindy Gaskill or Chris Jeutter for help in identification and volunteer labor.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Triples Its FSC Certified Land
Community Forestry Resource Center
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a pioneer in third-party auditing and certification of forest management operations, has awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A total of 1.5 million acres of state-owned land are now certified, three times the initial area first endorsed in 2003.
“We congratulate Governor Doyle and the Department of Natural Resources for expanding their FSC-endorsed certification lands,” said Dr. Robert Hrubes, SCS Senior Vice-President and head of SCS’s FSC-accredited Forest Conservation Program. “Conformance with the rigorous FSC standard assures the public that Wisconsin DNR continues to practice exemplary forest management." Efforts by Wisconsin and other Lake States are helping establish the region as a forest certification economic hub. 5.7 million acres of Wisconsin’s 15.7 million acres of forestland are now FSC certified, including Menominee Tribal Enterprises and the Wisconsin County Forest Program, which are both FSC certified by SCS.
“Wisconsin’s leadership is steadily advancing the tide of verified responsible forestry,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “DNR began in 2003 with Governor Jim Doyle’s Grow Wisconsin initiative to secure forest certification recognition for the state’s land management programs.”
Forest certification helps Wisconsin remain competitive in global markets that increasingly demand certified raw materials. Paper companies, lumber mills, publishers, building contractors and other manufactures are expanding use of certified wood to assure customers that their products are sourced from responsibly managed forests. In Wisconsin, more than 1,850 wood-using companies produce nearly $20 billion of forest products every year, and more than 300,000 Wisconsin jobs rely on the forest products industry.
The Wisconsin DNR’s management of multi-use lands involves balancing the goals of conserving forestland, supporting economic activities, protecting wildlife habitat, and providing recreational opportunities. Habitat protection on these lands is best exemplified in the State Natural Areas Program where more than 90 percent of the plants and 75 percent of the animals on Wisconsin's list of endangered or threatened species are found.
About the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Since its inception in 1904, the Wisconsin DNR forestry program has dedicated itself to the sustainable management and protection of this precious resource so that it continues to provide a host of ecological, economic and social benefits for years to come. For more information, please visit http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/
About FSC FSC is a nonprofit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. Independent certification organizations are accredited by FSC to carry out assessments of forest management to determine if standards have been met. There are currently over 29 million acres of FSC-certified forestland in the U.S. and over 254 million acres globally. For more information, please visit www.fscus.org.
By Diane Dulmage
Scientific Certification Services,
February 5, 2009
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Study examines human transport of plant seeds
Article by: Tina Arons
Media Credit: Kat Hilsabeck
Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: La Vida
Experts say plant seeds hitch rides on our shoes like free taxis that take them to places where they may not be welcome.
But how far can they go?
Some may find the answer surprising.
European researchers studied seeds from two wild plants found along a national coastal trail in southern England and they found seeds can ride on shoes for miles.
Matthias C. Wichmann, a lead researcher at the Center for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, England, said in an e-mail that few studies relate to human population density or movement with plant species distributions.
Long distance dispersal has potential for introducing species into new habitats, said Mark McGinley, a professor of biological sciences at Texas Tech.
"If you bring in a new plant, it could compete with the naturally occurring plants," he said, "and it may not be as good of a food source for animals."
Wichmann said studying plant movements may help researchers understand and potentially direct the impact of humans have on seed dispersal, including invasive-plant species and species of conservation interest.
For the study, Wichmann and his colleagues set up experiments in which participants wearing hiking shoes or rubber boots stepped into mud and then into a tray containing a specific number of seeds. Participants walked from about 3 feet to a little more than 3 miles.
Although more than half of seeds fell off their shoes within 16 or 17 feet, researchers found seeds regularly remained attached to shoes after three miles.
Wind generally disperses seeds within an 830-foot radius of their orgin, according to the study.
Scott Holaday, a Tech biological sciences professor, said plant species with seeds that travel away from the parent plant, often called "pioneer" plants, utilize water, wind and animals to travel to new places to germinate.
"They are normally strong competitors with other plants in the area," he said.
Several pioneer plants call West Texas home, Holaday said. Two of the most common are sandburs and goathead, which have sharp, spiny burs.
"These seed dispersal systems have been devised to cling to animals," he said, "and we are just another animal."
Wichmann offered a general rule of thumb: More human movement in an area equates to a greater potential for human-mediated dispersal and all of its associated effects.
Urban sites have higher potential and may often be the first place invasive species appear, but habitat suitability may be limited, he said. National parks and similar habitats often experience high visitor numbers that potentially makes them more susceptible than surrounding areas.
McGinley said human-seed dispersal occurs more easily in places without landscape maintenance.
"Many plants on campus are cut down before they make seeds," he said.
It also depends on the shoes, McGinley said. Footwear with mud in its treads is more prone to transport seeds than flat shoes.
"I think hiking boots would be a classic example," he said.
According to the study, pedestrians may disperse seeds in other ways than walking. They also may facilitate other means of transportation such as cars, boats or airplanes and thus potentially may carry seeds across much longer distances.
"The biggest problem is that we go everywhere now," Holaday said. "The animals of North America don't travel to Europe, but we do. We have the capability of moving things all over the globe, and it's only a matter of whether or not it can grow there."
Source: The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech University
Media Credit: Kat Hilsabeck
Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: La Vida
Experts say plant seeds hitch rides on our shoes like free taxis that take them to places where they may not be welcome.
But how far can they go?
Some may find the answer surprising.
European researchers studied seeds from two wild plants found along a national coastal trail in southern England and they found seeds can ride on shoes for miles.
Matthias C. Wichmann, a lead researcher at the Center for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, England, said in an e-mail that few studies relate to human population density or movement with plant species distributions.
Long distance dispersal has potential for introducing species into new habitats, said Mark McGinley, a professor of biological sciences at Texas Tech.
"If you bring in a new plant, it could compete with the naturally occurring plants," he said, "and it may not be as good of a food source for animals."
Wichmann said studying plant movements may help researchers understand and potentially direct the impact of humans have on seed dispersal, including invasive-plant species and species of conservation interest.
For the study, Wichmann and his colleagues set up experiments in which participants wearing hiking shoes or rubber boots stepped into mud and then into a tray containing a specific number of seeds. Participants walked from about 3 feet to a little more than 3 miles.
Although more than half of seeds fell off their shoes within 16 or 17 feet, researchers found seeds regularly remained attached to shoes after three miles.
Wind generally disperses seeds within an 830-foot radius of their orgin, according to the study.
Scott Holaday, a Tech biological sciences professor, said plant species with seeds that travel away from the parent plant, often called "pioneer" plants, utilize water, wind and animals to travel to new places to germinate.
"They are normally strong competitors with other plants in the area," he said.
Several pioneer plants call West Texas home, Holaday said. Two of the most common are sandburs and goathead, which have sharp, spiny burs.
"These seed dispersal systems have been devised to cling to animals," he said, "and we are just another animal."
Wichmann offered a general rule of thumb: More human movement in an area equates to a greater potential for human-mediated dispersal and all of its associated effects.
Urban sites have higher potential and may often be the first place invasive species appear, but habitat suitability may be limited, he said. National parks and similar habitats often experience high visitor numbers that potentially makes them more susceptible than surrounding areas.
McGinley said human-seed dispersal occurs more easily in places without landscape maintenance.
"Many plants on campus are cut down before they make seeds," he said.
It also depends on the shoes, McGinley said. Footwear with mud in its treads is more prone to transport seeds than flat shoes.
"I think hiking boots would be a classic example," he said.
According to the study, pedestrians may disperse seeds in other ways than walking. They also may facilitate other means of transportation such as cars, boats or airplanes and thus potentially may carry seeds across much longer distances.
"The biggest problem is that we go everywhere now," Holaday said. "The animals of North America don't travel to Europe, but we do. We have the capability of moving things all over the globe, and it's only a matter of whether or not it can grow there."
Source: The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech University
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Introducing Lauren Ebbecke, Washington Twp. Alliance's new Vice President
I am pleased to announce that Lauren Ebbecke is joining forces with the Washington Township Alliance to provide much needed professional assistance to our group. I have asked her to take a leadership role so she will become our new “vice president”.
Lauren is a biology teacher with the Wausau Schools and teaches at a local technical college. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology (with particular interest in ferns)and a masters in Natural Resources from UW Steven's Point. She has been active with many, many organizations including Audubon, a Land Trust, and renewable energy initiatives. She is also a successful grant writer.
Lauren will write short articles for our local newspaper give me a lot of help in engaging landowners. She does not live on the Island, but loves it and has visited several times.
I am very excited about this collaboration and feel that it will result in renewed energy for our alliance.
Lauren is a biology teacher with the Wausau Schools and teaches at a local technical college. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology (with particular interest in ferns)and a masters in Natural Resources from UW Steven's Point. She has been active with many, many organizations including Audubon, a Land Trust, and renewable energy initiatives. She is also a successful grant writer.
Lauren will write short articles for our local newspaper give me a lot of help in engaging landowners. She does not live on the Island, but loves it and has visited several times.
I am very excited about this collaboration and feel that it will result in renewed energy for our alliance.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Save the date! Invasive Species Professional Coming to the Island!
Friday, September 5, 2008
If you would like a specialist to look at your land, or if you are interested in working with local landowners in the restoration and maintenance of native landscapes through invasive species control, please attend this event.
Dick Campbell who was recommended to us by Bill Ruff, Door County DNR Forester and Bob Bultman, Door County Invasive Species Team, is coming to theIsland to talk with landowners about identifying and eradicating invasive species. He will also do surveys of the Island and give cost estimates to anyone needing the assistance of a professional.
Dick is currently the Owner and General Manager of Invasive Species Control Specialists and Co-Owner of BC Enterprises, Invasive Species Control Specialists both located inSturgeon Bay
He has an extensive background in education and marketing and comes highly recommended. He has worked with the DNR and World Wildlife.
Please call (535-0235) or email me (cindy.gaskill@yahoo.com) if you would like Dick to survey your property and we will add you to the schedule for the day. At this time of year, if you have phragmities, it will be the first priority. For further information on this plant, theWIFF Resource Center
If you would like a specialist to look at your land, or if you are interested in working with local landowners in the restoration and maintenance of native landscapes through invasive species control, please attend this event.
Dick Campbell who was recommended to us by Bill Ruff, Door County DNR Forester and Bob Bultman, Door County Invasive Species Team, is coming to the
Dick is currently the Owner and General Manager of Invasive Species Control Specialists and Co-Owner of BC Enterprises, Invasive Species Control Specialists both located in
He has an extensive background in education and marketing and comes highly recommended. He has worked with the DNR and World Wildlife.
Please call (535-0235) or email me (cindy.gaskill@yahoo.com) if you would like Dick to survey your property and we will add you to the schedule for the day. At this time of year, if you have phragmities, it will be the first priority. For further information on this plant, the
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
WFF Resource Center
The resource center which used to be located above Books Up the Road at Mann's Mercantile, is finally almost ready to re-open at the Wickman Farm, 648 Range Line, Washington Island.
There is an outside entrance to this facility which you are welcome to visit. Your comments and suggestions for further development of this resource will be appreciated.
It is expected that it will be fully operational the first part of July 2008.
There is an outside entrance to this facility which you are welcome to visit. Your comments and suggestions for further development of this resource will be appreciated.
It is expected that it will be fully operational the first part of July 2008.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Welcome to our new community site
Hello...
As many of you know, I have been involved with Wisconsin Family Forests for eight years and have a lot of hope for this organization as a vehicle to good community forestry.
The state organization made the decision to move from a printed version of our newsletter (which I enjoyed publishing for a few years) to a web presence. That is a hard transformation for me, as I know almost nothing about creating a website. However, I am learning something about blogging and think that it might be more appropriate for our community. Everyone can add ideas, etc., and we can operate democratically and capture the power of the whole of the community.
So, I ask your patience as I learn this new medium and welcome your concerns and questions. Scott Reed is going to help me with the parts of this I don't yet understand, and eventually I hope this is a positive addition to community connection and most of all, to the ecology and economics of the Islands.
Cindy Gaskill
As many of you know, I have been involved with Wisconsin Family Forests for eight years and have a lot of hope for this organization as a vehicle to good community forestry.
The state organization made the decision to move from a printed version of our newsletter (which I enjoyed publishing for a few years) to a web presence. That is a hard transformation for me, as I know almost nothing about creating a website. However, I am learning something about blogging and think that it might be more appropriate for our community. Everyone can add ideas, etc., and we can operate democratically and capture the power of the whole of the community.
So, I ask your patience as I learn this new medium and welcome your concerns and questions. Scott Reed is going to help me with the parts of this I don't yet understand, and eventually I hope this is a positive addition to community connection and most of all, to the ecology and economics of the Islands.
Cindy Gaskill
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