Spring Forest Article

Tree Planting Time
By A. Weitlauf, Consulting Forester
February/March 2012

Soon it will be the time to plant hardwood seedlings. Interested in reforesting your land? You
will become one of the thousands of individuals who are stewards of the land. Trees benefit
every aspect of our lives including cleaning the air, stabilizing the soil, providing wildlife
habitat and helping maintain water quality. This is not to mention, of course, the paper and
lumber that trees provide.

The decision to undertake large-scale tree plantings must be planned and carefully
implemented to achieve good success. A few points to consider are planting between the months
of March and May, selecting the best species for your site and determining the appropriate
number of trees per acre. Research has indicated that with good weed control, you can expect a
50 percent increase in survival and a 100 percent increase in growth after four growing
seasons. This means, by keeping a weed-free area around your seedlings, by means of tilling,
mulches or herbicide spraying, you will be able to achieve good planting success.

For additional assistance, contact your local service forester, consulting forester, extension
office or natural resources conservation office. For further tree planting inquiries or assistance
in contacting tree planting professionals, give us a call (740) 380-9250.

HUNTING LEASES CAN BE WORTH MORE
An Ohio Consulting Forester Article
February/March 2012

You might be surprised to learn how valuable good hunting leases are today. Annual lease rates of at least $15 or more per acre are not
uncommon for forests that are close to urban areas and managed with an eye toward wildlife habitat improvement.

One landowner in Hocking County, whose family owns forestland within a one-hour drive from Columbus and a four-hour drive from
Cleveland, says that "income from hunting leases can rival, and in some cases exceed, revenues from forest product sales. Plus the checks
come every year." He reports that lease rates have increased over the past 15 years from $2 per acre to $11-$20 per acre, reflecting the value
hunters place on wildlife habitat, location and other recreational values such as fishing, camping and horse-back riding.

To command premium hunting lease rates, landowners need to invest in wildlife habitat improvements. It also may be necessary to adjust
harvesting schedules to avoid conflicts with hunting seasons and modify the size and boundaries of harvested areas to maintain good
habitat.

In addition to providing study cash flow, a responsible hunt club tenant can be a landowner's best friend. They protect their interests as well
the landowners. They help maintain boundary markings, gates and roads, and invest with them in habitat improvements. In general, they
keep their eyes on the property - they're the most effective police force you can have. We would be happy to suggest additional ways you
can increase the hunting income from your property. Contact us at (740)380-9250 for more information.