The Guernsey
SWCD will be having a local work group meeting with NRCS on Tuesday morning at
9AM to discuss local conservation issues and ways to help address these
conservation issues at the local level. All are welcome, the meeting will be
held at the Guernsey SWCD office located at 335 C Old National Rd. Old
Washington Ohio. Please RSVP if you plan on attending by calling 740-489-5276.
After the local work group meeting the Guernsey SWCD board of supervisors will
hold a special meeting to discuss candidates for their job position vacancy.
This meeting will occur at 11:30 AM at the Guernsey SWCD office located at 335
C Old National Rd. Old Washington Oh. 43768.
Showing posts with label Invasive Species. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Invasive Species. Show all posts
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Pasture Walk
Come join us for our 2018 Pasture Walk. This is a great opportunity to learn how you can increase grazing efficiency on your farm.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
USDA offers Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Sign-up.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting
applications from landowners in Guernsey and Noble counties for the
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) until October 28, 2016
What is EQIP?
The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a
voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to
landowners and agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation
practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and other related
natural resources. EQIP may also assist landowners with meeting Federal, State,
and Local environmental regulations.
Financial assistance payments through EQIP are made to eligible
landowners and producers on completed practices or activities identified in an
EQIP contract that meets NRCS Standards. Payment rates are set each fiscal year
and are attached to the EQIP contract when it is approved. Payment rates for
each Conservation Practice can be found at the Ohio NRCS Website. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/oh/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcseprd408863
EQIP includes
Conservation planning and financial assistance:
NRCS provides landowners and land managers with free
technical assistance, or advice for their land. Technical assistance includes:
Resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation
planner will help you determine if and what financial assistance is right for
you. Dedicated EQIP funds are available for conservation practices targeting
On-Farm Energy, Organic Systems, High Tunnel Systems, Honeybee and other
wildlife habitat, as well as several landscape-based initiatives,
including: Livestock, Pasture, Cropland,
Forestry, and Wildlife categories.
Eligibility for financial assistance:
As part of the application process, we will check to see if
you are eligible. To be eligible you as a landowner, or land manager, will need
to bring an official tax ID to the USDA service center. Applicants will also
need a property deed or lease agreement that shows you have control of the
property. If USDA records are not already established, the applicant can
establish or update their records at the USDA service center. Other documents
may be necessary for the applicant to be eligible for funding. An eligibility
document checklist is available for applicants on the Ohio NRCS Website or at a
local USDA service center.
Competitive ranking
of applications:
Once a complete and valid application is submitted that is
supported by a conservation plan, NRCS will look at the applications and rank
them when the funding period opens. All applications are ranked based on
National, State, and Local resource concerns. The amount of conservation
benefits to the environment in supporting the conservation plan, and the needs
of the applicant are considered in the ranking process. Ranking questions are of
public record and can be found on the Ohio NRCS website.
Stop by the USDA Service Center at 1300 Clark St. Suite 10,
Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Or call Jay McElroy, District Conservationist at 740-432-5621
ext. 119 to discuss and see if EQIP is right for you.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Fun Day at Moore Woods
On May 19th the Buckeye Trail 6th
grade class came out to Guernsey SWCD’s Moore Memorial Woods for a fun day of
learning about what natural resources can be found in forests around Guernsey
County. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers who helped bring
the kids out and a special thank you to Dave Schott from Noble SWCD, and Anna
Hodges for helping teach the kids. the kids went around to five different
stations where they learned how to identify and measure trees, learned how to
identify different mammal furs and skulls, how to use a compass to navigate,
multiple species of plants and different uses of them on a nature hike, and
finally they made a custom t-shirt with paint and used leaves and items they
found in the forest to decorate them with.
Jason
Tyrell, teaching one of the groups orienteering
Levi Arnold,
showing one of the groups furs from different mammals and special adaptations
each species has.
Casey Brooks showing the kids a cool plant during the nature hike.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Local area teams flocked to Dillon lake on April 27th to compete in the area envirothon
Local area teams flocked to Dillon lake on April 27th to compete in the area envirothon. Pictured here are Buckeye trail's team #1 and team #2 as well as Meadowbrook's team #1 and team #2. Each year the competition has a theme, this years theme was invasive species.
The ENVIROTHON is designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest in the environment and natural resources among high school students.
The Envirothon tests students' knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. In addition, the Envirothon encourages cooperative decision-making and team building. While each student on an Envirothon team is challenged to contribute his or her personal best, the score that counts at the end of an Envirothon is the team score.
A team consists of five students, all from the same high school. An adult advisor (or advisors) must accompany the team, but is not permitted to assist the team during the competition.
Five "Area Envirothons" are conducted around Ohio late each spring. The top four teams from each of these Area competitions progress to the Ohio Envirothon in June. In 1996 the Ohio Envirothon was expanded to a 2-day event, incorporating a team presentation requirement that further challenges all participating students. The state level Ohio Envirothon is held in a different part of Ohio each year. The top-scoring team in the Ohio Envirothon is eligible to compete in the North American Envirothon, hosted by a different state or Canadian province every year.
In Ohio, the Envirothon is sponsored by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Natural resource and environmental specialists from many agencies, organizations, colleges, universities, park districts and businesses devise the Envirothon questions and staff the various test stations.
The Ohio Envirothon is financed by grants, donations from businesses and through contributions to the Don Rehl Memorial Envirothon Fund. Many local businesses also provide services and products in support of Area and Ohio Envirothons.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference April 12th
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources annual Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference will be held April 12 at the Ohio Union at the Ohio State University. The conference will focus on the challenges facing aerial wildlife, and Chip Taylor, founder of Monarch Watch, which focuses on butterfly conservation, will be the keynote speaker. Registration for the event is now open. Go to their website to register. http://wildohio.gov/
Monday, February 22, 2016
This week is Invasive Species Awareness Week!
Tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in firewood. These insects and diseases can't move far on their own, but when people move firewood they can jump hundreds of miles. New infestations destroy our forests, property values, and cost huge sums of money to control.
How far is too far to move firewood? And what do you mean by "local" firewood?
When we say local firewood, we are referring to the closest convenient source of wood that you can find. That might be from down the street, or a state forest in your county. As a very general rule of thumb, 50 miles is too far, and 10 miles or less is best. Visit our State-by-state map to help you figure out how far is too far in your area. In many states there are rules, regulations, and quarantines that clearly state how far is too far. Always acquaint yourself with local rules and regulations when transporting wood from one jurisdiction to another.
My firewood has no bugs, holes, burrows, sawdust, or other weird looking stuff on it. Is it OK to transport it?
Even the experts can't always see a couple of pin-head sized insect eggs, or a few microscopic fungus spores, in a pile of wood. These tiny threats are enough to destroy an entire ecosystem. Never assume wood that "looks safe" is OK to move- it is next to impossible for anyone to inspect firewood that closely.
What kind of firewood is safe to move?
The short answer to this is that most packaged heat treated firewood with a USDA APHIS treatment seal is considered safe to move. Please note that just being labeled "kiln-dried" is quite different, and should not be considered safe to move
What can I do with the fallen wood and brush from my property?
Firewood, brush, and debris from the trees and woods on your property poses no threat to your trees, or to anyone else's trees, as long as you don't move it very far. Letting it rot is totally fine. Chipping it on site to use as mulch under your shrubs is a good idea. Burning it in your stove or fire pit is fun and practical. Even bringing it to a nearby landfill or composting facility is OK, as long as that facility is right in your town. The problem would be if you take it to your cabin a few counties away, or if you stack it on the roadside for strangers to pick up and take it to who-knows-where. That's what you want to avoid- moving it far poses a risk to the trees in that new location.
What about burning old pallets or scrap lumber?
The short answer is that this is OK in some limited circumstances.
What about "fake firewood" as in: compressed wood chip log products, wood pellets, or manufactured logs?
These products are a good alternative to regular firewood, and generally speaking they are safe to move.
If I burn all of my wood completely, is it OK to bring it from far away?
While this might seem reasonable. the answer is still no. You should not be moving firewood far distances. There are simply too many unknowns. What if a little chip of bark falls unnoticed onto the forest floor- and that chip contains invasive insect larvae? Or what if there is a sudden rainstorm, washing fungus spores off the wood, out of the back of your pickup, and into the grass? Even if you intend to burn all the wood completely, you still need to make sure it is local wood. The risks are simply too big.
Oh no- too late! I already moved firewood! How can I dispose of it properly?
The best option is to burn it quickly, completely, and safely. A bonfire is best, while slower methods (like making sure it all ends up in the wood stove ASAP) are also OK. Make sure to also rake up any dropped leaves, bark, twigs or other debris and burn them as well. Do not leave it there, and do not bring it back to where it was from.
Can I cut wood from my backyard and take it camping if there are no quarantines or pest alerts in my area?
This is not a good idea. Pest infestations can take years to be recognized by the authorities- sometimes trees appear perfectly healthy despite harboring harmful organisms. By the time the tree looks sick, or the quarantine is announced, you could have spread the infestation to all your favorite campsites! Don't take this unnecessary chance. Buy the wood as close to where you burn it as possible.
Where can I find out about firewood information in my state?
Try this link: www.dontmovefirewood.org/map
Can you recommend a firewood seller in my area?
We can't recommend any particular seller, but here are some helpful hints.
Ask the seller where they got the wood. If it isn't nearby, or if they don't know where the wood is from, you should consider another firewood dealer.
Find out if your state has a safe firewood certification process. If it does, ask to see the seller's certificate.
Why are non-native insects and diseases so much worse than the native ones?
Native trees have defenses against the insects and diseases that they've been living with for millions of years. Likewise, native predators eat native insects and that keeps their numbers in check. Non-native insects and diseases have no predators in their new homes, and the trees have no natural defenses against them.
Because these foreign bugs don't have anything stopping them, they reproduce really fast and become out of control, killing trees in their wake.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Ohio's Deer-Gun Season Opens with more than 22,000 Deer Harvested
| ||||
Monday, August 17, 2015
Talk of the Town interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1641&v=8dL5pZgONng
Monday, August 3, 2015
Check trees now for Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation
 |
| USDA photo |
More than 130,000 trees have been lost in Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Jersey and New York due to Asian Longhorned Beetle, and USDA is urging outdoor enthusiasts to watch for the bug during August, its time of peak emergence.
Read rest of article HERE
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Spraying to control the Gypsy Moth in Ohio
The ODA began aerial treatments designed to disrupt gypsy moth mating on 25,699 acres in Crawford, Delaware, Franklin and Marion counties.
To help protect Ohio’s diverse habitat, the ODA operates multiple programs aimed at managing the gypsy moth in Ohio. One such program, the Slow-the-Spread program, focuses on monitoring, detecting and reducing isolated populations to slow the gypsy moth’s movement across Ohio through treatments.
Airplanes fly 100-200 feet above the tree tops to apply the treatment throughout the day. The treatments in central Ohio were to be done over one or two days.
In all counties receiving treatment, the department uses a single application of the product Disrupt II. This product does not kill the moth, but it disrupts the mating process by confusing the male as it searches for a female mate. Disrupt II is not harmful to birds, plants, pets or humans.
Pre-recorded daily updates about planned treatment blocks are available to citizens by calling 614-387-0907 or 800-282-1955, ext. 37, after 5 p.m.
The gypsy moth is a non-native, invasive species that feeds on the leaves of more than 300 different trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak. A healthy tree usually can withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. To date, 51 of Ohio’s 88 counties have established gypsy moth populations.
For more information on the gypsy moth, including maps of treatment areas and videos of the mating disruption process, visit www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsy-index.aspx online.
Monday, March 2, 2015
OSU Guide to Weed Identification Available
COLUMBUS, Ohio – With spring planting soon to get underway, a new guide developed by an agronomist from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University is available to help growers identify weeds in order to manage them before they take over.
The 2015 Ohio State University Guide to Weed Identification is now available for free as an iBook and can be downloaded through Ohio State’s Digital Bookstore at digitalbookstore.osu.edu/book/ohio-state-university-guide-weed-identification.
The guide is an excellent tool for growers presented in a digital format that offers pictures of various weed species at different stages of maturity and 360-degree movies for most species, said Bruce Ackley, an OSU Extension program specialist in weed science. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.
The guide can be used by growers as they get into their fields for planting, he said.
“The guide is great for anyone who wants to know how to identify a weed,” Ackley said. “It offers full-page, high definition pictures for a number of the most common Midwestern U.S. weeds and basic intellectual tools that are necessary to successfully identify plants.”
People who find a weed in their field or their yard will typically pull it out and flip through a book or Google to try to identify it, he said.
“But typically only one close picture or sketch of what you have will show up, leaving you not feeling comfortable in identifying it,” Ackley said. “This guide, however, gives you the full plant feel, with more photos to flip through for each species. Plus it looks really cool and beautiful.”
The 205-page guide provides information on the basic principles of weed identification, he said.
It describes 29 families and 85 species of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Plant descriptions include key identification characteristics, Ackley said.
“The guide helps growers get to know their enemy — to better understand what weeds you are trying to control,” Ackley said. “In order to manage them, you have to be able to identify the weeds in order to make sure you know what you are spraying.
“You can get more effective control if you can identify the weeds when they are little and know how to manage them. All the weeds in the guide are found in Ohio.”
The 2015 Ohio State University Guide to Weed Identification is now available for free as an iBook and can be downloaded through Ohio State’s Digital Bookstore at digitalbookstore.osu.edu/book/ohio-state-university-guide-weed-identification.
The guide is an excellent tool for growers presented in a digital format that offers pictures of various weed species at different stages of maturity and 360-degree movies for most species, said Bruce Ackley, an OSU Extension program specialist in weed science. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.
The guide can be used by growers as they get into their fields for planting, he said.
“The guide is great for anyone who wants to know how to identify a weed,” Ackley said. “It offers full-page, high definition pictures for a number of the most common Midwestern U.S. weeds and basic intellectual tools that are necessary to successfully identify plants.”
People who find a weed in their field or their yard will typically pull it out and flip through a book or Google to try to identify it, he said.
“But typically only one close picture or sketch of what you have will show up, leaving you not feeling comfortable in identifying it,” Ackley said. “This guide, however, gives you the full plant feel, with more photos to flip through for each species. Plus it looks really cool and beautiful.”
The 205-page guide provides information on the basic principles of weed identification, he said.
It describes 29 families and 85 species of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Plant descriptions include key identification characteristics, Ackley said.
“The guide helps growers get to know their enemy — to better understand what weeds you are trying to control,” Ackley said. “In order to manage them, you have to be able to identify the weeds in order to make sure you know what you are spraying.
“You can get more effective control if you can identify the weeds when they are little and know how to manage them. All the weeds in the guide are found in Ohio.”
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Native Landscaping for Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and Other Wildlife
Kathi L. Borgmann, Graduate Associate; Amanda D. Rodewald, State Extension Specialist, Wildlife
Throughout the world, habitat loss is the leading cause of species endangerment and extinction. In the Midwest, a large portion of the land has been cleared due to agricultural and urbanization pressures, leaving marginal and fragmented habitats. Consequently, backyards play an increasingly important role in wildlife conservation. You can help reduce the negative effects of habitat loss on birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife species in your area by creating a favorable landscape. Providing wildlife-friendly habitat in urban and suburban areas is especially important for migrating birds and butterflies. These groups of animals also are least likely to cause nuisance or damage problems.Landscaping with native trees and shrubs
A wildlife-friendly landscape is composed of four essential items: 1) food, 2) water, 3) cover or shelter, and 4) a place to raise young. To provide the most beneficial habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies, native trees and shrubs should be emphasized. Why native species? Native plants are adapted to local conditions and, therefore require less maintenance (especially irrigation and fertilization). Native plants also provide the best quality resources because wildlife species are adapted to use native plants. Planting native species also maintains the natural diversity of flora and fauna in the area.Exotic plants can threaten other plant and animal species. Several exotic plants have escaped from garden cultivation and are now causing serious damage to natural areas and preserves. Examples of highly invasive exotic plants include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Lonicera morrowii, and Lonicera tatarica), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), privet (Ligustrum vulgare), japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and dame's rocket (Potamogeton crispus). A complete list of problem exotic species can be obtained from ODNR Division of Natural Resources (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/dnap/dnap.html) and the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (http://www.tnc.org). Avoid choosing horticultural varieties when possible because altered varieties may not be appropriate for growing conditions of Ohio nor provide the best resources for wildlife.
Before you start landscaping your yard, plan ahead. Map your backyard and determine what environmental conditions you have (i.e., soil conditions and amount of sun). To provide optimal habitat for a diverse array of species in your backyard, choose a variety of trees and shrubs of varying heights to mimic natural forest structure. You will want to plant a few different species of canopy trees, along with fruiting shrubs of various shapes and sizes. Choose plants that provide habitat or resources at different times of the year. For example, conifer trees provide cover and warmth during the winter, whereas fruiting trees provide seasonal food resources. When choosing fruiting shrubs, select species that produce fruits at different times of the year to ensure that food is available throughout the season. In addition, many of the fruiting shrubs display large fragrant flowers that add to the attractiveness of your yard.
What Should I Plant?
Below is a list of recommended native Ohio trees and shrubs you can plant to create a wildlife friendly backyard.| Species | Wildlife Benefits1 | Soil Conditions2 | Light Conditions3 |
| Boxelder (Acer negundo) | W, B, BF | W - D, V | SU - LS |
| Black Maple (Acer nigrum) | W, B | M, AK | LS |
| Red Maple (Acer rubrum) | W, B | W - D, V | LS - SH |
| Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) | W, B | M, V | SU - LS |
| Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)* | W, B, BF | W - M, AC | SU - LS |
| Paw Paw (Asimina triloba)*· | W, BFL | M - D | SU - LS |
| Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) | W, B | M - D | SU - LS |
| Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) | W, B | M - D | SU - LS |
| Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)* | W, B, BFL | V, L, AK | SU |
| Red Bud (Cercis canadensis)* | BE, HB, BF | M - D, V | SU - SH |
| Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)*· | W, B, BFL | M - D | SU - LS |
| American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) | W, B | M - D, AC | SU - LS |
| Red or Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) | W, B | W - M, V | SU - LS |
| Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)* | W, B, BE | V | SU - LS |
| Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)· | W, B | D, V | SU |
| Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)· | W, B | M - D, AK - AC | SU |
| Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)* | HB, BFL | W - M | LS - SH |
| Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)*· | W, B | M - D, V | SU - SH |
| Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)*· | W, B | M | SU |
| White Pine (Pinus strobus) | W, B | M - D, AC | SU - LS |
| Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) | W, B, BF | W - M | SU |
| Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)*· | HB, BFL, B | M, V | SU - LS |
| Common Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)*· | W, B, BF | M - D, N | SU |
| White Oak (Quercus alba) | W, B | M - D, V | SU |
| Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) | W, B, BFL | D | SU - LS |
| Red Oak (Quercus rubra) | W, B, BFL | M - D, AC | SU - LS |
| Black Oak (Quercus velutina) | W, B, BFL | M - D, AC, V | SU |
| Canadian Yew (Taxus canadensis)· | W, B | W - M | SU - SH |
| American Basswood (Tilia americana) | B, BE | M, AK, AC | SU - LS |
| Shrubs | |||
| Black Chokecherry (Aronia melanocarpa)*· | W, B | D, AC | SU - LS |
| Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)*· | W, B | M - D, V | SU |
| Thicket Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata)*· | W, B | M - D, V | SU |
| Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)*· | W, B, BF | W - M | SU |
| Dogwood (Cornus Spp.) [Red-osier (C. stolonifera), Silky (C. obliqua), Pagoda (C. alternifolia), and Gray (C. racemosa)]*· | W, B, BFL | W - M | SU - LS |
| Burning Bush (Euonymus atropurpureus)* | W, B | M � D | SU - SH |
| Running Strawberry Bush (Euonymus obovatus)* | W, B | M - D | SU - SH |
| Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)*· | W, B | M - D, AC | SU - LS |
| Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin)*· | W, B, BF, BFL | M, V | SU - SH |
| Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)*· | W | W - D, AC, AK | SU - LS |
| Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)*· | W, B, BF | M - D | SU |
| Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)*· | W, B, BF | M, D, W | SU - LS |
| Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)* | W, BE | M - D | SU - SH |
| Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)*· | W, B | M - D, AC | SU - SH |
| Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)*· | B | M, AC, V | SU - LS |
| Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)*· | W, B | M - D | SU - SH |
| Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)*· | W, B | D, AK | SH |
| * flowering species · fruiting species valuable to wildlife and/or birds 1 Food and/or cover provided for; W = wildlife, B = birds, BF = butterflies, BFL = butterfly larva, BE = bees, HB = hummingbirds 2 W = wet, M = moist, D = dry, N = neutral soils, AK = alkaline soils, AC = acidic soils, CA = calcareous soils, L = limestone, V = adaptable to a variety of soil conditions 3 SU = sun, LS = light shade, SH = shade | |||
Beware of Exotic Species
- Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
- Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
- Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Lonicera tatarica, Lonicera morrowii)
- Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
- Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
- European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Additional Resources
Online Resources
- National Wildlife Federation—http://www.nwf.org
Provides helpful information on creating backyard wildlife habitat and provides certification - OhioLine—http://ohioline.osu.edu Native Plants Bulletin—http://ohioline.osu.edu/b865/index.html
- National Audubon Society—http://www.audubon.org/
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources—http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/
Division of Natural areas—http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/dnap
Division of Wildlife 1-800-WILDLIFE http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/resources/
Provides information on backyard wildlife habitat
Division of Forestry—http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/odnr/forestry.htm
You can purchase several native trees and shrubs from the Division - Birdsource—http://www.birdsource.org/
Information on creating backyard wildlife habitat as well as information on the great backyard bird count.
The great backyard bird count is an excellent way to contribute to bird conservation and research. Feb. 15-18th - Environmental Protection Agency Green Acres Program—http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/greenacres/
Information on native plants of OH; growing conditions, where to purchase, etc.
Books
Go Native—Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest by Carolyn HarstadLandscaping with Wildflowers and Native Plants by William Wilson
Peterson's Guide to Eastern Birds
The Birds of Ohio by Bruce Peterjohn
Peterson's Guide to Eastern Trees and Shrubs by George A. Petrides
The Woody Plants of Ohio by Lucy Braun
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb
Benefits of Native Landscaping
|
Retrieved from: http://ohioline.osu.edu/w-fact/0013.html on 02/18/15
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
New Wildlife/Forestry Specialist for GSWCD
My name is Levi Arnold, and I was born and raised right here in Guernsey County a few miles west of Seneca Lake. I grew up on a small tree and cattle farm helping my grandfather and my uncle where I still help my uncle out to this day. When I’m not at work or working at the farm I like to fish, canoe, and hunt. Duck hunting is my favorite thing to do and I also enjoy traditional archery.
In 2011, I graduated from Meadowbrook High School and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in doing something outdoors and helping people. That summer I enrolled in classes in Zane State College chasing an Associate’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management and also working on a private fish hatchery. While at Zane State I got a job working at The Wilds as a groundskeeper and I also worked as a fishing attendant. Taking people fishing and making sure they had a great time was an awesome experience. While still taking classes, the next summer rolled around and I was able to get a job as a seasonal worker with ODNR Division of Wildlife at Salt Fork Wildlife Area. There I spent six months learning different wildlife habitat management techniques and implementing them. In the spring of 2014, I got a full time position at Belmont SWCD as an agriculture technician where I helped out with several educational programs, headed the equipment rentals and maintenance, and worked with NRCS doing field visits and assessments. Also that spring I completed my degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management.
So now I’ve made my way back home here to Guernsey County. I’m glad to have the opportunity to work here in my home county and try to make a difference in the community that helped shape me. If there’s anything we can do for you, give the Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District office a call or stop in!
The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8-4:30PM, and the NEW office phone number is 740-435-0408.
Levi Arnold
Wildlife/Forestry Specialist
Guernsey SWCD
Monday, June 2, 2014
2014 Timber Tour at Moore Memorial Woods
 |
| Wildlife/Forestry specialist Travis Smith led an hour long hike through Moore Woods, showing some of the various stands. There is an area that was clear cut 25-30 years ago where GSWCD staff and ODNR service forester have been doing crop tree release demonstrations and taking measurements on selected trees. There is another area that was clear cut in the recent harvest, and people were interested to see how quickly the oaks are regenerating in that area. They also took a look at the reclaimed logging roads to see how reseeding and adding in water bars help to control erosion. Although it threatened storms all afternoon, they went north of the woods, and the hike and presentations in the pavilion were dry and thankfully lightning free. |
 |
| After the hike, the group came back to the pavilion and 4 experts in their fields spoke to the crowd and answered questions. In the rear in bright blue shirt is Jim McKinney, who has been contracted by the district to do TSI - timber stand improvement work in the woods. Before the harvest, he cut many grapevines that were growing in the trees, breaking out branches and making it dangerous for the loggers to cut trees. He also cut and treated the few Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) trees that are popping up in the woods. These trees are an invasive species, and can take over large areas of the woods if given a chance. They are a fast growing, soft wood tree that has little or no timber value. The female trees produce large amounts of seeds, blanketing an area with seedlings that quickly outgrow and choke out native trees that are valuable for timber and for wildlife mast, such as oaks. Standing in the light colored hat is Jeremy Scherf, ODNR Service Forester for Guernsey(and surrounding) counties. Jeremy provided information on how he works with landowners to help them manage their woods. His goal is to help form a plan for what you want from your woods - timber, wildlife habitat, recreation, etc., and then will work with you to reach those goals. Seated in the front is Koral Clum, and beside her in the white shirt is her husband, Randy. The Clums are retired ODNR Service Foresters, and now have a business in forestry consulting. The Clums were hired by the board of the GSWCD to mark the trees for harvest, figure board feet and put out the trees for bids, and then managed the sale and oversee the subsequent harvest of the trees. Koral explained to the crowd how a forestry consultant works, and the benefits they provide. |
 |
| The crowd listening as Koral Clum speaks. |
Friday, February 7, 2014
Senate Passes Bill To Give ODA Regulation Over Invasive Plants
The Department of Agriculture would have exclusive authority to regulate invasive plant species under a bill that cleared the Senate Tuesday with broad support. Sponsored by Sen. Gayle Manning, the bill is backed by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association as a way to improve regulatory certainty across the state, she said. Sen. Manning said ODA was the logical choice for the new duty, which is not currently assigned in state law. The agency already oversees noxious weed lists and regulates nurseries, she added. The sponsor said the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will have a role to play in regards to invasive species, in conjunction with ODA, as it relates to the regulation of wetlands. The bill emerged from committee last week with strong support. It cleared the full Senate without debate on a 29-1 vote.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Senate Panel Cultivates Invasive Plant Species Regulations
An industry-backed proposal to consolidate invasive plant regulation under the Ohio Department of Agriculture cleared a Senate committee Wednesday. During the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation endorsed Sen. Gayle Manning’s legislation to grant the director of Agriculture exclusive authority to regulate invasive plant species (SB 192). The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association has also pushed for the measure out of concern that numerous entities, including local governments, park districts and garden clubs, can currently define certain plants as invasive. Some states have pursued regulations to ban invasive plants, according to the sponsor, who has said that efforts to limit the nursery industry to native species could increase the potential for monocultures that may be more susceptible to pests or diseases.
Prior to voting unanimously to pass the bill out of committee, members approved an amendment that clarifies cultivated plants grown for food or livestock feed could not be defined as invasive. Sen. Manning said another successful amendment would preserve the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's authority to consider invasive plant species when evaluating permits to impact wetlands.
Brandon Kern, director of state policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau, said the organization has long urged coordination among state and federal agencies and private landowners to help combat invasive species. "Senate Bill 192 is a practical approach to accomplishing a portion of this goal at the state level. The first step to preventing the negative impacts of introducing invasive species in our state is to have a clear understanding of those species which truly present a threat," he said. "It is also vitally important the term 'invasive species' is not considered synonymous with 'non-native species,'" Mr. Kern said, noting the bill would set clear standards that require a species cause economic damage or harm to environmental or human health to be defined as invasive.
Kevin Thompson, executive director of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, said in written testimony that ODA was the logical choice to regulate invasive plant species since the agency already oversees nurseries, nursery stock and the noxious weed list.
Chairman Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) said after the hearing the bill would likely come to a full Senate vote next week.
Prior to voting unanimously to pass the bill out of committee, members approved an amendment that clarifies cultivated plants grown for food or livestock feed could not be defined as invasive. Sen. Manning said another successful amendment would preserve the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's authority to consider invasive plant species when evaluating permits to impact wetlands.
Brandon Kern, director of state policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau, said the organization has long urged coordination among state and federal agencies and private landowners to help combat invasive species. "Senate Bill 192 is a practical approach to accomplishing a portion of this goal at the state level. The first step to preventing the negative impacts of introducing invasive species in our state is to have a clear understanding of those species which truly present a threat," he said. "It is also vitally important the term 'invasive species' is not considered synonymous with 'non-native species,'" Mr. Kern said, noting the bill would set clear standards that require a species cause economic damage or harm to environmental or human health to be defined as invasive.
Kevin Thompson, executive director of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, said in written testimony that ODA was the logical choice to regulate invasive plant species since the agency already oversees nurseries, nursery stock and the noxious weed list.
Chairman Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) said after the hearing the bill would likely come to a full Senate vote next week.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
High-risk host trees coming down at East Fork
Officials with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced plans to begin high-risk host tree removals in the East Fork Wildlife Area Sept. 16 as part of the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication program.
Read rest of article HERE
Read rest of article HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)