Athens, Marietta and Ironton, Ohio -- The Only National Forest in Ohio

Wayne National Forest

Year in Review 2006

Cincinnati

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ATHENS

IRONTON

MARIETTA

Columbus Zanesville

Lancaster

Chillicothe

Athens

Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest

.

Proclamation Boundary

.! Forest Service Offices

In this Edition:

Wayne N.F. Map Page 1

From the Forest Supervisor Page 2

Protecting Ecosystems Across 

 Boundaries Page 2

Connecting Citizens to the 

 Land Page 5

Walk the Talk for 

 Sustainability Page 9

Revolutionizing Effectiveness 

 and Effi ciency Page 10

Be an Employer of Choice Page 12
From the Forest Supervisor

 The Wayne National Forest completed another landmark year of caring 

for the land and serving people in 

southeast Ohio. These pages feature 

some of the highlights of the past year 

and I hope you feel as proud as I am 

of the work that’s been accomplished 

in our region.

 We began 2006 with our new 

Revised Forest Plan and have already 

begun to see successes and progress 

through its implementation over the 

last year. We continue to make great 

strides in watershed improvement and 

water quality across the landscape; 

and in forest health through an active

timber management program. We 

have employed new approaches to 

projects around the Forest, including 

the use of Stewardship Contracting to 

infuse project revenues directly back 

to the Forest. With this contracting 

authority we are making the best of 

the road construction of the Highway 

33 Bypass around Nelsonville, Ohio, 

which cuts through about 400 acres of 

the Forest.

 And we continue to be a recreation 

destination of choice for thousands 

of off-road vehicle riders, campers, 

nature viewing enthusiasts, fi shers, 

and hunters. The growing trends in 

visitation in these pursuits is evidence 

of the positive direction in which we 

are moving the Forest through our 

overall management plan.

 Our 2006 Forest Plan is a fi tting 

compliment to the newly-established 

Regional goal of Courageous Conservation. The Goal has fi ve components, listed below, which are used 

as themes for the organization of this 

report:

 • Protect ecosystems across boundaries

 • Connect citizens to the land

 • Walk the talk for sustainability

 • Revolutionize effectiveness and 

effi ciency

 • Be an employer of choice

2

 In 2006 the Wayne National Forest 

completed fi ve watershed projects which 

are changing the landscape of the once 

strip-mined areas in Athens, Hocking, 

and Perry Counties. Areas once written 

off as “ecological deserts” with acidic 

streams and barren gob piles, are now 

coming back to life.

 Monday Creek’s revival from “unrecoverable” to a stream that once again 

supports aquatic life is a living tribute to 

the hard work and perseverance of the 

Monday Creek Watershed Group, the 

Wayne NF, and the Ohio Department of 

Natural Resources. Across the Forest, 

acid mine drainage is being treated and 

rerouted, an example is the next story 

on the old Essex Mine. Five seeps have 

been treated with limestone leach beds, 

and 29 subsidences have been closed to 

prevent surface water from entering the 

acidic mine tunnels below. 

 “What we’ve been able to accomplish 

in the fi ve primary watershed projects we 

worked on this year is nothing short of 

phenomenal,” said Gary Willison, Watershed Program Manager. “It was possible 

because locally people weren’t giving up, 

where others saw an impossible situation, our partners saw an opportunity 

to change things for the better and they 

buckled down and did just that.”

Stream Reclamation 

Results “Pouring” In

 This year a group of partners collaborated to install a chemical doser on a 

local stream heavily contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD) from the 

old Essex Mine. Now, with several months of measurements, the group can 

quantify their success on Snow Fork Creek.

 Snow Fork is in the Monday Creek watershed on the Athens District of 

the Wayne. The Forest worked with Ohio Department of Natural Resources 

(ODNR), Offi ce of Surface Mining (OSM), and staff and volunteers with the 

Monday Creek Watershed Group (MCWG) to install the doser, which adds 

measured amounts of calcium carbonate to reverse high acid levels.

 The Essex Coal Mine has shafts and underground rooms covering approximately 2,500 acres underground and discharges AMD at an average rate of 

700 gallons per minute into Snow Fork. Snow Fork (pictured at right before 

and after treatment) was previously a “dead” stream with no aquatic life and 

pH levels of 4.5-5.1. Once subsidences were closed and the doser in operation, the stream’s pH has risen to 6.7-7.4 downstream of the doser. 

 The doser cost $324,500, with the partners contributing $315,500. The 

doser is designed to treat water for a distance of about six miles downstream. 

As further work is done on the causes of AMD in the area, the doser could 

possibly be moved to another location to help improve water quality at 

another location on the Wayne. 

Essex Doser adds 

lime and reduces 

acidity in Snow 

Fork, a tributary of 

Monday Creek.

Harry Payne (ODNR), Russ Gibson 

(Ohio EPA), Mike Steinmaus (MCGW), 

Bill Theisen, Athens County Commissioner, Jane Forest-Redfern with 

Rural Action, and Gary Willison, 

Wayne NF, cut the ribbon to start 

the chemical doser on Snow Fork 

Creek. 

 In 2006 we worked with 42 state 

and federal agencies, conservation 

organizations, and universities who 

contributed to wildlife, fi sheries, 

and plant projects Forest-wide. Our 

partners are key components of our 

success and I can’t say enough about 

how much they are appreciated. 

 Enjoy reviewing the accomplishments and highlights we have captured in this Annual Report for 2006. 

Please feel free to direct any questions you may have about the Wayne 

to my attention. We look forward to 

another prosperous and progressive 

year in caring for the land and serving 

people!

Mary Reddan

Wayne National Forest

13700 U.S. Highway 33

Nelsonville, OH 45764

740-753-0101

Protecting ecosystems

across boundaries 
3

Highway Improvements to 

Benefit People & Environment

 The permanent loss of any forested area is something that no environmental manager wants. But with 

some innovative engineering, cooperative planning, 

and partnership involvement, the Wayne NF has turned 

the loss of forest to the US 33 Bypass project into as 

much of an advantage as could be expected.

 “The project relocates an 8.5-mile stretch of highway from the town of Nelsonville to a rural forested 

area north of town,” said Terry Kreinhop, the Forest’s 

civil engineer liaison for the highway project.

 The Wayne worked closely with Ohio Department of 

Transportation (ODOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to minimize and mitigate impacts of the Nelsonville 

bypass, a four-lane controlled access highway between Haydenville and New Floodwood. Kreinhop coordinated the project for the Forest and in many cases, he acted as the agent for the FHWA as well through a 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

 Coordination between agencies has resulted in minimizing the impacts of construction, and includes 

four wildlife crossings, provisions to reduce and preclude invasive plant species, and revegetate the rightof-way with native plants. The use of higher than usual fencing along the highway will help channel 

wildlife to one of the four wildlife crossings. The wildlife crossings will be a real boon for a local population 

of grizzled skipper butterfl y, a Regional Forester Sensitive Species and a native of the area, which migrates along that area 

as well as other animals and amphibians. The culverts also provide habitat connectivity.

 Kreinhop also noted $100,000 has been set aside for new all-terrain vehicle trails, and a large culvert is planned to reconnect orphaned trails cut off by the 

new bypass. “FHWA and ODOT are trying to be good environmental stewards and are willing to make the extra effort to help us protect our resources.”

Wayne receives Rural Action’s 2006 Sustainable Partnership Award

 On behalf of the Wayne, Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan accepted one of three annual Sustainability Awards given by 

Rural Action. Reddan noted, “I was honored to accept this award on behalf of the Forest. It is a refl ection of the cooperation and partnerships we are developing as part of the environmental community in Southeastern Ohio.” 

 According to Jane Forrest Redfern, Rural Action’s Executive Director, Sustainability Awards “recognize an individual, 

business, or organization that works with Rural Action to build a more sustainable region.” Reddan accepted the award 

for the Wayne’s efforts in the restoration of watersheds in the Appalachian region, as well as the work on the Highway 

33 Nelsonville Bypass. The citation reads: “In appreciation for your cooperation and commitment to the sustainability 

of our region, your generous spirit and willingness to share your knowledge, experiences, and personal resources with 

others, leaving the world a better place.”

Volunteers work with Native Plant Rescue.

Saving Plants for replanting 

 Working with Rural Action, VISTA, Hocking College, and others the 

Wayne hosted a native plant rescue to dig and move native forest plants 

from Highway 33 Bypass site and place them in holding and seed production beds for future restoration projects. Even Mrs. Hope Taft (pictured 

in the photo on the left), wife of Ohio’s former Governor Bob Taft, came 

down to participate.

 Several plant beds for both shade and sun tolerant plants were constructed behind the Wayne NF offi ce and volunteers worked to locate and 

move plants which would otherwise have been lost in construction. Mrs. 

Taft took some of the plants back to the Governor’s Mansion as well, for 

the heritage landscape garden there. Rural Action is working with Hocking College to spearhead a 

large staff and volunteer effort to rescue as many native plants from the right-of-way area as possible before construction begins in late 2007. The goal: to replant these native species along the right-of-way 

to give the landscape a more natural, native appearance and cut down on the spread of non-native invasive 

plants.

 

Mary Reddan poses 

with the other winners of the 2006 

Annual Sustainability Awards, Gifford Doxsee of Athens, OH; and 

Christine Hughes representing the 

Village Bakery. 

A log truck pulls out with logs from 

the timber contract and 

the area is shown 

below after logging 

was completed.

Above: Work 

completed through January 9, 2007.

Temporary 

access 

bridge.
4

Stewardship Contracting on the Wayne

 The Wayne is actively making use of a new tool available to the Forest Service called stewardship contracting, to provide 

direct, on-the-Forest projects with more local economic and environmental benefi ts. Two Stewardship Contracts are already 

in place on the Highway 33 Bypass project, and other opportunities are being examined for use in 2007.

 Environmentally, the goal of stewardship contracting is to assist in enhancing and restoring landscapes to maintain and 

improve the health of the Forest. In a standard type of contract, a company bids on and receives a contract to perform a certain 

type of work on the Forest. Revenues from the contract go to the contractor as profi t, and to the US Treasury for return to the 

counties around the Forest. 

 In a stewardship contract, the contractor agrees to complete projects for such things as restoring or maintaining water quality; improving 

fi sh and wildlife habitat; and reducing hazardous fuels as part of their contract. The large revenues do not go to the Treasury, but are invested 

directly on the Forest. Another advantage of this approach is that local, non-traditional 

contractors can compete equally for jobs, and then sub-contract some of the work in 

order to reap the benefi ts of keeping revenues locally. 

 As an example of the types of things a stewardship contract can do, the fi rst contract 

the Forest awarded was a small 13-acre harvesting contract granted to Hocking College 

to clear a portion of the new highway right-of-way (ROW). Hocking College’s chainsaw class cut the trees and in return for the value of the timber, planted trees in a bottomland area and worked on Forest roads. (See photos to left.)

 The second stewardship contract was for harvesting 243 acres of ROW. Also with Hocking College, this 

contract provided work including: dam, road, wildlife opening, and boundary line maintenance; crop tree release; native plant rescue and establishment; closing illegal ORV trails; fi re line construction; and constructing bat houses.

 “The total value of timber to be removed in the two bypass stewardship contracts is more than $200,000,” said District 

Ranger DeVela Clark. “Retaining these receipts gives us the fl exibility to fund a wide variety of maintenance projects on our 

Forest. Partnering with Hocking College and utilizing local sub-contractors will also provide many training and job opportunities locally.” 

Photos here 

show the Hocking College 

chainsaw class 

who did the 

felling; and 

the fi rst tree 

being cut 

under contract.

Monitoring results of controlled burns

 New monitoring plots on the Wayne enable foresters, botanists and fi re managers to measure results of prescribed 

burns and adapt management techniques to reach goals. In 2006 the Wayne implemented landscape-level monitoring 

of prescribed burn areas. 

 The goals of this improved monitoring are to: increase oak regeneration where oak populations are threatened by shade-tolerant tree species; decrease fuel-load levels in order to lessen the severity of wildfi res; and 

reduce the occurrence of non-native invasive species that compromise natural communities. 

 Fire is one tool that can be used to advance these interests so a core group from the Forest Service Northeastern Research Station, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and the Wayne met to discuss fi re-monitoring ideas. 

 This team, led by Wayne Botanist Cheryl Coon, decided to employ FIREMON, the national Fire Effects 

Monitoring and Inventory System. Using this model both the Athens and Ironton Districts installed research 

plots and collected preliminary data that will help predict both the behavior of the fi re, and the effects burning 

will have on native and exotic plant populations. 

 In each plot, Forest staff recorded four size-classes of woody debris, woody and herbaceous plant cover in 

several sub-plots, and in about half of the plots, plant species cover and height. Monitoring these plots will 

show changes in species composition, cover, height, and ground cover over time. 

 The Wayne will be able to measure fuel-load levels in the permanent plots immediately after burns take place, and 

in subsequent years monitor trends in oak regeneration and in the composition of plant communities. According to 

Coon, “By establishing plots before implementation and monitoring them over the long-term we can quantitatively 

determine if Forest goals are met, and consider adaptive management to reach goals and desired future conditions.”

Botany 

technicians 

Julie Wnuk 

and Linda 

Hirst take 

measurements on a 

fi re monitoring plot.

A mother pipistrelle carrying her baby 

horizontally against her abdomen is 

caught in the mistnet (mom’s head is 

pointed up next to the wing, and the 

back of baby’s head is just below). 

Schultes, SO Wildlife Biologist said, “We didn’t catch any Indiana bats, but 

we did capture a pipistrelle, Ohio’s smallest bat, carrying her baby-something rarely seen.”

 Staff and volunteers worked together, going out at night to net sites. 

Thirteen of the bats captured were northern bats and 12 were red bats. They 

also found one pipistrelle and one big brown bat. 

 Schultes explained the photo above saying bats change roosts frequently 

if the maternal roost tree was damaged or predators disturbed the mother 

she would take her baby and move to another location. 

 Bats, with a lifespan of about 20 years, 

usually have one baby per year. Exceptions are big browns, which usually have 

twins, and red bats and hoary bats, which 

can have two to four pups. 

AmeriCorps volunteers help with Plant Inventory & Control

 Six AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) assisted the 

Wayne in non-native invasive species (NNIS) survey and control in July, 2006. 

 The group surveyed Forest tracts in the Federal Valley Watershed as part of a 

National Forest Foundation grant received by Rural Action’s Appalachian Forest 

Resource Center (AFRC). “The surveys were signifi cant because there was no 

previously recorded data on the presence of invasive plant species in these areas,” 

stated Forest botanist, Cheryl Coon. “Now that we’re aware of what’s there, 

we’re in a better position to prioritize and control the infestations.” 

 The group found invasive species such as Asian stilt grass, exotic honeysuckles, garlic mustard, Japanese barberry, multifl ora rose, and tree-of-heaven in the 

sites, especially along boundaries with private property or along roads. Coon 

noted, “We were encouraged to fi nd the interiors of the sites had few infestations 

and those present were of a size that could be controlled.”

 After completing the survey, the group was able to completely remove the 

garlic mustard and a population of stilt grass. They also removed tree-of-heaven 

seedlings, Japanese honeysuckle, multifl ora rose, and a population of Asian stilt 

grass along one of the Forest’s Research Natural Areas. Coon said, “There is 

already a visible difference in the extent of the infestation and the volunteers told 

us they felt good protecting these beautiful areas.”

Netting bats on the 

Wayne

 Summer bat netting on the 

Ironton District yields amazing 

photographs and 27 bats. Katrina 
CONNECTING

Citizens to the Land

PARTNERSHIP WITH LITTLE 

CITIES OF BLACK DIAMONDS 

GROUP PROVES TO BE A GEM

 In 2006 the partnership between the Little Cities 

of Black Diamonds and the Wayne NF sparkled. The 

Little Cities of Black Diamonds (LCBD) organization is a coalition of towns and villages in Athens, 

Hocking, Morgan and Perry Counties that have 

a common history in coal mining. Most began as 

“company towns” for coal mining operations.

 The group uses this shared history to leverage 

heritage tourism and other benefi ts for the otherwise 

economically-depressed area. And although LCBD 

and the Wayne have been partners for many years, 2006 was 

the fi rst year the partnership lead to a regionally-recognized 

project for the Bob Evans Farms Museum in Rio Grande, Ohio.

 The Wayne had worked with the museum staff on a well-received 

exhibit on the Underground Railroad in 2005, which attracted more 

than 15,000 visitors according to Museum offi cials. The Forest was 

asked to do a similar featured exhibit in 2006, and partnered with 

LCBD. The resulting display proved an instant success interpreting 

mining in southeastern Ohio. Two of the 11 panels and some of the 

artifacts on display are shown in the photo above. The exhibit was 

featured in the museum through December 31, 2006. “The story of 

the miners was told in a way that really touched people’s hearts,” 

said Ray McKinniss, Bob Evans Farm Manager.

 “Coal mining wasn’t something that just happened in the past, the 

legacy of what coal 

mining did to the 

area is something today’s residents of the Little Cities are still 

dealing with,” noted John Winnenberger, LCBD director. “The 

legacy of the mines is a constant 

in the acid mine drainage and 

water quality problems the area 

struggles with, along with barren 

gob piles of toxic waste and hazardous abandoned mine shafts.” 

5

 Throughout 2006, we worked closely with the public and almost without exception our successes and proud moments fi nd us standing shoulder 

to shoulder with volunteers and partners.

 “There are multiple benefi ts with involving the public in everything 

we do,” said Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan. “Anytime we involve 

others we have more ideas, more insight, and more hands to accomplish 

what needs to be done. But equally important, is what people take away 

from these partnerships.”

 Reddan notes that people who are involved Forest projects, have 

a deeper level of commitment and ownership in these amazing public 

forests. She notes, “When people roll up their sleeves and work together, 

they come away with a new awareness and appreciation.”

 Events continue to bring people out and connect them to their national 

forests. In 2006 the Wayne sponsored a Wheelin’ Sportsman Day on the 

Ironton Ranger District, a fi shing and fun day on the Marietta Unit, wildfl ower hikes, and river and lake cleanups. The Forest also participated 

in numerous local events such as the ATV Trails breakout, Iron Furnace 

Festival, Timber and Outdoor Show and the Paul Bunyan Show. 

 “This year we logged 3,920 volunteer hours in maintenance, protection, interpretation, or research for heritage sites,” said Reddan. She 

added, “A total of 42 state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and universities contributed to wildlife, fi sheries, and plant projects 

in 2006.” 

INAUGURAL IRONMASTER EVENT EARNS 

REGIONAL AWARD FOR THE WAYNE

 In its fi rst year as an event, the inaugural Iron Masters Day at Lake 

Vesuvius was the winner of the Region 9 Connecting Citizens to the 

Land Award for 2006. The Vesuvius Recreation Area on the Ironton 

Ranger District was the host site for the 2-day festival revolving around 

the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace and the Ohio University Southern 

Campus Nature Center.

 The goal of the Vesuvius June event was to highlight the history and 

heritage of the Vesuvius area. The region was once the largest provider 

of bulk iron for the nation, and fed the steel mills in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and other major cities until the turn of the 20th century. 

 Exhibitors demonstrated their crafts or equipment, and discussed 

their displays on the art of forging iron and operating iron furnaces. 

Several re-enactors in period costume brought the workings of the old 

furnaces and the period lifestyle to life. 

 Richard Pauling, an historical interpreter performed two shows at 

the festival. “In one performance,” says Pauling, “I portrayed an iron 

ore furnace owner, explaining the workings of the business and the 

impact iron production had on the region and the nation. In the second, 

I portrayed a furnace worker, explaining furnace operations and inherent 

dangers.” 

 As a special feature for the event, the Postmaster of Pedro, Ohio, 

arranged to have a special fi rst-day cancellation stamp cast and offered 

during the day’s activities. Postmaster Justin Jackson was on hand at 

the Festival to cancel and distribute almost 300 special cancellations on 

envelopes and letters, and additional requests from US and European 

collectors.

 Throughout the day a variety of music and 

entertainment was presented at the amphitheatre. 

The fi rst Vesuvius Iron Furnace Festival was a 

tremendous success and District Ranger Gloria 

Chrismer said plans are already underway to 

improve and expand the event for 2007. 

Documentary Wins 

More Awards

 The documentary fi lm “A Forest Returns,” 

produced by Jean Andrews, received the Regional 

Foresters People to People Award in 2006. This 

award is part of the Regional Foresters Courageous 

Conservation vision connecting citizens to the land. 

Andrews worked with the Wayne in 2006 to use the 

documentary to share the history of the reforestation of southeastern Ohio with groups state-wide. 

 The documentary is an oral history as told by the 

late Ora Anderson, who worked with the fi rst two 

Forest Service agents from Jackson, Ohio in 1935 

to make the fi rst land purchases that have grown 

into the Wayne National Forest. His recounting of 

the socio-economic condition and heritage of the 

area is beautifully refl ected in the historic photos, 

maps, and graphics.

 Ora Anderson, at age 93, passed away in September 2006.

Richard Pauling and Susan 

Taylor doing fi rst person 

interpretations of people from 

the era when Vesuvius Furnace 

was in its hey day, and below, 

Pauling as a furnace worker.

He added that his group is excited about the future 

of partnering with the Wayne and other groups in the 

region.
6

RINARD COVERED BRIDGE III RECONSTRUCTED A covered bridge within the Wayne National Forest and adjacent to a Forest recreation areas was destroyed by fl oods. The community raised money 

to reconstruct the bridge which also serves as a stop on the Covered Bridge 

Scenic Byway along Ohio Hwy 26 in Washington County. A celebration in 

October reopened the bridge. 

 The fl oods of 2004 and 2005 wreaked havoc on the Ohio and Little 

Muskingum River basins. As an added blow the Rinard Covered Bridge 

was washed from its foundation by fl oodwater in September 2004. The 

bridge appeared to be mostly in tact and plans were made to put it back 

on its foundations. But in January it was smashed by the second torrent of water. 

The bridge came apart as it washed downstream. The main bridge components were salvaged by the 

Washington County Highway Department. The Forest also sustained massive damage to the Covered Bridge Auto Tour. 

Most of the information signs for interpretive stops were damaged or washed away.

 Due to the hard work of many local groups and organizations, the Rinard Bridge is now fi rmly back on its foundation. The return of the bridge brought a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment to the area. FLEDA (Frontier Local 

Economic Development Association), was the organization that took the forefront in returning the bridge. They made it 

part of their mission to breathe new life into the bridge project. 

 The Wayne received many calls wanting the bridge rebuilt. Requests also came in for the interpretive panels, destroyed by the fl oods, to be repaired. After months of work the Rinard Bridge is solidly back on its foundations. On 

October 21, 2006, FLEDA held the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rinard Bridge. 

 Plans are underway to revamp the remaining parts of the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway. A team has formed and 

started working with partners to reinvigorate the scenic byway and possibly secure State and national 

designation. The interpretive panel at Rinard Bridge was the fi rst to be replaced. 

The team is now working on rejuvenating the remaining parts of 

the tour, adding new stops, an audio component of the tour on CD 

or tape, and potentially a downloadable audio tour which would be 

available on the Forest’s website.

IDENTIFYING ARTIFACTS

 In November 2006, the Wayne held 

an “Artifact Identifi cation Day” to commemorate Ohio Archaeology Month, in 

partnership with Hocking College, Ohio University’s 

Department of Anthropology and Sociology and Department of Geological Sciences, and Hopewell Culture 

National Park. 

 Dr. Annette Ericksen (Hocking College), Dr. 

Elliot Abrams (OU), and Ann Cramer (Wayne NF 

SYMMES CREEK GROUP 

HELPS WITH CLEANUP

 The Symmes Creek Restoration 

Committee (SCRC) held their third 

annual Timbre Ridge Lake clean-up 

and campout in October. Members 

cleaned up the shoreline and dispersed 

campsites at Timbre Ridge Lake. The 

group, shown above, collected 10 

bags of litter, a tire and several pieces 

of scrap metal. 

 The group braved cool temperatures but were rewarded with beautiful views of fall foliage and abundant 

wildlife. One of the worst forest 

invaders, Tree-of-Heaven plants were 

also pulled from around the campsite 

area. Grayson Thornton, SCRC Chairman, noted that the amount of trash to 

be collected has decreased each year. 

“I think people take notice of what 

we’re doing, and respect the areas 

more when they are clean and free of 

litter” he said.

Crowds gather to celebrate the reconstruction of the 

Rinard Covered Bridge on October 21, 2006.

532 HOGS visit the Wayne

 The 2006 Ohio State H.O.G. Rally for 

Harley Davidson motorcycle riders came to 

southeastern Ohio this year. HOG comes 

from the abbreviation for Harley Owners 

Group. The Wayne NF Welcome Center was 

one of 14 stops in the June event. 

 The curving hill country roads of southeastern Ohio provided the backdrop while 

riders rode the region to get their “passports” 

stamped at the 14 stops along the way. 

 “It was a scorcher those two days,” said 

Becky Stewart, Information Assistant in the 

Nelsonville offi ce. Of the 1,500 riders who 

began the rally, 532 made the check-in at the 

last stop at the Wayne. She said these were 

the heartiest of the group and “loved our 

bathrooms and water fountains!” 

 Most riders were photographed with the 

plywood Smokey (below). Stewart said the 

riders loved the area and took information 

and said they’d be back to enjoy the trails 

and recreation areas.

Soil and Water Conservation District educators pull Asian Stiltgrass. 

OHIO EDUCATORS TACKLE INVASIVES

 One of the 2006 bi-annual meetings of the south eastern Ohio Soil and Water Conservation District Education Specialists was held at the Ohio University Nature Center. 

 “Our meetings keep everyone updated on events and share ideas for presentations,” said Carrie Yaniko of 

the Lawrence County Soil and Water District (LCSWD). “We usually have a guest speaker and an activity. 

Since invasive species have become a prominent issue in the last few years and educators realize these species 

are affecting our environment, we invited the Forest Service speak about some of the invasive species in our 

area and offered to be a part of removing some of the problem.”

 Chad Kirschbaum, Ironton District Botanist, spoke on the extent of invasive species infestations on the 

District. He also shared the Forest’s current map of invasive species infestations and brought in fresh samples. 

“The group’s knowledge of exotic species identifi cation was tested with the samples and they did pretty well” 

Kirschbaum reported. After the talk the group went to the Vesuvius Recreation Area and hand pulled a large 

stilt grass infestation below Iron Ridge Campground. 

 “The LCSWD is an important partner of the Forest. We work 

together with school programs and the annual Envirothon” said 

Kirschbaum. Recently the decision by the LCSWD board to join 

the Forest Service in organizing Ohio’s fi rst Cooperative Weed 

Management Area (CWMA) has been a real bonus. A CWMA is 

a formal cooperative agreement among government and private 

organizations to work together in order to combat the threat of 

invasive species.

Archaeologist), identifi ed a variety 

of Native American items brought 

in by more than 60 people. This year 

renowned paleontologist Dr. Royal 

Mapes (OU), identifi ed fossils as well.

 Some of the more interesting items 

included several trilobites (extinct fossilized marine 

animal skeletons), a nutting stone, and several prehistoric 

clay tubular pipes. There was also a wide variety of arrowheads and an interesting collection of stone axes (photo 

above). 
7

TRAILS BREAKOUT CELEBRATION

 Polaris arranged for one 

of its ATV circuit riders, 

area native Stephanie Parton, 

one of the fastest women 

on four wheels, to attend the 

event as well.

 Offi cials estimate 3 to 400 people came out for the event, 

before it was cut short by storms. Planning efforts have 

already begun for the 2007 Trails Breakout. Since the trails 

open annually on April 15, the Breakout will be held on 

the nearest Friday or Saturday to that date. For 2007, April 

14 falls on a Saturday, and planning has already begun for 

increasing the size and scope of this event. Each of the 2006 

vendors have already agreed to come back in 2007. 

 The Athens and Ironton District trailheads, meanwhile, 

were fi lled to capacity on the morning of April 15, overfl owing with trucks, trailers, campers, and OHVs. 

Wayne NF Hosts INSPIRATIONS 

FROM THE FOREST Exhibit

 The Smithsonian Institute developed a free 

exhibit as an extension to the 2006 Folklife Festival 

in Washington DC to add to the 2005 Centennial 

Celebration of the Forest Service. The festival and 

exhibit highlight the 100 year milestone for the US 

Forest Service. The exhibit was on display at the 

Dairy Barn Regional Arts Center in Athens, Ohio 

February 24- March 10.

 The 16-panel exhibition illustrated how artists, 

writers, and musicians draw inspiration from the world of nature. Phil Sammon, Public 

Affairs Offi cer for the Wayne explained, “The exhibit explored the ways in which our 

national forests—timberlands, grasslands, mountains and waterways—have inspired 

artists and impress upon us the importance of preserving our natural resources.” The 

exhibit was only scheduled for 33 locations nationwide so the Athens area was fortunate 

to be one of the selected stops. 

 The Dairy Barn is a cultural center for southeastern Ohio. The barn was renovated 

from its former use and now regularly has exhibits, art classes, seminars, and other folk 

or art displays throughout the year. “It was a perfect location for this exhibit. The Dairy 

Barn hosted several special events related to the exhibit,” Sammon added. 

 “This was a great opportunity to showcase this Smithsonian exhibit,” commented 

Andrea Lewis, Executive Director for the Dairy Barn. “We were more than happy to 

sponsor this event with the Wayne.”

 Displays on both the Wayne and the Northeastern Research Station were 

also set up in the exhibit area as well as the just-completed 

Wayne NF Centennial quilt. The national 

centennial quilt also travels with the 

“Inspirations from the Forest” display 

and both quilts received signifi cant 

interest from the crowds.

 On the evening of March 2, the Wayne 

used The Dairy Barn and the exhibit as 

the backdrop for their annual Partnership 

event. Partners who had worked with the 

Wayne in 2005 were recognized 

in a special reception.

 In 2005, All-terrain-vehicle (ATV) trails 

opened late because of severe fl ooding and close 

to $1 million in damage, so in 2006, the community threw a party to welcome trail riders back at 

the beginning of the trail season. 

 It only took a few weeks’ absence of ATV 

riders from the Wayne’s trails in 2005 to get the 

attention of retailers and the city of Nelsonville 

that the trails on the Forest are a big attraction 

for visitors and an economic draw. So when the 

Wayne approached the city about working on a 

joint trails opening event, they eagerly stepped 

up to the challenge. The result: the 2006 Nelsonville Trails Breakout!

 The event featured several local vendors 

from Nelsonville, including Rocky Boot, plus 

four ATV dealerships, the National Off-Highway 

Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) Safety 

Trailer, the U.S. Army’s Rock Climbing Wall 

and a customized HumVee, a large infl atable 

obstacle course for the kids, plus area vendors 

showcasing outdoor equipment and supplies, 

campgrounds, and more. The Forest also set up 

an informational display with staff including 

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.

Vendors, entertainment, 

and educational booths 

ring the Nelsonville 

town square for the Trails 

Breakout event on April 

FISHING AT LEITH RUN

 The Wayne NF’s fi shing derby moved back to the Leith Run Recreation Area in 2006 and drew a crowd of 369 people. Many children 

fi shed for the fi rst time. 

 This was the ninth year for the event, held during National Fishing 

and Boating Week. Many sponsors, including Walmart and Wendys 

helped make the day a success.

 Children arrived well before the 9:00 am starting time, loaded down 

with tackle boxes, fi shing poles and secret baits. The fi shing and casting contests were the main events of the day. Forest Service staff and 

volunteers taught the young anglers how to safely cast, identify their 

fi sh, and how to catch and release fi sh with minimal harm. There was 

also a practice casting area and a casting contest. 

 Prizes for each age group were given for the casting contests, biggest 

fi sh, and for good sportsmanship. Eight year-old Jesse Bird caught the 

biggest fi sh, a 19-inch carp, which weighed in at 3lbs and 13 oz.

 Success is measured in the kid’s smiles and excitement. Each child 

was treated to a free lunch and a T-shirt from sponsors. Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan said the event continues to be one of the most popular 

activities on the Wayne. 

Forest Service 

Silviculturist 

Mike Friedhof 

with a child and his fi sh.

DISCOVERING WILDFLOWERS ON THE WAYNE

 Wildfl ower walks introduce participants to the beauty of woodland plants 

and to management actvities that maintain 

native plant habitats. In 2006, wildfl ower 

enthusiasts enjoyed two sponsored walks on 

the Wayne.

 A wide variety of wildfl owers were found 

and by the end of the day, more than one 

camera had run out of fi lm or memory space! 

As part of the walks, invasive species and the 

impacts they may have on wildfl owers were 

discussed. Participants on one hike pulled 

invasive garlic mustard along the trail as they 

walked. Forest management practices and 

historical use of the areas were discussed and 

provided people not 

only a better idea of the 

wildfl owers they might 

see but also an understanding of some of the 

activities that occur on 

public lands to maintain 

Wildfl ower photos by 

Lars Lutton
8

LOCAL STUDENTS HELP PROTECT 

NATIVE HABITATS

 Eighth-graders from Albany, 

Ohio are well on their way to 

becoming stewards of the environment. Students, and members 

of Rural Action and the Sierra 

Club participated in a fi eld trip to 

the Wayne’s Wildcat Hollow Trail. 

The trip was organized by the Buckeye Forest Council to educate and 

involve students in conservation, and was hosted by Cheryl Coon, the 

Wayne’s botanist. 

 Students learned what it means for a plant or animal to be native to 

an area and the distinction between species that are simply non-native 

and those that are invasive. Native species are the original inhabitants 

of an area and are adapted to their environment and the other organisms 

within it. Introduced species which coexist with native species are said 

to be naturalized. But others may signifi cantly harm native species by 

taking over their habitat. Without natural factors to control them, such 

as predators or diseases, invasive species can disrupt and destroy the 

natural balances that exist within an ecosystem. 

 Coon showed the group how to identify garlic mustard, in both its 

fi rst and second year stages. Enthusiastic students quickly began removing it from the areas surrounding the trail. In less than an hour, the 

students had 10 garbage bags fi lled with the invasive weed (see photo 

above). Removing invasive species not only benefi ts native plants, but 

wildlife as well. Several species of native butterfl ies lay their eggs on 

garlic mustard in the absence of native mustard species, but fail to hatch 

because garlic mustard is toxic to them.

 Students also learned that they could help natural habitats and 

prevent the spread of invasive plants such as garlic mustard, by simply 

wiping the dirt from their boots before entering or exiting a trail. They 

headed home with many lessons learned along with passion and pride 

for their local natural areas. 

 The Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Day 

Event provides a day of fi shing for physically challenged individuals. This is the 

third year for the event held at Lake Vesuvius. The NWTF works with the Wayne 

NF, South Hills Long Beards Chapter of the NWTF, Ohio Division of Wildlife, 

Ohio University Southern Campus Nature Center, and the Lawrence County Bass 

Club to sponsor this successful event.

 The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife provided 1,000 

rainbow trout, which measured between 10 and 14 inches, specifi cally for the event. 

The total attendance for the day was estimated around 500 people, including the 

200 “Wheelin’ Sportsmen” and hundreds of volunteers. Forest staff and volunteers 

aided the participants with baiting hooks, casting lines, and reeling in fi sh. 

 Participants were treated to free fi shing poles, an abundant supply of bait, and a 

free lunch. The Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Day Event not only gives physically 

challenged individuals the opportunity to fi sh, it also gives people a chance to just 

get out and enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day at Lake Vesuvius – something so 

simple that disabled individuals may only have the opportunity to do 

a couple of times each year.

Ironton District Hosts 3rd 

‘Wheelin’ Sportsmen’ 

Fishing Day

Wheelin’ Sportsman 

participants fi sh on 

the boardwalk at Lake 

Vesuvius.

County NF acreage Title III 

payment

PILT 

payment

Total 

Payment 

Athens 18,632 12,005 17,020 29,025

Gallia 17,049 11,248 15,319 26,567

Hocking 26,000 4,018 33,129 37,147

Jackson 1,701 263 2,167 2,430

Lawrence 70,432 10,884 88,448 99,332

Monroe 24,415 16,548 21,560 38,108

Morgan 3,328 514 4,215 4,729

Noble 694 216 785 1,001

Perry 22,271 3,441 28,150 31,591

Scioto 11,626 1,797 14,723 16,520

Vinton 1,869 288 2,366 2,654

Washington 39,513 28,770 33,802 62,572

TOTAL 237,530 $89,993 $261,684 $351,676

2006 Payments to Counties

 In 2006, Ohio counties received from $1.41-$1.58/acre for NF lands 

within their counties. Of that, $0.86 - 1.27/acre was paid as Payment 

in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) money. In addition to the monies shown here 

counties received payments for mineral revenues (approximately 18 

cents/acre), road projects, cooperative law enforcement, and volunteer fi re 

department support.

 The laws governing how part of these payments were made changed in 

2001. Different strategies were available for counties to receive money. All 

Ohio counties did not make the same choice. Counties received different 

amounts of PILT dollars based on the amount of revenue sharing dollars 

they received under the Title I, II, and III Payments. The last payments 

under this law were made in 2006.

Trail Connector Serves Community, Benefits Charity!

 All-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders now have a new option for getting onto the 

Wayne’ ATV trails thanks to the efforts of the city of New Straitsville and the owners 

of Begley’s Campground in that town. Through the end of the summer the campground owner Rick Begley and city offi cials worked with the Athens District to plan 

and construct the short connector along the northern portion of the trail near the New 

Straitsville Trailhead along Hwy 595.

 To kick off the opening of the trail connector, the campground and city held a 

benefi t ride in early November that drew more than 500 riders and raised $11,438 for 

the Santa’s Tree Project charity.

 “I’ve never seen so many ATV riders in one place,” said Begley. “They were 

packed in behind the starting line and everyone was excited. For every ATV in that 

crowd, it was more money for charity and more riders enjoying the trail system.”

 “This is the fi rst trail connecting a town to the trail system to date,” said District 

Ranger DeVela Clark. “We think this will be an excellent way to get riders into small 

towns like New Straitsville to have lunch, fi ll up with gas, or just take a break from 

riding to walk around.” 

 Clark said the District hopes to develop more connectors like this with other 

towns in the area. There are currently two 

trails connecting private campgrounds to 

the Forest trail system. 

ATV riders congregate at 

the starting line.
WALK The Talk for Sustainability

Researchers & NF Staff Work 

to Improve Oak-Hickory Management

 In June 2006 Wayne NF staff and researchers from the Forest Research Lab 

in Delaware, Ohio, Ohio University, Ohio State University, Ohio Division of 

Wildlife, and The Nature Conservancy met in the fi rst step to promote adaptive 

management of the oak-hickory ecosystem as the 2006 Forest Plan is implemented. 

 The Wayne is located in the heart of the mixed-oak ecosystem. Maintaining or restoring mixed-oak communities in our landscape is vital for sustaining 

wildlife and plant species and communities native to the Wayne. 

 The 2006 Forest Plan includes areas where fi re is proposed to be reintroduced into the landscape. Forest and fi re ecologists believe current conditions 

of the oak-hickory forests lie outside their historic range of variability. These 

forests are now denser than they were in historic times, and shade tolerant tree 

species (e.g., red maple) are becoming more prevalent today. Ecologists believe 

the lack of natural disturbance, such as fi re, is a leading cause for this change.

 “We are fortunate to have such highly respected researchers in our backyard,” remarked Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan. “We’ve initiated working 

together to implement our Forest Plan and open up lines of communication.” 

Reddan said the researchers are working on projects as diverse as forest fuel 

dynamics, chestnut restoration, migration of non-native invasive species into 

forest stands, responses of birds and mammals to forest management, and effects of summer burns.

 “Oak-hickory ecosystem research has been ongoing in southeastern Ohio 

over the past decade,” said Mike Freidhof, Forest Timber Program Manager. 

“Researchers from the Forest Service’s Delaware Research Lab have been 

studying how the use of fi re or fi re surrogates (e.g., thinning) can be used in 

oak forest restoration projects, as well as studying the fi re history of southern Ohio.” 

 In 2006 the Wayne made defi nitive changes in how we do business including

eliminating oversized vehicles in favor of more fuel effi ciency fi eld-going 

vehicles. We modifi ed and upgraded heating and air conditioning controls for 

our two offi ces to adjust temperatures when the building is occupied. 

 On the Ironton District we were pleased to partner with Lawrence County 

government to establish the County’s only central recycling drop-off point on 

the district. Recycling is starting to catch on and the district hopes more people will start using the bins provided. Ironton District Ranger Gloria Chrismer was instrumental in getting the recycling point opened and 

notes, “We have such a problem with dumping trash 

on the district and were looking for some 

way to make it convenient for people 

to recycle and help conserve our 

natural resources as well as eliminate 

constants efforts to clean up dump 

sites.”

MORE THAN JUST 

FIRE FIGHTING

 Forest Service fi refi ghters accomplish many benefi cial tasks in addition to 

fi ghting fi re. When fi re danger is high Forest Service and contract fi re crews are 

on standby to contain and suppress fi res that break out around the Forest. But it 

isn’t all just fi ghting fi res, according to Ironton District Ranger Gloria Chrismer.

 “We take fi re suppression and protecting people’s homes, and the care of 

natural resources very seriously,” said Chrismer. “But we take opportunities 

during these times to do several other tasks as we can that benefi t the communities and the Forest.”

 Case in point: one afternoon during what fi re fi ghters call “mop-up” operations – removing burned hazardous trees and making sure no hot-spots are left 

to fl are back up – a fi re crew took time out to clean up a roadside dump. Chrismer noted dumps are cleaned up when possible for many reasons, “Primarily it 

is a threat to public safety, but also it posed a hazard to vehicular traffi c along 

that stretch of road, and a potential hazard if we had to get into that area to fi ght 

or contain a fi re.” It took a dump truck to haul away the fi nal pile of debris collected from the one roadside dump.

 Crews on standby also went through recreation sites on the District and 

removed hazard trees while the areas were still closed for the season, making it 

safer for visitors and employees alike. Other crews took it upon themselves to 

repair and provide some trail maintenance while they were patrolling. Invasive 

plant species are also regularly found, and between fi re assignments crews 

remove as much of the unwanted vegetation as possible.

 Last fall crews took time to replant trees and native grasses, fl owers and 

shrubs along the fi re lines that they cleared to 

contain fi res. Crews plant back native trees and 

grasses along the fi re lines, cover them with 

mulch and water them to help regenerate the 

vegetation in the areas cleared to make the fi re 

lines.

 “It’s all part of taking care of natural 

resources, and being a good member of the 

community,” comments Chrismer. 

Grand opening of recycling bin 

at the Ironton District offi ce.

IS THAT AN INDIANA BAT ROOST TREE?

 Wayne NF timber markers completed a hands-on training session in 2006 

about the Indiana bat and conservation of its summer roosting habitat. About 

300 endangered Indiana bats are known to hibernate in an abandoned limestone mine on the Ironton Ranger District, and both males and females are 

known to use the Wayne for habitat during summer months. 

 A conservation plan for federally listed species was developed in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and incorporated into the 2006 Forest Plan. “The Wayne’s conservation plan includes opportunities for educating 

employees about this species,” said Sarena Selbo, endangered species coordinator 

with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. “Working with timber markers is key because they are out in the woods on a daily basis and play an important role in 

managing forest stands for the Indiana bat and other plants and animals.” 

 Timber markers received both classroom and fi eld instruction designed to 

better understand the Indiana bat’s life. This included how to identify trees 

with Indiana bat roost characteristics and factors to consider when choosing 

trees to retain in forest stands for possible roost trees. Biologists showed the 

group trees with existing roost characteristics and discussed important roost 

tree attributes. 

 “Retaining trees with existing roost characteristics in our project areas is 

one Indiana bat conservation strategy we included in our conservation plan, so 

we all need to know how to recognize suitable Indiana bat roost trees,” remarked Katrina Schultes, one of the Wayne’s wildlife biologists.

 Training sessions were also held for engineers and recreation employees 

who manage hazard trees along roads, trails and in recreation 

sites. Biologists also trained those interested in conducting emergence surveys. Such surveys are done 

to determine whether a particular tree is being 

used by bats. 

 Schultes noted this is just one of many initiatives the Wayne is involved in to help protect the 

Indiana bat.

Fire fi ghters clean up a trash 

dump while on standby for 

wild fi res.

9

 Training sessions were also held for engineers and recreation employees 
WAYNE NF COMPLETES 

MOST SUCCESSFUL 

BREEDING BIRD CENSUS IN 

FOUR YEARS!

 In 2006 the Wayne completed 

its 4th annual breeding bird survey, 

observing 112 different species of 

birds. According to Forest Biologist Becky Ewing this was the most 

diverse survey of breeding birds yet. 

Ewing explained, “The 23 survey routes are located 

across the Wayne in a variety of habitats including wetlands, 

grasslands, forest, and reclaimed abandoned mine land which allows us to 

potentially observe the whole array of bird species.”

 In the last four years the Wayne has seen a total of 127 different species, 

adding new species each year. This year, surveyors Matt Martin, Dave Ayers, 

Zac Allen, and Dale Dalrymple observed four new species of birds including 

the Blackburnian Warbler, the Great Egret, the Rusty Blackbird, and the RoseBreasted Grosbeak. Ewing said each of the men had their favorite route but 

all expressed interest in areas of the Forest that had been devastated by coal 

mining. She said Zac Allen observed three Blue Grosbeaks, one Bobolink, 

and a Henslow Sparrow in a mined area. He told her, “someplace like that, so 

devastated by mining and devoid of life, resurrected and supporting such great 

and rare bird species is a real treat to see.” 

 The data collected each year is used to estimate population and habitat 

trends of management indicator species and help Forest biologists better 

understand how bird populations may be changing in the future on the Forest. 

Phil Sammon, Public Affairs Offi cer for the Wayne, noted the intimate connection between the restoration of wildlife habitat and the growing numbers 

of bird species identifi ed on the Forest each year. He noted that “the continual 

successes of the annual bird surveys help demonstrate the effectiveness of 

proper Forest management practices. As the Wayne continues to reclaim 

abandoned land and improve wildlife habitat, we hope to see even more bird 

species in the future.” 

10

REVOLUTIONIZE 

Effectiveness and Efficiency

IRONTON DISTRICT GROWS BY 670 ACRES

 Nearly 670 acres of forest and grassland were added to the Wayne on September 11, 2006, when The Nature Conservancy transferred the land to the US 

Forest Service. Known as the Cambria Tract, the Forest has tried to acquire the 

land for several years, and was able to secure a portion of it with the help and 

support of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). 

 TNC earlier acquired this tract as part of a 4,100 acre purchase from the former Mead-Westvaco Company. When money became available from the Forest 

Service, TNC agreed to sell 669.64 acres. The rest of the original TNC tract is 

being managed as the Ironton Forest Wildlife Area through a cooperative agreement between TNC and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Hopefully 

the larger tract can be purchased by the Wayne in future years. Both the Forest 

and TNC recognize that large contiguous blocks of forest under single ownership are extremely uncommon in Ohio making the acquisition of the large tract 

a rare opportunity to protect open space.

 “But 670 acres are now part of the Wayne National Forest,” said Gloria 

Chrismer, Ironton District Ranger. “We look forward to these lands providing 

more quality management for wildlife habitat and recreation for visitors who 

come in ever increasing numbers to our area.” 

 The greatest threat to Ohio’s forest is fragmentation. Consolidating public 

ownership of these forest lands will help sustain viable populations of southern 

Ohio’s plants, animals, and natural communities. It also makes it easier for the 

public to identify and enjoy their public land and improves the ability to manage the lands. 

 “There are many opportunities on this tract to improve wildlife habitat, 

reduce invasive plants, and offer more recreation opportunities,” 

noted Chrismer. “We are pleased that Congress 

continues to support land acquisition and that we have 

partners like TNC that 

will work with us to take 

advantage of unique opportunities like this.” 

Effectiveness and Efficiency

 In 2006 we exceeded our targets and goals in almost every area. Many 

critical Plan implementation measures were started in 2006 that will give us 

the momentum to continue our successes in subsequent years. 

 The Wayne has worked to get analysis for habitat improvement projects 

completed for upcoming years in order to meet a sustained level of wildlife 

habitat requirements. The stewardship contracts described on page 4 also 

effi ciently accomplished a range of services.

 In the area where the 2003 ice storm damaged hundreds of acres of 

forest land, forest health and wildlife habitat has improved through the 

thinning of 562 acres of hardwoods and 316 acres of white pine stands. 

These fuel-laden stands have been a concern for wildfi re managers but the 

thinning helped reduce fuels and made the area safer. Fuel buildup and 

the threat of ignition has also been reduced on 477 acres where fuels were 

burned under a prescribed fi re and on 1,650 acres where fuels were treated 

mechanically.

 Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan said there were numerous areas where 

the Forest continues to raise the bar and exceed expectations:

 The Forest sold seven timber sales totaling 5.9 Million Board Feet; 

 Analysis and public involvement were completed to prepare another 

1,800 acres for future controlled burns;

 Invasive plant infestations were inventoried and mapped on 300 acres;

 With the help of an aquatic partnership with the Northeast Forest 

Experiment Station in Amherst, MA., the Wayne inventoried 96 roadstream crossings in two of our watersheds;

 We worked with US Forest Service’s State and Private Forestry division to have 20 employees certifi ed as pesticide applicators;

 The Wayne has increased effi ciency in permit sales processes and 

improved the trail permit management program to increase the amount and 

reliability of the data we collected to more accurately serve the public.

 Our success in 2006 has already set us up for major accomplishments 

and success in 2007!

 

Violet wood sorrel and 

white Virginia bluebells 

- Photo by Lars Lutton
11

NEW TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES NF 

BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT

 “The Wayne National Forest has an ownership pattern that resembles a jig 

saw puzzle with lots of pieces missing,” said Lands Program Manager Rich 

Jones. He explained Forest ownership is comprised of several large contiguous 

blocks and many smaller islands of public land intermingled with private 

lands. 

 The Wayne has one of the most complex ownership patterns in the nation, 

with more than 2,000 miles of property lines within 238,000 acres of public 

land stretched over 12 southeastern Ohio counties. Realizing the complexity 

of the task of keeping up these 2,000 miles of property lines, Jones said the 

Wayne took two important steps. In 2005, the Wayne hired a full-time land 

surveyor and in 2006, purchased a Robotic Total Station Surveying Instrument. (Photo of equipment shown below.)

 Chip Chapman, the Wayne NF surveyor, said the equipment is truly amazing in that it allows the surveyor to work independently on projects or at a 

minimum with one additional aid. Chapman has found no shortage of opportunities to use the equipment. The Wayne, like many other eastern Forests, has chronic trespass and encroachment problems. Many of the property 

boundaries are not marked to standard or have not been adequately maintained for many years. 

 “The public wants to know where their public land is. Having good land 

lines helps prevent adjacent landowners from inadvertently trespassing when 

they harvest timber, build fences, or put up new homes,” Chapman asserted.

 In 2006, Chapman surveyed and marked 12 miles of Forest boundary (a 600% increase over 2005), and resolved boundary issues on four 

separate cases where private use of public lands was an issue. These cases 

were instances of structures, driveways or other personal, private 

property encroaching on public lands. Chapman also 

assisted law enforcement in investigating 

two cases of timber trespassing on the 

Forest.

 Today, with Chapman’s expertise 

and his new surveying equipment the 

Wayne is moving forward, successfully, 

with the Forest’s boundary management 

program to get the job done. 

 “End result,” said Jones, “is that visitors 

will be better able to fi nd their public lands 

and enjoy them.” 

WAYNE DEVELOPS AQUATIC DATABASE

 Biologists often have to sift through piles of paper maps and data 

sheets to fi nd out what species may occur in a project area, but analysis of 

aquatic survey data just got easier on the Wayne. The many fi sh and mussel 

surveys conducted over the past 20 years are now in the Natural Resources 

Information System (NRIS) Water Module. 

 Lindsey Van Gundy, a Hocking College student majoring in Fish Management (shown in photo below) entered the fi sh and mussel survey data into 

the Module. “Entering data was tedious but I learned a lot about databases 

and what kind of data is collected during aquatic surveys,” remarked Van 

Gundy.

 The work is already paying off. “We received a quick turn-around 

information request asking for possible Forest Highway stream crossing 

improvement projects we could do,” said Steve Marchi, Forest Engineer. 

“Our fi sheries biologist was able to query the NRIS Water Module and get 

the biological data needed for the report quickly, enabling us to prioritize 

projects and do the one which would really 

make a difference.” 

 “We’ve been able to get information 

from the database quickly, but more importantly we can now look at it spatially 

and perform a variety of queries, which 

adds another level to our analysis capabilities,” stated Becky Ewing, Forest 

Biologist. 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM 

ANALYSIS TOOL DEVELOPED

 Project planning for future wetland restoration efforts just became a bit 

easier thanks to the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) as an 

analysis tool. Doug Gibson, an Ohio University student working toward his 

Master’s degree in Geography (emphasis on GIS), interned with the Wayne 

in 2004 and 2005. Gibson initiated a pilot project to determine the potential 

for using GIS to identify wetland restoration opportunities.

 He chose three criteria to represent potential wetland sites: low slope, 

poorly drained soil, and riparian areas. He performed various GIS analyses 

using the Wayne’s soils layer and digital elevation models. Six potential site 

restoration categories were used, ranging from high to low wetland restoration potential. Maps were then plotted of potential sites.

 In fi eld reviews the GIS was found to be very accurate in determining the 

potential site restoration category. In 2006, Gibson expanded this GIS tool 

for use on all units of the Wayne. Interdisciplinary teams can now use this 

analysis tool to identify wetland restoration opportunities in project areas.

 Wetland restoration work on the Wayne NF involves plugging ditches and 

breaking drainage tiles that were placed in bottomland fi elds in the 1800s 

and 1900s. Nearly 130 acres of wetland habitat have been restored in the 

past 10 years with help from partners like Ducks Unlimited and the Ohio 

Division of Wildlife.

VTC TECHNOLOGY 

VALUED ON WAYNE

 All federal agencies have to work 

within the constraints of their allocated 

budgets. So when necessary meetings 

and training require extensive travel, 

costs can be high. And because the 

Ironton District Offi ce and Marietta Unit 

offi ce are about 90 minutes’ drive away from the Supervisors Offi ce, meetings 

normally required their staff to make the long, winding drives or settle for telephone conference calls. 

 In 2006 the Forest bought additional VTC units for the Ironton and Marietta 

offi ces which would link those staff to the Athens/Supervisor’s Offi ce by video 

as well as telephone. The unit allows the user to switch screens and focus on 

either the group on the other end or a PowerPoint or other visual program with 

the alternate screen smaller in the corner. 

 “It was an immediate success,” said Fred Johnson, Telecommunications 

Specialist on the Forest. “We started holding our Monday morning staff meetings by VTC rather than conference calls,” he said. Johnson explained that the 

VTC is now used 2-3 times a week for various meetings between the districts 

and Supervisor’s offi ce, and also with the Regional Forest staff in Milwaukee. 

He noted that often because maps or charts are being used, it’s not uncommon 

for people to prefer to use the VTC even if only one person on each end is involved. “There’s something about looking at someone when you have a conversation that adds a lot to communication,” said Johnson. 

 Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan agreed. “Having this capability at the District level means we can be more effi cient with our time and put more effort into 

on-the-ground projects,” Reddan said. “It saves employee time, cuts expenses 

for travel, is safer, and brings a more personal touch and camaraderie over a 

regular conference call.” 
12

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities 

on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and 

marital or family status (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To fi le a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten 

Building, 14th and Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or 

TDD). USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

BE AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

YCC Crew Sets Record for Accomplishments

 The Wayne receives a lot of support and effort form many 

places, and chief among these for the Marietta Unit are the students who fi ll the ranks of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). 

Lacie McMannis served as crew leader for the Forest’s crew during the summer of 2006. It was her third year as crew leader and 

she noted it was the best crew she’s had.

 “Things just clicked with this group and we were pretty much 

unstoppable!” she said. “Our crew broke the Marietta Unit record 

by maintaining 70.5 miles of trail in one season,” McMannis said 

with pride. “And not only did we maintain 70.5 miles of trail in 

one season, we did it without a single accident.”

 She noted the summer was not all work and no play. The 

group was given three full days of educational activities. One 

day was spent on Willow Island Lock and Dam; another day they 

received their CPR / First Aid training; and last, to celebrate the 

summer’s work, they took an interpretive canoe trip down the 

Little Muskingum River.

 McMannis hopes the enrollees take what they learned into 

their next job, or even choose a career with the Forest Service. 

Jennie Freidhof, Assistant District Ranger, manages the district’s 

YCC program. She noted YCC offers employment to young 

people age 15-18 most of whom have little or no 

work experience. “The program is a 

win-win for everyone involved. 

The Wayne gets work accomplished, and the students get a 

summer’s experience that may 

change their lives.”

 Working to make the Forest Service an employer of choice for prospective employees may seem like an ambiguous goal for any organization. But the Wayne has a lot of support, internally and externally, 

that give us opportunities to develop a staff that refl ects the crosssection of America’s diverse societies and cultures. 

 “A lot of places say that their people are their most important 

resource, but we sincerely believe it to be true. We continually try to 

position ourselves as an employer of choice in order to continue to 

draw the highest caliber of people,” said Forest Supervisor Mary Reddan. 

 Internally, the agency helps itself through a number of intern 

and student-based programs for natural resource and other special 

disciplines. Through the Student Temporary Employment Program 

(STEP) and Student Career Employment Program (SCEP), the 

agency can develop a diverse, upcoming workforce from within its 

own ranks.

 Externally, Reddan said the Wayne has developed new avenues to 

make the Forest Service more visible to diverse candidates locally 

and nationally, including college job fairs and other outreach efforts. 

 “We want our workforce to refl ect society, and have employees 

representing the cultural blend of our country,” said Reddan. The 

goal is an innovative, creative, workforce that refl ects, and respects, 

differences such as race, gender, age, and religion.

 Reddan sees her leadership team strive to create an environment 

that is comfortable, eliminates undue stress, and enhances respect 

and creativity among employees. “We believe we provide an environment that helps employees balance career, family and personal needs,” 

said Reddan, “not an easy feat in our increasingly complex society.”

 “We also try to have fun and share our proud moments and successes,” Reddan said, “projects like the centennial quilt (see article 

below) got almost everyone involved and working together on our 

own time. The quilt represents our heritage, but it also represents a 

team achievement.” 

2006 YCC 

Crew

 Wayne employees commemorated the Forest Service Centennial with the completion of 

a two-year project. The February 2006 event 

held at the Dairy Barn in Athens, Ohio, enabled all Forest employees a chance to view 

the recently completed Wayne NF Centennial 

Quilt. The Wayne’s quilt was proudly displayed alongside the national Forest Service 

Centennial Quilt that traveled with the Smithsonian display.

 Employees, and their families and friends 

began working on the quilt in the spring of 

2004 as a way to commemorate the Forest 

Service Centennial. Progress was slow but 

the last thread was knotted the day before the 

The Wayne’s Centennial Quilt, shown with quilter Lynn Juniper, was unveiled at The Dairy Barn in Athens, Ohio as 

part of the Smithsonian’s Inspirations of the Forest exhibit.

FOREST UNVEILS CENTENNIAL QUILT

opening of the Smithsonian exhibit! 

 Each individual block on the quilt tells a part of 

the story of the only national forest in Ohio. The 

quilt incorporates depictions of historical events 

and natural resources that characterize the Wayne. 

A companion booklet was developed to tell the 

story of each quilt block and recognize those who 

gave their time to this project.

 Wayne employees contributed the entire $465 it 

took to purchase the fabric, thread, and batting, but 

like the message in the popular credit card commercial - to us, the quilt is priceless!

 To view the quilt and individual blocks, please 

visit the Wayne NF website at http://www.fs.fed.

us/r9/wayne/history/quilt.html. 

Heather Stachler 

(above) and Rebecca 

Garcia (below) are 

new SCEP employees.

Warren Tucker, a new 

forester was hired in 

2006 using a new hiring initiative.

Caleb Butcher and 

Miranda Edwards, 

left, were STEP 

employees in 

2006.