CSA from Page I

nity ecosystems. It was also decided to
present a workshop to evaluate the potential
and need for further CFC efforts.

ConceptMeets Approval

Six states took the challenge to partici-
pate in the pilot CFC demonstration program
on a cost-share basis. Oklahoma, Kansas,
Nebraska, lowa, North Dakota, and Montana
collectively proposed 13 CFC demonstra-
tions. All 13 were found to be excellent
projects, have been funded, and are presently
in some stage of implementation.

‘The demonstrations involve a wide
range of ideas. Montana developed a
combination windbreak planting designed to
Protect a school grounds. The windbreak will
reduce fuel consumption, wind, and snow
accumulation, and offer an outdoor |i
experience. Another project in Iowa will
establish a "living snow fence” to protect the
emergency entrance and grounds of a
hospital. A project in Nebraska will focus on
protecting a riparian area within a city park.
There are many other good projects too
varied to mention.

Many of the projects are being imple-
mented with volunteer labor (school youth,
Eagle Scouts, community organizations, etc).

Let us know about conservation forestry news in your area, we'd love to share it!

"One positive aspect
of this project
is the development of a strong
volunteer effort.
Nearly all of the projects
are being implemented with
volunteer labor."

(CFC Workshop A Success

After the first stage of the CFC pilot
project, CSA turned attention to developing a
workshop. The workshop was designed to
evaluate the merit of the CFC concept and
whether there was need to further develop
and expand it. The National Arbor Day
Foundation also became a cosponsor of the
two-day meeting.

Attendance involved persons with
experience in developing the original CFC
concept and those that participated in the
pilot demonstration projects. Twenty-five
resource professionals attended,
five State Forestry Agencies, National
Association of Conservation Districts,

National Arbor Day Foundation, National
Tree Trust, three Universities, Soil Conserva-
tion Service, one North Dakota city, a state
wildlife agency, and CSA.

The group overwhelmingly endorsed
expansion of the concept as one means to
advance toward total community ecosystem
management. A committee composed of
several of the attendees has developed a
white paper with recommendations for future
expansion of the CFC concept and project.

The Future Looks Bright
There are multiple plans and proposals
being developed, even as you read this
article. Various partnerships between the
Forest Service, State Foresters, Soil Conser-
vation Districts, private contractors, and
citizens are being proposed. Funding appears
to be the limiting factor, so CSA is looking
into the potential for partnerships involving
sponsors and citizen volunteers.
We have an opportunity for conserva-
tion forestry to assist in sustaining communi-
ties in much the same way conservation
forestry technologies assist in sustaining
agriculture. Be looking for more information
regarding this exciting program - Conserva-
tion Forestry for Communities program.

Message from page 2
value of conservation forestry and ecosystem sustainability. Based on our
success with community conservation forestry projects, wehope to
expand the support, sponsorship, and volunteer efforts into surrounding
agricultural lands,

In concert with the Conservation Forestry in Communities applica-
tions project, our in-house research program (RM-4551) is now officially
part of the Forest Service urban forestry research program. That means
that our conservation forestry research pertains to both rural and commu-
nity situations. Specifically, our contributions to the overall Forest
Service urban forestry research program are in urban tree genetics and
technologies to maintain and improve tree health. Our research is focused
on tree species that have strong customer interest in both rural and
community conservation forestry. Again, we are not broadening our
science, but we are broadening the audience of people who use our
information.

As you can see, we are establishing complementary conservation
forestry research and applications programs for both rural and community
situations. This has been made possible by the Center's Research/State
and Private Forestry partnership. Therural technology transfer and
applications program consists of a State and Private Forestry sponsored
public education program called “Conservation Trees for Your Farm,
Family, and Future” delivered by the National Arbor Day Foundation,
plus our in-house State and Private Forestry supported demonstration
program. The community applications program is the Conservation
Forestry for Communities project, for which we are currently developing
Partnerships and sponsors.

As we set out to do at the beginning, the Center works through
cooperation and partnerships to expand resources and expertise to attain
common goals. We are making clear progress in that direction. The
Process is not without its challenges, but we hope the results will be far
worth the effort.

Plastic Trees
to Make Rain

Early pioneers had fond visions of turning the dry
Great Plains into a rainy, agricultural paradise if only
they could get enough crops and trees growing to
prime the rain cycle.

Well, grab an umbrella and watch as Libya tries the
same thing with 40,000 plastic trees. Brainchild of
Spanish inventor Antonio Ibanez, the devise is
described by Europe Magazine as a palm-like tree with
polyurethane roots and perforated plastic and foam
trunks, branches, and leaves.

‘The principle is that cooler ground temperatures
will generate rain. The tree's upper portion is said to
absorb moisture from dew and frost during the cold,
desert night, then slowly release it during the day,
thereby cooling the surface air. In coastal desert areas,
the hope is that the change will be enough to squeze
rain from the air. Once the cycle begins, real trees can
be planted to keep it going.

Source: Arbor Day, July/August, 1992



What's Happening to It?

Dying Siberian elm in Bottineau County, North Dakota.

A major decline and death loss of Siberian (commonly referred to
as “Chinese”) elm (ulmus premila) trees has occurred across the Great
Plains region. Siberian elm was the backbone of tree plantings in
towns and windbreaks during the 1940's and 1950's. Tree inventories
conducted in communities over the past ten years all reflect the
dominance of Siberian elm in the landscape. But, time has finally
Caught up to this tree and climatic extremes (drought, temperature) are
hastening its disappearance from the western prairie landscape. The
loss of this tree marks the end of an era when man tried to tame fierce
prairie winds with trees.

The unexpected Halloween freeze of 1991 also took a toll on
Siberian elm across the Great Plains. Individual trees were killed by
the freeze while others showed no damage at all. All levels of
damage occurred. The Siberian elm in central through western
Nebraska are 50-100 percent dead. One western Nebraska town
reported 1,800 dead elms on public property (parks, street right-of-
way, etc.) and at least that number on private property.

Today, homeowners and landowners "cuss" this tree
unrelentlessly. After every storm there are branches to pick up. The
dieback adds an unsightly appearance to the home or farmstead.
Often the question "why was this tree planted?" is asked. The answer
lies in the fact that Siberian elm is tough, able to grow under the
harshest conditions and across a wide spectrum of environmental
sites. Maybe more importantly, it grows fast!

There were many trees and areas to be planted in the Great
Plains and there wasn't time for replanting. Foresters,

4

conservationists, and landowners needed a proven performer,
hence the Siberian elm. Unfortunately, it has a relatively
short life span of 40-60 years which is shortened even more
when grown under stress. Often, when someone plants a
tree, they envision it living forever. Trees don't live forever
and the majority of Siberian elms are at the end of their
lifespan today.

When one looks back into the literature of early studies on
windbreaks, there are several interesting references about
Siberian elm. One reference from a Farm Forestry Bullitin,
April, 1944, states, "Chinese elm has been used too
extensively, It is subject to late and early frost, is easily
damaged by wind, snow, and hail storms. It does grow very
rapidly and it has a place in many plantings, primarily
because of the limited number of tall trees that are available.
It should be used on the more difficult sites, but only to a
limited extent - not more than one row to a planting.”

What choices face the homeowner or landowner who has
dead or dying elm trees? First and foremost, elm trees that
are dead will not come back next spring. Even elm trees with
sparse crowns are slowly dying and their death is imminent.
Whether it's a windbreak or landscape situation, treeowners
need to evaluate where new trees should be planted.

Currently many tree owners are being told that their elm
trees can be saved or reviatlized. Topping, the removal of a
major portion of the crown, is one solution being promoted
to save elm trees. Topping is not an approved or proper
pruning technique and this will not save the tree, but will
actually hasten the tree's decline. Another "solution"
involves spraying dead/dying trees with a fungicide to revive
the tree.

The bottom line is these treatments cannot effectively
extend the life span of the tree and are not economical.
People with elm trees that have not produced any foilage or
have less than 20 percent live crown should seriously
consider tree removal. This is especially critical where the
location of the tree represents a hazard to property,
buildings, or high use areas.

Removal of dead elm trees is truly a negative aspect of the
Halloween freeze. Many small communities already have financial
difficulties and removing dead elm trees can be costly. However, a
positive aspect of the freeze is that Siberian elm is considered a
poor choice for urban or landscape uses. Therefore, the severe
damage caused presents an opportunity for communities and
individuals to improve their tree resource. Removing the elms and
replacing them with more desirable species will improve their
community forests.

Tree owners must focus on planting new trees to replace the
elms because this is a more economical and practical use of their
money. Farmers and ranches should take note of dieback in their
windbreaks. Time is growing short for landowners to effectively
respond to this decline. Their windbreaks need to be renovated to
maintain continous long term protection for farmsteads, livestock,
and soils.

The Siberian elm has played a major role in the evolution of
windbreaks and landscapes on the prairie. But time marches on
and the future prairie landscape will not include the “Chinese” elm.
New species of trees that are better adapted and longer lived will be
planted to replace them. Although the elm tree will slip from its
dominating role on the prairie, it shouldn't be forgotten for its place
in the history of windbreak development on the Great Plains.

Sources: Adapted from, The Foresters’ Log, August, 1992; Growing Green,
September/October, 1992



CSA is Taking
Conservation Forestry
to Town!

By Jerry Bratton
Technology Transfer Program Leader

The Center for Semiarid Agroforestry
(CSA) has developed a partnership project
with State Foresters that adapts agricultural
conservation agroforestry technologies to
city and community environments. It advo-
cates "taking conservation forestry to town"!

TheNeed

Many natural resources within cities and
communities are neglected, ignored or
abused! Basic natural resources (water, air,
soil, plants, and wildlife) are often overlooked
when communities design new construction
sites or establish residential or commercial
areas. Since the EPA has listed urban areas as
the number two nonpoint source polluter
(behind agriculture) we know this problem is
common. When communities are located
within agroecosystems the effect may even
be multiplied.

When planning resource management,
natural resource professionals often
overlook or fail to recognize opportunities
to apply rural conservation forestry
technologies, especially to those prob-
Jems associated with communities located
within and dependent upon agriculture.

Islands of trees and human habita-
tion need many of the same resource
protection and management practices
that we find on farms and ranches
outside communities, It's just as
important to protect communities
from wind and snow, improve
mismanaged riparian areas and
wildlife habitat, and intercept
fertilizers and chemicals before
they enter free water systems.

The Challenge
In 1991, CSA developed a concept to

adapt and apply commonly used conserva-
tion forestry practices to community environ-
ments. The project was labeled "Conservation
Forestry for Communities" (CFC). The USDA
Forest Service's, Urban & Community
Forestry Group decided to fund 1992 pilot
project to demonstrate how to adapt
agroforestry technology to protect commu-

By Kim Isaacson
Technology Transfer Assistant

A windbreak and an outdoor laboratory!
That's what Conrad, Montana, grade school
students are going to get. They're excited
about designing, installing, and maintaining a
five- to six-row windbreak around their school
that will later be used as a student learning
center.

The children work with the Montana
| Division of Forestry who, in cooperation with

the Center for Semiarid Agroforestry (CSA),
have initiated a pilot project called
Conservation Forestry for Communities
(CFC). Though still in the planning stages,
things in Montana will really start happening
this spring.

‘The future CFC windbreak will not only
protect schoolgrounds and foster
environmental education but will lower fuel

costs and serve as a center for
wildlife. It will also demonstrate the
Proper use tree planting and
maintenance.
One of the things that
Ruth Caristrom, Gifted
and Talented

Hands-on Experience for Montana Students

Coordinator for the Conrad School District,
really likes about the program is that the State
Foresters are completely involving the
students. The students are involved with
developing and planning the budget,
choosing tree species, actual landscape
design, and planting and maintaining the
windbreak this spring. Media coverage will
also be initiated by the children.

Carlstrom says that “the kids are so
proud to be a part of improving their school
grounds and the environment as a whole."
Besides the fact that the school is located
near a farming community and the windbreak
is almost a necessity because of fierce
Montana winds, she is excited about the
hands-on experience that the future outdoor
lab will give the children.

In a future issue of Inside Agroforestry
we'll update you on the progress of our
Montana students! In the meantime, we hope
to spotlight a demonstration project in every
issue. Please feel free to inform us of
something that you know of or may be
involved with in your area. Include photos!

m@ Message from the manager...page 2
@ What's happening to Siberian elm across the Plains...page 4
® Conservation forestry is coming around again...page 5

See CSAonpageS | 8 Upcoming events you won't want to miss...page 6


Message From the Manager

ties" pilot project. Basically, we found that conservation forestry
technologies can be applied in communities, just as they are in
agricultural systems, for most of the same reasons, The response to
our pilot project was overwhelming, and weare currently developing
funding proposals and partnerships to enable us to continue and
expand into more states,

Why is the Agroforestry Center getting involved in conservation
forestry? We were initially reluctant to cross that line, until we
realized that, in our case, there really wasn't any line, Communities
and people cannot be separated from agroecosystems; they are an
integral part, and their needs for conservation forestry are nearly
identical to those in agricultural production systems. In both
situations, we add trees to environments deficient in woody plants. In
both situations conservation trees protect, enrich, and sustain vital
economic, environmental, human, and natural resources. Moreover,
in agroecosystems in the semiarid Great Plains and West, there is a
mutual need for stress and pest resistant multipurpose trees in both
rural and community situations. The net result is that we are not
broadening our science, but weare broadening our audience - the
people whouse our information.

Even though conservation forestry fits in both situations, why
expand our scope to include community forestry? The short answer is

A column of important events and programs as reported by CSA Program Manager Bill Rietveld

Conservation Forestry
in Communities

In this issue, we report on our "Conservation Forestry inCommuni-

that we are taking conservation forestry to the people, and we will
draw on that support base to enhance applications in rural areas

"Communities and people cannot
be separated from agroecosystems;
they are an integral part,
and their needs for conservation forestry are
nearly identical to those in
agricultural production systems."

‘surrounding communities (i.c., municipal watersheds). Let me
explain, Presently 68 percent of the population lives in communi-
ties. Conservation Forestry In Communities will provide an avenue
toinvolvecommunity leaders, sponsors, and volunteers in projects
that emphasize the conservation and environmental enhancement
benefits of trees. Besides the many benefits to urban forestry
programs, it has the additional benefit of educating people on the

‘See Message on page S

Living Snowfences in Wyoming Getting a Workout ————-

It is common knowledge that Wyoming
winters can be extremely severe. Snow
accumulations within Laramie County
average 51.5 inches annually. Snow and high
velocity winds often present dangerous
traveling conditions. Also, it has become
increasingly more costly to Laramie County
taxpayers to keep roadways clear.

In 1989, the Laramie County Conserva-
tion District initiated a living snowfence
program to help alleviate problems assoicated
with blowing and drifting snow. A living
snowfence, which consists of strategically
Planted rows of trees and shrubs, will
eventually provide control of blowing and
drifting snow. It has numerous economical
advantages over the traditional slatted fences
that are commonly used for snow control.

Results indicate that living snowfences

could save taxpayers up to $4,933 per mile
every year. This totals $246,650 over the life
of each planting. Currently, the District has 53
living snowfences throughout the County,
which translates to over 15 miles of trees
planted, or a possible savings of $73,995 per
year of taxpayer's dollars that would have
gone to snow removal.

Snow catchment isn't the only advantage
associated with living snowfences, Many
areas in Laramie County have very little, if
any, woody vegetation. The plantings are
important habitat areas for birds and provide
a place for deer and other game to raise their
young.

The Conservation District, with the
assistance of the Laramie County Road and
Bridge Department, select sites on city,
county, or state road locations. Site location

is based on the severity of the snow problem,
the number of people who will benefit, and the
site composition (soil, grade, etc.).

Once selected, the sites are then fallowed
during the fall season to aid in moisture
retention. Spring disking prepares the sites for
the trees, which are planted in April, May, and
early June.

Several new technologies are used to
assist with achieving the living snowfence's
94% overall survival rate. These include

during the fall and winter months that coats
leaf surfaces and inhibits moisture loss.

Source: Jim Armold, Laramie County Conservation
District Report on Progress, October, 1992

2


Conservation Forestry

An Idea Whose Time Has Come, Again

By Bul Rietveld
CSA Program Manager

‘The term conservation forestry is new,
but the practice is not. Conservation trees
came to the rescue in the Dust Bow! years of
the ‘30's, when intensive dryland farming was
found to be unsustainable. Modern farming
systems have evolved to their present level
by emphasizing efficiency. But we are now
confronted with the high environmental costs
of such systems. The need for sustainable
agricultural land-use systems is unchanged.

An enduring quote from Aldo Leopold
that applies as well now as it did then is: "A
system of agriculture based solely on
economic self interest is hopelessly lopsided.
Tt tends to ignore, and thus eventually
eliminate, many elements of the land commu-
nity that lack commercial value, but are
essential to its healthy functioning. It
assumes, falsely I think, that the economic
Parts of the biotic clock will function without
the uneconomic parts." Although conserva-
tion forestry was previously regarded as one
of the uneconomic parts, the situation is
changing now as scientists and managers
realize that conservation forestry has a
significant role to play in the development of
sustainable agriculture land-use systems.

Our definition of conservation forestry is:
“working trees in agricultural and community
ecosystems to protect, enrich, and sustain
our vital economic, environmental, human,
and natural resources." Conservation forestry

is distinguished by the fact that trees (and
shrubs) are added to environments that are
deficient in trees, and benefits are created or
enhanced through their introduction.

We try to obtain tree products where
possible (traditional agroforestry), but in
dryland systems, the conservation and
amenity values of trees (conservation
forestry) are often more important and
valuable than tree products.

“Working trees” are trees planted in the
right place in the right design for the right
purpose. Examples are windbreaks to protect
crops, farmsteads, and livestock, living
snowfences to control drifting snow, live-
‘stock havens in rangelands, wildlife habitat
plantings, and riparian buffer systems to filter
surface runoff. Conservation forestry systems
provide critical habitat for wildlife. Such
systems may occupy only 5% of the land area
of agroecosystems, yet account for over 50%
of the biodiversity.

Conservation forestry is an idea whose
time has come again. This time, rather than a
crisis program to reclaim and heal the land,
conservation forestry is being recognized as
an integral part of sustainable agricultural
land-use systems, to protect, enrich, and
Sustain vital economic, environmental,
human, and natural resources. It is one of the
uneconomic parts of agricultural ecosystems
that is essential to its healthy functioning.

A healthy riparian area is evidence of wise land management. Riparian areas include trees
and other plants that live and grow near water on the banks of streams, rivers, and lakes to
protect and improve water quality.

Forestry
Facts

@ The Great Plains has 90,871
total miles of field windbreaks.
North Dakota ranks highest
among the other Great Plains
states with 40,558 total miles that
protect 2,952,622 acres of
cropland. Following are total
miles of windbreaks forthe
remaining Great Plains states
and the acres of cropland that
they protect: Colorado, 1,064
miles protecting 77 A459 acres;
Kansas, 16,750 miles protecting
1,219,400 acres; Montana, 8,821
miles protecting 642,169.acres;
Nebraska, 9,876 miles protecting
718,973 acres; New Mexico, 245
miles protecting 17,836.acres;
Oklahoma, 3,600 miles protect-

262,080. acres; South Dakota,
8,362milles protecting 608,754
acres; Texas, 1,149 miles protect-
ing 83,647 acres; and Wyoming,
446 miles protecting 32,469
acres.

Soil Conservation Service, 1987

@ |n winter, windbreak trees
can reduce heating bills as
much as 30 percent. And, in
summer, shade trees can *
save up to 50 percent of air
conditioning costs.

The National Arbor Day Foundation

% ‘Conservation is a state of
harmony between men and
land. Despite nearly a cen-
tury of propaganda, conser-
vation still proceeds at a
snail's pace; progress still
consists largely of letterhead
pieties and convention
oratory. On the back forty
we still slip two steps back-
ward for each forward
stride."