SilviCast

We all know that oak and fire go together like peanut butter and jelly. What we have been missing is the practical knowledge of where, when, and how to apply fire in oak ecosystems. There are few who have contributed more to this knowledge base than Dr. Patrick Brose from the US Forest Service's Northern Research Station. Dr. Brose's research has developed key silvicultural applications of fire to regenerate and sustain oak forests and woodlands. Join us on this episode of SilviCast as we talk with Dr. Brose about what he has learned over the past 25 years of studying oak and fire. Pull up a chair, you will not want to miss a word!

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the SilviCast website.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Foresters have been warning landowners for years about the potentially damaging impacts of cows in their woods. So it is not surprising that we raise an eyebrow when conversations start about intentionally integrating livestock and forests. In this episode of SilviCast we explore the management practice known as silvopasture, or the intentional integration of trees, forage, and livestock. Join us as we discuss what silvopasture is and is not, with Rich Straight, Technology Transfer Leader at the U.S. Forest Service’s National Agroforestry Center.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the SilviCast website.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Business is booming if you own a commercial sugar bush! As forest managers, this means more and more of us are hearing from landowners interested in starting or maintaining a sugar bush. Unfortunately, if you are like us, you did not learn about maple syrup in forestry school. This episode's guest, Mark Isselhardt, Extension Maple Specialist with the University of Vermont, helps us unpack the fundamentals of sap production, sugar bush management, and how the industry has changed in the 21st century.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the SilviCast website.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Trees have had to migrate for millennia due to changes in climate. However, the pace of climate change today is far greater than historical tree migration rates, and land use changes have created new barriers to species movement. This has foresters and land managers thinking about the need for human-assisted movement of tree seed or seedlings to ensure that forests remain well-adapted to climatic conditions, a concept referred to as forest-assisted migration. In this episode of SilviCast we explore this complex issue with Dr. Carrie Pike, forest regeneration specialist with the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region. Dr. Pike brings in-depth knowledge of forest genetics, nurseries, and reforestation to help us consider practical and strategic approaches to assisted migration.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the episode webpage. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Eastern white pine is an iconic tree of cultural and historical importance to eastern North America. The “great pineries” in this corner of the world were heavily exploited during the 19th century for everything from ship masts to lumber that built growing cities. But white pine has been quietly making a recovery over the past 150 years, and with that recovery white pine silviculture has continued to evolve. Join us for a conversation with Dr. William Livingston from the University of Maine as we explore the health and management of this fascinating tree species.​​​​

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the episode webpage. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

One of the most interesting aspects of silviculture is that our understanding keeps growing. We look to old approaches, new research, and field practice to better manage our forests for a host of societal needs.  And perhaps there is no better place to look than how these forests function in the natural world – a natural models approach. This is the basis of ecological silviculture and the tools behind emulating natural disturbance. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Tony D’Amato from the University of Vermont and Dr. Brian Palik from the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, and authors of Ecological Silviculture: Foundations and Applications.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Interfering vegetation, be it native or invasive, is a real headache for foresters.  Sometimes we wind up wishing for one more tool in the toolkit when none of the current ones seem to fit. Luckily, some foresters are innovating and exploring new options. Some are turning to the oldest tool we have: grazing. In this episode we explore the world of targeted goat grazing with Brooke Hushagen and Greg Haak of HaakHagen Goat Grazing LLC. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Remember the natural regeneration triangle? Natural regeneration needs a seed supply, an environment conducive to seed germination, and a suitable seedbed. But sometimes it's difficult to get the right seedbed, especially when natural disturbances such as fire are lacking. Luckily foresters have another tool at their disposal: mechanical scarification. In this episode we dig deep into the topic of mechanical scarification with insights from Douglas County (Wis.) forester Craig Golembiewski and Clark County (Wis.) forester John Wendorski.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Wildlife habitat is the primary goal for many forest landowners, and in particular forest bird habitat.  Silviculture treatments have great potential to provide quality habitat for birds if we know what to look for. Join us on this episode of SilviCast as we take a walk in the woods with Mike Demchik, Professor of Silviculture at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, while we discuss how to recognize the bird habitat elements that are missing in a woods and better integrate those elements into our silvicultural treatments.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

In this second episode of our two-part series on forest carbon, we explore ways to enhance carbon storage and sequestration through silviculture.  Whether it is through our choice of silvicultural system, how and when we employ intermediate treatments, or our tree retention practices, we will discuss how we can impact forest carbon and a host of other stand objectives.  Join us for this fascinating conversation with Todd Ontl and Luke Nave from the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science!

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

In forestry school we learned about photosynthesis; the process by which trees use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to form sugars and oxygen.  But most of us did not learn much about how to purposely manage forest carbon once it’s in the ecosystem.  In this two-part series on forest carbon, we will explore ways to enhance carbon storage and sequestration through our silviculture.  In today’s episode (Part 1) we talk with Alexandra Kosiba, Ph.D., the first state climate forester with the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, to better understand the basics of forest carbon.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Necessity is the mother of invention, even in silviculture.  Foresters in the eastern US often struggle with regenerating trees due to severe deer browse.  Yet mitigating solutions, like fencing and tree shelters, are costly and problematic.  What if you could use a resource that is abundant, on-site, and cheap to keep the deer out?  On this episode of SilviCast we explore the innovative strategy of "slash walls," or the use of logging residues to form deer barriers around regenerating stands.  Join us as we explore the ins and outs of slash walls with Peter Smallidge - New York State Extension Forester, Brett Chedzoy - Regional Extension Forester at Cornell, and Jason Hennes – Forest Ranger with the Wisconsin DNR. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Fine hardwood veneer logs represent the pinnacle of log quality and timber value, with prices up to 10 times the price of grade 1 sawlogs.  However, trees of this quality can be rare as hens' teeth!  Are there practices foresters can use to improve the odds of producing veneer quality logs?  Are there mistakes we make while managing stands with veneer potential?  Join us on this episode of SilviCast as we explore the silviculture of managing veneer with Dr. Jan Wiedenbeck, recently retired Research Project Leader and Forest Products Technologist with the US Forest Service's Northern Research Station.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Savannas, woodlands, and other open forest systems once occupied vast areas of North America where fire disturbance, at least in part, shaped their structure and composition. Many of those acres have been lost since the advent of fire exclusion and other land use changes.  Resource managers and landowners are trying to restore some of these systems for their ecological and economic value.  Foresters have a lot to offer.  But these are not your average silviculture prescriptions!  In this episode of SilviCast we explore the challenges of restoring and managing savanna and woodland systems with John Kabrick, Ph.D., Research Forester with the USFS Northern Research Station.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

A conversation with Dr. Susan Stout, Emeritus Research Forester and Project Leader at the USFS Northern Research Station, who has conducted applied silvicultural research in forests of the eastern United States for over 30 years.  One constant has run through Dr. Stout's research; collaboration between field managers and scientists holds the key to unlocking challenging problems and finding practical solutions.  Join us in this episode of SilviCast as we explore with Dr. Stout the things she has learned on topics ranging from stocking charts to deer.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Silviculture is important work!  Nobody has all the answers.  So that is why each month on SilviCast we try to bring you a diverse set of guests, from the perspective of researchers and field foresters.  Besides our guests, however, we receive great insights from you, the listeners.  Join us on this Season 2 finale as we find out what's on your mind and discuss some of the most intriguing questions we have received in the Dropbox.

Learn more and interact with SilviCast on our website.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

When it comes to climate change, we all have questions.  As foresters some of our most fundamental climate change questions deal with how trees will respond.  What species are projected to do well or not so well?  What species will find new habitat where I work?  How do I make informed management decisions in the face of change?  On this episode of SilviCast, we dig into one tool that helps with these and other questions, The Climate Change Tree Atlas.   Our guests this episode, Louis Iverson, USDA-FS Northern Research Station (retired), and Stephen Handler, USDA-FS Northern Research Station, Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS), walk through The Climate Change Tree Atlas and discuss how we can use it to make better management decisions.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

For many of us, one of our first experiences handling a paint gun is while learning to tend a pine plantation.  It all seems very straight forward… thin from below, a little thin from above, hit the target BA and move on.  But sometimes it helps to step back and think about the forest products we are attempting to produce.  And one of the most valuable products in a pine plantation can be a utility pole.  What does it take to grow and tend utility poles in our stands?  In this episode of SilviCast, we dive into the silviculture around utility pole management with Jim Bauer, a Resource Manager with Stella-Jones.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

What is a forester to do when your soils are almost always dry and sandy and low in nutrients?  Skip the black walnut for sure and embrace the sand… or perhaps the pine barrens!  Pine barrens were once an expansive natural community is Wisconsin's northwest, northeast and central sands, but today occupy a limited area due to past management and changes in fire disturbance.  These savanna communities were characterized by a variable density of jack pine and oak, with a ground layer of  prairie grasses, forbs, and heath species.  To restore and maintain these disturbance-driven communities, foresters and ecologists are joining forces to find creative silvicultural solutions. Join us on this episode of SilviCast while we talk to Jennifer Boice, Forester for the Black River State Forest, and Armund Bartz, WDNR Regional Ecologist, about the challenges and fun of managing jack pine barrens.

Guests: Armund Bartz and Jennifer Boice

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Forest practitioners and researchers recently “gathered” virtually for the Northern Hardwood Conference 2021 (NHC 2021), the first range-wide conference dedicated to northern hardwood forests in over 30 years.  In this special episode of SilviCast we hear from conference attendees themselves in a conference roundtable as they discuss challenges facing the sustainable management of northern hardwood forests.  The challenges and potential solutions they offer have a lot to say about silviculture in every forest type!  

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Lowland forests have always been a bit of a mystery to us foresters and silviculturists, at least here in the Lake States.  Disturbance regimes are not well understood, and effective silvicultural systems not well developed.  The swamps and floodplains can also be difficult places to actively manage when access is limited, and timber values are low.  But increasing research and management attention is being paid to these important forests as invasive species, such as Emerald Ash Borer, and the impacts of climate change threaten ecosystem function and productivity.  Today on SilviCast we talk with Marcella Windmuller-Campione, Assistant Professor of Silviculture at the University of Minnesota about her research in the swamps and floodplains of Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Can we find silviculture’s secret sauce to help us restore these complicated forest systems.

For more information and resources visit https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/WFC/Pages/WFC/Research-and-Development/SilviculturesSecretSauce.aspx. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

What happened to the days when regenerating sugar maple was easy as falling off a log?  Unfortunately, foresters from across the range of northern hardwoods are frequently experiencing a dearth of well-established sugar maple seedlings, not to mention seedlings of other prized species such as yellow birch and basswood.  What is going on?  Is it deer, interfering vegetation, earthworms, our silvicultural systems?  In this episode of SilviCast we explore the challenges of naturally regenerating northern hardwoods with Mike Walters, Professor of Forest Ecology at Michigan State University and principle investigator on what has been dubbed "the big northern hardwood study."

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

There may be nothing more satisfying than planting a tree.  Artificial regeneration of hardwoods in particular however can be a challenge.  Trees are lost due to everything from improper planting to interfering vegetation to deer browse.  How do foresters maximize their success at not only having trees survive, but at long-term establishment and growth?  In this episode of SilviCast we explore the challenges of artificial regeneration of hardwoods with Doug Jacobs, the Fred M. van Eck Professor of Forest Biology and Associate Head of Extension at Purdue University and a principle scientist at the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

A conversation with Ralph Nyland, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, who has conducted extensive applied research into even and uneven-aged silvicultural systems in northern hardwood forests for over 50 years.  In this episode of SilviCast we explore with Ralph the challenges of implementing uneven-aged systems like single-tree selection, particularly when our second-growth, mostly even-aged northern hardwood forest don't always cooperate!

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Silviculture is all about managing forest vegetation, but sometimes that vegetation does not want to be managed!  Whether that is controlling invasive shrubs like buckthorn, releasing seedlings from reed canary grass, or preventing the spread of garlic mustard, control over some "weeds" seems like an exercise in frustration.  Enter forestry herbicides: the sometimes maligned, confusing, ever-changing, but often necessary tool in our silviculture toolbox.  In this episode of SilviCast we will start to demystify the confusing world of forestry herbicides with two Lake States experts who have decades of practical field experience; Rick Schulte from Nutrien Solutions, and Lee Shambeau from 4-Control Inc.

Visit our website for more information: https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/WFC/Pages/Weed-Wizards-Demystifing-Forestry-Herbicides.aspx

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Let's talk paper birch!  There are few tree species that have such a rich and diverse relationship with the inhabitants of North America, being prized for food, medicine, transportation, fuel, lumber, pulpwood, shelter, and aesthetic beauty.  Paper birch is an ecological opportunist, taking advantage of disturbances that expose mineral soil and allow its abundant, tiny seeds to take root.  Still, in the Lake States at least, many birch stands are disappearing to the forces of succession and changing disturbance patterns.  Today we talk with Colleen Matula, Wisconsin DNR Forest Ecologist and Silviculturist, and John Zasada, retired forest research scientist with the US Forest Service, about paper birch silviculture and how we can sustain this fascinating species.

Guests: Colleen Matula and John Zasada

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Foresters love terminology.  In fact, foresters have a long history coining detailed words to describe their forest management, dating back to Germany where many terms were developed to describe regional silvicultural systems and methods.  It's no wonder that as foresters we still come across silviculture terms that make us say "hmmm, what exactly does that mean."  Today we are going to talk with Professor Tony D'Amato from the University of Vermont about one such term that we are hearing mentioned a lot these days… irregular shelterwood.  This regeneration method is becoming popular in many forest types to develop diverse forest composition and structure.  But how do we define and implement a method that is, well, irregular?

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Foresters often encounter stand trees that have been “degraded” by past land use practices, whether that is destructive cutting, over-grazing, invasive species, insects and disease, or other impactful disturbances.  How do foresters begin to manage these stands in a way that restores productivity and function?  What are some the silviculture techniques to consider in these highly variable forests with mostly low-quality growing stock?  And how do you motivate a landowner to make these long-term investments in the health of their forest?  Today we talk with Tom Hill, a Wisconsin DNR forester who has worked on both public and private forest lands in southern Wisconsin for more than two decades, to find out some approaches he has tried to put these stands on a better track. 

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

On this episode, we discuss all things oak with Dan Dey, a research forester with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station.  Nationally, Dan is one of the leading voices in conversations surrounding oak.  In particular we delve into what we get wrong about oak regeneration and recruitment and what we could do better to secure a sustainable future for oak.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

In this episode we sit down to have a chat (virtually that is) with Jed Meunier, a research scientist with WDNR – Division of Forestry, to discuss how frequent low to moderate intensity fires shaped Wisconsin's mixed conifer forests in ways we never realized and how foresters today can learn lessons from these historic fire-dependent ecosystems to design silvicultural treatments that increase forest resilience.  Our conversation will touch on some of the important findings in Jed's recently published research papers on this subject.

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

When it comes to regenerating a forest in eastern United States, most foresters know that deer browse will often be part of the equation.  But assessing the severity of browse and ultimately its impact on successful recruitment of trees is not always easy.  We continue our conversation with Dustin Bronson, a Research Plant Physiologist with the US Forest Service, Northern Research Station and Casey Menick, Forest Regeneration Program Specialist with Wisconsin DNR, Division of Forestry to learn how good regeneration monitoring can help us answer some of these challenging questions.   

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

Ensuring forests regenerate well following a harvest is a basic element of sustainable forestry and that is why good monitoring is so important.  In this episode we introduce a new natural regeneration monitoring method and program being implemented in Wisconsin, the Forest Regeneration Metric or FRM.  What is FRM, how can foresters use it effectively, and what do we hope to learn about regeneration success and failure in Wisconsin?

To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.