For those working in pine areas . . . especially red pine.
Hard to say what the spring will bring in terms of drought.
"From Bob Heyd, Michigan DNR Forest Health Specialist . . ."
Now is the time to remove decked pine logs, pulp and tree top piles for chipping.
Roger Mech just circulated the 2007 year Forest Health Report which features the severity of drought and it's influence on forest health. The drought map on the bottom of page two of this report shows the 2007 mid-summer drought conditions in Michigan. Red pine areas impacted by the drought may have building bark beetles populations especially in areas with light, sandy soils where water tables are well below the surface (>6 feet).
Pine bark beetle (Ips pini ) outbreaks in Michigan have historically been tied to warm, dry spring weather. While we cannot predict an outbreak, it is safe to say that conditions this spring may favor a buildup of the beetle, particularly in red pine stands. Overstocked stands, stands scheduled for spring thinnings, and stands adjacent to pine timber sales are particularly vulnerable.
Steps can be taken to minimize bark beetle buildup and spread. Reduce favorable breeding sites for adult beetles by:
1) removing logs from the site within15 days; and
2) eliminating or processing slash and tops.
Good utilization leaving the smallest tops possible produces smaller diameter stems which dry faster. Once dry, slash can not be infested. Do not pile slash in piles or rows for this also slows the drying process, producing concentrated breeding sites.
The following cutting specification is used for Michigan DNR timber sale contracts involving:
1. Partial cuts of any pine species where a residual pine stand is left (especially red pine); or
2. Cutting of any pine species within 500 feet of a red pine stand or any overstocked, mature or otherwise stressed pine stands.
5.2.15 - Bark beetle restriction (2/04)
In the event drought creates a high risk of pine bark beetle infestation, pine is not to be cut during the period March 1 through July 1, unless all portions of trees greater than two inches in diameter are removed from the sale area, reduced to chips, or treated to the satisfaction of the Unit Manager or their representative, within fifteen days of being severed from the stump. Pine logs, pulpwood piles and treetop piles for chipping that are decked in the fall or winter within a 1/4 mile of susceptible sites must be removed before March 15. Residual slash must not be placed in piles or rows and must be spread over the site for quick drying. The Department of Natural Resources will exercise this option if the risk of damage warrants.
Although the recommended date for removing logs, pulp sticks and tree top piles for chipping from high risk sites is March 15, this year's cold weather will push this average annual critical date closer to April 1. However, once warm weather hits, areas where beetle populations were buildings going into the Fall of 2007 can develop quickly.
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