Fall 2006
ASK THE STEWARD
Ask the Steward is a regular feature of the Woodland Steward newsletter, which is proudly offered to you by the Woodland Steward Institute. This institute has taken on the challenge of promoting proper management and care of Indiana’s forest resources. If you have a question for “The Steward” concerning forestry, wildlife, recreation or trees in general, just drop me a note at the address printed in this newsletter. Each issue will feature 2-3 selected questions. We will try to answer all questions by letter. Dan Ernst is the assistant state forester for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.
THE AIR IS CHILLING AND CHRISTMAS IS GETTING CLOSER. DO YOU HAVE ANY
GIFTS IDEAS FOR THE WOODLAND OWNER?
Whether Christmas, Father's Day, birthday or any gift giving time of the year the woodland owner has a unique set of needs and can be really fun to shop for.
Here's my top 10...
1) Get rid of that old chainsaw- the one with no chain break or protective handle. When buying a new saw look for these safety features: chain break, chain catch, anti-vibration system, throttle guard and a protective handle.
2) Chainsaw safety gear is a must for any chainsaw user. Start with a pair of chainsaw safety chaps, but don't forget a protective helmet with sawdust visor and ear protection. A good pair of protective gloves rounds out the set.
3) If your woodland owner does a lot of outdoor work I also suggest a good pair of work boots. Some prefer insulated for year round warmth, but as a minimum I suggest steel toed, lugged or gripping soles and waterproofing (e.g. gortex).
4) Every owner can use a good compass to run property lines, establish forest inventory plots, and find their way home for dinner. Available at most sporting goods stores.
5) A pocket sized tree identification book, with good pictures, is a must. Look for a book specific to Indiana, or the Eastern United States. Check out these Indiana titles:
Native Trees of the Midwest by Sally Weeks, Harmon Weeks and George Parker from Purdue University Press; and 101 Trees of Indiana by Marion T. Jackson from Indiana University Press.6) A woodland owner's book collection can be rounded out with books to identify wildflowers and birds. Again watch for books specific to Indiana or the eastern United States. In a pinch a book from a neighboring state will work well.
7) A roll of brightly colored flagging ribbon, available at any hardware store, makes a great stocking stuffer. Throw in a tree measuring stick and a can of bright florescent paint and the woodland owner will be ready to mark property lines, trees for removal, trail locations and more.
8) The Outdoor Indiana calendar or magazine subscription from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources contains great articles, photos, plentiful information on hunting seasons and other items of outdoor interest. They are available from the DNR 877-463-6367 or www.in.gov/dnr.
9) How about that 4-wheeler she or he has always wanted? A pricey item, but as one of the most valuable tools for the woodland owner with significant acreage, it's not just a bigboy toy. New models are loaded with terrific features. (Oh, don't forget the new truck to haul the 4-wheeler).
10) Last, but definitely not least, membership to the Indiana Forestry Woodland owner's Association is money well spent and provides every woodland owner with opportunities to interact with fellow landowners and promote good forestry across the State. Contact IFWOA at 317-881-1632 or www.ifwoa.org.
For the online shopper check out these and other websites for woodland tools and gear:
www.forestry-suppliers.com and www.benmeadows.com .
Happy hunting!
WHERE DO SNAKES GO IN THE WINTER TIME?
Snakes, being cold blooded reptiles hibernate during the winter months of Indiana. They head for protection in October/November, and emerge in the spring after the ground thaws (March/April).
Hibernation sites vary greatly. Common sites includes abandoned rodent burrows, crawfish burrows, ant-hills, large rotting log piles, hillside cavities and deep within rocky crevices. Snakes sometimes hibernate in buildings, including basements of older houses with stone or cracked foundations. Torn screens, open basement windows, foundation cracks, and gaps next to pipes and cables can be welcoming entrances.
Ideal hibernation sites must remain warm enough to prevent death by freezing, be neither too dry nor too wet, and have adequate ventilation. Snakes may hibernate either alone or in a group that may include hundreds of snakes and more than one species of snake. These group sites are called a hibernaculum. This grouping helps slow body heat lost, and brings males and females together to expedite spring mating after emerging from the den.
I'll occasionally see an emerged snake basking in the sun during the spring turkey season, but they are not moving too swiftly. And, only once did I view a snake with snow still on the ground- I am quite sure that snake headed back to the den to await the true spring.
For more information:
I.D.N.R. Division of Forestry, 402 West Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or call 317-232-4105