The New York Forest Owner - Volume 18 Number 5

1/5-15'V,/8 NewYorJr

N~·~orestOwner

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Page 2

Vol. 18 #3

New York Forest Owner

THENEW YORK FOREST OWNERS

ASSOCIATION

IN THIS ISSUEP. 2 New Members, Directors Front

Cover

P. 3 View from the President's Chair

P.4 Current Events, by BobDemereeReforestation Tax Incentives, byAndrew C. Sigler, Chmn.

P. 5 Plans for Fall Meeting

P. 6 Maple Decline/reforestationTax ... cont'd

P. 7 Howard Ward's Woods Walk

P.8 How Does Wood Burn, WatchOut for Creosote.Furnaces must be efficient

P. 9 Minutes of Director's meetingCome Watch Whales with us!A Forester Needs.

P. 10 All About Axes, by Ed Lang.What's it like to have a chimneyFire, by Tom Shamblee

P. 11 Assorted publications youshould know about.Hypothermia and the elderly.

P. 12 Ask a ForesterThird Woods Walk in ShirleyForestsPossiblity Thinker, by RobertSchuler

FRONT COVER

Jogger in the GutschwaldForest, Luzern, Switzerland

WELCOMEOUR NEW MEMBERS

Published by theNEW YORK FOREST OW~ERS ,.

AssociationEDWARD LANG

Cooperative ExtensionTioga County56 Main St.

Owego, NY 13827

WILLIAM SANFORD219 Kensington Rd.Syracuse, NY 13210

RAYMOND J. RICHARDSONAsst. Deputy CommissionerNYS Dept. of Commerce

99 Washing Ave.Albany, NY 12245

BARBARA L. BRENT79 Grandview Ave.Nanuet, NY 10954

CARL P. WIEDEMANN1342 Dean St.

Schenectady, NY 12309

A Tree

I am the heat of your hearthon the cold winter nights,The friendly shade screeningyou from the summer sunand my jruits are refreshingquenching your thirstas you journey on.f.am the beam that holds your houseThe board of your table.

The bed on which you lieand the parchment from whichyour mind is nourished.I am the handle of your hoe,Tne door of your home,The strength of your cradleand the shell of your coffin.You who pass by, listenand harm me not.

Lee Brummer

EditorEvelyn A. Stock

5756 lke Dixon Rd.Camillus, NY 13031

PresidentHoward O. Ward240 Owego St.

Candor. NY 13743

First Vice PresidentRobert L. Edmonds

R#3, Box 99Marathon, NY 13803

Second Vice PresidentProf. Robert R. MorrowDept. Natural Resources

Fernow Hall. Cornell Univ.Ithaca. NY 14853

Recording SecretaryLewis DuMond9 Grand St.

Cobleskill, NY 12043

TreasurerEmlel Palmer

5822 S. Salina St.Syracuse, NY 13205

Membership SecretaryHelen Varian204 Varian Rd.

Peekskill, NY 10566

COMING!A DIRECTORY; The complete list of

names and addresses of all members ofthe New York Forest Owner's Associa-tion, as well as other helpful information,will make up the November, Decemberissue of this magazine.

New York Forest Owner Page 3

The View From thePresident's Chair

In our last issue my view was ofa blank brick wall from a hospitalbed . Two days after the woodswalk at Ward Tree Farm on July12, 1980, I was looking at thatsame brick wall again, this timebecause of blood clots in my rightleg. I left the hospital ten dayslater and am at home but goingto work half days. Apparently, Ineeded the rest to more fullyrecuperate from the pneumoniathat put me in the hospital thefirst time, for now I feel betterthan I have for two months.

While a tree farm isn't asdemanding as a dairy farm, thereare things which must be donewithin a fairly broad time frame.I've had to contract with NYFOADirector Dale Weston to shearmy Christmas trees, even thoughI enjoy doing it myself. I don'twant a third trip to the hospital.

The local state forester marked10 acres of our hardwoods forthinning and I'm unable to help

my son and son-in-law do it.They got a good start on it yester-day, July 26, 1980, but hadworked less than an hour todaywhen my son fell backward andcut his right leg above the kneewith the chain saw. Fortunately,it wasn't deep but it took a total of16 stiches to close the wound.It is for reasons such as this that

we work our woods in pairs. Wealso wear safety helmets- "hardhats."

I was immensely pleased withthe turn-out for the woods walkon July 12. I want to thank Alan& Nancy Knight, Bob & NancyRiggs, and Ed Lang of Tioga Co.Coop. Extension for serving asguides for the walk. Bob Sand forthe afternoon show and discus-sion of logging, and LloydStrombeck for being "officialphotographer. "

I believe woods walks are oneof the best educational means wehave. I've always enjoyed and

learned something on every walkI've attended, including my own.This brings up the point I'm mostconcerned about - how to getmore people to join NYFOA,that we may share mutually ineach other's knowledge of howbest to manage New York Stateprivate woodlands toward theends desired by the owners.

Gift memberships havebrought some people in, butthat's not enough. I think wehave to talk it up with everyonewe meet. For example, six peo-ple attended my woods walkbecause of personal invitations Igave while in the hospital.Should we have a contest withprizes for those who bring in themost members? The Board isopen to all ideas. Let us haveyours.

Howard O. WardPresidentNew York Forest OwnersAssociation

Page 4 New York Forest Owner

Forest Management

At this time there seems to be con-siderable good news to report. Despitethe drop off in building and construc-tion, stumpage sales here in CentralNew York and around New York Stateseem to be going quite well. This is notto say that sawtimber markets have notachieved their pre-recession highs butthe market strength is surprising. Ap-parently buyers are feeling that therecession is about over and the demandfor lumber will be on the increase.

Especially good news comes to usfrom Dave Taber's newsletter. TheWorkmen's Compensation rate for log-gers and timber harvesters has droppedapproximately $7 from $28 per $100 ofsalary paid down to approximately $21per $100. As you can see the compen-sation rates for wood workers is stilltremendously high but apparently safetycampaigns, safety equipment, andmore careful work in the woods arepaying off and reducing the compensa-tion rates. Lets hope this trend con-tinues, because it means that loggers areworking more safely, which results inless loss of time, less injury, and lesshuman suffering. From the landowner'spoint of view, these reduced loggingcosts should in part flow through in theform of better harvesting conditions anda moderate improvement in stumpageprices.

More good news is that there seemsto be a red pine telephone pole marketsurfacing in New York State. Thetelephone poles will not be for local usebut will be shipped to Canada. Theminimum specifications for telephonepoles are 29" in circumference or largerand 36' in height, straight and soundwith a regular branching pattern. Suchtrees are bringing $6 - $15 per treestanding in the woods. Please note thatthis market is not well established as yet.I don't want to raise any false hopes for

"red pine owners but as the saying goes,"Where there's smoke, there's fire."

Be sure to read the information onthe Directory and consider advertisingin it.

R.L. Demeree4 Northway DriveCortland, New York 13045

Current Events

The DirectoryIf you read your last issue of the

Forester you saw a brief notice in therestating that the November-Decemberissue would consist of a directory, withcomplete lists of names and their ad-dresses of the forest owners and otherappropriate information. It has beendecided that to .help defray printing thisdirectory advertising will be solicited.The following are the advertising rates:

1/2 Page - $80.001/3 Page - 50.001/6 Page - 30.001/12 Page - 17.50

The magazine is published on 8lj2 x11 paper so you can see that the ads willbe large. Patronage ads from membersfor additional support will be welcome.Also it has been decided that due to costwe will be unable to list the landownersby county in which their land is owned,but only by county of residence. If anyof you wish to have the county that yourland is owned to be recognized, thatcan be done in ad form. Also, of course,if any member wishes to advertise aproduct or service, feel free. More im-portantly, if you know some one indi-vidual, company, or group that youthink would like to place an ad in thedirectory, have them contact me at theirearliest convenience. This Directoryissue will be kept and used by ourmembers or forest owners for severalyears and advertisement in the Direc-tory should have long lasting effect. Allinterested parties should contact me attheir earliest convenience with the ad ofyour choice (your business card can beused as an ad) and your check or justyour check and I will personally submityour ad. Looking forward to hearingfrom you.

R.L. Demeree4 Northway DriveCortland, New York 13045

• Write or call your own Con-gressman. urging him to convey hisviews directly to members of theWays and Means Committee.

REFORESTATION TAX INCENTIVES

The two most widely-discussed reforesta-tion tax incentive proposals have been in-troduced by Senator Packwood (R.-Ore.)and Congressman Weaver (D.-Ore.).

Packwood Proposal: Senator Pack-wood's reforestation tax incentive, S. 100,would permit a 10 percent investment taxcredit and 7-year amortization on the first$10,000 of capitalized ref~n expen-ditures made each year. This would mean,for example, that if a timber owner spent$10,000 for reforestation (for example, sitepreparation, seeds of seedlings, labor andtools, including depreciation of equipmentused in planting or seeding), he wouldreceive a $1,000 credit ($10,000 x 10 per-cent) against the taxes otherwise owed in theyear of the investment, plus an amortizationdeduction of one-fourteenth of $10,000($714) in the year of the investment, one-seventh of $10,000 ($1,428) in each of thesucceeding six years, and one-fourteenth of$10,000 in the last year.1/ Note that theamount of the total deduction ($10,000) isnot reduced by the $1,000 credit.

Weaver Proposal: CongressmanWeaver's reforestation tax incentive, H.R.4498, would provide for a 25 percent invest-ment tax credit on the first $50,000 ofcapitalized reforestation expenditures and a10 percent credit on amounts over $50,000.It does not include the 7 -year amortizationcontained in S. 100.Justifications for Reforestation IncentivesThe following are the principal reasons

why we consider it vital that a meaningfulreforestation incentive be enacted this year.

1. Even with the incentive of capital gainstreatment of timber income, which hasresulted in great strides in reforestation, thereis, nonetheless, an immense need for in-creased investment in forestry. The ForestService projects that the demand for paperand wood products will reach 28.3 billioncubic feet in the year 2030, up from 13.3billion cubic feet in 1976. Without increasedforestry investments now, we will face aserious shortfall in our nation's timber sup-ply.

2. Although timber capital gains providesthe major incentive for timber growing,nonetheless, timber owners also need invest-ment capital at the beginning of the growingcycle. This is particularly true where the

Continued on Page 8

Page 5New York Forest Owner

MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTENDTHE FALL MEETING OF THE NYFOA

GUTCHESS LUMBER COMPANY HOSTSFALL MEETING OCTOBER 11,1980

AGENDA: This year's Fall Meeting promises to be an interesting event for Forest Owners. Our theme is"Lands of Many Uses." We will meet at Gutchess Lumber Company, Cortland, N.Y. Between 9:00 A.M.and 9: 30 A.M. Saturday, October 11. Registration, coffee and donuts will be followed by a sawmill tourswhich end by 10:00 A.M. The group will drive a short distance to visit a federally operated fish nutritionlaboratory. In the immediate area is Lime Hollow, an ecologically unique area now being planned for apreserve and educational park.

We will have lunch and a chair lift ride at a large ski area, which will provide insight into a highly developedforest land use.

After lunch, we will be stopping at the Hoxie Gorge Wildlife Area of the SUNY College of Cortland. A dif-ferent slant on land management for educational purposes will be presented.

As you can see, we have a real mix of wood utilization, wildlife, preservation, highly developed land useand an educational forest use is in store for the forest owners who are in attendance. Invite your friends andacquaintances.

DIRECTIONS: Gutchess Lumber Company is located on the west side of Cortland, N.Y. on McLeanRoad.

* Coming from the north on Route 81, exit at Homer (Exit 12). Turn left on Route 281 (South). Travel 3.5miles to McLean Road. PallTrinity Micro Corp. (a white factory building] is on your right at the intersection.Turn right and you will see the lumber piles.* Coming from the south on Route 1-81, Exit at McGraw (Exit 10) and turn left onto Route 11 (North).When you get into Cortland, follow Route 13 signs to McLean Road. Footie's Freeze Ice Cream stand is onthe corner. Turn right, go straight through the next light and you will see lumber piles.* From Ithaca, follow route 13 North to where it joins Route 281 near the A&W. Turn left on McLean Roadjust past the Friendly Ice Cream.

REGISTRATION: $8.50 per person will cover registration, coffee and donuts, luncheon at Greek PeakSki Area and a chair lift ride. Please make out and send in the form by September 26, 1980 below to let usknow you are coming.It is the only way we can guarantee you a lunch at Greek Peak.

Signed _

The following persons will attend the NYFOA Meeting in Cortland on October 11, 1980(Please Print)

o A check (payable to "New York Forest Owners Assoc.) is enclosed to cover __

persons @ $8.50 per person, in the amount of $ _

o Please reserve lunches for __ persons, I will pay when I register.

Mail To: NYFOA Meeting, Gutchess Lumber Company,P.O. Box 192, Cortland, N.Y. 13045

Page 6 New York Forest Owner

Early Show of Color SignifiesMaple Decline

As fall settles over the Northeast,crisp, clear days entice us to go out andview the spectacular array of colorsMother Nature displays across the hillsand valleys of New York State. Theshades of gold and crimson, orange andyellow can be breathtaking.

Some of the maples, particularly thesugar maple, began to put on their fallcolors in August and early September,far ahead of the rest. Although thiscould be thought of as a sneak previewof things to come, it is, in fact, an indica-tion that these trees are ailing. Early fallcoloring is one of the symptoms of acondition known as Maple Decline.

The term Maple Decline refers to thegeneral deterioration of the health andvigor of maple trees. In addition to earlycoloration, other symptoms includescorched or brown leaf edges, thincrowns, and dead limbs. Althoughthese symptoms can be signs of otherproblems, when found in combinationthey indicate that the tree is being sub-jected to stress factors it cannot dealwith effectively.

Maple Decline can usually be at-tributed to factors which impede rootfunction. Road salt, compacted soil, lowfertility, and inadequate ground waterare frequently the culprits. Improperlyfunctioning roots cannot support a nor-mal complement of leaves and thus thetree's ability to produce food for health

and growth is diminished. Such a treebecomes more vulnerable when attack-ed by insects and diseases and eventual-ly becomes an unsightly landscapespecimen.

Maple Decline has been with us forsometime. It has become more impor-tant recently, however, as maples haveincreased in numbers on our streets andlawns as replacements for the AmericanElm. Now, dead and dying trees againmean dollars for repair, removal, andreplacement as well as the loss of beautyto communities throughout the state.Although maple losses aren't as abruptor dramatic as was the case with Dutchelm disease, we will see the loss of

many trees over the next several years.The source of the problem is primari-

ly the poor growing conditions wesubject trees to. Road salt, whichleaches into the soil, creates havocwithin root systems. Soil compactedby traffic, construction, or asphalt overthe root zone hampers air and waterflow to the roots. A tree thus weakenedthen falls prey to insect and disease in-festation and soon cannot recover.

What can be done? Older trees show-ing extensive signs of decline alongroadways will most likely never fullyrecover. Pruning out unsightly deadlimbs and reduction of salt applicationmay, however, prolong their lives. Pro-moting a healthy tree is the bst defense;periodic fertilization, watering duringdrought, and attention to dying anddamaged limbs will ensure a healthytree able to maintain good growth.

When choosing new plantingsevaluate the site carefully. Consider en-vironmental factors such as soil fertilityand structure, access to ground 'water,exposure to pollutants (including roadsalt), and available growing space. Eachof these factors is crucial in the selectionof a species or variety to be planted. Forhelp and advice contact your localCooperative Extension office.

Trees are natural resources and foroptimum performance they must bemanaged carefully. A little time, con-cern, and effort will ensure continuingshade, beauty, and color for years tocome.

• There are several general rules youcan use in evaluating the quality of solidfuel heating equipment. One of thequickest ways is to compare weights.This can be difficult as well asmisleading unless you know what towatch out for. Make sure you know ifyou're comparing shipping weights orweights without crates. Are you com-paring the weight of a heater with acabinet to a heater without a cabinet?Be certain you're making a valid com-parison. Generally, the heavier the unit,the better the quality. This is only one ofmany indicators, and it can be a decep-tive one unless you "compare appleswith apples!"

• What kind of material is used onthe body of the unit? Don't forget thatthe thickness of steel is measured by"gauge." The lower the number of thegaGge, the thicker the steel. For exam-pl~, 14 gauge steel is far heavier than 18gauge steel.

try comparing apples withapples .....

• Always be certain you knowwhat the price includes. Par-ticularly on furnaces. somemanufacturers will call thingslike heat blowers and ther-mostats "accessories" when theyare necessary to make your fur-nance operate. By the time you addon the prices of the so-called "ac-cessories," you're talking about a wholenew ball game!

• What kind of welding does themanufacturer use on parts subjected tothe most wear? Particularly on the bodyand interior parts like the grates, youmust avoid spot welding! Spot weldingis fine for lighter-duty parts-but that'sall.

• Who are you buying the productfrom? If it's from a dealer, how much dothey know about that particular prod-

uct; what's their reputation for service?Think about the manufacturer too. Incase any problems develop that yourdealer can't handle, will you have ac-cess to factory engineers?

• When you're ready to make a pur-chase, think a little bit ahead. Many newcompanies are appearing with the ad-vent of the energy crisis. Somedayyou'll need replacement parts, no mat-ter whose product you buy. A lot ofthese companies will be fading away justas quickly as they sprang up. Be surethat the manufacturer will still be aroundwhen you need them most!

• Your purchase will probably in-volve a substantial amount of money.Talk with people who already have thatproduct in use. They'll be able to giveyou a first-hand account, particularly ifthey've used competitive products inthe past and can make actual com-parisons. It's a wise way of being morecertain about your investment.

New York Forest Owner Page 7

Howard Ward - Woods Walk

For the more than 60 peoplewho assembled on the forestproperty of Howard Ward onthe morning of July 12, thewoods walk program that hadbeen arranged proved to be bothinteresting and stimulating. Theweather was perfect and theassembly site, with beautifulpond and attractive cabin, com-bined to put everyone in a veryagreeable mood. Howard spokebriefly to describe his propertyand the schedule 'he had workedout with Bob Sand. We learnedwe would spend the morningmostly in the central andsouthern portions of Howard'sproperty and in the afternoon wewould be conducted by BobSand to a small logging operation

are of Cotton Hanlon Co.,with a walking trip through thenorth west portions of Howard'sforest.

Due to recent illness, Howardwas not able to walk with us tothe woods, however, he had ar-ranged for several guides to showus Christmas tree plantations andan excellent hardwood stand thathad been given timber stand im-provement treatments. Twopoints were particularly striking.

Howard's property has notbeen recently used for pasture,

while just over the property linethe area is currently grazed. Thedifference in amount, size, andquality of hardwood reproduc-tion is very evident.

For most of us, the opportunityto see and discuss the excellentquality hardwood stand in thesouthern portion of the propertywas particularly appreciated.

Timber stand improvement treat-ment has been applied to all ofthe area and the results, in spac-ing, diameter growth, quality oftrees and distribution of diameterclasses, is impressive. If a case tojustify the benefit of such treat-ment is needed, this area pro-vides an excellent demonstra-tion. It is now approaching thetime when additional treatmentcan further enhance its quality.

We were told that Howard'sgrandfather bought the 150 acrefarm in the 20's and cut the

timber. With the exception of thehardwood area mentionedabove, much of the farm wasgrazed by cattle for perhaps 20years prior to 1947. Howard andLloyd Strombeck (also a longtime member of NYFOA) boughtthe farm in 1954 and plantedChristmas trees on areas notstocked with acceptable hard-

woods. They also harvestedtimber as was deemed desirable.

A system of logging roads hasbeen recently constructed to im-prove accessibility, both for log-ging and for removing firewood.Lloyd is no longer part owner ofthe forest, but he is a very in-terested observer.

By the time we returned to thecabin area for lunch, we hadbeen given an insight into thesatisfactions and benefits of long-time ownership of a forest prop-erty. Howard and his family ob-viously enjoy the many kinds ofactivities the property provides.

After lunch, we walked withBob Sand to an adjacent owner-ship where Bob explained manyaspects of timber harvesting.Logging and hauling equipmentwere available for us to observein action, and Bob did anoutstanding job of both -explain-

ing the practices of his companyand answering the many ques-tions directed to him.

We returned to our carsthrough an area of Howard'sproperty that had been markedfor cutting, with a short detour in-to New York State Forest land tovisit a plantation of Norwayspruce and red pine.

The arrangements for thewoods walk were well planned.The visits to the forest areas andthe logging demonstration weremost instructive. AII-in-all it il-lustrated what a woods walkshould be.

Eugene Farnsworth

Page 8 New York Forest Owner

REFORESTATION TAX INCENTIVES

Continued from Page 4planting does not follow a harvest but ratherwhere it occurs on land not recentlyharvested. The need is particularly greatsince planting cost investment is illiquid, sub-ject to high risk, and must be held over thelong periods between planting and harvest.Reforestation tax incentives-aimed at thestart of the growing cycle-would be effec-tive in moving toward the desired response.

1/ This schedule of amortization deductionsresults from the mandatory half-year con-vention which is provided under the bill.

3. The Forest Industries Council's "ForestProductivity Report" found that in 25 statesstudied (containing 83 percent of U.S. com-mercial forestland), only approximately fivemillion acres were being harvested annuallyusing various cutting methods. At the sametime, only 2.2 million acres were being pur-posefully regenerated. The major gap be-tween harvest and regeneration was for theprivate nonindustrial ownership, where ap-proximately one in nine harvested acreswere being purposefully regenerated.

4. A tax incentive which combines a taxcredit with 7-year amortization would equatethe tax treatment of timber investments withthe treatment provided for investments inmachinery and equipment. Planting expen-ditures are to timber as plant and equipmentare to other industries and a credit plusamortization recognizes this similarity for taxpurposes.

FURNACES MUST BEEFFICIENT

To help further reduce energy coststhere are a number of factors oneshould consider. We have listed severalof these and suggest using this informa-tion because by following these guide-lines, up to 15-20% savings can be had.Properly size heating units with the

heating requirements of the home orplace to be heated.

Check all thermometers and ther-mostats for accuracy. Calibration ofthe thermometers is best made incracked ice and water.

Keep heating pipes and surfaces clean.Clean furnaces annually.Adjust burners so they are burning ef-

ficiently.Main heat distribution pipes should be

insulated in areas where heat is notneeded.

More accurate sensing of temperatureswill be achieved and better responsefrom your furnace by using aspiratedthermostats.

Check all automatic and modulatingtemperature controls.

u.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESCOMMITTEEON WAYS

AND MEANS96TH CONGRESS

DEMOCRATS

AI Ullman, OregonDan Rostenkowski, IllinoisCharles A. Vanik, OhioJames C. Corman, CaliforniaSam M. Gibbons, FloridaJ.J. Pickle, Texas

'Charles B. Rangel, New YorkWilliam R. Cotter, ConnecticutFortney H. Stark, CaliforniaJames R. Jones, OklahomaAndrew Jacobs, IndianaJoseph L. Fisher, VirginiaHarold Ford, TennesseeKenneth Holland, South CarolinaWilliam M. Brodhead, MichiganEdgar L. Jenkins, GeorgiaRichard A. Gephardt, MissouriRaymond F. Lederer, Pennsylvania'Tom Downey, New YorkCecil Heftel, HawaiiWyche Fowler, GeorgiaFrank Guarini, New JerseyJames Shannon, MassachusettsMartin A. Russo, Illinois

5. In all free nations which wehave studied, laws have beenenacted to give private owners in-centives to plant forests and to keepthem productive. Brazil provides anexcellent example of the results of asignificant tax incentive. Beginningin 1967, a law providing for agenerous tax credit for reforestationencouraged the planting of four anda half million acres of new forests ineight years. This one act has madeBrazil a contender in the future pulpand paper markets of the world.Their example proves that reforesta-tion incentives can work.

REPUBLICANS

'Barber B. Conable, New YorkJohn J. Duncan, TennesseeWilliam R. Archer, TexasGuy Vander Jagt, MichiganPhilip M. Crane, illinoisBill Frenzel, MinnesotaJames G. Martin, North CarolinaLouis A. Bafalis, FloridaRichard T. Schulze, PennsylvaniaWillis D. Gradison, OhioJohn Rousselot, CaliforniaW. Henson Moore, Louisiana

Each member may be contacted atthe following address:

U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, D.C. 20515

June 30, 1980

HOW DOES WOOD BURN?Wood is composed of several basic

elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen andsmall quantities of miscellaneous minerals.These elements combine to form cellulose,lignin and water, which together make a treetrunk. It's the cellulose and lignin that arecombustible and form the source of energy inwood. The water in wood is undesirable andmust be heated and evaporated before woodcan burn with any degree of efficiency.

The cell walls in wood are comprised ofcellulose. Because of its long strands,celloluse forms the grain. Lignin is a plastic-like substance that cements the cells togetherto give the wood its strength. In order forwood to burn properly, the following proc-esses must take place:

(1) Most of the water must be heated andevaporated.

(2) Heat must be provided to break downthe lignin and cellulose into a gas.

(3) The gas must be mixed with air (oxy-gen) in the proper amount for burning.

(4) The gas/air mixture must be heated tothe minimum ignition temperature.

(5) The gas/air mixture burns, giving offthe heat necessary to sustain the fire.

Normally, a wood fire progresses instages. First, tinder or kindling is ignited toprovide initial heat. As soon as enoughmoisture is driven off from the fuel wood, thelignin and cellulose begin to break down.When the major portion of volatile materialshave been burned off, charcoal is left toslowly burn down into a bed of coals.

Conventional wood heating equipmentloses a lot of potential energy through gasesonly partially burned. For these gases to burnthoroughly, they must pass back through thefire where they can be reheated. With theaddition of pre-heated fresh air (oxygen) atthat point, the gases will burn.

WATCH OUTFOR CREOSOTE!

Creosote is a tar-like liquid or solidresulting from the distillation of wood duringthe combustion process. Highly combustiblein its solid or semiliquid states, creosote ispresent in the gases given off by wood whenit burns. Creosote condenses from the gaseswhen the stack temperature drops below250 OF. Cresote can be virtually eliminated ifthese gases are burned off before going upthe chimney. Riteway products can do justthis! Read about our unique design, and findout how each model accomplishes this veryimportant task!

New York Forest Owner Page 9

MINUTESNewYork Forest Owners

AssociationBoard of Directors' Meeting

June 21, 1980

The meeting was called to order at10:00 a.m. by Robert L. Edmonds,First Vice President.

Those present were: Bob Demeree,Ken Eberley, Bob Edmonds, ArtEschner, Gene Farnsworth, Bob Mor-row, Emiel Palmer, Al Roberts, BobSands, Evelyn Stock, Fred Umholtzand Dale Weston. Absent but excusedwere Mary McCarty, Dick Lea andJim Lassoie.

The minutes of the May 24 meetingwere read by Bob Sands and accepted.

Old BusinessBob Demeree discussed the flyer on

the Association in which a separatelisting of the officers and members of theBoard of Directors was to be included.A list was made up of the memberspresent.

The Committee assignments propos-ed by Howard Ward were discussedand alternate recommendations weremade. These are to be suggested toHoward.

After much discussion it wasrecognized that the Program Committeeduties are a function of the EducationCommittee and hence satisfy the re-quirements of the Bylaws which man-date such a committee.

The July/August issue of the NewYork Forest Owner is ready to be pastedup and should be in the mail by July 1.Bob Demeree is to continue to in-vestigate the possibility of other printingarrangements, being certain candidateprinters can meet deadlines. We willcontinue with the present printing andmailing arrangements. Any change inmailing will be made about January 1,1981.The question of mailing issues of the

New York Forest Owner to juniormembers was referred to the BylawsCommittee whose members are todetermine the number of juniormembers and their characteristics andstatus. The Bylaws Committee is tomake a recommendation to the Board,based on their findings. Copies of theseminutes are to be sent to the BylawsCommittee.

Bob Demeree reported on his at-tempt at getting stationery. He receivedsome plain stationery but no envelopes.

He has ordered colored stationery andenvelopes and was looking into thepublication of a brochure and insert.

It was moved by E. Palmer andseconded by Bob Morrow that theDecember issue of the New York ForestOwner be a directory of the member-ship. The motion was passedunanimously. The Editorial Committeeis to make arrangements for that issueand report at the next Board Meeting.

Bob Edmonds described in detail theprogram he has tentatively set up for thefall meeting on October 11, 1980 in theCortland area.

New BusinessKen Eberley suggested including

stumpage information in the ForestOwner. After much discussion BobDemeree indicated he would includethe information in the DEC's twice year-ly stumpage report in his column in theForest Owner.

There was discussion of the othertypes of articles suitable for the NewYork Forest Owner.

Ken Eberley reported there are 664members at present.

The Treasurer's report was given byEmiel Palmer and was accepted. Therewas discussion of appropriate in-vestments for the $3000.00 account at11% interest which will be available forreinvestment in 2 weeks.

The next meeting is to be heldSeptember 13.

The meeting adjourned at 12:20p.m.

Submitted,A.R. Eschner

A Forester Needs:from the Forestry Chronicle

The dignity of an archbishop,The tact of a diplomat,The experience of a company manager,The geniality of a nobel prize winner,The fastidiousness of a revenue officer,The speech ability of a clergyman,The shrewdness of a lawyer,The elastic conscience of a politician,The health of an OlympiC sportsman,The optimism of a shipwreck survivor,The zeal of a missionary,The smile of a movie star,And the skin of a hippopotamas.

Great people are just ordinary people withan extra ordinary amount of determination.

When you fail to plan,You plan to fail.

COME WATCH WHALES WITH US!SEPTEMBER 19-21,1980

DESCRIPTIONBy special arrangement with Science Education

Afield, Inc., the College is offering this outstand-ing opportunity for Central New Yorkers to ex-perience up-close the majesty of the largestcreatures to live on earth, the whales. This short-course includes a guided cruise off of Province-town, Massachusetts to view the whales of theNorth Atlantic in their feeding grounds. In addi-tion, naturalist-guided tours of the Cape Cod Na-tional Seashore and of Plymouth, Massachusettswill instruct on the relationships between man, theecology of the coast and the life of whales.

REGISTRATIONRegistration is limited and is on a first-come

first-served basis. No registrations can be acceptedafter September 12, 1980. Registration fee of$109.00 includes:

Bus transportation to and from Provincetown,Mass.

Motel accommodations for two nights.Continental breakfast two mornings.Guided tour of seashore ecology and time on

Cape Cod's beaches.Guided tour of Plymouth historical sites and

Plymouth Plantation.Space aboard the Dolphin III for four-hour

Whale Watch.ITINERARY

Friday, September 18, 198012:00 Noon Depart College of Environmental

Science and Forestry.7:00 PM Arrive Provincetown. Eastwood

Motor Lodge. Evening free.Saturday, September 20, 19807:30 AM Breakfast (provided)8:30 AM Bus trip to Cape Cod National

Seashore-guided ecology tour12:00 Noon Lunch in Provincetown (not in-

cluded)1:15 PM Board Dolphin IIIfor Whale Watch-

ing Tour6:00 PM Dinner in Provincetown (not includ-

ed). Evening free.Sunday, September 21, 19808:00 AM Breakfast (provided)8:30 AM Bus trip to Plymouth and Plymouth

Plantation12:00 Noon Lunch in Plymouth (not includ-

ed)1:00 PM R-eturn to Syracuse7:00 PM Arrive College of Environmental

Science & Forestry

---------------Detach and mail promptly---------------

REGISTRATION FORMWHALE WATCHING ANDSEASHORE ECOLOGYSeptember 19-21, 1980

Name Phone _

Address Zip__REGISTRATION FEE OF $109 MUST BERECEIVED BY SEPTEMBER 12, i980.

Make checks payable to:SUNY-RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Mail to:Dean, School of Continuing EducationSUNY College of Environmental Science and

ForestrySyracuse, New York 13210Phone: (315) 473-8755

Page 10 New York Forest Owner

ALL ABOUT AXESBy Ed Lang

Tioga Co. Coop. Ext. Agent

tr!IGO 1POLL

SPLITT/N~ MAUL

Men have used axes since prehistorictimes. Over the years a large variety of typesof axes have been developed. A poll (orpole) ax and a splitting maul are the basictools required for preparing firewood. Apoll ax head is flattened on one side to addweight and balance. A splitting maulresembles a cross between an ax and asledge hammer (Figure 1).

An ax splits small pieces of wood readily,but for larger pieces or logs the maul is calledfor.

Selecting an AxWhen selecting an ax for home use, con-

sider the weight of the head. Either a 2lj2 or3 pound poll head will do, depending on in-dividual preference. Avoid double-bittedaxes which are used for professional fellingand are extremely hazardous in the hands ofa novice.

The head should be secured to the handlewith wooden or steel wedges. It is almost im-possible to replace a broken handle if thehead is attached with plastic welding.

Ax handles should generally be 28 or 30inches long, a length equivalent to thedistance from your armpit to your fingertips.They are available in other lengths, andheads come in heavier weights, but theabove combination is suitable for most peo-ple and makes the ax well-balanced.

Ash handles are preferred to hickoryhandles, as they are less likely to shatter andare not as abrasive on the hands. Be sure thehandle is not warped or cracked, watch forknots, and choose a handle in which thegrain runs the length of the handle.

Using the AxWood should be split only on a splitting

block, not on the ground, to avoid damagingthe ax and because you are less apt to hityourself with the ax if you strike a glancingblow.

Be sure of your footing. Avoid splitting in-to knots which may cause the handle to split.On a very cold day, warm the ax by taking itinto the house for a little while before using,so the bit and handle wil not become brittleand shatter.

Care and Sharpening of AxesTo work efficiently and safely, an ax must

be: kept sharp. For splitting wood andgeneral use, an ax may be sharpened with amill file. Secure the head, preferably by plac-

ing it in a vise, and file with a down stroke,moving from the heel of the bit to the toe.Don't drag the file back across the edge.Alternate from one side to the other withevery three or four strokes of the file (Figure2)

If the file is held at the correct angle, ap-proximately 1/8 inch of the bit will be shiny.It is not necessary to use a sharpening stone.In fact, a stone may produce too fine anedge for chopping wood.

If the ax head comes loose, soaking it in abucket of water overnight and drivinganother wedge into the handle will generallyremedy the situation. If you store the ax out-doors by standing it on its head in a dampcorner of the woodshed, it will help keep thehandle tight. Wrapping several turns of fric-tion tape below the head will help preventthe handle from shattering if it strikes thechunk or log.

To Replace the HandleIf a handle splinters or splits, or becomes

too loose and can't be refitted, replace it forsafety's sake. Remove the old handle bysawing it off next to the bit, and then pound-ing the remaining piece out of the slot. If itwon't pound out, try drilling down on bothsides of the metal wedge until you can grab itwith pliers and pull it out. Then you will beable to push the rest of the old handle outquite easily.

To prevent splitting the new handle whenseating it with a mallet, remove the wedgeshaped portion of the heel. This will leave aflat surface to strike with the mallet (seeFigure 3) . To hang an ax handle, tap thehead onto the handle with a wooden mallet,then reverse the ax and strike the base of thehandle with the mallet. As the head getstighter it will peel wood shavings from thehandle. These shavings should be removedwith a wood rasp or knife. Seat the head un-til the top of the handle is flush with the topof the head. Then drive in a hardwoodwedge and two iron wedges beside it, tosecure the head to the handle.

wN·s.. 1fe",ovesf, a.1J1'I 1.5

by Tom Chamblee. Chimney Sweep

WHATS IT LIKETO HAVEACHIMNEY FIRE?

It's no fun. If it doesn't burn the housedown, it will probably wreck your chimneyand scare you half to death. Here's how ithappens.

Begin with one dirty chimney-let's say afireplace not cleaned for a couple of years.The soot lining the chimney flue is saturatedwith flammable stuff called creosote. (Moredetail on creosote is available in any die-tionary.) It doesn't take much to ignitecreosote-a newspaper fire sending flamesup to the damper is enough.

Once kindled, creosote burns with joyousabandon. In a matter of seconds the firespreads up through the flue creating a draftthat only helps things along. At this pointyour average chimney fire begins to roar andhowl, sending the occupants of the houserunning for cover.

If you run, you'll be treated to a realfireworks show. As the creosote fire buildsand intensifies the heat melts the mortar be-tween the brick. The red-hot mortar actuallydrips into the flue, only to be caught up inthe tremendous updraft, and these little fireballs shoot out the chimney and onto theroof. If you're lucky, the chimney will fallapart destroying one end of the building-ifyou're not, this miniature volcano can bringthe whole house down.

However, if you stand your ground, achimney fire can be controlled. Put out thefire in the fireplace with an extinguisher orsand. Cover the opening with a wet blanket,call the fire department, and hope for thebest. But it should be pointed out that havingyour chimney cleaned is a lot easier on thenerves than the sand and wet blanketmethod.

New York Forest Owner Page 11

Publications You Should Know About

New Publication - ofinterest to Forest OwnersReviewed by Richard V. Lea

Woodlands and Wildlife - by J.Hassinger et al. available for $2.00 fromPenn State University, University Park,PA 16802 is a helpful reference forlandowners interested in "making yourproperty attractive to wildlife." This68-page booklet leads the reader fromthe planning stage and definition of ob-jectives to practical suggestions forthings the owner can and should do toreach desired goals. It then discussesmajor forest habitats and graduationsfrom one to another. The last half of thebooklet gives data on particular speciesand species groups of wildlife as to theirneeds and habitat t~eatment whichshould attract and retain them.

This reviewer feels the booklet givesgood coverage of wildlife needs andmany practical solutions for thewoodland owner to enhance wildlifevalues. The emphasis is understandablyon manipulating the forest cover tobenefit wildlife. There could have beena bit more discussion of the cost of thismanipulation for the benefit to be ob-tained. In many cases the owner willseek to compromise through selling thematerial to be manipulated (trees to becut) to offset the cost of the treatment.The trade-offs to be considered will varywith each situation and must be under-stood by the owner.

Forestry consultants can assist indetermining the alternative costs andbenefits and offer judgements as torecommended action. The bottom lineof course, is the cost in dollars (and/orsweat) that the owner is willing to invest,versus the benefits in dollars received,enjoyment of wildlife, or woodland im-provement. The impression is gainedthat these are easy decisions which maynot always be the case.

The booklet assumes the owner hasalready decided to work for wildlifevalues. It would have been helpful to in-clude a discussion of the role of wildlifein the forest to point out why it is a valueto be considered. The lack is not

serious, however, as the authors havecovered a wide variety of species andhabitats in limited space.

Thus it is recommended for forestowners as an interesting reference witha wealth of information whether yourwoodlot is large or small.

Wood Burning BulletinIf you are heating with wood this winter,

authorities at Cornell University advise con-sidering safety first before lighting the wood- burning stove, furnace, or fireplace.

Several publications written by membersof the New York State College of Agricultureand Life Sciences at Cornell are availablewhich are full of information on safety andthe economics of using wood as a fuel.

"Burning Wood" (NE191 - $1) covers allthe aspects including obtaining a supply,quality of commonly burned woods, season-ing, storing, the heating value of variouswoods, creosote formation, chimney firesand cleaning, fireplaces, wood - burningstoves, furnaces, and installation specifica-tions for the safe installations of wood -burning units.

"The Warmth of Woodfires" (lB150-$1.25) gives tips on living with a woodstove, selection and storage of woods, careand use of stoves and cooking on them. Thispublication is for those making a wood -burning stove an integral part of their en-vironment. "Power Chain Saws, TheirCare and Use" (PA228-60') covers the im-portant points to know before and when us-ing a chain saw. If you cut your own woodsupply, you should know about the workingparts of the saw and how to care for them.Knowing the various types and gauges ofchains is important in selecting the one thatbest suits your needs. Saw chain tension,lubrication, cleaning and generalmaintenance will not only prolong the life ofthe saw, but makes cutting easier and thetask safer. Tips on felling, cutting the wood,and hazards to watch for are covered.

Even if you aren't using wood to heat orcook with, perhaps you know of someonewho would appreciate receiving thesepublications as a gift. Knowing how to installand use wood - burning units safely maysave a home from disaster.

To order the publications, write to:Distribution Center, 7 Research Park,Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850.Make checks payable to Cornell Universi-ty. County Cooperative Extension officesin New York State also have copies ofthese publications.

Hypothermia andthe elderly

To Your Healthby Dr. Paul Donohue

Hypothermia is defined as a drop in bodytemperature to less than 95 degrees. Thiscan have serious consequences, especially,as you note, in the elderly. Recently in Bri-tain it was found that almost 4 percent ofelderly patients admitted to hospitals hadtemperatures below 95 degrees.

Hypothermia is especially dangerous inthe elderly because their bodies have lessability to produce heat. This is easily explain-ed. When the body surface becomes cold,the blood vessels of the skin clamp down asmore and more blood is retained in thewarmer interior to protect vital organs. Thiskeeps the internal body temperature fromdropping too low. But there is another little-realized fact; as we cool, muscles shiver, andthis muscular activity actually generates heat.The elderly have smaller muscle mass andhence cannot make up for heat loss byshivering as easily as can younger persons.

The first telltale sign of hypothermia maybe fatigue, incoordination and confusion. Ifthe body temperature continues to drop,coma may result. An unconscious person issubject to hypothermia, and for this reasonthey are covered with a blanket to preservebody heat.

Hypothermic patients should be cared forpromptly. Besides warming with blanketsand warm packs, some advocate placing theperson in a tub of water at a temperature be-tween 90 and 106 degrees fahrenheit. If thesymptoms are severe the warming should bedone in a hospital. However, too rapidwarming can lead to a drop in bloodpressure, so it is best to take the simple(blanket and warm packs) approach andseek professional help promptly ..There maybe abnormal heart rhythms in the hypother-mic person.

Hypothermia is often an unrecognizedproblem. It was one reason so much concernwas expressed during the recent fuel oilcrunch. The elderly should plan now to beadequately clothed when cool weather ar-rives. If they are living alone, friends andrelatives should check to see that their livingconditions are such. that they are gettingenough warmth.

Page 12 New York Forest Owner

Evelyn A. StockEditor

5756 Ike Dixon Rd.Camillus, N.Y. 13031

Question: I have ten acres of openland that came with the woodlot Ibought. What are the possibilities ofgrowing Christmas trees on this?

Answer: Without more informationabout the land involved, all I can sayis, the size is right. However, here aresome general ideas concerning thegrowing of Christmas trees for to daysmarket.The number of growers seems to

again be on the upswing. At presentthere is a sellers market; but with manynew growers starting up, I believe thatto compete successfully you will have togrow a very high quality tree. Currentprices for a good Douglas fir are up to$10.00, or more, wholesale, on thestump. The retail buyer can expect topay $20.00 for that tree, and he has aright to expect a pretty nice tree. Inorder to produce that tree you will haveto do everything right.

ASK A FORESTERBy Al Roberts

The firs are the currently populartree, and these are the most demandingas to site. They must have good soildrainage, good air drainage, a nearlyneutral pH and high fertility. Largequantities of lime and fertilizer may berequired (depending on the results of asoil test) to produce a high percentageof good quality trees. In addition it isvery important to have seedlings fromthe right seed source.

Don't expect to plant them and forgetthem till harvest. Weeds must be con-trolled annually with herbicides or mow-ing or both, and they must be shearedannually. Also there are many potentialinsects and diseases to be watched for.

I would suggest planting 1000 treesannually (if I haven't already discourag-ed you) and in six to eight years youshould be able to start harvesting, andeventually expect about $3000 per yeargross income.

Non profit org.bulk rate

U.S. POSTAGEPAlO

Nedrow, N.Y.13120

Permit No. 37

Third Woods WalkHeld in Shirley Forests

August 16, 1980The New York Forest Owners Association

sponsored its third woods walk on ShirleyForests Inc. Saturday, August 16, 1980. Atotal of 16 people participated. One group,lead by Mrs. Shirley featured the invasion offorests into abandoned fields, and thechanges in timber types caused as streamscut across the abandoned land. The longerwalk, lead by Hardy Shirley assisted by hisson Frank lead up Gilligan Mountain to welltowards the summit. The timber types variedfrom pine, on fields abandoned some 20 ormore years ago, to white cedar and mixedhardwoods on lower slopes that were wellwatered, and on the higher and steeperlands hemlock. In fact, hemlock seemed tobe the dominant tree of the upper slopes ofthe mountain. Such land must have beenpastured when the land was divided intosome 5 or more separate farms. There is alsoevidence of repeated timber harvest.

After the lunch hour the group as a wholewas lead to a pine plantation on land givenup for farm crops. Here the action was pass-ed from the leaders to the followers whowere handed diameter tapes and ask todetermine how much the trees on a perma-nent sample plot had been growing. Therebyeach participant could judge for himself thegrowth rate of individual trees.

There followed a question and answerperiod on individual holdings of owners. In-terest was high and both leaders and woodswalkers felt that the day had been well spent.

Hardy L. Shirley Pres. Shirley Forest Inc.

A GOOD SUPERVISOR, they say, issomeone who can step on your toeswithout messing up your shine.