Davis - Blogs | Blog | Forest Stewardship Tours begin in Sutton June 7

22 May

Please join WVU’s Appalachian Hardwood Center for a Forest Stewardship Program Landowner Tour On Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the property of John Thomas, Sutton, WV, Braxton County. Refreshments and snacks will be provided following the tour.

It?s time once again to kick off the series of Forest Stewardship Landowner Tours across the Mountain state! The first tour of the year will take place on the property of John Thomas in Sutton, located in Braxton County, WV. The Appalachian Hardwood Center is excited to provide you an opportunity to see first-hand the implementation of the various management techniques applied to this tract in the heart of West Virginia.

Property Overview:

Mr. Thomas purchased these 196 acres in 1959. Since then, he has planted 60,000 pines on a portion of his land. Many of these trees were harvested 10 years ago, but some trees were left for wildlife cover. In addition, Mr. Thomas had previously operated a Christmas tree farm.

In 2006 and 2007, crop tree thinnings were completed for a total of 20 acres. With the aid of the WV Division of Forestry, herbicide control of the invasive autumn-olive was also implemented on 10 acres per year during this two-year period. Herbicide treatments have been applied to other areas that have been invaded by multiflora rose. Currently, a harvest is being marked for 40 acres. The main objective for this harvest is to stimulate regeneration, which has been restricted by deer populations and invasive species. Road development on the tract was created for long-term access with minimal impact on the forest environment.

Tour Overview:
Agenda
1:00 Meet at the Thomas House.
1:10 Introductions and Overview of FSP program. Handouts will be provided.
2:00Begin to explore forestry activities on walking property tour.
3:30 Return to vehicles for refreshments/snacks and final discussion.
4:00 End of tour

To sign up for the tour or for more information please contact Elizabeth Tichner, tel: 304-276-0113, e-mail: etichner@mix.wvu.edu.