Low Impact Forestry Workshop

Low Impact Forestry Workshops

Low Impact Forestry Workshop
at the
Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association's
Common Ground Woodlot
Unity, Maine

November 17 - 20 2011
Registration is closed.

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Learn and practice...

Sustainable, Profitable Woodlot Management
Logging with Horses, Cattle and Appropriate Machinery

This exciting hands-on workshop is a unique opportunity to learn the latest in sustainable forestry management. The workshop has something to offer everyone from the seasoned lumberjack to individuals who are just getting started in woodlot management. While working in the woods with draft animals is emphasized, the principles and practices of sustainable woodlot management are the primary focus of the workshop.

The workshop will include instruction and practice on topics including:

Managing woodlands for sustainabilty, quality, and ecological value
Planning and carrying out timber harvests
Woodland species ID and characteristics
Minimizing residual stand damage
Layout and establishment of woods roads and trails
Choosing the most suitable harvesting method and technology for your particular situation
Adding value to your forest products

Draft-animal specific skills include:

How to fit harnesses and collars
Basic driving skills and safety
How to build a woods scoot
Twitching with a single horse
Driving a team with a scoot
How to use a horse drawn logging arch
Logging with oxen
Starting a young or green horse
What to look for when buying a horse or ox

Benefits of particpating in the LIF Workshop

If you are a current or aspiring small woodlot owner and don't know where to start in woodlot management, come meet with our consulting foresters and see how they have worked to improve the MOFGA woodlot.
If you do not own a horse or steer but would like the chance to work with one, here is a unique opportunity to work with some of the best in New England.
You will have the opportunity to have experienced teamsters watch you work and assist you in trouble-shooting your technique.
If you have ever wanted to work with a modern, portable sawmill, this is your chance.

LIF Workshop 2011 Curriculum and Schedule

LIF 101: Introduction to Low-Impact Forst management and logging

Thursday, Nov 17

This introductory, classroom and field-based course will be an overview of Low-Impact Forestry and how it differs from conventional forestry. The course will cover species identification, tree pruning, forest soils,woods road layouts, water crossings, wet areas and vernal pools, and methods of low impact tree extraction and stand improvement.

Draft Animal Basics

Friday, Nov 18

This course covers the basics of owning and working a horse in a controlled and safe environment to build confidence and improve skills. Draft Horse Vetting Clinic is a pre-requisite if you are bringing a horse. The course may include a oxen segment pending particpant demand.

Anatomy- muscle and bone differences, temperament.
Care-brushing, vet, housing, pasture needs, shoe or barefoot. harness and collars.
Feed- how much, when and what.
Harness-fitting the bit and bridle, collar and harness.
Communication (voice and lines), how does a horse’s mind work.
Rigging-eveners, single and double trees, neck yokes, poles, shaves, and associated equipment.
Driving- experiencing the confident and relaxed connection between the horse and teamster through the lines and voice. Driving terms and proper use of commands, line exercises without a horse. Graduating to simple ground driving with a progression from attaching a single tree or evener to hitching to a farm or logging implement.

Logging with Draft Animals

Saturday and Sunday, November 19 & 20

Teamsters and instructors move into the field obstacle course where they learn to use scoots, forecarts and other devices to yard logs. Draft Animal Basics is a pre-requisite. The primary venue for this training will be out in the field, introducing animals and teamsters to chainsaws and log loaders, and to fine tune driving and log loading skills. The focus of this training work will be almost exclusively the obstacle course. There may be an opportunity on day 4 for a limited drill in the woodlot but that depends on the condition of the forest floor.

Low Impact Logging Machinery - Basics and Applications

Friday thru Sunday, Nov 18-20

For the home use firewood/saw log producer or the commercial logger, this course will introduce farm tractors with logging winches, log length harvesting with forwarders, 4 wheelers and other cost effective associated equipment. Day 1 will be an introduction and days 2 and 3 will include real-world practice in these techniques.

Portable Sawmilling

Sunday, Nov 20

Basic introduction of how to set up a timber harvest when you are going to saw the lumber on site. This course would discuss the relationship between logging road and mill yard lay out, setting up the log brow and milling the logs, sorting, grading and sticking the lumber. Hands on operation of a portable mill and discussion of the economics of such an operation. Optional session on Sunday morning

Thurs Nov 17	Friday Nov 18	Sat Nov 19	Sunday Nov 20
Intro to LIF	Draft Animal Basics	Logging with Draft Animals	Logging with Draft Animals
	LIF Machinery Basics	Low Impact Logging Machinery	Low Impact Logging Machinery
			Sawmilling (optional mini-course)
Evening Programs & Discussions each night

Registration closes November 1st

Registration fees include hearty meals and a midmorning snack each day.

If you are interested in attending please fill out the registration form and mail along with payment. Receipt of payment guarantees your place in the course so please be sure to complete both portions of the registration process.

Camping is available.

Concurrent with the Forestry Workshop, is a Chainsaw Operation and Safety Class for a limited number of pre-registered students. Participants will learn the basics of saw mechanics, operation, maintenance, and safety; and will have a chance to practice the latest in safe felling techniques.

For more information about the Low Impact Forestry Workshop contact: MOFGA at mofga@mofga.org or 207-568-4142.