tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20219819310245434312024-03-05T20:15:07.656-08:00The Nature Conservancy's West Branch Research & Demonstration Forest2010-2011 Hunting Season: An online forum for participating huntersMike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-61839044049704198242010-11-25T18:57:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:22:35.475-08:002010 Deer Harvest Counter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8A5uV0ZYeaX6a8Tkm2N-M0sKZKTQ0TCn-WK1et7uDWfTpuILbRSsLvZGQ_OtirlB8H9n_BDcS3Y_QqPv42juVX5t7LgRfWR3F4KzMyS4uwu5HfunR1MX6y4ChMNWFestxuJjDg7F6-BX/s1600/Harvest+Report+12122010.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550264888708329042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8A5uV0ZYeaX6a8Tkm2N-M0sKZKTQ0TCn-WK1et7uDWfTpuILbRSsLvZGQ_OtirlB8H9n_BDcS3Y_QqPv42juVX5t7LgRfWR3F4KzMyS4uwu5HfunR1MX6y4ChMNWFestxuJjDg7F6-BX/s400/Harvest+Report+12122010.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL67W7r1YKKlPAWayf7oTjfVeB-eLa_NNViZ3mLcorMRsIg1oj6WHg83CYTdKskNx3kGnwzIn9-EDV4wsNyOEz7HTV889W1c-ugESyYvkmLF0PVWzSSFFT0D6H2SnNJa5pJA06hNla0j6c/s1600/Nov2010.bmp"></a></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-51404158368007053272010-11-25T18:34:00.000-08:002010-11-25T18:54:36.922-08:00Increased Racked Buck Sightings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l8zRpcoyHKAVuwKljk5MJ_hKox5bAgQBtPp6-W82VW2aduYJmLyqbCt3ZOBsucajrMn7kA9l5eIdA6kZMhTQ0vuoS6qcZptGDHA1sx2-kl0PILZMefPBREQ5g_WnLcmCS2zTgysC-Tc_/s1600/Buckwheat.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543685642421964994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-l8zRpcoyHKAVuwKljk5MJ_hKox5bAgQBtPp6-W82VW2aduYJmLyqbCt3ZOBsucajrMn7kA9l5eIdA6kZMhTQ0vuoS6qcZptGDHA1sx2-kl0PILZMefPBREQ5g_WnLcmCS2zTgysC-Tc_/s400/Buckwheat.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The number of quality deer in and around West Branch Forest is on the rise. Multiple hunters have reported big buck encounters this fall. Word in the woods is that there are some really nice bucks of trophy status frequenting the general area.<br /><br />The attached photo was taken by Conservancy staff during late summer overlooking a small experimental food plot and the embedded video was sent to me by a devoted West Branch Hunter who is on the trail of a nice one!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfzes8pLD6omPg4B1EkRHLC4kk3zXw0gSJclw-PjGMZS2NiqXUznyN_C18x4lWjCU_xSl42dLfjk4cvjKFHg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTJxi9EXTBc8wGSjGYD3VzJxedOdRCjtpV1JWg6Q-U7E7wLxyA0AQAjXDFklv97rjGavAwRFdrBh1M93tkzWdrGdA2hlyH1i47B2XW7pM2H6V_30TdrKrVaSTmQMcn5IiKHw66tg_3BxY/s1600/Buckwheat.bmp"></a>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-7050003847978021902010-11-25T18:03:00.000-08:002010-11-25T18:24:01.818-08:002010 Harvest Reporting<div><div><div>If you harvest a deer on or adjoining the Conservancy's West Branch Forest, please report your harvest by leaving a detailed message on the voice mail of 570-220-6097. Within your message please inform Conservancy staff of the following information:<br /></div><div>1. Name</div><div>2. Date of Harvest</div><div>3. General Harvest Location - refer to management unit map</div><div>4. Sex of animal - example: buck, doe, fawn, button buck</div><div>5. If a buck, number of points and approximate spread </div><br /><div>Note - if you received a DMAP tag for West Branch Forest, in addition to calling in your harvest, please fill out and send in your DMAP Harvest Report that The Nature Conservancy enclosed within your DMAP information packet. </div><br /><div>Your time and participation is greatly appreciated</div></div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-24683388907359195352010-07-29T13:44:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:51:31.914-07:00How to Redeem your DMAP Coupon for an Antlerless Tag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKpsQqOVc7Kq2dFlD8FuMihOa2yIpuIfsdV_Hr7Kh1o9LANsse4xNMH2jWdSVbI2av9V6_B6gHh-iaYMWbFENK28HJ8DmXtNuvy3MvTBaGNzsjc2KneJp6xgmB1s0M0CiMybb6keuiEZ9/s1600/PGC+Info2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 422px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493080677118685074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKpsQqOVc7Kq2dFlD8FuMihOa2yIpuIfsdV_Hr7Kh1o9LANsse4xNMH2jWdSVbI2av9V6_B6gHh-iaYMWbFENK28HJ8DmXtNuvy3MvTBaGNzsjc2KneJp6xgmB1s0M0CiMybb6keuiEZ9/s320/PGC+Info2.bmp" /></a><br /><div><div>There have been a flurry of emails and calls regarding questions to the process for redeeming one's DMAP coupons for antlerless tags. In short, there are two options for cashing in your coupons for tags.</div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Option 1:</strong></div><div>Take your coupon(s) to Walmart or any license issuing agent along with payment. They will print out your antlerless tag. </div><div></div><div><strong>Option 2:</strong></div><div>Log onto the Game Commission's online store and purchase your antlerless license electronically; refer to the accompanying picture.</div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-29823019321144959412010-07-29T12:49:00.000-07:002010-07-29T13:30:16.550-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3oidnN6R8nZN8xCFzvRTPhx56rM_oF9H1Lxqr5QVviezn9m-0pfDJPHPG2H9VprOz32eVvlB0BLoZ8TPlwriTI2fd1eYB5CfKm4FimJ449B75PkW0eLNqDAdN9BhnTGARNKNvGIK7mmA/s1600/Spring+Updates.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 513px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499420329932959810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3oidnN6R8nZN8xCFzvRTPhx56rM_oF9H1Lxqr5QVviezn9m-0pfDJPHPG2H9VprOz32eVvlB0BLoZ8TPlwriTI2fd1eYB5CfKm4FimJ449B75PkW0eLNqDAdN9BhnTGARNKNvGIK7mmA/s400/Spring+Updates.bmp" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4f0gKsat6RKHDAqH8DPkh6JbLZPMlZdF7gBSxd8CvTTUYxCyUJPX1OP7R-EIzjU_WeAjm3tUWt-8skpVSssYnbeN7DGCg_3SALTEjh9DNryF-_Yh_2WBfWBBzoAvkuDUThV_JMV4oKXp/s1600/Shady+Youth+Hunt.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499420241748188882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4f0gKsat6RKHDAqH8DPkh6JbLZPMlZdF7gBSxd8CvTTUYxCyUJPX1OP7R-EIzjU_WeAjm3tUWt-8skpVSssYnbeN7DGCg_3SALTEjh9DNryF-_Yh_2WBfWBBzoAvkuDUThV_JMV4oKXp/s400/Shady+Youth+Hunt.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffcc00;">Successful Youth Hunter, Tyler Swortwood</span><span style="color:#006600;"><br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3aR46E2MifEzpFotwIr7ooMd8uKsRIGLOY0M8F-M_f7-EODWPY-dE0DEev39VkxuiSBwV-1s7PQfNcd88PNBQWC-A8YA_nMj8WwHd0koCI9T55GE8E1fhT2kc0GwH0FZyGLb1Aq3SUri/s1600/TURKEY+HUNTIN+2010+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499420143308490098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3aR46E2MifEzpFotwIr7ooMd8uKsRIGLOY0M8F-M_f7-EODWPY-dE0DEev39VkxuiSBwV-1s7PQfNcd88PNBQWC-A8YA_nMj8WwHd0koCI9T55GE8E1fhT2kc0GwH0FZyGLb1Aq3SUri/s400/TURKEY+HUNTIN+2010+008.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ffcc00;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">Successful veteran West Branch Hunter, Don Goss</span><br /></span><br /></div><div align="left">Spring gobbler season roared in with a good bit of early season action. Mulitple hunters experienced one or two good weeks of hunting before the mating season fizzled and the birds got quiet. The unseasonably warm early Spring temperatures are thought to have caused an early mating season. Both successful hunters pictured above connected during their season openers. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Joe and Randy Shady took advantage of the early Youth Season and devised an effective game plan to enable their young family member, Tyler Swortwood the opportunity to harvest a nice Tom. Word in the woods is that Joe's sweeting talking yelps and purrs put that bird within just a few steps of Randy and Tyler's setup. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Don Goss came upon his hot bird not long after daylight at one of his favorite spots.</div><div align="left"></div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-78631426124360687682010-07-29T10:09:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:37:30.556-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzAUsW9cjYI9IT5hwQoAAGnXbFvXm6h_JI4fcZ2nrWKSqnXUZ6qdSIp8cbtPk1MYkv1gRXqwEeJ4tNB2CIbUqN828aQsv0rpI81FFk8ac7yNI3TkNLQRk_Efo8DIjjtCjbuB2Ng0vpmqP/s1600/Prowl+Sproul+Summary.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 451px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499383559427802178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzAUsW9cjYI9IT5hwQoAAGnXbFvXm6h_JI4fcZ2nrWKSqnXUZ6qdSIp8cbtPk1MYkv1gRXqwEeJ4tNB2CIbUqN828aQsv0rpI81FFk8ac7yNI3TkNLQRk_Efo8DIjjtCjbuB2Ng0vpmqP/s400/Prowl+Sproul+Summary.bmp" /></a><br /><div></div><div>For the second year in a row, the Conservancy’s West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest was included in the Annual Prowl the Sproul hiking weekend. In its 7th consecutive year, the Prowl the Sproul continues to draw people from all over the state to participate in a series of guided hikes. The three day event occurred this year on July 16th – the 18th. Headquartered at the West Clinton Sportsman’s Association along State Route 120, registrants can take advantage of the club’s facilities, overnight camping spots, and outdoor grilling. The “Sproul” contains some of the most rugged and remote forestland in Pennsylvania. The Conservancy’s West Branch Forest hike was led by Conservancy Forester, Mike Eckley. Thirteen hikers enjoyed the designated 5 mile loop that covered the central portion of the 3,000 acre property. Multiple scenic viewpoints were visited along with traversing historic logging trails. The highlight was a unique encounter with two, relatively large, yellow-phased timber rattlesnakes that appeared to be mating. Upon further analysis of video footage by local wildlife biologists, this observation was determined to be two adult male rattlers fighting for territory or breeding rights. If interested in participating in Prowl the Sproul next summer, visit the Keystone Trails Association website for information <a href="http://www.kta-hike.org/">http://www.kta-hike.org/</a></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-24069828931148931272010-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:002010-07-29T12:20:23.757-07:00Nearby Marcellus Gas Activity Could Impact Your Hunting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX7qkDuSwSpdHErPNtNi-gwr5w8A9K-gszluLH9x_KUUUCF-gqKttWKl4zYTeuf8RQ0EZKH_oBNwTNbhcj8tBFAdG_5uZXPigJGOgVY76xi27WFx08P4mCstymPEVKxmYEybL_HujxSll/s1600/Wreck2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 511px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 383px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499409681986885826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX7qkDuSwSpdHErPNtNi-gwr5w8A9K-gszluLH9x_KUUUCF-gqKttWKl4zYTeuf8RQ0EZKH_oBNwTNbhcj8tBFAdG_5uZXPigJGOgVY76xi27WFx08P4mCstymPEVKxmYEybL_HujxSll/s400/Wreck2.bmp" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZkGAlndvJd4FGd2umVf5EjMXsBR1iUj89BeHOpqsVB-ucqbHpvthlMP4_TWWzUFTu8cZ4l4EJ67MvpY4-ijO_pjBzuSAqGvXlkWyEUmAeMsqAp5NxnBUHTnPaSazezA9Fl5TsK4K-qaY/s1600/Gas+Operations.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 509px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 354px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499375961015237714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZkGAlndvJd4FGd2umVf5EjMXsBR1iUj89BeHOpqsVB-ucqbHpvthlMP4_TWWzUFTu8cZ4l4EJ67MvpY4-ijO_pjBzuSAqGvXlkWyEUmAeMsqAp5NxnBUHTnPaSazezA9Fl5TsK4K-qaY/s400/Gas+Operations.bmp" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The south side of the Sproul State Forest is a hub of Marcellus Gas Mining activities. Operations are ramping up for targeted sites within the northern Sproul, in close proximity to West Branch Forest. The existing gas pipeline that parallels Ritchie Road has recently been widened and additional work is to be completed where the lines connect just north of the Conservancy's property boundary. Nearby gas wells are being drilled which will result in heavy truck traffic throughout the rest of this year. All state roads that provide access to West Branch Forest are degrading rapidly, so hunters use caution, particularly during inclement weather and expect potential delays when traveling.</div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-43731604022450637642010-07-29T09:21:00.001-07:002010-07-29T09:45:51.829-07:00Minimal Acorn Crop for 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhaZZU1enao83K7jj14TH9RA_hAjmHp4JWPDk1YCnP_GwQpKjnXRu8qf4umFuUVzfjGS-eh-QbywaYlj8Yi9-qqjAiBE3aBv69EcsyMkScUgtp7IBT1Fk_EyVteVmR_znEUPPedsrL4LG/s1600/2010+Acorn+Crop.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499369963124013938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhaZZU1enao83K7jj14TH9RA_hAjmHp4JWPDk1YCnP_GwQpKjnXRu8qf4umFuUVzfjGS-eh-QbywaYlj8Yi9-qqjAiBE3aBv69EcsyMkScUgtp7IBT1Fk_EyVteVmR_znEUPPedsrL4LG/s400/2010+Acorn+Crop.bmp" /></a> <div></div><div>Part of the excitement of visiting a forested property, particularly if you're scouting for deer season, is to use some basic ecology skills to inform your understanding. This past fall an early snowstorm tore branches from many tree canopies and they are now strewn across woodlot floors. Of particular interest are the red oak branches -- many of which are still displaying the dry, russet leaves that had not fallen before the snow.<br />These branches have a story to tell. As with the leaves, many of these branches are still holding onto acorns that should have ripened and fallen last autumn. These are nearly full size and very evident. But that is last year's story. Clearly, in some parts of the state, there was a fairly good crop of acorns. These acorns are a form of mast -- or forest food-- which is very important to many of wildlife species. Deer, turkeys, bears, grouse and squirrels are very dependent on acorns. Foresters and landowners interested in regenerating red oak have huge interests in the red oak seed crop.<br />To use these fallen branches to predict the red oak acorn crop potential in 2010, it is necessary to know how long it takes an oak tree to grow an acorn. To start, generally, there are two oak groups for the species encountered in Pennsylvania. The white oak group includes: white, chestnut or rock, chinkapin, bur, and shingle oaks. These oaks have rounded leaf lobes. Most importantly, they produce an acorn in one growing season. A flower fertilized in the spring produces an acorn that fall -- one growing season.<br />The red oak group contains red, pin, black, scarlet, bear, and scrub oak. These oaks have "burs" on the ends of the leaf lobes. These oaks require two growing seasons to produce an acorn. That is, a flower that formed in spring 2009, if fertilized and retained by the tree, will yield an acorn in fall 2010. If you examine oak branches broken free last fall for immature acorns now, you have a pretty good idea if the red oaks in the woodlot will provide seed this fall. Those "baby" acorns, with a bit of imagination, are similar to full grown ones as they have a bulbous end and a slender neck where they attach to the twig. The leaf buds, which are clearly visible, are more conical, lacking the bulbous end.<br />Many of the branches examined in central and north-central woodlots do not have immature acorns that should have started in spring 2009. What happened? It is not easy to say for sure as many events, including an annoying habit among oaks of not producing good crops regularly, can cause trees to abort acorns. You might recall, in the central parts of the state, there was a heavy frost on June 1, 2009. It was likely heavy enough to have killed the flowers.<br />As you walk through the woods, take a minute to look for 2010 red oak acorns. Seeing none, hope for a good flowering season in 2010 for red oak, to give us a crop in 2011. </div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-64734992820582073652010-07-15T14:03:00.000-07:002010-07-15T14:27:18.978-07:00Comprehensive Hunter Safety Guidelines<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3XkIAUBgoTQjbwQ8L37B_iINkCoIOjKPxTpFRec09n3RGNoZt_4ESTQoy5D36q0XGWzxJ3VfTi-qYQ_uxgg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-89240636652838394102010-06-27T10:07:00.000-07:002010-11-25T18:01:53.979-08:00Kelly Hollow Timber Sale UpdateNegotiations are being made with Metzler Forest Products (<a href="http://www.mfp.bz/">www.mfp.bz/</a>) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WrHJkHNg7OR39jvZ4FO4Xv3FM1mjLk-fcYES6OWYg5M_u80hTcIf5D-jttlSSr-aP4YhWWD8sVOlyIHDaF4_hYKoFs1A3wgL1urBmIyUekpxYGzBtdiVxNoGMsgpd_ese5paOYAnkNe6/s1600-h/fsc+wood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392472433452164946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WrHJkHNg7OR39jvZ4FO4Xv3FM1mjLk-fcYES6OWYg5M_u80hTcIf5D-jttlSSr-aP4YhWWD8sVOlyIHDaF4_hYKoFs1A3wgL1urBmIyUekpxYGzBtdiVxNoGMsgpd_ese5paOYAnkNe6/s200/fsc+wood.jpg" border="0" /></a>to have one of their contract logging crews conduct the low-grade timber harvest that has been layed out along the western half of Kelly Hollow. It is anticipated that harvest operations could start as early as late spring 2011 and should be completed well before the start of archery season in early October. Be advised that game cameras and tree stands should be removed from within the harvest unit to prevent damage.Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-76337849170124634242010-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:54:42.843-07:00Kelly Hollow Timber Sale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFLweus-M2sCEVXhwp8IkL0YYaWtpelSihZthh0Rj7cSIBOslecBVMs2ylT5OE71YN8SZbaMFQYJdRrRzt8jPAycczHRnA1Axh-8vJgFpwOQU3oJ4YPmuin1fXnbUnkOPTFki6OT2-RXr/s1600-h/WB+Harvest+Map.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358056998071044930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFLweus-M2sCEVXhwp8IkL0YYaWtpelSihZthh0Rj7cSIBOslecBVMs2ylT5OE71YN8SZbaMFQYJdRrRzt8jPAycczHRnA1Axh-8vJgFpwOQU3oJ4YPmuin1fXnbUnkOPTFki6OT2-RXr/s400/WB+Harvest+Map.bmp" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Timber harvesting, if used appropriately has been proven to be one of the most affective tools that land managers have to influence forest conditions. With the creation of an extensive West Branch forest management plan, Conservancy staff are focused on implementing a variety of forestry activities and operations with intent to restore our vast forested property to a more productive and healthy state. Annual timber harvest projections are targeted at approximately 100 acres a year. That is good news for hunters as timber harvests stimulate new growth which can serve as increased forage for wildlife. It is however critical that we focus on balancing improved wildlife habitat and increased food sources with our desire to regenerate a new forest that consists of a diverse array of native trees and shrubs; not just fern and mountain laurel. Hunters play an important role in helping to manage the forest by tending to the deer herd. The general concept is to harvest adequate numbers of deer each year, enabling overwintering deer to have less competition for feed, resulting in improved survival and better overall health going into spring, resulting in increased body weights, antler development, and fawn recruitment.<br /><br />The Kelly Hollow area is a logical place to institute a timber sale considering hunting pressure remains consistently high there. Last year’s harvest data indicated that 44% of the total deer harvest (8 of 18) was accounted for within this portion of the property. The Kelly Hollow Timber Sale will be the Conservancy’s first commercial timber sale, meaning we hope to generate revenue from the harvest. Up to this point, all previously implemented forestry operations (e.g., prescribed burning and mowing of mountain laurel) have been a cost to the Conservancy. For those familiar with Kelly Hollow, there is a noticeable hayscented fern problem that is shading out the growth of seedlings. To address the fern problem, all revenue generated from this timber harvest will be allocated toward a future chemical treatment. This timber sale is currently up for competitive bidding, with a bid opening date set for August 10th. The winning bidder will have a two year time frame for completing the harvest.<br /><br />Within the harvest block, orange paint was applied to signify the harvest boundary and green paint was used to mark all timber that is to remain as the residual stand. Therefore, all trees that do not have paint are to be cut. You’ll notice that the majority of the timber to be harvested is red maple stems 6 to 12 inches in diameter. All oak, hickory, and black cherry trees were retained regardless of size or quality for seed production purposes to help in regenerating a more diverse forest. </div><div><br />Note to Hunters – overwintering deer densities within the Kelly Hollow area were assessed as significantly less than the year prior, which makes sense due to the increased deer harvest within this compartment. Please realize that deer movements vary with seasons and available food sources, please continue to hunt this general area aggressively throughout the upcoming deer hunting seasons. More to follow on how you can assist with assessing buck to doe and fawn to doe ratios through late summer through early fall roadside counts. </div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-8344748101390452722010-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:52:22.407-07:00Early Muzzleloader Season Provides Opportunity for New Traditions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10q0FAwKFKYSLDXLAwKmbkXc-nQ63sswr2shV_zFShYm9YLLe3M4uCVYfhIzox2aKVsbtlKiEDEsXpKQa_68J5WQ8KEvI6FDdVEeYCVLOpx5HzVa0CaA2WOJmrjmhffazetWh9P7JWtwm/s1600-h/Ten+High+Nation.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403715403288040866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10q0FAwKFKYSLDXLAwKmbkXc-nQ63sswr2shV_zFShYm9YLLe3M4uCVYfhIzox2aKVsbtlKiEDEsXpKQa_68J5WQ8KEvI6FDdVEeYCVLOpx5HzVa0CaA2WOJmrjmhffazetWh9P7JWtwm/s400/Ten+High+Nation.JPG" /></a><br /><div>More and more hunters are learning that part of the ticket to being successful is staying mobile and adapative. It's one thing to maintain a tradition and hunt the same old hunting spots from one year to the next but many people, particularly those who hunt poor quality habitat that cannot support even a modest deer herd in its current condition are starting to look to hunt elsewhere. This may be evident by the number of nearby hunting camps (e.g., Right Hand Sugar Camp and Twin Pine) who are relatively unknown to me, as I assume they use the camp occassionally for social gatherings, but are hunting elsewhere. Whatever the case maybe, I occassionally receive calls from distant hunting clubs who are in a similar situation and are interested in giving West Branch a shot. The Ten High Nation gang is one of those groups. This band of brothers (State Troopers)have a camp in the South block of the Sproul State Forest and for the second consecutive year they have traveled across the river to spend a day at West Branch in pursuit of Queens. Although no shots were fired, the cameraderia of this group and their love for spending time with one another in the field outweighed the need to put venison in the freezer. The Conservancy embraces such traditions and supports the legacy.</div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-86669420853821097232009-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:002009-11-19T12:03:02.401-08:00Deer and Forest Website - a Wealth of Deer related Information<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2-beJMZalnVgltzhAOYv2lDr6KYpsV9sGaZogopaSFjVeZ2E7ewxOHlOHquGWohH3e2Xy5EyJdF2ctUfebhVyB2_8IlQBDF3DZwdVtT2FXDiTkAe-CkuCyDmbU-Lgn-Fmp9u4Yd7sq2U/s1600/Deer+and+Forests.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405903351044317906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2-beJMZalnVgltzhAOYv2lDr6KYpsV9sGaZogopaSFjVeZ2E7ewxOHlOHquGWohH3e2Xy5EyJdF2ctUfebhVyB2_8IlQBDF3DZwdVtT2FXDiTkAe-CkuCyDmbU-Lgn-Fmp9u4Yd7sq2U/s400/Deer+and+Forests.bmp" /></a> A comprehensive all things "Deer and Deer Management" website has been developed by a team of Eastern scientists and extension educators with input from a broad-based advisory team. I urge West Branch hunters to check out <a href="http://www.deerandforests.org/">http://www.deerandforests.org/</a> when you have some down time, say post deer season when cabin fever starts to set in.<br /><br /><div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-3048059675485237502009-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:002009-11-19T12:04:44.483-08:00Bears, Deer, and Extreme Weather Disturb Tree Shelter Study<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nTQB3K7SpurOHoQbISQV8gUOKU51K0fJvARNsaZgi8tfqqGQtpnn1TmuAjAxbgNwDfCOYGiKaKNIZXdKGRYItrXvT0y9reUasmMRUQyDVird0mMpym_w2p3_Stb3AnH_AvcjgH1TSuJ/s1600/P1000428.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405891654306259074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nTQB3K7SpurOHoQbISQV8gUOKU51K0fJvARNsaZgi8tfqqGQtpnn1TmuAjAxbgNwDfCOYGiKaKNIZXdKGRYItrXvT0y9reUasmMRUQyDVird0mMpym_w2p3_Stb3AnH_AvcjgH1TSuJ/s320/P1000428.JPG" /></a> Hunters familiar with the south cabin unit or management unit F-1 where the Conservancy has its American Chestnut Orchard, prescribed fire burning units, and mowing operations may have noticed the 200 tree shelters that were installed in the spring of 2008 as part of a cooperative study to assess growth and survival of northern red oak seedlings using a traditional tree shelter with a black locust stake versus a new mesh tree shelter and a bamboo stake. One of the objectives is to determine if the more cost effective mesh shelter and bamboo stake can withstand the elements as well as the traditional shelters and hardwood stakes. Preliminary data are showing that the mesh shelters seem to be more enticing to bears and the bamboo stakes, being round and having less surface area are more susceptible to windthrow and breakage. Recently, Penn State Extension Forester, Dave Jackson and myself spent a day repairing and/or replacing shelters and stakes within the planting area. This spring will mark the 3rd growing season. I am amazed to see that some of these two year old seedlings have actually grown to exceed the height of the shelters (4 and 4.5 ft'), however sure enough all of those seedlings have been browsed back by deer. I wonder if we shouldn't have invested in 8 foot shelters and protected the stem up to the first half merchantible log - LOL!Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-43145917110749245102009-11-11T15:14:00.000-08:002010-07-15T13:27:01.967-07:00Bog Turtle Study Being Conducted by Conservancy Staff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2hhdK3KEwG6orZdeMoOmwGoiamFl45c5FSM760ESJHpxEILHTxt6UyAN9vFopSrtAKs0EFqudZ9oFUxcSilsXN7qU4vwGAaPmBpcHMiXB-a_NVMK4wGsfeGYSEGFO9ixiKDXTmsrhMws/s1600/Bog+Turtle.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405901059333515954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2hhdK3KEwG6orZdeMoOmwGoiamFl45c5FSM760ESJHpxEILHTxt6UyAN9vFopSrtAKs0EFqudZ9oFUxcSilsXN7qU4vwGAaPmBpcHMiXB-a_NVMK4wGsfeGYSEGFO9ixiKDXTmsrhMws/s320/Bog+Turtle.JPG" /></a> Hunters are always interested in whitetailed deer research, particularly when the results help to unravel the many mysteries when it comes to the world of whitetails. Most of us recall or refer to the collaborative PGC and Penn State studies on whitetail fawn mortality or the yearling buck dispersion study, particulalry when it comes to discussing deer management in PA. <div><br /><div></div><div>Did you know, that as a Science based Conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy at times gets involved in helping to conduct on-the-ground research, usually focused on a wildlife species of concern, such as the threatened Bog Turtle.<br /></div><div>The smallest and rarest turtle in North America — the bog turtle — exists in small numbers in only 12 eastern states. Since 1974, the bog turtle has been legally protected in Pennsylvania, but its numbers continued to decline throughout its range by 50 percent or more. Much of its shallow wetland habitat had been converted to residential or commercial use or golf courses. And, because of its rarity, small size and "cuteness," it was highly valued by illegal collectors in the black market pet trade, especially overseas. In 1997, it was finally given federal protection and classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Now, laws and funds were available for more research it its remaining homes, habitat requirements and preservation.<br />TNC-PA staff are involved in ongoing studies to learn as much as they can about this mysterious turtle and how to maintain its security in the Poconos. There are actually two distinct population complexes of bog turtles in the eastern U.S., separated by a 250-mile gap. The northern bog turtles occur in fewer than 200 sites in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The southern bog turtles occupy southern Virginia down into extreme northeastern Georgia. First discovered by the Rev. Muhlenberg in Lancaster in 1778, the bog turtle is distinguished not only by its small size — the upper shell, or carapace, averages just three inches and rarely exceeds four inches in length — but by prominent, squarish, bright orange or reddish patches of skin on the sides of its face. The upper shell is brownish to ebony in color, with distinct sculptured lines on younger turtles that become smoothed off on older adults from burrowing in the mud. Bog turtles can live as long as 50 years in the wild. </div><br /><div>Hibernating from October to April in burrows at the bases of tree roots in wetlands, bog turtles emerge in spring to bask in the warmth of the sun. There diet consists of insects, snails, slugs, worms, crayfish and lots of plant material. Despite their common name, they don't really live in the acidic bogs typical of the Pocono Plateau. Instead, the preferred habitat is a broad, open, marshy, spring-fed, saturated grassland with shallow, neutral to slightly alkaline water, narrow rivulets, a muddy bottom, very few trees and plenty of sedges, grasses, mosses, skunk cabbage and other plants that grow in low, thick clumps emerging from the water and mud. There are often cattails, shrubs like alder, silky dogwood, and arrowwood and small red maples, but once these woody plants become too dense, the bog turtle's preferred wet-meadow habitat disappears. Such ideal habitats are often created by beavers and may once have been maintained by elk browsing the woody plants. Nowadays, cattle may ironically help to maintain these transitional, temporary bog turtle habitats. About a month after emerging from hibernation, bog turtles find mates, and some time in June the females lay only two to five eggs in a shallow depression on top of a clump of moss or sedge tussock. Six to eight weeks later, baby turtles smaller than a quarter hatch, unless raccoons, mink or other predators found the eggs.<br /></div><div>Stay tuned for a follow up article describing how Conservancy staff are tracking the movements and survival of bog turtles within Southeastern PA, much like the Game Commission did with their deer movement study. </div></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-89345171464842589392009-09-26T15:53:00.000-07:002009-09-26T17:05:35.112-07:00Deer Wars - A Must Read for PA HuntersWell known Pennsylvania outdoor writer and award-winning author, Bob Frye has donated two signed copies of his book Deer Wars, which will serve as part of this year’s <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW95C-SKtWsH9LTSEQaKRVlOnvTb_PmSSmcVNtbOWkHqM5VCJ1U4nIRFHtkHehT97iGdpw16kK1E3oaQpAw37r7e21t2NncdR2VvxV6LPO3Rbk16kIkbbhCKaBGPiusMQzYuztu0vTcEQt/s1600-h/DeerWars.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385914947018389842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW95C-SKtWsH9LTSEQaKRVlOnvTb_PmSSmcVNtbOWkHqM5VCJ1U4nIRFHtkHehT97iGdpw16kK1E3oaQpAw37r7e21t2NncdR2VvxV6LPO3Rbk16kIkbbhCKaBGPiusMQzYuztu0vTcEQt/s320/DeerWars.jpg" /></a>prize package for the West Branch Antlerless Deer Harvest Contests. Deer Wars is a must have for every hunter, as it showcases the history of deer management in PA and discusses the important role that hunters play in forest management and in preserving our hunting heritage. If interested in purchasing a copy of Deer Wars, please let me know, as I have access to limited quantities signed by Gary Alt for the purchase price of $30.Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-76060017607108438572009-07-29T07:49:00.001-07:002009-07-29T07:54:46.380-07:00Hunting Opportunities on other Nature Conservancy Properties<div align="center"><br /><strong>Hunting Sites in PA: </strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></div></strong><div align="center">Brush Mountain Preserve<br />Chrome Barrens Preserve<br />Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain<br />Fern Ridge Bog Preserve<br />Great Marsh Preserve<br />Long Pond Preserve<br />Mineola Marsh Preserve<br />Thomas Darling Preserve at Two-Mile Run<br />West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest</div><p> </p><p>For specific property level information refer to:<br /><a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/news/news2482.html">http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/news/news2482.html</a> </p>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-75142568733021109162009-07-27T06:11:00.001-07:002009-07-27T06:17:56.004-07:00Prowl the Sproul Weekend includes hike at West Branch Forest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfOAEBxXy3VGQ3y5zzQh0rERqiTuKhE-B-BnlJNyT96s8NXxLsvZB_7IZ0xCX0UE5CzmvpaD3hBB0FzfoDcsNPSJha3wMMvE9jKbVccX5ml8eWZDqC4mY_E8pangPTgUbDExtR1uc10Yf/s1600-h/ProwlGold.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363127585150555746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfOAEBxXy3VGQ3y5zzQh0rERqiTuKhE-B-BnlJNyT96s8NXxLsvZB_7IZ0xCX0UE5CzmvpaD3hBB0FzfoDcsNPSJha3wMMvE9jKbVccX5ml8eWZDqC4mY_E8pangPTgUbDExtR1uc10Yf/s320/ProwlGold.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The abnormal summer weather patterns that we have experienced this year remind me of those typically experienced in Northern New England. The cooler temperatures have been embraced by many and are saving people money from not having to kick on their air conditioning units. As budgets remain tight with the current economy, an increased number of Pennsylvanian’s are rekindling their relationships with local, outdoor oriented vacations and activities. Fishing license sales are up and so too are the numbers of people taking advantage of the 2.1 million acres of state forest land across the state. The 6th Annual Prowl the Sproul weekend recently took place (July 17-19) and was headquartered at the local Western Clinton Sportsman’s Association. The event, sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources proved to be enticing. Eighteen people turned out to participate in a moderate intensity, 5 mile hike across portions of The Nature Conservancy’s West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest. The hike was crafted to give participants the opportunity to see and hear first hand about the Conservancy’s forest restoration strategies which included the American chestnut orchard, the tree shelter study, the various forest management activities and a glimpse into the CCC built Whetham Cabin along the remains of its associated fire tower. Although the overcast and rainy weather helped to fend off the presence of annoying insects and the potential for encountering ornery timber rattlers, it wasn’t conducive to experiencing the true majestic beauty of the three spectacular viewpoints that were originally incorporated into the tour. The hike did include passage by the Dark Hollow and Breezy Hill camp. Many hikers expressed interest in the history of the local hunting camps and enjoyed seeing the different styles and craftsmanship that went into building the camps, outhouses, woodsheds, and so on. Special thanks to the member of the Dark Hollow camp for mowing their lane, as that made the water logged hike just a little more comfortable. For more information on Prowl the Sproul refer to the Keystone Trails Assocation website at <a href="http://www.kta-hike.org/">http://www.kta-hike.org/</a></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-15235104527104105302009-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:002009-07-22T14:08:15.987-07:00Acorn Alert!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyPwTdT179s1k8usgAcrJYvfBL-v16ch7X9mmbRW8GARjDF-hLseGBUa6ju3z3XT8HgUnSQXOKTppojaXM8qOXBJDe7BuCNLkv4ESN8Nm4FLx1ooSk1SwTo1MSjll6vnpA3ne7mRlVkgB/s1600-h/OakRedAcornLeaf_OldRagFR_060903.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361394325115864322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyPwTdT179s1k8usgAcrJYvfBL-v16ch7X9mmbRW8GARjDF-hLseGBUa6ju3z3XT8HgUnSQXOKTppojaXM8qOXBJDe7BuCNLkv4ESN8Nm4FLx1ooSk1SwTo1MSjll6vnpA3ne7mRlVkgB/s320/OakRedAcornLeaf_OldRagFR_060903.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Bureau of Forestry staff within the Sproul State Forest District have informed me of a red oak acorn crop forming within places, particularly on the southern side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. With recent time afield, I am excited and somewhat surprised to report on a moderate red oak acorn crop forming sporadically at West Branch Forest. With higher concentrations of tannins (acidity), red oak acorns are not as preferred as white oak acorns to whitetails. However, even a modest mast crop will serve as a much needed nutritional boost and hopefully increase viewing opportunities throughout the upcoming hunting season.<br /><br /><strong>Interesting Tid-Bid on Acorns:</strong><br /><br />No other natural food is more attractive to the white-tailed deer during autumn and winter than oak acorns. Given a good supply of acorns, deer will quickly abandon their normal routines and food sources to take advantage of this high energy food. The acorn, although low in protein is one of the most metabolizable energy sources that are utilized for body growth and the building of fat reserves. Research has shown that deer will eat all the acorns that they can get, but in preferred order. White oak acorns are usually eaten first, then the acorns of the pin, red and black, followed by the scrub oak, and finally the large chestnut oak. Even though the chestnut oak belongs to the white oak group – and produces the largest acorns – deer simply do not have a great liking for this species as for the others.<br /><br />Acorn crops are not produced with regularity on an annual basis, but are more likely to follow cycles over several years. Red oak tree species (northern red oak, black oak, scarlet oak) flower every other year and produce bumper crops every 2-5 years, whereas white oak tree species (white oak, chestnut oak, post oak) flower every year and usually produce good crops every 4-10 years.<br /><br />Acorns typically become available and are heavily used first during September and consumed throughout the fall, winter and into spring when the hard mast forage becomes minimal. Normally, by late November, the majority of the year’s acorn production has been consumed by deer and bears along with squirrels, chipmunks, and other small mammals. Studies have indicated that black oak has proven to be the most important acorn producer through the years, followed by red, white, post-scarlet, black-jack, and pin oak in that order.<br /><br />Few trees under the age of 20 years produce acorns. Acorn production is directly related to tree diameter and crown size. Typically, the larger the diameter of the tree and the wider the crown, the greater the acorn production. For example, a 26-inch diameter white oak might be expected to yield more than 20 pounds of acorns, whereas a 10-incher might yield less than 3 pounds. Likewise, one oak tree having a crown radius of 24 feet could produce nearly 50 pounds of acorns, while one with a 12-foot crown radius might yield only 2 pounds. So, generally speaking, the more sunlight trees receive, the better the acorn production.</div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-19321168554540416312009-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:002009-07-15T07:40:05.840-07:00Newly Acquired Brush Mountain Property Enrolled in Public Access and DMAP - (Click on Map to Enlarge)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5h5gFHlE8nXmhVmFMTKpv_AwUGeeDXdE6XQd-RXpBdTPtNyKaX4KsmmvMDKeF-9PpOW5oDo9Bj_qAsq9FXuOpbBN7tDRdAdM65MQFM-DBmvQJpleysBblcu5pYMPhyphenhyphen6gOJOSA3vVhWrH7/s1600-h/BrushMtnPreserve_2008AerialImagery_truecolor.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358368975634152130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5h5gFHlE8nXmhVmFMTKpv_AwUGeeDXdE6XQd-RXpBdTPtNyKaX4KsmmvMDKeF-9PpOW5oDo9Bj_qAsq9FXuOpbBN7tDRdAdM65MQFM-DBmvQJpleysBblcu5pYMPhyphenhyphen6gOJOSA3vVhWrH7/s400/BrushMtnPreserve_2008AerialImagery_truecolor.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>For Interested Hunters and Recreationalists:</strong><br /><br />The Nature Conservancy has recently acquired another forested property located between Altoona and Holidaysburg. This 650 acre property, known as <strong>Brush Mountain</strong>, is open to public hunting through the Game Commission's Forest Game Program and has been enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program. A limited number of DMAP antlerless tags have been allocated for use this first year. If interested in hunting Brush Mountain please refer to The Nature Conservancy's Pennsylvania Chapter website (<a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/">http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/</a>) for directions and site information. A limited number of DMAP antlerless permits were available, however they quickly sold out (even before TNC staff were able to secure them). </div><div><br />Any additional questions on the Brush Mountain Forest should be directed to TNC's Stewardship Program Manager, Jenny Case whom can be reached via email at <a href="mailto:jcase@tnc.org">jcase@tnc.org</a></div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-35993746102906834292008-12-24T09:08:00.000-08:002009-07-14T07:23:46.294-07:00Prescribed Fire conducted on 20 acres south of Whetham CabinThe Nature Conservancy’s Stewardship Crew was able to conduct a successful late spring prescribed fire within one 20 acre block of the preexisting 100 acre mowed unit located due south of the Whetham Cabin. This was the second burn implemented within this particular land management area. At this stage, prescribed fire is being used as a site preparation tool to knock back undesirable mountain laurel and to reduce the vigor of their thick root mats. Hopefully, once a good acorn crop occurs this site will be more receptive for seedling establishment. Refer to the video for actual Prescribed Burn footage and commentary.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwkpSnGJJP2bU_MnI8NBorJWnP4TNMSGl_y7bA5EUX-wkOkcvfk_Yjmwq8OlGQqgf29p4zVybdttQ9w8hkKng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-1054445640442226292008-09-23T12:17:00.000-07:002009-07-13T14:25:53.646-07:00Improved Relations with PGC Wildlife Conservation Officers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIWlEm12ne-C7GWxdmToKsz5cZmRBxIqJAw4ffIkW1y_e_iFxP2s5iHg1b3w4li8Jg-hwEIG42UypGY88Sqa-xzmkmAOyKOuFw1ErWcwSP6_8h3HZ6alW8hicKcRvnxEM3GsURRj_LlxW/s1600-h/Signage2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358059054085339554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIWlEm12ne-C7GWxdmToKsz5cZmRBxIqJAw4ffIkW1y_e_iFxP2s5iHg1b3w4li8Jg-hwEIG42UypGY88Sqa-xzmkmAOyKOuFw1ErWcwSP6_8h3HZ6alW8hicKcRvnxEM3GsURRj_LlxW/s320/Signage2.bmp" border="0" /></a>This past spring TNC staff met with local PGC Wildlife Conservation Officers at West Branch Forest to discuss issues of concern regarding wildlife crimes and hunting related incidents that reflect poorly on the hunting community. Last year there were multiple hunting related incidents involving poaching, vandalism, and theft that caused TNC to call into question its Hunter Management Plan for the West Branch property. Some TNC staff were in favor of leasing the property to an interested hunting club who would pay a premium for exclusive hunting rights. After much time and deliberation it was decided to maintain the property’s enrollment in the Game Commission’s Public Access Program, which will offer additional support through increased law enforcement for the upcoming hunting seasons. The Nature Conservancy acknowledges that the vast majority of our hunters are respectable sportsmen who share our values and respect the opportunity to hunt on private land. I urge participating hunters to be watchful of suspicious behavior and to report illegal activities to the property authorities to prevent one or two bad apples from spoiling a good thing. Be aware that Wildlife Conservation Officers now have full access to West Branch Forest and have been given keys and combinations to the existing gate locks. Note that there has been a series of night time poaching and camp firewood theft occurring throughout the greater Renovo area.Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-57951625871231867862008-08-28T09:11:00.000-07:002009-07-15T09:20:50.201-07:00Conservation Deal Keeps Hyner Hang Glider Landing Zones Viable<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiunSltx08iGGHW0Bf97U5UlPtULFs_24DnY8WmDcnOqwfxc-vd97_DVIgPU3qyCc5yhwgXi67Pu7IVaVNWD6Ss1loiX3hZY04kYGFxPZFCIfGFTijXn9X7bdvqh8iE1lAfKMQ6vzRcS/s1600-h/hyner-usoaring-III.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358722069494665506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aiunSltx08iGGHW0Bf97U5UlPtULFs_24DnY8WmDcnOqwfxc-vd97_DVIgPU3qyCc5yhwgXi67Pu7IVaVNWD6Ss1loiX3hZY04kYGFxPZFCIfGFTijXn9X7bdvqh8iE1lAfKMQ6vzRcS/s320/hyner-usoaring-III.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>HYNER, PA — April 23, 2009 — Hang-glide pilots who catch the wind at Hyner View State Park will have a safe place to land, thanks to an agreement announced today between The Nature Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.<br />The agreement involves the purchase of 66 acres which, combined with an existing 44 acres in West Keating Township, will help conserve public access to forest land and outdoor recreation along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Clinton County.<br /><br />Ray and Marney McDonald’s 66-acre Hyner View Farm in Chapman Township includes fields, forest land, a portion of Huff Run and the Huff Run Trail, a half-mile stretch of the West Branch Susquehanna River, and one of only two possible landing zones for hang gliding from <a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hynerview.aspx">Hyner View State Park</a>. Under the agreement, The Nature Conservancy has purchased the farm and will transfer the farm in two separate transactions to the Commonwealth‘s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “This property represents one of only two possible hang gliding landing zones from Hyner View State Park,” said Shawn McDuff, president of the Hyner View Hang Gliding Club. “Hyner View is one of the premier hang gliding destinations in the East and this purchase ensures our sport will always be a part of the local outdoor recreation scene.”<br />Under the land deal, the Commonwealth will purchase the 28 acre southern portion of Hyner View Farm including the hang gliding landing zone and river access.<br /><br />Hyner View Farm owner Ray McDonald noted, “We’re thrilled that the Conservancy and state were able to protect our farm and forestland. The site could have been purchased by a developer, but will now provide high quality outdoor recreation opportunities for years to come.”<br /><br />The Conservancy will combine the northern 38 wooded Hyner Farm acres with a separate 44-acre Conservancy-owned parcel in West Keating Township. These two forested parcels will be exchanged for a 60-acre state-owned wooded parcel near the Conservancy’s 3,000-acre West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest in Grugan and Gallagher Townships. Ultimately, the entire Hyner View Farm will be in state ownership and provide numerous high quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.<br /><br />“It’s unusual to have so many outdoor recreational values packed into a single property,” stated Dylan Jenkins, Director of Forest Conservation for <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/index.html">The Nature Conservancy</a> in Williamsport. “With this purchase and land exchange, we’re ensuring that hang gliding and public river access are protected for future generations.”<br /><br />“The County fully supports this land protection deal by The Nature Conservancy,” said Clinton County Planner Tim Holladay. “It’s good for public recreation in Clinton County, good for the McDonalds and good for Pennsylvania.”<br /><br />“We are glad to be able to make this investment to support Clinton County’s interest in outdoor recreation along the river and the economic benefits associated with recreational events and the activities of groups like the Hyner View Hang Gliding Club. That is what the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative is all about,” said Meredith Hill, DCNR’s PA Wilds Director.<br /><br />The deal will help achieve the Conservancy’s mission of protecting the diversity of life on Earth by securing habitat for forest wildlife, protecting water quality, and promoting low-impact outdoor recreation opportunities. After purchasing the property from The Nature Conservancy, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will meet with interested outdoor enthusiasts to plan for use and improvements to the property. The Nature Conservancy is currently fundraising to pay for their portion of the land transaction.</div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-68489437014924106542008-08-21T09:23:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:42:58.040-07:00West Branch Wilderness Preserve to be renamed West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle_Gn4a24B-QrFmfqnRkXFkFmLicAI0m52_5tzhJyc3sKqU31PBPW5lNp3YUHUf36WFBrzHS3YwQHOybyOqiMIWXBDbXIz3Ye_vlLrWB6IGozCX7x2wzOvKXivdqhFypcRBuSrKFUhwl1/s1600-h/f-1view2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237008202418976898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle_Gn4a24B-QrFmfqnRkXFkFmLicAI0m52_5tzhJyc3sKqU31PBPW5lNp3YUHUf36WFBrzHS3YwQHOybyOqiMIWXBDbXIz3Ye_vlLrWB6IGozCX7x2wzOvKXivdqhFypcRBuSrKFUhwl1/s200/f-1view2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em>History & Primary Goal</em><br /></strong><br />In 1999 The Nature Conservancy purchased this 3,034 acre forested property from American Wilderness Resources to prevent the tract from being subdivided into a recreational retreat; eliminating the potential for the construction of numerous cabins and outbuildings. Once the property was deeded over, TNC named it West Branch Wilderness Preserve. However, with the development of the Forest Conservation Program and the Conservancy’s desire to promote “Working Forests” that are managed to balance ecological and economic values through Sustainable Forest Management, West Branch Wilderness Preserve is being transitioned to West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest. In simple terms, the Conservancy, similar to most private forest landowners, is working to manage and conserve its forest resources, yet derive income from it to help pay for the costs associated with stewardship and general ownership. The long-term vision for West Branch is to restore and sustain a healthy forest that produces all the tangible and intangible products that society demands, such as Wood, Water, and Wildlife, along with beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and much more.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>What is the game plan?<br /></strong></em><br />During the fall and winter of 2007, an extensive ecological inventory was conducted across the entire property to assess forest conditions, such as timber, tree regeneration, deer densities and deer browse impacts, presence of invasive species, wildlife habitat (snags and downed wood debris), along with existing road infrastructure and general terrain characteristics. The results of this inventory were used to create a Forest Management Plan. As the plan is nearly complete, it has been determined that due to consistently poor harvesting and property management practices prior to TNC ownership, forest management activities scheduled during the next ten years will be largely restorative. Strategic use of herbicide, prescribed fire, targeted recreational hunting, mowing treatments, fencing, and timber harvesting has and will continue to be utilized throughout the property to create conditions conducive to establishing a more healthy and diverse forest. As a Research and Demonstration Forest, West Branch will be used as a platform to showcase forest restoration practices applicable to private forest landowners and the diverse forested landscapes across the Commonwealth. In addition, West Branch will be utilized as a small-scale research station to conditions amenable to studies involving wildlife, rare plant communities, prescribed fire, herbicide applications, and of course, a case study for managing white-tailed deer. The Nature Conservancy has partnered with a variety of state agencies and land management organizations to work collaboratively to address some of the most pressing and challenging issues that our forests face. </div>Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021981931024543431.post-59029534631261743192008-07-23T11:48:00.000-07:002008-08-21T10:36:40.418-07:00West Branch Hunting Guidelines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs84AgY7d6JCuKuCMcyEtgy3M2HyyDh7IwoZ59oHBJfxPltcYmjkOshf5FKNKVEIGRBB_bys3BAo6JZs-YXZeg5Mf64fdYPFssQSd6RxqrNdOH1JEvxPZa9g7gu1PcTtUhrDXg2wpyjpNr/s1600-h/doe_Fawn.bmp"></a>Similar to years past, you are welcome to hunt at West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest and are encouraged to use treestands if inclined to do so as long as they are not damaging to trees. <br /><br /><strong>A complete list of activities that are prohibited on The Nature Conservancy's properties is as follows: </strong><br /><br />- <em>Trapping of any wildlife is prohibited.<br /><br />- Use of motorized vehicles of any sort is prohibited, except over public access roads. </em><br /><em><br />-Camping, fires, horseback riding, bicycling, collecting flora, fauna, or mineral specimens is prohibited. <br /><br />- Artificial feeding of wildlife is prohibited.<br /><br />- Alteration of natural growth or natural features for the purpose of enhancing the beauty, neatness, or amenities of the preserve is prohibited.<br /><br />- The introduction of exotic species (species non native to a particular area) is prohibited.<br /><br />- Pet and stray domestic animals are prohibited, including leashed dogs, except seeing-eye dogs.<br /><br />- Hunting of any animal with dogs is prohibited.<br /><br />- The use of pesticides is prohibited.<br /></em><br />Please notify the preserve manager (570-220-6097; meckley@tnc.org)<br />if you see anyone engaged in the activities listed above.Mike Eckleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658704111168781414noreply@blogger.com0