|
Submitted By Russ Richards
The program on Non-timber Forest Products held at Crummies Creek Tree Farm on
June 27 was a great success.
More than 30 foresters attended and included land management foresters from
several large timber companies, WV Division of Forestry personnel, private
consultant foresters, US Forest Service, WV DNR, USDA Farm Services Agency,
Soil Conservation Service, WVU Extension and the Natural Resource
Conservation Service.
In addition to the foresters there were several local property owners present.
WVU Extension Forester, Dr. David McGill discussed the developing markets for
non timber products and how their use or harvesting could impact everything
from local economies to private property rights.
Dr. William Grafton of WVU Extension presented a historical perspective on
land use and how land abuses of a century ago impact timber quality and
under story plant diversity to this day. The program included a discussion of
many of the traditional uses of medicinal plants as well as a detailed
perspective on the history of ginseng harvesting and the importance of
ginseng to the pioneer economy of West Virginia.
Lawrence Beckerle, a professor at Glenville State College, Summersville gave
a presentation on native plants that are useful in reclaiming logging roads
and disturbed land. He also came with a large assortment of seed from many
of the types of plants he uses in re-vegetation.
The afternoon session included a program by Fred Hays from the Center for
Sustainable Resources in Elkview on ginseng site selection, planting
techniques and "simulated wild" ginseng production.
The final presentation of the day was made by United Plant Savers from
Rutland, Ohio with most of the time spent on medicinal plant identification
with a description of traditional and present uses as folk medicine, wild
foods or in beverages.
Throughout the day, numerous references were made to the developing influence
of invasive and nonnative plants including, multifloral rose, tree of heaven,
kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle as well as several other lesser know pests.
The program will have at least one follow-up session directed at Calhoun and
Roane County property owners later this year.
| 
