June 20, 2007 Red Alder Silviculture in the Washington Department of Natural Resources A Current Update
June 20, AGENDA The Model The Affordability – Cash Flow Issue The Seedling Accomplishments Summary
June 20, The Model – Why Red Alder? ActivityYearCash Flow Site Prep0-$110 Plant0-$300 PCT8-$100 Prune8-$100 CT (3 MBF/ac)18$600 Final Harvest (20 MBF/ac) 30$12,000 Return on Investment: BLV (4%): $4,955 BLV (7%): $1,392
June 20, The Model (Cont’d) Phototropic Properties Encourages Strict Spacing Phototropic Properties Encourages Strict Spacing We Ain’t There Yet We Ain’t There Yet But... We have developed a GIS-affiliated site selection tool based on HSC site criteria But... We have developed a GIS-affiliated site selection tool based on HSC site criteria
June 20, Can We Afford the Cost of Tending Red Alder Plantations? Early investments in red alder plantations significantly exceed what DNR silviculture has historically been allotted Enactment by the 2007 Legislature of the Forest Improvement Treatment bill is envisioned to enable deferment of a significant portion of traditional conifer PCT to early CT and thereby free up funds for red alder plantation tending
June 20, Webster Nursery Plug+1/2 –Economy: $300/thousand seedlings –Excellent vigor –High survival –Root: 8”; Top: ” The Seedling
June 20, Accomplishments All westside regions have participated when suitable sites have been available Spring 2006: 71,600 seedlings Spring 2007: 52,300 seedlings Spring 2008: 153,000 seedlings
June 20, Summary Washington Department of Natural Resources is in the Red Alder Business to Stay!! –Budget tools are now realistically anticipated –Nursery and silviculture operations have progressed beyond initial state –Stumpage is approaching western redcedar—A strong motivator! Questions?