16822 AFC Summer 03 · ment, prescribed burning, is being lost to land managers and landowners in some urban areas. In most places near large cities a prescribed burn will not pass

• Crop Tree Release in Hardwood Stands (Part II)

• Forest Market Trends in Alabama• Tree Shelters

TTALABAMA’S

FORESTSSUMMER 2003

A Publication of the Alabama Forestry Commission

REASUREDREASURED

TIMOTHY C. BOYCE

State Forester

At the annual Southern Group of State Foresters meet-ing held recently in Little Rock, Arkansas, urbaniza-tion (or Wildland Urban Interface) was one of themajor topics. Cities are rapidly encroaching on what

was once rural farm and timberland, bringing with it manyproblems for the forestry and fire communities.

According to the results of the Southern Forest ResourceAssessment released last year, urbanization accounted for 68percent of the forestland clearing in the state. With populationsrising as well as cities and towns expanding their boundaries,the forest community is already seeing and will continue to seechanges in the areas of fire protection and forest management.

One of the greatest changes has been in the area of fire sup-pression. Years ago rangers with the Alabama Forestry Commis-sion responded to wildfires and put them out by plowing a fireline around them. Now in many urban areas, rangers protecthomes, businesses, and other structures from destructive flamesby utilizing the same practice.

Another area affected by urban sprawl is forest management.Already one of the easiest and cheapest tools of forest manage-ment, prescribed burning, is being lost to land managers andlandowners in some urban areas. In most places near large citiesa prescribed burn will not pass the smoke screen test. Othermore expensive methods of herbaceous weed control and sitepreparation must be used. In addition, public opinion of othersilvicultural practices and harvesting methods must beaddressed by land managers.

Forested land around large urban areas is very important. Itfilters drinking water and storm runoff water, provides buffersfrom visual and noise distractions, and helps cool the tempera-tures in hot summer months. Because of these benefits, it isimportant that land managers continue to be able to practiceforestry in urban areas.

With the continuing urban dynamics, it will be important thatpeople in the forest industry and fire services sit at the tablewith policy and decision makers in these urban areas. If ourinterests and concerns are to be heard today and in the future,we must become a part of the process by which decisions aremade.

2 / Alabama’s TREASURED Forests Summer 2003

Thousands of Alabamians and out-of-state visitors will betaking advantage of our state’s natural resource recre-ational opportunities this summer. Few states have asmuch or as diverse natural resource offerings as

Alabama.We have approximately 23 million acres of forestland in our

state growing over 16 billion trees. Our forest base is the size ofConnecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hamp-shire, and Rhode Island combined. We have over 47,000 linearmiles of perennial streams and rivers in our state, ranking sev-enth in the nation. One-twelfth of all ocean-flowing water in theUnited States travels through Alabama.

These healthy, abundant forests and pristine streams and riverscreate a wealth of biodiversity. Alabama ranks fourth in thenation in total number of species of plants and animals, eventhough we rank only 29th in size. In total number of plant andanimal species per acre, we are second only to Florida. Alabamais home to 1.4 million of our nation’s white-tailed deer and350,000 of its four million wild turkeys.

One of the reasons Alabama has an abundance of forest-relat-ed resources is because of the land management work being doneby the Alabama Forestry Commission and private non-industriallandowners. In Alabama, 95 percent of our forests are privatelyowned. This represents 440,000 timber ownerships with 50 per-cent of all forest owners owning less than 500 acres of land.Combined, these same lands make up the second largest commer-cial forest in the nation, second only to Georgia. They also sup-port Alabama’s number one manufacturing industry, the forestproducts industry.

Because of our forests’ importance to our economy, the careof them is vital. Through multiple-use forest management pro-grams like the Alabama Forestry Commission’s TREASUREForest program (acronym for Timber, Recreation, Environment,and Aesthetics for a Sustained Usable REsource), we can helpensure that our state’s forests and natural resources will not onlymeet the needs of our citizens today, but will be there for the citi-zens of tomorrow.

BOB RILEY

Governor, State of Alabama

A MESSAGE FROM . . .

Summer 2003 Alabama’s TREASURED Forests / 3

GovernorBob Riley

Alabama Forestry CommissionDavid Long, ChairmanGary Fortenberry, Vice ChairmanJohnny DennisTed DeVosCharlie HamiltonDennis HarborJerry Lacey

State ForesterTimothy C. Boyce

Assistant State ForesterRichard H. Cumbie

Administrative Division DirectorJerry M. Dwyer

Fire Division DirectorDavid A. Frederick

Management Division DirectorBruce E. Springer

Northwest RegionRegional Forester Wayne StrawbridgeAsst Reg Forester, Administration Bart WilliamsAsst Reg Forester, Programs Gerald T. Steeley

Northeast RegionRegional Forester Phearthur MooreAsst Reg Forester, Administration Charles HallAsst Reg Forester, Programs

Southeast RegionRegional Forester Franklin L. McAlileyAsst Reg Forester, Administration Dave DuckettAsst Reg Forester, Programs

Southwest RegionRegional Forester Gary M. ColeAsst Reg Forester, Administration Otis G. FrenchAsst Reg Forester, Programs Stanley R. Anderson

Editorial BoardBruce Springer Alabama Forestry CommissionDavid Frederick Alabama Forestry CommissionElishia Johnson Alabama Forestry CommissionDana McReynolds Alabama Forestry CommissionDon Stinson Alabama TREASURE Forest Assoc.Coleen Vansant Alabama Forestry Commission

EditorElishia Johnson

Managing EditorColeen Vansant

Vol. XXII, No. 3 Summer 2003

CONTENTS4 “Fire-Break Farm” by Tilda Mims

8 Crop Tree Release in Pre-Commercial Hardwood Stands (Part II)by David Mercker

11 Plants that Cause Itching by Kenneth G. Johnson

12 Forest Market Trends in Alabama by Bruce Springer

14 Tree Shelters . . . Are They For You? by Alan Williams and Blake Kelley

16 “Focus on Our Families” . . . Florence to Host the 20th Annual Alabama Landowner & TREASURE Forest Conference

18 Bibb County Couple Honored with Bill Moody Awardby Coleen Vansant

20 Measuring Distance and Computing Area by Douglas A. Smith

24 “Wooly Worms & Bellowing Cows - Shaggy Horses & Hoot Owls”Predicting Weather the Old-Fashioned Way (Weather Lore Part 2) by Coleen Vansant

27 The Humorous But Hungry River Otter by Richard Tharp

28 Evan Frank Allison: Pioneer in Conservation by Tilda Mims

DEPARTMENTS2 Messages from the Governor and the State Forester

7 New TREASURE Forest Certifications

19 Legislative Report

23 Hidden Treasures: Childhood Memories by LaKedra C. Byrd

32 Trees of Alabama: Saw Palmetto by Fred Nation

COVER: Saw Palmetto is a common shrub found in the forests of southernAlabama. (Story on page 32.) Photo by Madeline Hildreth

Alabama’s TREASURED Forests (ISSN 0894-9654) is published quarterly by the Alabama ForestryCommission, 513 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130. Telephone (334) 240-9355. Bulk rate postagepaid at Montgomery, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Alabama’s TREASUREDForests, P. O. Box 302550, Montgomery, AL 36130-2550. Web site: www.forestry.state.al.us

Alabama Forestry Commission policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex,age, religion or handicapping condition.

George and Sandi Morris worktogether as equal partners intheir marriage, their church,and their forest stewardship.

Since 1990, they have worked side byside on Fire-Break Farm in Bibb County,doing hard and dirty work that more thanearns the term “sweat equity.” Sandiloves the farm as much as George andthey are proud of doing all the work onthe farm themselves.

They worked the land for severalyears as caretakers for absentee land-owners. The owners did not want treesremoved, so the Morrises were very lim-

ited in what they could do to enhance itsproductivity. In 1990, the owners decid-ed to sell, but wanted the property toremain with people who would love itand care for it . . . they chose George andSandi Morris.

The couple knew they were blessedwith an opportunity as well as a signifi-cant challenge. The tract had been high-graded more than 50 years earlier andnot actively managed since. The absenceof thinning, harvesting, or burning maderisk of wildfire substantial and access tothe farm limited. Large quantities ofloblolly pine were stunted due to over-

stocking and the whitetail deer popula-tion was very small.

The Morrises realized the untappedpotential of the land and were eager toget to work. They asked consultantforester Terry Jacobs of Tuscaloosa toprepare a Stewardship Plan for the prop-erty in 1992, and Fire-Break was certi-fied as a TREASURE Forest that sameyear.

In slightly more than ten years, theyhave proven not only good stewards ofthe land, but outstanding leaders and rolemodels in multiple-use forest manage-ment as well. Their commitment


FIRE-BREAK FARMBy Tilda Mims

Information Specialist, Alabama Forestry Commission

Brown Creek is a tributary of the noted Cahaba River just to the north, and it enters and exits the Morrises’ pond.

received statewide recognition in 2002when they were awarded the HeleneMosley Memorial TREASURE ForestAward for Northwest Alabama.

Timber ManagementTheir stewardship plan called for

immediate action to get pine stands inmaximum production. After a select har-vest cut left only vigorous sawtimbercandidates growing, an intensive pre-scribed burning program was establishedthat includes a burn every three to fouryears to reduce fuel and encouragehealthy wildlife habitat.

Pine plantations are on a 35-40 yearrotation until harvest. Regular thinningsare scheduled at 12-15 years and on an“as-needed” basis until final harvest.Insect-damaged trees are felled and dis-posed of promptly throughout the year.

Fire-Break Farm now boasts 157forested acres with 52acres of mature pines and30 acres of pine planta-tion. An additional 75acres of pine/hardwoodmixed stands prevent ero-sion along drains andprovide wildlife habitat.All trees are now flour-ishing under careful man-agement and excellentsite selection.

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement

The Morrises take every opportunityto protect and promote wildlife habitat.In fact, it is not entirely accurate to saythat wildlife is their secondary objectivebecause they feel so strongly about theprotection and development of wildlifehabitat.

Wildlife enhancement began byclearcutting two small upland hardwoodareas and planting them back to loblollypine. This created some much neededforaging and bedding areas for deer.More than 1,000 autumn olive, 3,000sawtooth oak, and 75 fruit trees wereplanted as permanent food plots. Lob-lolly pine and lespedeza were plantedaround open fields to enhance edge


(Continued on page 6)

This young rabbit (right)and deer (below right) arejust two of many animals

making their homes atFire-Break Farm.

(Bottom left) Showy wild-flowers are a special treat

along the banks of the lake.

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effect. Pines around fields are on a prun-ing program to increase clear wood andcontrol unwanted vegetation.

Seven food plots totaling eight acrestarget specific seasonal needs of wildlife.Winter foods include Ladino and crim-son clovers as well as wheat. An addi-tional eight acres are planted each yearin grain sorghum, corn, peas, and sun-flowers. Ten acres of pasture is mowedto maintain open areas. Windrows havebeen retained for habitat enhancement.

More than eight miles of permanentfire lanes and interior roads are main-

tained withwater bars andturnouts to pre-vent erosion andserve as linearwildlife open-ings for deer andground-nestingbirds.

The Morrisesestablished 40-50 bluebirdboxes that annu-ally house atleast 30 nestingpairs plus a vari-ety of flying andgray squirrels.

Numerous bird feeders, hummingbirdfeeders, and duck boxes are scatteredabout the farm. Six battery-powered sup-plemental feeders maintain both gameand non-game species.

RecreationSandi and George both love hunting

and regularly invite family and friends tojoin them. They have 22 tree stands andseven shooting houses. Two shootinghouses accommodate both an adult and achild for supervised hunting. They arecurrently working on fencing the proper-

ty to limit access.Another major pro-

ject the Morrises under-took was rebuilding asmall farm pond into afour-acre pond stockedwith bass, bream, sun-fish, red-eared sun-perch, and grass carp.Brown Creek is a tribu-tary of the Cahaba

River just to their north, and it enters andexits the pond.

In 2002, they built a one and one-halfstory 24’ x 24’ rustic cabin overlookingthe pond. They used building materialssalvaged from an old homeplace on theproperty which was built from timbergrown on the farm. It has an outhouseand a pump for water at the kitchen sink.They plan to use it to give children andschool groups a taste of rustic life.

Fire-BreakGeorge and Sandi moved from Tusca-

loosa to the farm outside Centrevillemore than six years ago. The name“Fire-Break Farm” has a literal meaningfor this family. George has worked forthe Tuscaloosa Fire Department since1978, and working on the farm is a“break” from his firefighting job. Sandiowned a successful Tuscaloosa businessfor many years and finds that Fire-Breakgives her the respite she needs as well.

They enjoy sharing their farm withothers, also giving them a little “break.”They welcome 4-H Forestry JudgingCompetitions and FFA Forestry andLand Judging Competitions each year,and routinely host church events andlocal landowner tours.

Their greatest joy, however, comesfrom inviting children who haven’t expe-rienced a day on a farm. They sponsorannual Youth Hunt Weekends, schoolfield trips, and special tours for under-privileged children who delight in thechance to fish, walk through the woods,and see wild animals. These youngstersalso have the opportunity to see strongfamily values and the rewards of Ameri-can work ethics in action at Fire-BreakFarm.

Sandi and George Morris (left) have planted many floweringtrees and shrubs to enhance their farm. They also built thisrustic cabin overlooking the pond.

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More than eight miles of permanent fire lanes and interiorroads are maintained on Fire-Break Farm.


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Location ofLandowner Property RegionTierre Agnew Fayette NW

Amason Farms Trust

Robert Amason Pickens NW

Majorie Anderton Lauderdale NW

“Oak Ridge Hunting Lodge”

Joe Andrews Barbour SE

“Banks' Lodge”

W. Frank Banks Walker NW

“Natural Light Plantation”

Tommy Bennett Barbour SE

“Triple B Farm”

Bruce Bowden Barbour, Dale SE

Frank Bryan Covington SE

“Mozzele Doss Farm, Inc.”

Frank Bryan Covington SE

Joe Carter Washington SW

Kenneth Colburn Bibb NW

Danny and Cynthia Cooper Sumter SW

Donald Cowart Russell SE

Betty J. Craig Butler SE

Comer and Linda Daughtry Houston SE

Richard T. and Janice Dowdle Pickens NW

Bobby Downey Jackson NE

Barry and Laura Fields Fayette NW

Jon Fritts Lauderdale NW

Larry H. Gibson, Jr. Sumter SW

James Lloyd Golden St.Clair NE

Dr. Richard Gutherie Bullock SE

Ed and Ruth Holley Barbour SE

Walter S. Hulse, III Coosa, Talladega NE

Location ofLandowner Property RegionKnox Gilmore Jennings Montgomery SE

Johnny Ladner Clarke SW

John and Jane Lee Baldwin SW

Dr. Mark McIlwain & Family Colbert NW

Russell and Tracie Newton Chambers NE

Joe and Juanita Owings Bibb NW

Kenneth Powell Russell SE

“Evans/Wise Treasure Forest”

Eddie Raper Marion NW

Bruce F. Rogers Bibb NW

“S & S Farms”

Tom Shirley & Tim Shirley Houston SE

Dr. Randy Smith Jackson NE

Ken Taylor Baldwin SW

Allen and Lisa Thompson Limestone NW

Henry Thompson Autauga SW

W. D. Clements Trust

Irma Tuggle Lee SE

“Cardinal Creek Ranch”

Randall Walker Coosa NE

Stuart Wells Covington SW

Jimmy Wendland Autauga SW

Alex Whatley Lee SE

J. N. Peters Trust

Bob Wilkins Dale SE

Bobby and Becky Williams Sumter SW

Victoria C. Wiltsie Wilcox SW

James and Frances Woodham Houston SE

Jim and Joyce Woods Chilton SW

Dr. Bruce Wozow Houston SE

New TREASURE ForestCertifications

Congratulations to the 49 landowners who were awarded TREASURE Forest certificationat the April 2003 meeting of the TREASURE Forest sub-committee. With these landowners,14,715 acres were added to the TREASURE Forest program in Alabama. At this same meet-ing, 85 landowners received re-certification.

This brings Alabama to 1,878 certified TREASURE Forests with a total of 1,798,154acres of forestland being managed under the guidelines of the TREASURE Forest program.


After the best sites and treesare found and your equip-ment is ready, you can beginreleasing crop trees from

unwanted competition. You’ll need tolocate those crop trees with good futuregrowth potential. Availability of sunlightis the leading limiting factor of treegrowth. When crowns of adjacent trees

touch each other, growth rates arereduced. Thus, by deadening unwantedtrees whose crowns are touching thecrown of your crop tree, more space iscreated for expansion.

Releasing Crop TreesCondition your eye to locate trees

needing release, not trees needing to be

deadened. In other words, first find thecrop tree, then ask, “Deadening whichtrees will improve my crop tree’s grow-ing condition?”

When selecting crop trees look for thefollowing qualities:

•Healthy trees -- those with potentialfor further development

Part II of a Two-Part Article

By David MerckerForestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries; University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

The tree marked with red paint is the crop tree; the author’s hand rests on the tree to be girdled.


•Trees with good form -- relativelystraight and with few forks

•Better-grade trees -- those with fewknots

•Trees whose average age is between15-30 years old -- stands that are tooyoung won’t have reached properheight, and older stands might notsuccessfully respond to the release

•Trees in the upper levels of the forestcanopy

The target is to release no more than36 crop trees per acre. This equates tocrop trees with an average spacing of 35feet between each other. Spacing can be

increased or decreased according to thestand conditions. For example, some 35-foot cells may not contain an acceptablecrop tree, and that cell should be left. Asa general guide, at least one-half of the35-foot cells per acre should containcrop trees for the project to be justifi-able.

You should deaden all trees whosecrowns touch the crown of the crop treeon three to four sides. Special note:

deaden only those trees whose crownsare affecting your crop trees. Those in-between or below and not affecting thecrop trees should remain. The leftovertrees help to protect crop trees from winddamage and epicormic branching(unwanted branching on the lower bowloften caused by sudden increases in sun-light.)

Procedure for Girdling TreesDetermine the trees to deaden. Using

a chainsaw, turn the saw sideways andcut a complete girdle (ring) around thetree at a comfortable height (usuallyaround three feet). Use proper safetyprocedures, as outlined in your saw safe-ty manual. Then, cut another girdle atleast six inches above or below the firstone. Each girdle should be cut complete-ly through the bark and into the livewood at least 3/4 inch. Make sure thateach girdle meets at both ends so thevascular flow of water is completely sev-ered.

Wildlife Benefits from CTRTrees may take up to a year to die,

but once dead, limbs fall off creating“snags.” Standing dead trees providefood (decomposing insects), as well assites for nesting, roosting, denning, andperching for many species of birds andmammals. Standing dead trees furtherbenefit wildlife by allowing sunlight toreach the forest floor, increasing foragefor deer and nesting cover for wildturkeys and many species of songbirds.Increased sunlight in the stand alsoallows the crowns of crop trees toexpand, which increases mast production(e.g. acorns, beechnuts, and cherries),further benefiting wildlife.

Why Deaden Trees If They Could Be Sold?

Younger stands of pine trees are com-monly thinned by logging, thereby gen-erating an income rather than anexpense. Why can’t the same early thin-ning be applied to hardwoods as well? Insome circumstances it can be feasible,particularly where markets allow andconscientious loggers are available; butin many cases, it’s not feasible. Severalcharacteristics unique to pine stands lendwell to early thinning:

Simulated aerial view of released crop trees. (Continued on page 10)

Locate trees needingrelease, not trees needing to be deadened.

Crop Tree Deadened Tree


•In the South, the price for pine pulp-wood is generally greater than forhardwood pulpwood. Normally, log-gers are more willing to purchasesmall pine trees for profitability.

•Pine plantations are usually in straightrows and on level terrain. Loggingequipment can maneuver through pinestands easily, which keeps the loggingproduction rate high and profitable.Hardwood stands, normally havinggrown up naturally (not planted), aremixed species with variable spacingand are often found on steeper terrain,making logging slow, difficult, andexpensive.

•Pine trees have flexible branches withconical-shaped crowns and can befelled and logged easily without caus-ing excessive damage to residualtrees. In contrast, logging youngerhardwood stands often results in dam-age to the tops and bases of the verytrees you are attempting to protect andrelease. For these reasons, manualCTR, rather than logging, should beconsidered in releasing your youngerhardwood stands.

ConclusionPrivate landowners are beginning to

view their hardwood forests as a vitalpart of their farm assets. Demand forfine-quality hardwood products such ascabinets, flooring, furniture, and veneerhas increased and is expected to continueincreasing for the foreseeable future. Asa result, prices have escalated, causingastute landowners to consider an activerather than an incidental approach tomanaging their hardwood crops.

The slow growth rates of hardwoodtrees have long been viewed as an obsta-cle to forest management. Through mini-mal investment, CTR is a way to ener-gize your forest. Growth rate isenhanced, forest composition isimproved, harvest rotation is shortened,and revived enthusiasm for your forestinvestment results.

(Continued from page 9)

Response of annualgrowth rings.

Girdles on ahardwood tree.


Alabama is a diverse state withnumerous plants, all of whichhave value and importance tothe ecosystem. However,

some of the plants are undesirable oreven harmful to humans. Almost anyplant may produce hay fever or skin rashin an allergic individual, but there are asmall number of plants that cause an irri-tating itch to most anyone who comesinto contact with them. Three of these arenative to Alabama: poison ivy, poisonoak, and poison sumac.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poisonsumac are closely related. All three arequite common and widely distributed invarious growth situations such as

hedgerows, thickets,woods, fields, androadsides. Everyoneactive in the outdoorsshould learn to recog-nize these plantsbecause they aresources of human dis-comfort. Poison ivyand poison oak are usu-ally easily recognized,but poison sumac ismore difficult. Poisonsumac is most commonin natural thickets and swampy habitat.

During early fall the leaves of allthree plants can be red or orange. The

leaves vary greatly in size,texture, and degree of“incutting” along the mar-gin, apparently dependingon habitat conditions tosome degree. Rememberthat poison oak is woody inolder plants and that eachleaf is divided into threeleaflets. Poison sumac is atall shrub or small tree. Eachleaf is composed of seven toeleven leaflets arrangedoppositely along the mid-view, terminating with oneleaflet at the tip. Poison ivyis a vine almost alwaysclimbing, and rarely foundresting on the ground.

The tissue fluid of allthree plants contains poi-

sonous oil. This oil is found in all partsof the plant and is extremely irritating tothe skin. The oil does not vaporize atnormal temperatures, so contact with theplant must occur to produce a reaction.However, an exception to this rule doesoccur: severe cases of poison ivy and oakhave been contracted from the droplets ofoil in the smoke debris of the plantswhen burned.

Once in contact, the oil adheres to theskin. It can be removed by washing wellwith a strong soap as soon as practicalafter contact (within five or ten minutesif possible). Otherwise, some skin reac-tion may have already taken place. If arash develops, the blisters and red itchingskin can be treated with dressings ofcalamine lotion, Epson salts, or bakingsoda. Severe cases may need medicaltreatment.

The best way to cope with theseplants is to learn to recognize them andstay away from them.

By Kenneth G . Johnson, Supervising Wildlife BiologistWildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division,

Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Atlantic Poison Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)Photo by Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-

NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Fieldoffice guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.

Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)Photo by Norman Melvin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)Photo by Robert H. Mohlenbrock @

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Fieldoffice guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.


Recent indicators show thatforestry markets in Alabamacontinue to be affected by theeconomic downturn. However,

there is some indication that this condi-tion is beginning to improve. The U.S.economy is beginning to rebound andcompany profits are increasing.

Investors still see forestry as a stableinvestment as they purchase forestlandfrom industry trying to consolidate andbecome more efficient. These investors,primarily investment management orga-nizations, see timberland investments asa viable alternative to the stock marketthat continues to recover. Prices for theselands are somewhat discounted, but arestill historically high, especially in thecurrent market.

Alabama’s commercial forests aregrowing faster than harvests, and will beable to supply existing as well as newmarkets, especially those utilizing smalldiameter wood. If the dollar weakens fur-ther it will be cheaper for foreigners topurchase U.S. products, and increasedexports would further improve forestrymarkets. Overall, the forestry sector is ingood shape and should respond well asthe economic climate improves.

Timber Price TrendsThe following graphs show the price

trends of timber stumpage for the mainforest products harvested and deliveredto primary mills in Alabama. Thesetrends are based on Timber Mart-Southsurvey results.

Pine pulpwood prices still reflect anoversupply condition with reduceddemand. Pine pulpwood prices leveledoff in 2002 after dropping to a ten-yearlow of around $16 per cord. Pine pulp-wood will continue to remain weak orslightly decrease, as additional woodfrom plantations becomes available.Price trends for this material will dependon whether or not new markets are devel-

oped. Hardwood pulpwood prices haveremained steady and slightly higher thanpine for a second year, and averagedaround $21 per cord.

Sawtimber prices remain strong ashouse constructions soar with historicallylow mortgage rates. However, there issome indication that housing starts maybe slowing down. Although sawtimber

prices dropped slightly over the last threeyears, they are still historically strong.Between 2001 and 2002, pine sawtimbergained back some earlier losses to end upat $331 per thousand board feet, Scrib-ner. Oak sawtimber rates declined slight-ly over the last two years to approximate-ly the same level as pine. Rates werefairly equal across the entire state.

Forest Market TrendsforTÄtutÅt

By Bruce Springer Management Division Director, Alabama Forestry Commission


Timber Harvest TrendsTimber Mart - South unit rates were

applied to the volume of timber harvest-ed (based on timber severance taxreceipts) to estimate the stumpage valueharvested in 2002.

The total estimated value of stumpageharvested in 2002 is 735.8 million dol-lars. This is up 2 percent from 2001 har-vests. Pine sawtimber harvest value wentup 9 percent to 536 million dollars, whilepine pulpwood value went down 26 per-cent to 69.8 million dollars, and hard-wood pulpwood value went down 11 per-

cent to 54.5 million dollars. The othermain primary products remained fairlysteady.

The state maps below show the totalstumpage value harvested in 2002 bycounty and the change in value from theprevious year. As shown on the maps,there was a considerable reduction inharvests throughout the central portion ofAlabama. Based on this information, thesouthwest portion of Alabama continuesto lead the state in timber harvests.

References:Timber Mart - South; Daniel B. Warnell

School of Forest Products, University ofGeorgia, Athens, Georgia (reprinted withpermission).

Alabama Department of Revenue, SeveranceTax Receipts.

Wear, D.N. and Greis, J.G. 2002. SouthernForest Resource Assessment. GeneralTechnical Report SRS-53. Asheville, NC.Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,Southern Research Station. 635 p.

Difference in Total Stumpage Value, 2002-2001 (Total per county, reported in Thousand Dollars)

Total Stumpage Value for 2002(Total per county, reported in Thousand Dollars)


Afew short years ago landown-ers were talking about an oaktree that would produceacorns in five years to ten

years, depending on who was telling thestory. Excited property owners were call-ing nurseries, governmental foresters,consulting foresters . . . any sourcewhere they thought they might get someof these “magic oaks.” Astime passed, the sawtooth oakbecame easier to acquire.Numerous land managers tookseedlings to the field andplanted them in a variety ofschemes and locations.Landowners waited a fewyears and were disheartenedto see that their “magic oaks”didn’t produce acorns in theanticipated time frame. Ashort study of the situationtold us that the trees had beenplanted and forgotten, similarto the mindset of plantingpines.

Maintaining a healthystand of sawtooth oaks ismore difficult than simplyplanting the stand. Hazardsfacing the newly planted treesinclude — but are not limitedto — plant competition,browse by deer, mice, rabbits,herbicide drifts, insects, etc. Ifonly there were a product thatcould protect the seedling andaccelerate the growth rate.Well, there is . . . it’s calledthe Tree Tube, Tree Shelter,and/or Tree Protector. If prop-erly used, tree shelters willincrease growth and survivalwhile protecting the seedlingsfrom numerous pests.

First used in England, treeshelters have now become a

common silvicultural tool used around theworld. The principle is simple: provide ashield to keep animals and wind out, whileallowing light and moisture in. As the treedevelops leaves, it forms a canopy insidethe shelter, trapping moisture.

When using a tree shelter, you shouldchoose the species of seedlings you aregoing to use and determine the environ-

mental conditions that may threatenthem. For example, hardwoods that areexposed to heavy deer browsing requirea four- to five-foot solid wall shelter. Themost common causes of seedling loss areanimal browsing, wind damage, weedand grass competition, chemical sprays,and drought. Tree shelters have beenproven to be very effective in preventing

these problems.Any tree shelter used in

forestry requires a flared topto prevent bark abrasion asthe tree grows from the shel-ter and begins to rub upagainst the top of the shelter.Most shelters are designed todegrade after five to sevenyears. However, they maybreak down differentlydepending on the weatherand light conditions on yourproperty. Top quality sheltershave a laser line that allowsthe shelter to split if thetrunk outgrows the diameterof the shelter. This preventsthe shelter from girdling andkilling the tree.

Research has shown thatseedlings grown in tree shel-ters have the highest survivalrate and increased growthrates, averaging 100-150 per-cent, with certain speciesexceeding 500 percent. Aseedling with enhanced earlygrowth will always be aheadof a plant of the same agethat does not have thegrowth advantage providedby a tree shelter.

How does a tree shelterprovide this enhanced earlygrowth? It provides a benefi-cial micro-climate for theseedling. A tree shelter pro-

By Alan WilliamsStaff Management Specialist,

Alabama Forestry Commission and

Blake KelleyCoosa County Manager,

Alabama Forestry Commission

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Growth is accelerated and survival is increased by using treeshelters.


vides increased humidity, higher carbondioxide levels, reduced drying andmechanical damage caused by wind, andit also reduces harmful ultraviolet light.

I (Alan) first used tree sheltersapproximately seven years ago. Theresults were hard to believe. I assisted afriend of mine, a landowner in Coosa

County, with the establishment of two“wildlife orchards.” My friend wanted toplant something beneficial to wildlife ontwo logging decks used during a recentlogging operation on his property. As iscommon with logging decks on pied-mont soils, the soil was compacted bythe logging equipment. Both of theselogging decks were approximately halfan acre in size. We planted about 50trees on each site for a total of 100 trees:a combination of sawtooth oaks, crab-apple, Chinese chestnuts, and hybridchestnuts. The containerized seedlingswere planted during March. Tree shel-ters, 48 inches high, were installed at thetime of planting. In November of thesame year both of these wildlife orchardswere included on the annual CoosaCounty TREASURE Forest LandownersTour. The amazing thing was that on asite with soil compaction and poor siteindex for hardwoods, most of theseedlings had grown up to or over thetops of the tree tubes. The record was acrabapple with a height of seven feet.This example shows how beneficial treeshelters can be.

Other examples come to mind. A stopon a TREASURE Forest tour in ElmoreCounty also illustrated the benefits oftree shelters. The landowner had plantedtwo adjacent rows of sawtooth oaks in anold cotton field. One row had been plant-

ed and left to grow on its own; the sec-ond row had tree shelters installed at thetime of planting. After approximatelyfive years, the sawtooth oaks without thetree shelters were 3 to 5 feet tall, whilethose with the tree shelters were 15 to 20feet tall.

In some counties, tree shelters may beobtained from local nurseries. The Coosaand Elmore County Planning Commit-tees offer the shelters (when available) tolocal landowners for less than $3.00each. They may also be obtained fromTREESENTIALS at 1-800-284-8239and TUBEX at 1-800-538-TREE. Pricesof tree shelters vary depending onheight, manufacturer, quantity, etc. Theprice range is usually between $1.50 and$6.00 per tube. Purchase a few from dif-ferent sources and pick the one that bestfits your needs.

In conclusion, we believe tree sheltersare a necessity when planting certainhardwood seedlings. The increasedgrowth and survival more than offset thecost of the shelters. If the aforemen-tioned factors are important to you . . .USE A TREE SHELTER.

For more information contact yourlocal Co-Operative Extension Systemoffice, Alabama Forestry Commissioncounty manager, or a Department ofConservation and Natural Resourceswildlife biologist.

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Growth rate is different among trees, as shown here within an approximate1/10th acre plot. Look closely to see twelve tree tubes in the photo above.Some seedlings have grown above the 4-1/2 foot tube, even with heavy grasscompetition.

Some landowners prefer the use ofmetal over wooden support stakes,as the wood generally tends to rotwithin a year.

Wildlife Biologist Brian Walker inspectshealthy four-year-old sawtooth oak.The manufacturer recommendsremoval of tree shelters only after theplastic begins to crack or degrade.

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Thursday, October 23Lunch and Tour of Roberson Family Farm in Rogersville

• Fertilization: Does It Pay?

• Hardwood Management and Marketing

• Wildlife Management in a Young Forest

• “A” and “R” are for Aesthetics and Recreation

• From Farm to Forest: Focus on the Roberson Family

Awards Banquet followed by dessert reception

Friday, October 24Indoor Session Topics run consecutively:

• The American Chestnut Tree

• Invasive Plants and Animals

• Attracting and Watching Non-game Bird Species

• Alabama’s Forests Long Ago

• Native Plants for Medicinal Purposes

Followed by Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Luncheon

☛ Exhibit Space is Available – Contact ATFA 1-888-240-4694 for information.

Continuing Education Credit is available for registered foresters and PLM Loggers.

PLEASE USE FORM ON OPPOSITE PAGE TO REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE


☛


20th Annual Alabama Landowner & TREASURE Forest Conference

REGISTRATION FORM

Name of Attendee(s): Email address: (if applicable)

1. ____________________________________ __________________________________

❏ Yes ❏ No I will attend Thursday’s tour. ❏ Yes ❏ No I am a forest landowner.

2. ____________________________________ __________________________________


3. ____________________________________ __________________________________


4. ____________________________________ __________________________________


Company/Agency Name: __________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________ State _______________ Zip ________

Enclosing $65.00 registration each for __________ attendee(s) = TOTAL $ ________________

• Registration includes tour, lunch, and banquet on Thursday; sessions and luncheon on Friday.

• $65.00 registration if postmarked by October 9th, $75.00 registration after October 9th. No refunds afterOctober 16th.

• Make checks payable to THE ALABAMA FORESTRY PLANNING COMMITTEE.

• Detach & mail upper portion to Fran Whitaker, Alabama Forestry Association, 555 Alabama Street,Montgomery, AL 36104. Email [email protected], Phone (334) 265-8733 or Fax (334) 262-1258.

✂ ---------------------------------------Retain this lower portion for your information-------------------------------------------

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Thursday, October 239:00 a.m. Registration begins in lobby of Florence Conference Center.

10:30 a.m. Buses load and depart for tour of Roberson Family Farm. No private vehicles allowed.Lunch provided at tour. Please dress appropriately & wear comfortable shoes.

6:45 p.m. Awards banquet followed by dessert reception.

Friday, October 248:00 a.m. Indoor programs presented consecutively in Ballroom.

Followed by Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Luncheon.

LodgingThree hotels within two miles of the Conference Center have a limited number of rooms reserved atspecial rates: Comfort Inn, telephone 256-740-0444, Hampton Inn, telephone 256-764-8888, andJameson Inn, telephone 256-764-5326. Please mention the TREASURE Forest Conference whenmaking reservations.


When the names of Dan andRomaleta James werecalled last year at theAlabama Landowner and

TREASURE Forest Conference as win-ners of the prestigious Bill MoodyAward, it was a huge surprise for theBibb County couple. According to Dan,“I was speechless.” Later, GaryFortenberry told him it was the first timesince he had known him that he wasspeechless.

“Before, I hadlooked up to,admired, and respect-ed everyone that hadwon the award, andfor me to be placedon the same plateauwith them is incom-prehensible,” Dansays. “It was undoubt-edly the highestaward I have everreceived and I wastruly humbled by it.”

The Bill MoodyAward has been pre-sented each year since1996 by the AlabamaTREASURE ForestAssociation (ATFA) atthe Alabama TREA-SURE Forest andLandowner Confer-ence. It is given tohonor individualsand/or groups who have made significantcontributions to the advancement of theTREASURE Forest Program and theAlabama TREASURE Forest Association.The award is given in honor of BillMoody who served 23 years with theAlabama Forestry Commission as StateForester. He is considered by many to be

the “father” of the TREASURE ForestProgram. His vision was to help Alabamalandowners become better informed andbetter stewards of their land. This ideabecame the foundation for the TREA-SURE Forest Program. He also knew thatthere must be coordination among thestate agencies to help landowners managetheir forests. This resulted in the AlabamaForestry Planning Committee. Later hesaw the need for landowner input to the

state forester about issues and problemsthey faced. This lead to the creation of theState Foresters Advisory Board that laterbecame the Alabama TREASURE ForestAssociation.

Dan and his wife Romaleta were certi-fied as TREASURE Forest owners inMay of 1986 (TREASURE Forest #385),and they were winners of the Helene

Mosley Award later that year. Both aremembers of the Alabama TREASUREForest Association and Dan has served asits director and president. Dan has been amember and is currently president of theInternational Wood Collectors Society.

Dan has been active in most of thelocal farm organizations including theBibb County Farm Bureau, AgriculturalStabilization and Conservation Service,Bibb County Soil and Water Conserva-

tion District, BibbCounty FarmersFederation, as wellas the TombigbeeResource Conserv-ation and Develop-ment Council. Onthe state level, Danhas served as statepresident of theAlabama Associa-tion of Conser-vation Districts,Chairman of theAlabama TreeFarm Committee,and Vice Presidentof the AdvisoryBoard of theAlabama Coop-erative ExtensionSystem.

Romaleta is therecording secretaryfor the BibbCounty Farmers

Federation Board of Directors and amember of the ALFA Women’sCommittee. She is a member of both theWomen of Agriculture team and the BibbCounty Farm-City Week Committee. Sheis also one of the forces behind the ATFASilent Auction held each year at thelandowner conference.

U|uu VÉâÇàç VÉâÑÄx Honored with Bill Moody Award

By Coleen VansantInformation Manager, Alabama Forestry Commission

Dan and Romaleta James, winners of the “Bill Moody Award” at the 2002Alabama Landowner and TREASURE Forest Conference.


The Bill Moody Award was first givenin 1996 when the selection process forthe Helene Mosley Memorial TREA-SURE Forest Award was changed fromone winner and two runners-up to fourregional winners. That year, the awardwas presented to Dr. Emory Cunningham,who was one of the three regionalMosley winners.

The following year, the criterion waschanged. The award would not be pre-sented to one of the four regional HeleneMosley winners, but to an individual orgroup who had contributed to the pro-gram or to ATFA. Each acknowledgementpresented in honor of the award has aspecial connection to ATFA and involveswoods that are native to Alabama. Whenthe award was first conceived, Dan andRomaleta James felt strongly that itshould carry with it a distinct and uniqueacknowledgement of service rendered.They have furnished the acknowledge-ments every year since 1997 and eachaward is individual and unique.

The recipient of the award in 1997was W. Kelly Mosley for his outstandingand significant contribution to the TREA-

SURE Forest Program and ATFA. Hisgenerosity has helped promote steward-ship by recognizing and rewarding thoseindividuals who have set the highestexample of what the TREASURE Forestphilosophy aspires to convey.

In 1998 the award was presented toJerry Johnson, state staff forester forNatural Resources Conservation Servicein Auburn. His support of forest land-owners and ATFA, combined with hisearly involvement in the development ofthe TREASURE Forest Program stan-dards, helped strengthen a foundation forgood forest stewardship in Alabama.

State Forester Timothy C. Boycereceived the 1999 award. His involve-ment in the development and implemen-tation of the TREASURE Forest Programand his long-term commitment to sup-porting landowners and the AlabamaTREASURE Forest Association has beena cornerstone for the success of both.

In the year 2000, the Bill MoodyAward was presented to Larkin Wade,retired Alabama Cooperative ExtensionSystem forester for Auburn University.Larkin supported the TREASURE Forest

Program and has been a member of theAlabama Forestry Planning Committeesince its inception.

Steve Guy was the recipient of the2001 award. Steve is a registered foresterthat serves as statewide Director of theForestry, Soybean, & Wildlife ResourcesDivision and Director of EnvironmentalAffairs for the Alabama FarmersFederation. This position provides direc-tion, service, and organization to manyforest landowners across Alabama. Also,Steve was a management forester withthe Alabama Forestry Commission duringthe agency’s inception of the TREA-SURE Forest Program, serving as itsstatewide coordinator. He is a longtimemember of the Alabama ForestryPlanning Committee.

The 2003 Bill Moody Award will bepresented during the Alabama Landownerand TREASURE Forest Conference to beheld October 23-24, 2003, at the FlorenceConference Center. See pages 16-17 ofthis issue for more information and regis-tration material.

Visit the AFC Web Site: www.forestry.state.al.us

The Alabama Forestry Commissionis committed to bringing the read-ers of Alabama’s TREASUREDForests magazine information in

all areas that affect forestry, landowners,and fire. Whether or not legislation ispassed or amended is sometimes crucial tothe Commission as an agency, as well asrural volunteer fire departments and forestlandowners across the state.

In order to bring you general informa-tion, Alabama’s TREASURED Forestswill take this space to feature differentcommittees or people in the legislatureand the status of important bills that arebeing considered. This segment will alsobe used to bring you information on leg-islation on the national level that mightaffect forestry in Alabama.

The two committees featured here aresignificant to the Alabama Forestry

Commission and its programs. Both con-sider legislation that is sometimes vital tothe Commission’s forest managementand fire programs, private non-industriallandowners, forest industry, and rural firedepartments.

House of RepresentativesAgriculture, Forestry and Natural

Resources Committee: Chair – ThomasJackson (Dem/District 68); Vice Chair –John Robinson (Dem/District 23); andRanking Minority Member – GregAlbritton (Rep/District 64). Members areBilly Beasley (Dem/District 84), WarrenBeck (Rep/District 87), Lucius Black(Dem/District 71), Joe Carothers (Dem/District 86), Tommy Carter (Dem/District5), Spencer Collier (Rep/District 105),Rusty Glover (Rep/District 102), MickyHammon (Rep/District 4), Allen Layson

(Dem/District 61), Yusuf Salaam (Dem/District 67), Bobby Singleton (Dem/District 72), and Cam Ward (Rep/District49).

SenateAgriculture, Conservation and

Forestry Committee: Chair – Zeb Little(Dem/District 4); Vice Chair – JackBiddle III (Rep/District 17); and FloorLeader – Jeff Enfinger (Dem/District 7).Members are Tom Butler (Dem/District2), Bobby Denton (Dem/District 1),Henry E. “Hank” Erwin (Rep/District14), Jimmy Holley (Dem/District 31),Hinton Mitchem (Dem/District 9), H. E.“Hap” Myers (Rep/District 34), MyronPenn (Dem/District 28), Charles Steele,Jr. (Dem/District 24), and Gary Tanner(Dem/District 35).

Legislative Report


In the last three issues of Alabama’sTREASURED Forests, we’ve fea-tured a series of articles discussingthe measurement of direction. These

previous articles included factors associat-ed with “North,” “Angles of Azimuth andBearing,” and using lines of “Direction”to locate places on a map.

Let’s now look at measuring “Dis-tance.” A few hundred years ago, theFrench desired to establish a worldwidestandard for all measurements. The pur-pose was to facilitate trade and price. Onesuch measurement was for distance, themeter, on which the metric system wasbased. The meter was defined as one ten-millionth (1/10,000,000) the distance fromthe North Pole to the Equator as measuredin Europe. Even though Napoleon laterrejected this system, it finally became the

standard for much of the world. ThomasJefferson wanted to use it for the Ameri-can standard as well; but this idea failed,primarily because the English standardhad already become established amongmost all the people of the “New World.”

Some of the origins and history aboutdistance measures are quite interesting:

•A cubit isthe distancefrom the fin-gertips to theelbow.Noah’s Arkwas 300cubits long.

•A rod orpole, used todrive oxen,was about 16feet long andwas handyfor measur-ing landsince it wasthe longest,usable tool

commonly available to a farmer. Thelength later became an official 16 1/2

feet when the British Empire decreed itto be the combined lengths of the leftfeet of the first 13 men exiting a certainEnglish church on a designated day.

•A foot was the length derived from theend of the toe to the rear of the heel ofthe foot. It probably fell to kings ortribal leaders to declare the standards.

•The mile originated from having Romansoldiers march with a step of 2 1/2 feet:one mile was declared 1,000 paces or5,000 feet.

•The furlong was defined as the lengthof one side of a square ten-acre field,or 660 feet. In the 17th century, QueenElizabeth decreed one mile equal toeight furlongs or 5,280 feet or 320poles.

Regardless of the units of measure-ments – be they English, Metric, or other— all distance measurements associatedwith travel and area determinations mustbe made on a horizontal plane! Notice in

D C41 links

C B62 links

B A

A

74 links

Figure 1 A to Z is the same distance as A to B + B to C + C to D. However, thehorizontal distance is shorter than A to D as measured along the surface of theearth. Since the entire length of the chain/tape cannot be used horizontally onthe slope, segments called “breaking the chain/tape” are added together.

Measuring Distance and Computing Area

By: Douglas A. SmithFire Operations Officer, Alabama Forestry Commission

Figure 2 Top photo: Metal tape (chain) on a reel (note: may bemetal or fabric). A link on one end is graduated and marked withten divisions for increased accuracy. Bottom photo: Example of aGunter’s Chain. A surveyor’s chain = 66 feet = 100 links, thereforeone link = .66 feet = 7.92 inches.

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Z


Figure 1 that you may own a lot of sur-face area on the side of a steep hill but nota relatively equal amount of distance.

The English mathematician, EdmundGunter, developed a tool to measure dis-tances in lengths that would easily con-vert to the mile or the acre. He figuredthat a 66-foot chain would not only be aneven part of the mile (1/80), but tensquare chains would be one acre. Bydividing the chain into 100 equal parts orlinks, the chain became a fairly accuratemeasuring tool for that period (1600-1800). The linked chain could be foldedfor convenient storage. Later versionscame in the form of a steel tape with thelinks stamped in the metal. The tape couldbe rolled on a spool, or with a little train-ing, could be “thrown” into a relativelysmall circle for storage. Later versionswere produced on non-stretchable fabricthat was lighter and easier to handle. Thesteel chain or tape was commonly onechain long in order to stretch it tight onthe horizontal. However, two chainlengths were also common for relativelyflat terrain. See Figure 2.

Pacing is a rough measurement of dis-tance. Measure a chain on the ground.Walk from one end to the other and countyour steps. You can then use this as a fieldtool that is always available. Averagingyour pace of a longer distance and varietyof slopes will give you an even better esti-mate of your individual pace. Start bystepping off with your left foot and countonly every other step (each time yourright foot strikes the ground). This makesremembering the count much more easy.

Frequently check your pace count toensure accuracy.

If you walk/pace the distance of achain and your right foot strikes theground twelve times, then you havetwelve paces per chain. Now step 48paces and you have gone 4 chains. Notethat 120 paces will be 10 chains, which issignificant because 10 square chainsequals one acre.

Let’s now use our distance knowledgeto compute area in acres. The followingfour examples are shown in Figure 3.

a) If you pace a square that is 10chains long on a side, the figure contains100 square chains. There are 10 square

chains per acre, so divide 100 by 10 to get10 acres.

b) Suppose your tract of land is a rect-angle and you pace or measure a width of5 chains and a length of 15 chains. Thearea of a rectangle is L x W, thus 5ch x15ch equals 75 square chains. Therefore,75 square chains divided by 10 squarechains per acre produces an area of 7.5acres.

c) What if your property is the shapeof a triangle? Pace the base and height,use the formula 1/2 Base x Height, anddivide that by 10 to calculate the acres.

10 chains

100÷10 = 10 Acres

10 c

hain

s

100 sq chains

15 chains

75÷10 = 7.5 Acres5

chai

ns

75 sq chains r = 5

chain

s

3.14 x r2 = sq area ÷ 10 = Acres3.14 x 52 = 3.14 x 25 =78.5 ÷ 10 = 7.85 Acres

heig

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10

chai

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base = 5 chainsBase x Height

210 = Acres 5 x 10 = 50 ÷ 2 = 25 ÷ 10 = 2.5 Acres÷

Figure 3

8.5 chains

3.5 chains

10 c

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D

B

C

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A

Figure 4


L x W ÷ 10 = acres

L = 10ch

W = 3.5 + 8.5 = chain2

10ch x 6ch = 60 sq ch

60 ÷ 10 = 6 acres

d) Imagine your property is a circle.Pace the radius (r) of the property and usethe formula: A= π r2 (or, Area equals 3.14times the radius squared). After gettingthat area, divide by 10 to get acres.

The next example is for an irregulararea, shown in Figure 4. The answer is anapproximation but may be close enough foryour need. Pace the length A-B. Since thewidth varies, pace it at two representativepoints, E-F & C-D. Average those two dis-tances and multiply that times the length.Divide the answer by 10 to produce acres.

The example in Figure 5 may be mea-sured by vehicle. Drive by a large openfield. Check the odometer to find it is 1.2miles long. In our example, you driveanother side and measure it as .8 mileslong. There are 80 chains to the mile so thelengths now compute to 96 chains and 64

chains. [96ch x 64ch = 6,144square chains.] Divide that by10 to get 614 acres. A quickmental check tells us we arecorrect since one square mileequals 640 acres and ourmeasured area is approxi-mately one square mile.

When traveling a com-pass direction, whether forjust getting to another loca-tion or measuring area, thinkabout “directional error” ver-sus “distance.” If your lineof travel is off by one degreeand you travel one mile(80ch or one section), you willmiss your target by approxi-mately 92 feet. Accuracy isnot only important in direc-

tion, but becomes multiplied when usedin area computations.

This final paragraph includes addition-al area information. Figure 6 depicts aTownship that is 6 miles by 6 miles, or 36square miles. That is the same as 36Sections of land. The sections are num-bered starting at the NE corner in the pat-tern shown in the example.

Figure 7 divides a square mile/sectioninto 16 equal squares that produce thecommonly expressed 40 acres, or an areathat is 20ch by 20ch.

Figure 8 includes additional area com-putations.

Author’s Note: Thanks to Robert Wigginsfor some of the research included in thisarticle.


1.2 miles96 chains

.8 m

iles

64 c

hain

s

6, 144 sq chains = 614 Acres

Figure 5

160 Acres

320 Acres

40 Acres

40 Acres

40 Acres

1010

1010

80 chains = 1 mile

80 c

hain

s =

1 m

ile

640 Acre section

40 chains20 ch

6 5 4 3 2 1

7 8 9 10 11 12

18 17 16 15 14 13

19 20 21 22 23 24

31 32 33 34 35 36

30 29 28 27 26 25

Township = 36 - 1 Mile square sections

6 m

iles

6 miles

1 mile sq

Figure 7

Figure 6

Figure 8 Use the computation that has the most value to you.

Section

1 mile = 5,280 ft1 Section = 1 mile x 1 mile5,280 ft x 5,280 ft = 27,878,400 sq ft 27,878,400 sq ft ÷ 43,560 sq ft/acre = 640 acres

1 mile = 80 chains80ch x 80ch = 6,400 sq ch6,400 ÷ 10 sq ch/acre = 640 acres or one section of land


During the Civil War, Mrs. MaryHope’s property located inThomaston (Marengo County)Alabama was called the

Eaton’s Place. This land was an old cottonfield that her ancestors, who were former-ly slaves on the property, inherited fromtheir owners.

Mrs. Hope’s mother was a native ofMarengo County and her father was anative of Perry County. As a child, herfamily moved to Birmingham so that shecould receive a quality education.Her grandmother and great-grand-mother remained on the family prop-erty. To help these ladies manage theland, tend the crops, and do choresthey could not do, her parents wouldtravel between Birmingham andMarengo County each week. Herfather planted enough crops (corn,wheat, watermelon, muscadines, andother fruit and vegetables) to lastthroughout the winter for the familyand neighbors in the community. Mrs.Hope remembers reading and playinggames under a very large oak tree whileher parents tended the farm and plantedthe most beautiful flowers in the garden.

After graduation, Mrs. Hope taughtschool at the Fairfield Institute inFairfield (near Birmingham) and wasnamed director of the Science Depart-ment. Later, after marrying and moving toNew York, she taught in the New YorkSchool system. She subsequently movedto Boston and served as Dean of StudentAffairs at Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology for twelve years. Mrs. Hopewas an educator for more than forty years.

While living up North, Mrs. Hope vis-ited Alabama at least five or six times ayear. She said, “No matter where I live,Alabama is always home.”

Following her mother’s suggestion,Mrs. Hope contacted the Alabama

Forestry Commission for managementadvice. She and Alan Black, formerMarengo County Forester, established agreat relationship. He told her about thedifferent cost share programs and evenlooked after her property since she was anabsentee landowner. He gave her tips asto how to become a good steward of theland. Mrs. Hope traveled often, so in theearly 1980’s she chose to grow timber asit was less confin-ing. Her very first

planting was nine acres. Since then, shehas had three additional plantings. Shereceived cost-share assistance under theFIP (Forestry Incentive Program). In addi-tion to the planting of timber, many other

tasks have been completed on this farmincluding wildlife management.

Kenneth Leslie, the present MarengoCounty Forester, sparked Mrs. Hope’sknowledge about the TREASURE ForestProgram. He completed a TREASUREForest Management plan on her 81 acres,and with his assistance she was certifiedas a TREASURE Forest landowner onSeptember 18, 2001.

Her future plans are to land-scape the home site and plantwildflowers, ornamentals, fruittrees, and a rose garden. Shetruly wants to return the home-place as she remembers it fromher childhood. She also wantsto put the property back intoproduction and do better landmanagement. Mrs. Hope simplywants to enjoy God’s beautifulcreation. One of her sayings is,“God doesn’t make any moreland, we need to take care ofwhat He has given us.” And

that is exactly what she is doing. Shetakes pride in owning and maintaining theproperty because of the unique way it wasobtained by her ancestors. They were ableto maintain it during a period of economicdistress. Mrs. Hope retains the originaldeed to the land given to her grandmotherback in 1916, as well as pictures of herancestors who lived on the property.

Mrs. Hope now resides in Birminghamin the house that her mother built. Shestill enjoys trips to the farm with herdaughters when she is not traveling. Her96-year-old cousin, Josephine McClain, isthe oldest member of their family andeven now resides on the property. Mrs.Hope enjoys spending time with her andlistening to her tell stories from the past.She also loves to watch the children in thecommunity playing and enjoying the land,making their own memories.

By LaKedra C. ByrdSouthwest Outreach Forester, Alabama Forestry Commission

Mary Hope as a young girl on thefarm (top left); after graduating fromAlabama State (top right); and now.


For most people in today’s world,weather is simply an annoyance.We don’t pay much attention toa beautiful weather day, but we

glue ourselves to the television to see ifit will be too wet to play golf, plow thegarden, or cook out — or if it will be toocold to pour concrete, go camping, orplan a fishing trip.

For thousands of years man has moni-tored the weather. From the beginning ofmankind he has watched the skies, theseas, animals, insects, and plants forsigns of changes in the weather. Wherebad weather may only be an inconve-nience or a topic of conversation to ustoday, it meant much more to genera-tions before us. Knowing what theweather was going to do meant the dif-ference in prosperity and poverty, com-fort and discomfort, or health and sick-ness. For our ancestors, not knowing

what the weather would do tomorrow,next week, or the next season couldmean either total success or utter failurefor man and his family.

The previous segment of this story(see Spring 2003) dealt with how manover the centuries has depended on theheavens and other elements to predict theweather. Part two of the story willexplain how animals, insects, and plantshave been relied upon to indicatechanges in the weather.

What the Animals Tell UsEach year on the second day of

February, the entire nation looks to thesmall town of Punxsutawney,Pennsylvania for the results of an eventthat affects us for the next six weeks.Since 1886, Punxsutawney Phil, agroundhog, has come out of his winterburrow on this day to tell the nation if

spring will be early or late. If it is cloudyand Phil does not see his shadow, it willbe an early spring. If it is a bright, sunnyday and he does see his shadow, springwill be another six weeks away.

Although this sounds silly to manypeople, it is an example of how man hasdepended on animals to give him both ashort and long range forecast of whatMother Nature is going to do. During therecent earthquake in North Alabama,many people reported bizarre behaviorfrom their animals shortly before thequake was felt. People have also report-ed this same behavior from animalsbefore a tornado. Listed below are just afew animal indicators of the weather.

It will be a bad winter if:

Squirrels accumulate large stores ofnuts.

Beavers build heavier lodges than usual.

Squirrels’ tails grow bushier.

WWWWeeeeaaaatttthhhheeeerrrr LLLLoooorrrreeee –––– PPPPaaaarrrrtttt 2222::::

By Coleen VansantInformation Manager, Alabama Forestry Commission

Did you know that akatydid’s song cantell the temperature?

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Animals grow thicker fur (horses, cows,dogs, sheep, etc.)

Cows’ hooves break off earlier.

Squirrels build their nests low in trees.

Animals grow a short fuzzy coat undertheir regular one.

Crows gather together.

Hoot owls call late in the fall.

Screech owls sound like women crying.

Rain, storms, and other bad weatherare predicted:

If a cow bellows three times withoutstopping, rain will come a hopping.

If an owl hoots on the east side of amountain, there will be bad weather.

Horses run fast before a violent storm orbefore windy conditions.

Pigs gather leaves and strawbefore a storm.

If the bull leads the cows topasture, expect rain; if the cowsprecede the bull, the weatherwill be uncertain.

Expect rain and/or severeweather if dogs eat grass.

When the rooster goes crowingto bed, he will rise with awatery head.

Redbirds and bluebirds chatterwhen it’s going to rain.

If cows in a field are lyingdown, rain can be expectedwithin 12 hours.

When fish break water and biteeagerly, expect rain.

If a dog pulls his feet up highwhile walking, a change in theweather is coming.

If a dog starts to whine for noreason, you can expect a majorstorm.

Wild geese fly high in pleasantweather and fly low in badweather.

Ducks quack loudly before arain.

If a rooster crows at night, there will berain by morning.

Listening to the InsectsAlthough insects are not always the

most wanted thing around a home oryard, you may want to wait, watch, andlisten before you get the fly swatter orcall the bug man. For thousands of years

these creepy crawlers have been as goodas weather radar for mankind.


Hornets and yellow jackets build theirnests heavier and closer to the groundthan usual.

There are a lot of spiders, frost worms,and black bugs about.

Crickets are in the chimney.

It will be a long harsh winter if waspsbuild their nests high.

If ant hills are high in July, winter willbe snowy.

Three months after the first katydidbegins “hollerin’,” the first killing frostwill come.

When butterflies gather in bunches in theair, winter is coming soon. If theymigrate early, winter will be early.

The woolly worm has many stories totell about the weather:

It’s going to be a bad winter if there area lot of them crawling about; if he has aheavy coat; or if the black band on hisback is wide.

If he’s black in front, the bad weather isto come; if he’s black behind, the worstweather is past.

If he’s brown at both ends and orange inthe middle, the winter will be mild.

Other insect-related weather predic-tions:

Locusts sing when the air is hot and dry.

Crickets chirping loudly indicate apleasant day to follow.

Spiders will spin thicker, bigger webswhen the weather is going to be dry.

Ants are busy, gnats bite, crickets singlouder than usual, spiders come downfrom their webs, and flies gather in houses just before rain and possiblesevere storms.

Learning from the PlantsAlthough much of our food and fiber

is derived from plant material, our ances-tors were particularly depen-dent upon the local foliage.Both domestic and wildplants gave them food, shel-ter, medicines, tools, andtransportation, as well asbeing a very importantweather indicator.


Blackberry blooms are especially heavy.

Carrots grow deeper in theground.

Grapes, cockle burrs, andapples mature early.

Sweet potatoes have atougher skin.

Onions grow thicker layers.

Trees are laden with greenleaves late in the fall.

Hickory nuts have a heavyshell.

There’s a heavy crop ofberries, acorns, andpinecones.

Bark on trees is thicker andheavier on the north side.

Leaves shed before they turn.

Moss grows heavy on trees.

Corn shucks and silk grow thicker, andthe shucks grow tighter.

The darker green the grass is during thesummer, the harder the winter.

If fruit trees bloom in the fall, the weatherwill be severe the following winter.



The following plant lore predictsimpending rain:

Flowers close their petals up.

Sap from the maple tree flows faster.

The daisy shuts its eye.

Flowers smell more fragrant.

The milkweed closes its pod before arain.

The pitcher plant opens wider before arain.

(Continued from page 25)

Resources:http://www.reearthing.com/newpage2.htmhttp://wv.essortment.com/weatherfolklore_ruao.htmhttp://members.aol.com/Accustiver/wxworld_folk.htmlhttp://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cmos/weatherlore.htmlhttp://www.wrgb.com/wx/research/research.asp?Selection=folklorehttp://ashevillelist.com/weather_folk_sayings.htmhttp://www.carolina.com/earth/weather_folklore.asp?print=yeshttp://www.stormfax.com/wxfolk.htmhttp://ncnatural.com/wildflwr/fall/folklore.htmlhttp://www.chestnut-sw.com/lore.htmhttp://www.stalkingthewild.com/weather.htmThe Foxfire Book, Anchor Books, 1972, New York

Many people say thatanimals exhibit bizarrebehavior just before anearthquake or storm.

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Weather Experiments You Can Try On Your Own!Rhododendrons have the unique ability to act as temperature gauges. As the air temperature rises, their leaves begin to unfurl.

•At 60oF and above, the leaves are fully open. •At 40oF, the leaves are about one quarter closed.

•At 30oF, the leaves are about half closed. •At 20oF or below, the leaves are completely closed.

You can determine the temperature by counting the chirps of a cricket. Count the number of times a cricket chirps in 14 sec-onds. That number plus 40 will give you the temperature in Fahrenheit to within one degree. Example: 20 chirps + 40 = 60oF.

Or, count a cricket’s chirps for one minute, add 100, then divide the total by 4. The result will give you a rough idea of thetemperature. Example: 200 chirps + 100 / 4 = 75oF.

Put a pine cone outside where you can observe it. Watch how it changes when the humidity increases. It will close up in moistweather to protect the seeds.

A katydid’s song gives the following temperatures: “Kay-tee—did it”78oF “Kay-tee—didn’t”74oF“Kay-tee—did”70oF “Kate-didn’t”66oF“Kate-tee”62oF “Kate”58oF.


The river otter, Lutra canadensis,is probably the most playfulmember of the family Musteli-dae. These animals seem to

enjoy making a game of all activities. Thisfamily is also widely known for its abilityto discharge scent from anal glands.

The river otter is found throughout allof Alabama, from the hilly regions of thenorth to the coastal marshes of extremesouth Alabama. We naturally associateotter populations with aquatic habitats:rivers, creeks, ponds, and swamps aresome of the areas to find these critters.However, a fact not widely known is thatotters also inhabit marine environments,so locating an otter along our coastalmarsh area is a distinct possibility. Theyprefer an unpolluted drainage and mini-mal human contact. Although normallyaquatic creatures, otters will travel manymiles over land to find other suitablehabitats.

Otters are powerful swimmers, pro-pelled through the water by webbed hindfeet. Their keen ability to move acrobati-cally in the water is a result of a torpedo-shaped body and a long, muscular tail.Otters can stay submerged up to eightminutes. They are primarily nocturnal,which accounts for people locating ottersigns, but not the animal itself. They areactive during daylight however, in areasthat are undisturbed. About one-half ofan otter’s life is spent sleeping. Feedingand social play also account for a highpercentage of an otter’s life. Both adult

and young appear to enjoy these times ofactivity. Wrestling, dunking, playing hideand seek, and mud sliding are favoriteactivities noted in these interesting ani-mals. The vocalization of otters can bestbe described as growls, whines, andchirps.

River otters are solitary animals butare at times found in family groups. Theotter is sexually mature at two years ofage. Breeding season occurs in late win-ter to early spring. Like other membersof the family Mustelidae, they exhibitdelayed implantation of fertilized eggs.After a period of arrested development,the egg implants in the uterine wall andnormal development occurs. The averagelitter is two. The mother cares for theyoung, which are born blind and help-less. Around six months of age, the fami-ly unit is broken and the young move on,looking for territory to call home.

These animals use “toi-lets,” a specific area wherethe animal defecates. A com-mon site in otter territory issmall piles of mud anddebris. These “scentmounds” are normally therecipient of urine and scent.This action aids in territorialmarking.

As one would expect, theprimary diet of otters is fish,although location of habitatdoes play an important rolein what is consumed. Cray-

fish, snails, mussels, reptiles, amphib-ians, and insects can be part of their diet.Mammals, waterfowl, and vegetablematter is also taken but to a lesserdegree. Along the coast, an otter’s dietwill include crabs, shrimp, and othermarine life.

Since fish make up a high percentageof an otter’s diet, their presence in oraround any commercial fish operationshould cause concern. A little detectivework, such as examination of an otter“toilet” will reveal clues about what hasrecently been consumed. If problemsoccur, there are non-lethal methods avail-able to control river otters.

For more information on the riverotter contact Richard Tharp, WildlifeBiologist, Alabama Division of Wildlifeand Freshwater Fisheries, 2227 EastLaurel Street, Atmore, AL 36502; tele-phone (251)368-2830.

Richard Tharp, Wildlife BiologistWildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division

Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources

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Those two powerful sentencessummarize the life of EvanFrank Allison - a man devotedto a practice of conservation

that provided multiple benefits. As amatter of personal interest he lovednature; as a sound business practice hecultivated the forest assuring a harvestfor his own and future generations.

Allison was a pioneer in his efforts topreserve forest and wildlife resources inhis native West Alabama and hepreached, with vigor, a practical courseof conservation that influenced manylandowners and future generations oflandowners.

Although born to a family of limitedresources, he established Allison LumberCompany in Sumter County and guidedit to a position of leadership in the pineand hardwood industries. He gained con-trol of wide timber interests and took anactive part in the economic developmentof the state.

While others were stripping the landof timber growth, he selectively cutcrooked, forked, and mature trees, leav-ing superior trees for reproduction. He

also planted large numbers of seedlingseach year. He met the ever-present threatof wildfire through developing a cooper-ative understanding with neighbors, con-


Evan Frank AllisonPioneer in Conservation

1865-1937By Tilda Mims

Information Specialist, Alabama Forestry Commission

“In the managementof his lands he led the way in Alabama to profitable forest conservation throughselective tree cuttingand reforestation. He restored species ofwildlife indigenous to the area and taught methods fortheir conservation.”

Alabama Hall of Fame, 1961

Allison erected the first fire tower in Alabama and it served as the companylogo for many years. The tower remained standing until the mill and landswere purchased by the American Can Company which later razed it.

taining fires through an early warningsystem, and by erecting Alabama’s firstfire observation tower.

At the time of his death in 1937, hewas the majority owner of a businessthat owned a town, the Sumter &Choctaw Railroad, a sawmill, and over100,000 acres of prime timberland inSumter and Choctaw Counties.

Allison Lumber CompanyE.F. Allison and Steve Smith started

in the sawmill business in an area east ofYork, Alabama in central Sumter County.They sold this operation to the SumterLumber Company in 1889. Then in 1899Allison and Smith, along with a third

partner, R.C. Derby (also of SumterCounty), established the Allison LumberCompany at Bellamy, Alabama.

Bellamy was founded as a sawmilltown. It was home to Sumter County’sfirst hospital. It also contained a pressingshop, shoe shop, carpentry business, aslaughter house, library, telephone office,post office, commissary, filling station,train depot, a hotel, three churches, anopera house, two recreation halls, twoswimming pools, and a gambling house.

As local history goes, the residents ofthe town decided to break with the tradi-tion of naming the town after a promi-nent citizen. Instead, they sought out theleast respected person in town. It was so

named for Volney Bellamy, a UnionArmy veteran.

In 1902, the company was incorporat-ed, and J.G. Mitchell and CharlesRowland of Toledo, Ohio bought out theinterest of Smith and Derby. The millcapacity was increased and operationscontinued without interruption until 1922when a new plant was built.

The new plant was described as“magnificent,” with an eight-foot bandhead saw, a six-foot vertical resaw, and agang saw. The plant had a daily capacityof 75,000 feet of lumber on a ten andone-half hour run.


At one time, Allison (at left with cigar) and his forester counted less than five deer on 10,000 acres. Following years ofcareful forest management and partnering with local hunting clubs, his more than 100,000 acres became a vast pre-serve for deer, wild turkey, and other game. He is pictured here at one of the large annual hunts he hosted for influentialguests which highlighted the fruits of his woodland and wildlife conservation program.



An early 1930s publication about theAllison Lumber Company stated, “Thiscapacity was determined by two mainconsiderations: First, through careful cut-ting, fire prevention and reforestation, aperpetual operation could be maintainedat this rate of depletion. Second, theState of Alabama, through conservativeforestry laws, has so distributed the taxburden as to make it economically possi-ble to reforest and guarantee to posteritya supply of forest products.”

The company also employed a crewof strictly all-hardwood men that workedthe mill’s night run, devoted to cuttinghardwood.

Wildlife ConservationAs Allison conserved the woodland,

he conserved its animals as well. Afterhe and his forester counted less than fivedeer on 10,000 acres, he immediatelysuspended hunting of whitetail deer forseveral years to restore stocks. He laterinstituted a practice of allowing largetracts to be used by local hunting clubs,with the stipulation that they compliedwith his rules and partnered with him inprotection from forest fires.

Eventually, his more than 100,000acres became a vast preserve of untoldnumbers of deer, wild turkey, and othergame. He hosted large annual hunts forinfluential guests to highlight the resultsof his woodland and wildlife conserva-

tion program. The State of Alabamaadopted some of his policies regardinghunting and preservation of wild game aslaws and regulations.

As a conservationist and lumberman,Evan Frank Allison provided business,social, and political leadership for hiscontemporaries and an inspiration for allstewards of the forest. He was inductedinto the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1961.

Evan Frank Allison(continued from page 29)

A special dinner at Allison Lumber Company. Date unknown.

Editor’s Note: We appreciate theaccompanying historical photosgenerously furnished by the familyof the late Billy Rumley, formerAFC Sumter County Manager.


CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORMAre you receiving Alabama’s TREASURED Forests at the correct address?If not, please complete this form and return to:

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THE FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN COOPERATIVES/LAF

in conjunction with THE ALABAMA FORESTRY COMMISSION

is hosting the following events:

• Forestry Tour August 15, 2003

• Wildlife Management Workshop September 6, 2003

• Management Plan Seminar September 10-20, 2003

These events will be held at The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF Rural Training & Research Center

Highway 21 North (5 miles from the Epes Post Office)Epes, Alabama

Please note: Dates are subject to change. If you are interested in a specific event,please call us. Individual brochures are available for each event.

For more information, contact: Amadou Diop or Jaleel Nashtelephone: (205) 652-9676

e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

For current information

on the Southern Pine

Beetle situation in

Alabama, visit theAlabama Forestry

Commission web page at:

www.forestry.state.al.us

Alabama’s TREASURED Forests513 Madison AvenueP.O. Box 302550Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2550

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MONTGOMERY ALPERMIT NO 109

Saw palmetto is a distinctiveunderstory shrub in the pinelandsand other forested habitats ofcoastal Alabama. Our largest pop-

ulations are seen in the dry, sandy soils ofBaldwin and Mobile Counties, wheredense colonial thickets sometimes coverseveral acres. Elsewhere in the state,Serenoa repens is mostly restricted to thesouthern tier of counties, along the borderwith the Florida panhandle.

The leaves are large, to three feetacross, palmately compound, nearly circu-lar in overall outline, with about 30 linearsegments that radiate outward from thecenter. Leaf stems are two to three feetlong, with two marginal rows of sharp,stiff, curved serrations. These saw-teethare distinctive, and can be used to distin-guish saw palmetto from our two othernative palms: bluestem palmetto, Sabalminor, and the rare needle palm, Rhapido-phyllum hystrix.

The shaggy trunk of saw palmetto usu-ally runs along the ground, just beneaththe surface, sometimes partially exposed.In old individuals it can easily grow toseveral yards in length. Historically thetrunks were collected as a source of tan-nin, for use as a dye mordant, and to tanleather.

The flowers are small, fragrant,creamy white, in large inflorescences inlate spring. They are eagerly sought byhoneybees for their nectar which producesexcellent, mild-flavored honey. The fruitsare nearly black in color, oval, to aboutone inch long, with a single large pit.

They provide food for many wildlifespecies, including black bears. They areill-scented and appear to be unpalatable,but historical reports indicate that palmet-to fruits were occasionally gathered forhuman consumption by Native Americansand early European settlers along the gulfcoast. Fruit extracts are currently refinedfor medical use, as an effective moderntreatment for prostate inflammation andenlargement.

Saw palmetto is an important fire-adapted member of our fire-dependent,forested coastal plain ecosystems. Thetough, stringy roots hold soils to help pre-vent erosion, and the large leaves anddense growth habit quickly regenerateafter fires to provide excellent wildlifecover. Loggers and turpentiners havealways given palmetto thickets a wideberth for their well-justified reputation asshady havens for eastern diamondbackand timber rattlesnakes.

In recent years landscapers and plantgrowers have recognized saw palmetto asa dramatic, drought-resistant specimenplant, particularly suited to dry, sunny,sandy landscapes throughout the state.Serenoa repens is now widely availableas container-grown stock at nurseries andgarden centers.

(Serenoa repens)By Fred Nation

Educator/Naturalist, Baldwin County

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Documents

16822 AFC Summer 03 · ment, prescribed burning, is being lost to land managers and landowners in some urban areas. In most places near large cities a prescribed burn will not pass