ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF FOREST MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS THROUGH IMPROVED TIMBER SALE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0165728
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2008
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2013
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108

Performing Department
Forest Resources

Non Technical Summary
This project will enhance our understanding of how timber sale design (e.g., differences between what individual foresters and organizations do that create efficiencies, how harvest timing influences the effectiveness of competition control, how landing size and location impact harvesting productivity) and implementation approaches (e.g., how the approach that logging businesses take on a site create efficiencies or inefficiencies) can help increase the efficiency of their inwoods operations to make them more profitable while enhancing the sustainability of forest resources.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
123	0199	1070	33%
123	0330	2050	33%
123	0699	3010	34%

Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0199 - Soil and land, general; 0330 - Wetland and riparian systems; 0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
2050 - Hydrology; 1070 - Ecology; 3010 - Economics;

Keywords

forest operations

profitability

timber sale design

timber harvesting

Goals / Objectives
The objective of this research is to identify timber sale design and implementation approaches which result in higher efficiency of forest management without compromising the sustainability of forest resources.

Project Methods
The project's objectives will be accomplished through use of a number of information gathering and data analysis methods. These include: (A) Review of the literature: Existing studies which have assessed the impact on efficiency of timber sale design and the operational implementation of a timber sale will be examined. (B) Surveys: Assessments of forest managers and logging business owners will be conducted to gather qualitative perspectives. The surveys will primarily focus on individuals within the Lake States. (C) Field data collection: Field-based assessments of timber sale design and harvest operations will be conducted in Minnesota. Potential methods include time study approaches, using dataloggers and Global Positioning Systems, applying Geographic Information Systems, and having study individuals time card certain portions of their work effort.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: A wide range of audiences received information generated through this project. They include federal, state, and local natural resource land management agencies, natural resource professionals, natural resource consultants, timber harvesters, primary and secondary forest products manufacturing companies and their customers, public and private forest landowners and youth. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Eight graduate students were involved in designing and developing research protocols, collecting and/or analyzing data, preparing project reports, and participating in project outreach. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Over the duration of the project, 12 refereed journal articles were published. An additional 47 reports and summaries were developed for lay audiences and more than 130 presentations were delivered to scientific and professional audiences from this work. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This project provided information useful for decision makers (e.g., program supervisors and managers, field foresters) within forest products companies, public agencies and logging businesses to enhance the efficiency of their forest management operations. By better understanding the range of options available for managing and harvesting forest lands, agencies and business owners are better able to select the most appropriate set of approaches based on their current situation.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Brown, R. N., M. A. Kilgore, J. S. Coggins, and C. R. Blinn. The impact of reserve prices and contract length on stumpage bid prices: An empirical assessment. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Eight manuscripts were published in peer-review journals. A survey of Minnesota logging business owners was conducted to understand their 2011 operations. Results indicate that logging businesses and their equipment continue to age. While most equipment replacements are planned using pre-owned equipment, there may be great competition for that machinery. As compared to larger businesses (based on volume production), small businesses harvest a significantly smaller percentage of their wood in summer and operate at a significantly lower percentage of their capability. Survey results were discussed with policy makers, mill managers, and others as background information to facilitate discussions about how to keep a viable logging industry in Minnesota. Questions about forestry, forest management, and woody biomass were answered through eXtension, e-mails, and over the phone. Information about road planning, maintenance and closure was compiled and presented to logging business owners. Regulators from organizations that administer laws regarding stream and wetland crossings were brought together to share information about their programs with natural resource managers. A decision key to help those managers determine what regulations are pertinent on any given site was developed. Synthesizing information from several previously conducted studies, the role of economics in forest management was discussed with natural resource managers. Workshops for loggers were conducted to expose participants to tools for planning better forest roads. Information about various forest and tree concepts was presented to American Indian youth. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate student worked on the project: Cass Pfender, assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Mike Kilgore, Amanda Kueper, Matt Russell, Jenna Williams); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics (Jay Coggins); University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts/Biosystems Engineering (Bob Seavey); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Julie Medtke, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, Dave Wilsey, Gary Wyatt, Deb Zak, and Diomy Zamora); Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (Mike Kroenke); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Kent Jacobson, Dick Rossman, Gaylord Paulson); Minnesota Forest Resources Council (Rob Slesak); US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); Minnesota Forest Industries (Wayne Brandt, Tim O'Hara); Minnesota Producers Association (Ray Higgins); White Earth Reservation (Doug McArthur, Mike Smith); logging business owners (several); retired forestry consultant (Rick Dahlman); and postdoctoral individuals (Ross Brown, Dickson Atuke). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences include graduate students, loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry, and the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline personnel. A secondary audience is family forest owners. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology (e.g., survey design), data storage and analysis techniques, writing research results, and interpreting what those results mean. Loggers and natural resource managers became better informed about planning tools to facilitate road planning and design, strategies to mitigate impacts during timber harvesting and forest road development, the effect of timber harvesting guidelines on felling and skidding productivity, and regulations governing operations when working near or within streams and wetlands.

Publications

• Zenner, E.K., S.L. Olszewski, D.N Kastendick, B.J. Palik, J.E. Peck, and C.R. Blinn. 2012. Riparian vegetation response to gradients in residual basal area with harvesting treatment and distance to stream. Forest Ecology and Management 283(2012):66-76.
• Brown, R.N., M.A. Kilgore, C.R. Blinn, and J.S. Coggins. 2012. State timber sale programs, policies, and procedures: A national assessment. Journal of Forestry 110(5):239-248.
• Brown, R.N., M.A. Kilgore, C.R. Blinn, and J.S. Coggins. 2012. Barriers to effective state timber sale program administration: A qualitative assessment. Journal of Forestry 110(5):249-256.
• Brown, R.N., M.A. Kilgore, J.S. Coggins, and C.R. Blinn. 2012. The impact of timber-sale tract, policy, and administrative characteristics on state stumpage prices: An econometric analysis. Forest Policy and Economics 21(2012):71-80.
• Kastendick, D.N., E.K. Zenner, B.J. Palik, R.K. Kolka, and C.R. Blinn. 2012. Effects of harvesting on nitrogen and phosphorus availability in riparian management zone soils in Minnesota, USA. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 42:1784-1791.
• Palik, B., M. Martin, E. Zenner, C.R. Blinn, and R. Kolka. 2012. Overstory and regeneration dynamics in riparian management zones of northern Minnesota forested watersheds. Forest Ecology and Management 271:1-9
• Zamora, D., C.R. Blinn, D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, L.D. Coyle, and G.M. Domke. 2012. Converting face-to-face curricula for online delivery: Lessons learned from a biomass harvesting guidelines curriculum. Journal of Extension 50(5):5FEA5. Available online at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2012october/a5.php
• Zenner, E.K., M.A. Martin, B.J. Palik, J.E. Peck, and C.R. Blinn. 2012. Response of herbaceous plant community diversity and composition to overstory harvest within Riparian Management Zones in Northern Hardwoods. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research. Available online at: http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/09/13/forestry. cps060.full.pdf+html

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A graduate student completed her MS work in which she evaluated the response of northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) seedlings to stand manipulations in northern Minnesota riparian forests. When protected from herbivory by deer, planted northern white-cedar seedlings were shown to be good candidates for outplanting in a variety of riparian settings, particularly partial harvest areas, and were competitive with balsam fir seedlings for up to four years in the field. However, unfenced northern white-cedar seedlings were browsed at a significantly higher rate than balsam fir. The traditional face-to-face training program for Minnesota's forest management guidelines was converted to an online curriculum with a written exercise. Questions about forestry, forest management and woody biomass were answered through eXtension, e-mails, and over the phone. Three manuscripts were published in peer-review journals. A webinar was conducted to present information about online forest management planning tools. Information about temporary stream and wetland crossing options was synthesized and presented to Bureau of Indian Affairs foresters. Information about the effect of timber harvesting guidelines on felling and skidding productivity was presented to loggers and natural resource managers. Information about road planning, maintenance and closure was compiled and presented to loggers. Assistance was provided to the Minnesota Logger Education Program in development of a five-year strategic plan for educational programming. Information about forests and trees as well as global positioning system technology was presented to American Indian youth. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate students worked on the project: Brooke Haworth, Derya Erilymaz, and Cass Pfender. Each graduate student assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Mel Baughman, Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Mike Kilgore, Jenna Williams); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics (Jay Coggins); University of Minnesota Department of Bioproducts/Biosystems Engineering (Bob Seavey); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Julie Medtke, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, Gary Wyatt, and Diomy Zamora); Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (Mike Kroenke); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Dick Rossman, Bob Tomlinson, Gaylord Paulson); Minnesota Forest Resources Council (Rob Slesak); US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); Minnesota Forest Industries (Tim O'Hara); logging business owners (several); retired forestry consultant (Rick Dahlman); and postdoctoral individuals (Ross Brown, Dickson Atuke). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences include graduate students, loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry, and the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline personnel. A secondary audience is family forest owners. Zamora, D.S. and C.R. Blinn. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Wildfire prevention and forest health. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /8%20Environmental%20Effects%20Wildfire%20Prevention-1.pdf Zamora, D.S. and C.R. Blinn. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Air quality and human health. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /7%20Environmental%20Effects%20Air%20Quality%20and%20Human%20Health.p df Zamora, D.S., C.R. Blinn, and G.J. Wyatt. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Biodiversity and wildlife. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /2%20Environmental%20Effects%20Biodiversity%20and%20Wildlife-1.pdf Zamora, D.S., C.R. Blinn, E.L. Taylor, and G.J. Wyatt. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Climate change and carbon sequestration. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /5%20Environmental%20Effects%20ClimateChange.pdf Zamora, D.S. and C.R. Blinn. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: An introduction. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /1%20Environmental%20Effects%20Introduction-1.pdf Zamora, D.S., C.R. Blinn, and G.J. Wyatt. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Invasive species. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /6%20Environmental%20Effects%20Invasive%20Species.pdf Zamora, D.S. and C.R. Blinn. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Soil productivity. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /3%20Environmental%20Effects%20Soil%20Productivity.pdf Zamora, D.S. and C.R. Blinn. 2011. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Water quality and quantity. University of Minnesota Extension. Fact Sheet. Available online at: http://www.cinram.umn.edu/Extension%20woody%20biomass%20fact%20sheets /4%20Environmental%20Effects%20Water%20Quality%20and%20Quantity.pdf PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology (e.g., survey design), data storage and analysis techniques, writing research results, and interpreting what those results mean. Loggers and natural resource managers became better informed about planning tools to facilitate road planning and design, strategies to mitigate impacts during timber harvesting and forest road development, and the effect of timber harvesting guidelines on felling and skidding productivity. Timber buyers in Minnesota were able to operate on state timber sales after completing forest management guideline training programs. Participants in the online training program were able to reduce their training costs by not having to travel to workshops.

Publications

• Blinn, C.R. 2011. Minnesota's voluntary site-level forest management guidelines. In: Sustainable forestry: A landowner's manual, 11-13. Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, 3d ed.
• Chizinski, C.J., A. Peterson, C.R. Blinn, B. Vondracek, and G. Niemi. 2011. Breeding bird response to partially harvested riparian management zones. Forest Ecology and Management 261:1892-1900.
• Dirkswager, A.L., M.A. Kilgore, C.R. Blinn, D.R. Becker, and A.R. Ek. 2011. Logging business owner practices and perspectives on harvesting forest residues for energy: A Minnesota case study. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 28(1):41-46.
• Goychuk, D., M.A. Kilgore, C.R. Blinn, J. Cogggins, and R.K. Kolka. 2011. The effect of timber harvesting guidelines on felling and skidding productivity in Minnesota. Forest Science 57(5):393-407.
• Forest Management Guidelines Online Training. 2011. Minnesota Logger Education Program and University of Minnesota Extension. Available online at: http://www.mlep.org/trainingonlinemain.htm
• Blinn, C.R. 2011. Your property online: Where to find soils, water and land management information. September 20, 2011 webinar. Available online at: https://umconnect.umn.edu/p72987660/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&p bMode=normal
• Blinn, C.R. 2011. About Web Soil Survey. University of Minnesota Extension. Available online at: http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/About- Web-Soil-Survey.pdf
• Blinn, C.R. 2011. About Public Waters Inventory maps. University of Minnesota Extension. Available online at: http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/About- Public-Waters-Inventory-Maps.pdf
• Blinn, C.R. 2011. About forest management guidelines. University of Minnesota Extension. Available online at: http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/About- Forest-Management-Guidelines.pdf
• Blinn, C.R., M.A. Kilgore, J. Coggins, R. Kolka, and D. Goychuk. 2011. Effect of timber harvesting guidelines on felling and skidding productivity in northern Minnesota. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Meeting of the Council of Forest Engineering, June 12-15, 2011, Quebec City, Canada. Available online at: https://www.cirrelt.ca/cofe2011/proceedings/5-Blinn.pdf

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A graduate student completed her MS degree in which she assessed the riparian plant composition, abundance and structure responses to different harvesting approaches nine years after harvest occurred. Results from a mailed survey and focus groups of loggers, natural resource managers, bankers, equipment dealers and others were summarized in preparation for use by the Minnesota Logger Education Program in developing a five-year strategic plan for educational programming. Funds were secured to initiate development of an online training application for Minnesota's forest management guidelines. As a part of that effort, a template was developed to facilitate creation of individual modules, completed by relevant authors, and edited; online training curricula were written; and video was captured to facilitate the online training. Eight online summaries of environmental impacts of woody biomass were made available through eXtension. Questions about forestry, forest management, and woody biomass were answered through eXtension. A summary report which assessed state timber sale policies, programs and stumpage price drivers was completed by a PhD student who graduated as well as an in-progress MS student. Information from that report has been shared with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry timber sales staff as well as loggers, natural resource managers and the Minnesota Forest Resources Council through meetings and other presentations. A written survey and focus groups were conducted to secure input from loggers and industrial foresters about proposing changes to Minnesota's forest management guidelines. Forest management guideline training was delivered to loggers and natural resource managers. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate students worked on the project: Ross Brown, Brooke Haworth, Michelle Martin, and Cass Pfender. Each graduate student assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Mel Baughman, Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Grant Domke, Mike Kilgore); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Chris Chizinski, Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Julie Medtke, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, Gary Wyatt, and Diomy Zamora); Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (Mike Kroenke); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Rick Dahlman, Dick Rossman); Minnesota Forest Resources Council (Rob Slesak); University of Georgia (Ben Jackson); Texas A&M University (Eric Taylor); US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Carmen Wagner); logging business owners (several); Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (John Geissler); Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Dan Duckert). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences include graduate students, loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry, and the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline personnel. A secondary audience is family forest owners. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology (e.g., survey design), data storage and analysis techniques, writing research results, and interpreting what those results mean. Citizens became better informed about the environmental impacts of woody biomass. Loggers and natural resource managers became engaged in the process of revising Minnesota's forest management guidelines. Policy makers began understanding ways in which state timber sale policies might be modified to make the overall timber sale program more effective and efficient. Timber buyers in Minnesota were able to operate on state timber sales after completing forest management guideline training programs.

Publications

• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Water quality and quantity. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Wildfire prevention and forest health. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Biodiversity and wildlife. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Soil productvity. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Invasive species. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: An introduction. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Kilgore, M., R. Brown, C. Blinn, J. Coggins, and C. Pfender. 2010. A national review of state timber sale programs and an analysis of factors influencing Minnesota state stumpage prices. Final report submitted to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St. Paul, MN.
• Kilgore, M., R. Brown, C. Blinn, J. Coggins, and C. Pfender. 2010. A national review of state timber sale programs and an analysis of factors influencing Minnesota state stumpage prices. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Staff Paper Series Number 209.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Climate change and carbon sequestration. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.
• Zamora, D., and C.R. Blinn. 2010. Environmental effects of woody biomass: Air quality and human health. eXtension Communities of Practice Wood Energy Wikipedia website.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A survey of Minnesota foresters was conducted to assess factors which make biomass harvesters successful. An Internet-based training program presenting Minnesota's Biomass Harvesting Guidelines was made available online. A Lake States Woodland Stewardship publication was created to assist private landowners with the management of their property. That document will serve as the basis for an online course to be developed in the future. Curricula were written to assist with continued funding for the White Earth Math and Science Academy. Surveys were conducted of loggers and foresters in the Lake States to assess various factors related to the pricing of timber offered for sale by state agencies. A final report summarizing three years of research looking at the effects of harvesting within riparian areas was submitted. Hardware was purchased and protocols developed and implemented to allow the collection of logging productivity data from biomass harvesting research sites. Minnesota's forest management guideline training curriculum was modified and presented to loggers and natural resource managers. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate students worked on the project: Denys Goychuk, Brooke Haworth, and Cass Pfender. Each graduate student assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Grant Domke, Mike Kilgore); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Chris Chizinski, Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, and Diomy Zamora); Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (Mike Kroenke); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Rick Dahlman, Dick Rossman); Minnesota Forest Resources Council (Rob Slesak); University of Georgia (Ben Jackson); Texas A&M University (Eric Taylor); USDA-Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Carmen Wagner); logging business owners (several); Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (John Geissler); Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Dan Duckert). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences include graduate students, loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry, and the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline personnel. A secondary audience is family forest owners. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology (e.g., survey design), data storage and analysis techniques, writing research results, and interpreting what those results mean. Loggers became better informed about factors to consider before expanding their business to harvest woody biomass for energy. Developers of the online biomass harvesting guideline training application learned how to design this type of application and plan to expand the curriculum in the near future. Timber buyers in Minnesota were able to operate on state timber sales after completing the online biomass harvesting and the forest management guideline training programs.

Publications

• Steil, J.C., C.R. Blinn, and R.K. Kolka. 2009. Foresters' perceptions of windthrow dynamics in northern Minnesota riparian management zones. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 26(2):76-82.
• Baughman, M.J., K. Witter-Potter, C.R. Blinn, and M.R Reichenbach. 2009. Financial considerations. In: Woodland Stewardship: A Practical Guide for Midwestern Landowners, 175-196. 2d ed. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension, 220 p.
• Blinn, C.R., and A.S. Gupta. 2009. Marketing timber. In: Woodland Stewardship: A Practical Guide for Midwestern Landowners, 103-114. 2d ed. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension, 220 p.
• Blinn, C.R., and A.S. Gupta. 2009. Harvesting timber. In: Woodland Stewardship: A Practical Guide for Midwestern Landowners, 115-122. 2d ed. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension, 220 p.
• Blinn, C.R., and M. Smith. 2009. Field, forest, and lake lesson plan. University of Minnesota Extension. 5 p.
• Blinn, C.R., and M. Smith. 2009. Scavenger hunt lesson plan. University of Minnesota Extension. 4 p.
• Blinn, C.R., B. Palik, R. Newman, B, Vondracek, E. Merten, S. Eggert, R. Kolka, J. Niemi, A. Peterson, and C. Chizinski. 2009. Evaluating riparian timber harvesting guidelines: Phase 3. Final project report to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. 139 p.
• D'Amato, A.W., N. Bolton, C.R. Blinn, and A.R. Ek. 2009. Current status and long-term trends of silvicultural practices in Minnesota: A 2008 assessment. Report prepared for the Interagency Information Cooperative. 52 p.
• DuPlissis, J.G., C.R. Blinn, B. Cook, P. Doruska, and M.J. Baughman. 2009. Conducting a woodland inventory. In: Woodland Stewardship: A Practical Guide for Midwestern Landowners, 9-24. 2d ed. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension, 220 p.
• Sagor, E.S., and C.R. Blinn. 2009. GPS and traditional food cache exercise lesson plan. University of Minnesota Extension. 3 p.
• Sagor, E.S., and C.R. Blinn. 2009. Introduction to GPS lesson plan. University of Minnesota Extension. 3 p.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ten graduate students were mentored. Four workshops were conducted. Presentations were offered at two conferences and seven workshops. Three poster presentations were made. One lay article was disseminated to the target audience. Two graduate students defended their theses, each disseminating information from their work during research seminars. A public website (http://rmzharvest.cfans.umn.edu/) was created to disseminate information from riparian research work. An internal project website (http://rmzharvest.cfans.umn.edu/login) was created to facilitate access to project data by collaborators. Field sites were established for a biomass harvesting research project at four locations in northern Minnesota. Two on-site meetings with project collaborators were conducted. Separate curricula were developed for a face-to-face and online delivery of forest biomass harvesting guidelines and for Global Positioning System (GPS) training. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate students worked on the project: Denys Goychuk, Brooke Haworth, Michelle Martin, and Stacey Olszewski. Each graduate student assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Mike Kilgore); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Chris Chizinski, Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, and Diomy Zamora); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Rick Dahlman, Dick Rossman); US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); logging business owners (several); Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (John Geissler). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences include graduate students, loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry, and the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline personnel. A secondary audience is family forest owners. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A new project was approved in Washington on 09/22/2008. The new termination date is 9/30/2013.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology, analysis techniques, writing for reporting research results, and presentation to outreach audiences. Loggers and natural resource professionals became aware that post-harvest changes following timber harvesting in riparian areas are relatively minor. The State of California is using some of the project results to help them modify their timber harvesting regulations in riparian areas. The Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP) used the results from a national survey of logger education programs to modify its annual training requirements. MLEP also used results from logger needs assessments to identify new curriculum needs and to fund curriculum development projects. An analysis which combines the results of several students and researchers is helping to inform broader decision-making about riparian management.

Publications

• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 1: Screen familiarization. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 7 p.
• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 2: Marking waypoints. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 3 p.
• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 3: Tracks. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 6 p.
• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 4 Navigating. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 4 p.
• Abbas, D., C.R. Blinn, D.C. Chura, and D.S. Zamora. 2008. Minnesota biomass harvesting guidelines. Minnesota Logger Education Program and University of Minnesota.
• Blinn, C.R. 2008. Evaluating Riparian Timber Harvesting Guidelines: Phase II. LCCMR 2005 Work Program Final Report. Final Project Report Submitted to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. St. Paul, MN. 63 p.
• Blinn, C.R. 2008. GPS comparison table. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Domke, G.M., A.R. Ek, D.R. Becker, J.F. Espeleta, A.W. D'Amato, P.B. Reich, S. Suh, M.A. Kilgore, D.A. Current, H.M. Hoganson, T.E. Burk, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. Assessment of Carbon Flows Associated with Forest Management and Biomass Procurement for the Laskin Biomass Facility. Staff Paper Series No. 198. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources. 31 p.
• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 5: Manually entering coordinates and creating routes. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 7 p.
• Geissler, J., D.T. Chura, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2008. How to use a GPS receiver--Exercise 6: Position format and map datum. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN. 6 p.
• Zamora, D.S., C.R. Blinn, D.C. Chura, D. Abbas, L.D. Coyle, G.M. Domke, and E.S. Sagor. 2008. Minnesota biomass harvesting guidelines. University of Minnesota. (Curriculum for asynchronous online or computer-based delivery).

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Eight graduate students were mentored. One six-day international soils conference was conducted as were two-day and five-day field tours. Two graduate students defended their theses, each disseminating information from their work during research seminars. Four peer review manuscripts were published. Seven workshops were conducted. Presentations at five conferences and four workshops were offered. Five poster presentations were made. Eight lay articles were disseminated to the target audiences. Ten on-site meetings with project collaborators were conducted. Assistance was provided to facilitate the development of a logger certification program. The primary focus of this project is to identify approaches to maintain and enhance the functions and values of riparian forests through forest management. This is accomplished through (1) the establishment of experiments which manipulate riparian vegetation and measure a variety of response variables and (2) qualitative assessments of natural resource managers to learn from their experiences. While results suggest that timber harvesting alters terrestrial, aquatic, and bird habitats, populations of many species are not significantly altered soon after harvesting occurs. The results also suggest that natural resource managers may be able to reduce some impacts by making choices about which trees they decide to remove/leave. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator helped facilitate graduate student education, development and delivery of outputs, contacts with collaborators, and funding. The following graduate students worked on the project: Dickson Atuke, Denys Goychuk, Jake Frie, Brooke Haworth, Michelle Martin, Stacey Olszewski, Misato Sakai, and Jeremy Steil. Each graduate student assisted with development of methodology, data collection, analysis, and the development and delivery of outputs. Partner organizations, collaborators, and contacts include: University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources (Tony D'Amato, Andy David, Mike Kilgore); University of Minnesota Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Ray Newman, Bruce Vondracek); University of Minnesota Extension (Angela Gupta, Kent Olson, Mike Reichenbach, Eli Sagor, Jennifer Skuza and Diomy Zamora); Minnesota Logger Education Program (Dave Chura); Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Rick Dahlman, Mike Phillips, Dick Rossman); US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Sue Eggert, Randy Kolka, Brian Palik); Pennsylvania State University (Eric Zenner); logging business owners (several). TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences are loggers and natural resource managers (e.g., foresters, fisheries and wildlife managers) within public agencies and private industry. A secondary audience are family forest owners.

Impacts
Graduate students improved and applied enhanced skills in areas such as research methodology, analysis techniques, writing for reporting research results, and presentation to outreach audiences. Graduate students have become aware that post-harvest changes following timber harvesting in riparian areas are relatively minor. Results from the research were used to inform the Minnesota Forest Resources Council's Riparian Science Technical Committee. They have also been helpful to the Minnesota Forest Resource Council's forest management guideline development personnel.

Publications

• Blinn, C.R., P.J. Jakes, and M. Sakai. 2007. Forest landowner cooperatives in the US: A local focus for engaging landowners. Journal of Forestry 105(5):245-251.
• Haworth, B.K., C.R. Blinn, and D.T. Chura. 2007. Assessment of logger education programs and programming in the US. Journal of Forestry 105(7):358-363.
• Olson, K.D., J.A. Skuza, and C.R. Blinn. 2007. Extension educators' views of scholarship and performance evaluation criteria. Journal of Extension (On-line), 45(4) Article 4RIB1. Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/ 2007august/rb1.shtml
• Phillips, M.J., and C.R. Blinn. 2007. Practices evaluated and approaches used to select sites for monitoring the application of Best Management Practices: A regional summary. Journal of Forestry 105(4):179-183.
• Blinn, C.R. 2007. Riparian zone management-Terrestrial, aquatic, and avian. In 2007 Northeast Forest Soils Conference Proceedings, July 29-August 4; 22-25. Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Domke, G.M., A.S. Gupta, E.S. Sagor, and C.R. Blinn. 2007. Forest measurements and statistics curriculum guide. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Domke, G.M., E.S. Sagor, C.R. Blinn, and D.W. Gilmore. 2007. Introduction to silviculture for loggers curriculum guide. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Palik, B., R.D. Kastendick, S. Olszewski, E. Zenner, and C. Blinn. 2007. Evaluating riparian timber harvesting guidelines. In 2007 Northeast Forest Soils Conference Proceedings, July 29-August 4; 26-28. Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Palik, B., R. Kolka, S. Eggert, C. Blinn, R. Newman, B Vondracek, E. Merten, J. Hanowski, and J. Niemi. 2007. Revisiting riparian areas in the Lake States: Long-term responses to different management scenarios. In Advance Summaries of Presentations, NCASI Northern Regional Meeting, Green Bay, WI, May 23-24.
• Sagor, E.S., C.R. Blinn, and D. Chura. 2007. Accessing aerial photos, topographic maps and other online planning tools. Curriculum Guide. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Sagor, E.S., G.M. Domke, A.S. Gupta, and C.R. Blinn. 2007. Timber marking for loggers. Curriculum guide. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Sagor, E.S., G.M. Domke, A.S. Gupta, and C.R. Blinn. 2007. Timber stand improvement (TSI) curriculum guide. Minnesota Logger Education Program, Duluth, MN.
• Steil J. 2007. Effects of timber harvesting on windthrow activity and coarse woody debris attributes in mixed conifer-deciduous riparian forests in northern Minnesota. MS Thesis, Department of Forest Resources, St. Paul, MN, University of Minnesota.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
(1) Data collection continued for assessing Northern white-cedar response to variable harvest in forested riparian management zones (RMZs). Measurements gathered were related to subject trees (survival, vitality, stem caliper, height, browse), and environmental characteristics for vegetation analysis, floodplain characteristics, and soils. (2) Data on the changes in coarse woody debris (CWD) biomass and volume following thinning in RMZs was summarized and analyzed. Downed post-harvest CWD (logs >1 m length and >10 cm diameter) volumes increased from 5.3 to 23.9 cubic meters ha-1 and CWD biomass increased from 1.6 to 8.5 Mg ha-1 across four treatments. Heavily thinning RMZs causes a statistically significant increase in CWD volume and biomass as compared to lightly thinned and unthinned RMZs. (3) Family forest owners who are most likely to certify are independently wealthy, have more available time, and are currently enrolled in a forestry-related landowner organization or cooperative. (4) As part of a study assessing the impacts of a gradient of timber harvesting intensities on the terrestrial vegetation within RMZs in eight northern Minnesota sites, data were collected on overstory tree composition and basal area, shrub species composition and basal area, woody and herbaceous biomass in the understory, herbaceous species composition in the understory, and available light at the understory level. (5) Field work was completed on the vegetation component of the Pokegama Creek Watershed Project which was harvested in 1997. As of 2006, the control and RMZ control treatment had greater seedling density than the two partial cut RMZ treatments. Over time, density of the seedling layer has declined in all treatments and the control. However, the two partial cut RMZ treatments have more dramatically decreased than the control and RMZ control treatment. (6) To improve our understanding of financial tradeoffs associated with applying Minnesota's timber harvesting and forest management guidelines, electronic activity recorders and Global Positioning System receivers were mounted on skidders and feller-bunchers for five logging businesses in northern Minnesota. Each business was visited weekly to download production data, maintain the devices, and collect field information.

Impacts
This project will help us better understand the impacts associated with managing within Minnesota's forested riparian areas as well as present strategies for mitigating some of those impacts.

Publications

• Blinn, C. R., D. M. Zak, and M. J. Vogt. 2006. Building and maintaining successful relationships between reservation and university programs: Summer school experiences on the White Earth Reservation. Journal of Forestry 104(2):84-88.
• Blinn, C. R. 2006. Introduction. In: Forestry cooperatives: What today's resource professionals need to know, comp. Jakes, P., 1-2. USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station, St. Paul, MN. 62 p.
• Blinn, C. R. 2006. Timber sale design cross training curriculum. Minnesota Logger Education Program. 12 p.
• Blinn, C. R., R. Hedburg, and R. A. Dahlman. 2006. Road layout field exercise curriculum. Minnesota Logger Education Program. 8 p.
• Gilmore, D., E. S. Sagor, and C. R. Blinn. 2006. Silviculture curriculum. Minnesota Logger Education Program. 8 p.
• Hedburg, R., C. R. Blinn, and R. A. Dahlman. 2006. Cost-effective wetlands crossing curriculum. Minnesota Logger Education Program. 11 p.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
(1) The last of eight northern Minnesota pairs of treatment sites was harvested during the winter of 2004-2005. The sites were established to facilitate an evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of forest riparian zone management guidelines. (2) Post-harvest blowdown and coarse woody debris were tagged on all eight pairs of riparian treatment sites for measurement in 2006. (3) Funds were secured to allow remeasurement of blowdown at Pokegama Creek in Itasca County, MN. Post-harvest blowdown was measured at that site during 1998-2000. The upcoming remeasurement will allow us to better understand longer-term wind dynamics following timber harvesting. (4) A study was initiated to assess the cost of forest management guidelines in Minnesota. Instrumentation was tested to assess its ability to collect relevant information from timber harvesting machinery. Protocol are being developed to select logging businesses that will be included in the study. (5) Further analysis of survey data from field foresters revealed that topographic exposure, species and aspect are among the more important factors to consider when trying to mitigate windthrow in riparian management zones. Slope and distance of a tree to water in a riparian management zone are relatively unimportant. Overall, results suggest that many variables impact windthrow in a riparian management zone, often interacting in complex ways. (6) The Minnesota Logger Education Program funded a study to (a) assess logger education programs in the US for the purpose of identifying program models, successes, opportunities, and gaps and (b) identify expectations and requirements of certification and environmental management programs within Minnesota. All logger education programs in the US extend program eligibility to logging business owners. Most also allow logger managers, supervisors, and workers to become members. Course training fees and tuition are important sources of revenue to support program administration and delivery, especially for certification programs. A variety of factors help create a successful training experience, all of which relate to basic principles of adult education. Within Minnesota, most respondents are certified by one or more certification systems. While wood consuming mills in Minnesota generally do require loggers to attend training, public land management agencies generally do not require that training. (7) The benefits, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of four programs to assist nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners were examined. The four programs were forest landowner cooperatives, American Tree Farm System, Forest Stewardship Program, and the National Woodland Owners Association. Some similarities and differences in the characteristics of the four assistance programs were identified. The four programs focus on assisting NIPF landowners based upon their needs for forest management and related tasks. All of them identified a lack of volunteers and funding as a weakness.

Impacts
This project is providing information to decision makers who are revising Minnesota's forestry riparian zone management guidelines. It is also providing guidance to foresters to improve their on-the-ground decision making in forested riparian areas.

Publications

• Blinn, C. R., and M. A. Kilgore. 2005. The impact of Minnesota's forest management guidelines on the time required to set-up public agency timber sales. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 22(3):175-180.
• Hoff, M. 2004. Sustainable forestry: Counting the cost. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, St. Paul, MN. Roots (November-December 2004):1,4.
• Blinn, C. R., P. A. Jakes, M. Rickenbach, E. S. Sagor, and K. Zeuli. 2005. Forest landowner cooperatives: A national satellite conference for resource professionals. Final Report to USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. 17 p.
• Kilgore, M. A., and C. R. Blinn. 2005. The impact of timber harvesting guidelines and timber sale attributes on stumpage bidding behavior. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 22(4):275-280.
• Finley, S. 2005. A delicate balance: A look at the costs of sustainable forestry in Minnesota. Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Grand Rapids, MN. Whitetails (Winter 2005):10-11.
• Finley, S. 2005. A delicate balance. Minnesota Timber Producer's Association. Timber Bulletin 61:23-24.
• Haworth, B. K., and C. R. Blinn. 2005. Assessment of logger education training programs: Opportunities in Minnesota. Final report to the Minnesota Logger Education Program. 113 p.
• Sakai, M., and C. R. Blinn. 2005. Options for increasing productivity by utilizing more of what we have: The role of forestry cooperatives. Final report to the USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station, St. Paul, MN. 199 p.
• Steil, J. C., C. R. Blinn, R. M. Newman, B. Vondracek, D. M. Atuke, J. Lind, and J. Hanowski. 2005. Evaluating riparian timber harvesting guidelines: 2005 bridge funding report. Final report to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. 86 p.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
(1) Winter of 2003-2004 saw harvesting of seven pairs of treatment sites established to facilitate evaluation of long-term effectiveness of forest riparian zone management guidelines in northern Minnesota. (2) Collected immediate post-harvest blowdown & coarse woody debris (CWD) data on riparian treatment sites. The windthrow which occurred immediate post-harvest was too little to be statistically significant. Higher amounts of CWD were added to the forest floor when implementing the low residual basal area treatment, as compared to the high treatment. If more CWD is added by windthrow, will this have negative consequences to the point of being considered unsustainable? Is it already at that point? It will be important to monitor CWD changes over time. (3) Conducted a review of forest management guidebooks in the US and Canada to identify rutting background information, definitions, and relevant guidelines. Few guidebooks provide any background about this phenomena or quantify levels of acceptability. (4) Conducted a study of strength and depth of frost in various northern Minnesota harvest sites during February. Because of snow cover, frost depth was generally less than 2 inches. Frost quality was variable across a site. While winter harvesting is becoming increasingly common, it appears natural frost conditions may be insufficient to stop rutting. (5) Implemented a study to learn more about statewide logger education programs in the US. Program coordinators will be contacted to learn about their programs' design, funding mechanisms, costs, class requirements, and training evaluation, as well as if opportunities exist to design a more formal sharing network of information among program coordinators. Results will assist the Minnesota Logger Education Program design and deliver more effective programs to their members. (6) Surveyed field foresters to rate various factors related to windthrow in riparian management zones (RMZs) adjacent to a clearcut harvest. Of responses to the survey, 80 percent reported observing windthrow in RMZs adjacent to upland clearcuts. The species most susceptible to blowdown were: balsam fir, white spruce, black spruce, and jack pine. The least susceptible species were white pine, red oak, red maple & sugar maple. Many field foresters mentioned they will selectively harvest the susceptible species along RMZ edges, and leave only the advanced regeneration of these species. Conversely, they will attempt to leave windfirm species. Overall, field foresters seemed to find species to be the most important factor to consider when managing for windthrow in riparian areas. (7) Initiated a 3-part Delphi study to identify the benefits, strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities associated with forest landowner cooperatives. Study information will help natural resource managers distinguish between cooperatives and other assistance program options available to nonindustrial private forest landowners.

Impacts
This project is fine tuning Minnesota's forestry riparian zone management guidelines to enhance their effectiveness and to assess alternative practices. This research will assist policy makers when modifying the guidelines through legislated review processes and guide resource managers in making better management decisions in these areas.

Publications

• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 200x. The impact of Minnesota's forest management guidelines on the time required to set-up public agency timber sales. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry. (In press)
• Blinn, C.R., D.M. Atuke, N. Danz, J. Hanowski, D. Kastendick, R. Kolka, J. Lind, R.M. Newman, B. Palik, N. Schlesser, J. Steil, D. Streblow, B. Vondracek, and E. Zenner. 2004. Evaluating Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Guidelines. Final Report to Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources. 77 p.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. Encouraging the application of sustainable timber harvesting practices: A review of policy tool use and effectiveness in the Eastern United States. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution: Focus 4(1):203-216.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. Policy tools to encourage the application of timber harvesting guidelines in the United States and Canada. Forest Policy and Economics 6(2):111-127.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 200x. The impact of timber harvesting guidelines and timber sale attributes on stumpage bidding behavior. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry (In press)
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. Cost of voluntary timber harvesting guidelines. Rockville, MN: Forest Resources Association, Inc., Technical Release 04-R-23. 2 p.
• Aust, W.M., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. Forestry best management practices for harvesting and site preparation in the Eastern United States: An overview of water quality and site productivity research during 1982-2002. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution: Focus 4(1):5-36.
• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 2004. Riparian management practices in the Eastern US: A summary of state guidelines. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution: Focus 4(1):187-201.
• Phillips, M.J., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. Best management practices compliance monitoring approaches for forestry in the eastern United States. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution: Focus 4(1):263-274.
• Phillips, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2004. State approaches for monitoring the application of best management practices and forest management guidelines: A regional summary. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources Staff Paper Series no. 173. 21 p.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
(1) Conducted a study to determine the extent to which forest landowners incur additional financial costs resulting from the application of Minnesota's timber harvesting guidelines. Requiring the use of forest management guidelines decreased stumpage bids $2.66 per cord (10 percent) and the merchantable timber volume by 2.4 cords per acre (8 percent) while increasing the time required to prepare a timber tract for auction by 57 percent. The total financial costs to forest landowners of incorporating the guidelines into timber sales averaged $143.15 per acre. (2) Conducted a follow-up survey to assess how loggers develop stumpage bids, as well as the influence forest management guidelines had on their willingness to pay for stumpage, relative to other tract and sale characteristics. The survey revealed a number of other findings about how timber harvesters develop stumpage bids when guidelines are required, as well as how various factors influence bidding behavior. A tract's physical characteristics were perceived to have a greater overall influence on the development of paired bids than did specific guidelines. The findings from these studies will be useful in identifying strategies that encourage greater use of sustainable forestry practices. (3) Established eight pairs of treatment sites for a study which is evaluating the effectiveness of forest riparian zone management guidelines in northern Minnesota. Baseline data was collected at each site and harvesting will occur during the winter of 2003-2004. (4) Blowdown data was obtained from a separate study conducted in northern Minnesota. Through that study, blowdown was monitored at one site over a 3-year period and a survey of forest managers was conducted to broaden the understanding of blowdown dynamics. (5) Initiated a study to better understand rutting in forests. Additional searches for information will be conducted. Graduate student=1.

Impacts
This project is fine tuning Minnesota's forestry riparian zone management guidelines to enhance their effectiveness and to assess alternative practices. This research will assist policy makers when modifying the guidelines through legislated review processes and guide resource managers in making better management decisions in these areas.

Publications

• Palik B., K. Cease K., L. Egeland, and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Aspen regeneration in riparian management zones in Northern Minnesota: Effects of residual overstory and harvest method. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 20(2):79-84.
• Phillips, M.J., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Best management practices compliance monitoring approaches for forestry in the eastern United States. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (In press)
• Aust, W.M., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Forestry best management practices for harvesting and site preparation in the Eastern United States: An overview of water quality and site productivity research during 1982-2002. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (In press).
• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 2003. Riparian management practices in the Eastern US: A summary of state guidelines. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (In press).
• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 2003. Riparian management practices in the Eastern US: A summary of state guidelines. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (In press).
• Eliason, S.K., C.R. Blinn, and J.A. Perry. 2003. Natural resource professionals continuing education needs in Minnesota: Focus on forest management guidelines. Northern J. of Applied Forestry 20(2):71-78.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. The financial cost to forest landowners who implement forest management guidelines: An empirical assessment. Journal of Forestry 101(8):37-41.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. An assessment of the extent to which forest landowners bear additional cost resulting from implementation of Minnesota's timber harvesting guidelines. A report to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. St. Paul, MN. 34 p.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Willingness to pay for stumpage requiring timber harvesting guidelines: an evaluation of bidder characteristics, strategies, and perceptions. A report to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. St. Paul, MN. 17 p.
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Policy tools to encourage the application of timber harvesting guidelines in the United States and Canada. Forest Policy and Economics. (In Press).
• Kilgore, M.A., and C.R. Blinn. 2003. Encouraging the Application of Sustainable Timber Harvesting Practices: A Review of Policy Tool Use and Effectiveness in the Eastern United States. Journal of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (In press).

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
A study was initiated to assess the extent to which the Minnesota's forest management guidelines create additional financial costs and benefits which are then reflected in timber stumpage markets and the time required to design a timber sale. Twenty-seven timber sales were set up with and without the requirement to use guidelines. Each sale was then sold through a written sealed bidding process. Preliminary results suggest that the requirement to apply the guidelines results in a discounted (reduced) bid for timber. Additionally, a national assessment was conducted to learn more about the guideline monitoring practices conducted by states. All 50 states replied to the survey. Regionally, there are differences in the type and extent to which forest management guidelines are monitored. Most northern states monitor water quality plus a number of additional guidelines during timber harvesting and forest road development. In contrast, most southern states monitor their guidelines across a broader suite of forest management activities (e.g., timber harvesting, forest roads, timber stand improvement, site preparation, fire management). Differences are probably due to population differences (there are many cities in the North where residents own rural second homes and are concerned about other factors such as visual quality) and the intensity of operations (forests are more intensively managed in the South). Efforts continued to find sites suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of forest riparian zone management guidelines in northern Minnesota. This phase of the study is nearing completion and will be followed by baseline data collection to assess preharvest conditions in terrestrial, wildlife, and aquatic conditions. Treatments will then be applied with posttreatment measurements occurring early 2004. States and provinces employ a variety of practices to practices to mitigate the negative externalities often associated with timber harvesting activities. A study was conducted to learn more about ways to encourage the application of sustainable timber harvesting practices were examined. Information on specific policy tools that states and Canadian provinces use to encourage the application of sustainable timber harvesting practices. Of the policy tools examined, technical assistance, educational, and cost-share programs account for 88 percent of all state and provincial programs directed at encouraging forest landowners to use the practices suggested in their guidebooks. Technical assistance and education programs are the most common policy tools used to assist loggers and foresters in applying sustainable harvesting practices. Technical assistance and cost-share programs consistently rank among the most effective policy tools for encouraging loggers, landowners, and foresters to apply the sustainable timber harvesting practices. Comparing levels of program investment to perceived benefits, assistance programs and education programs rank most efficient for landowners and foresters, respectively. Graduate student=1.

Impacts
Efforts from a number of projects is helping to fine tune Minnesota's forest management guidelines to make them more effective at mitigating impacts from timber harvesting operations. Through a better understanding of how to and what influences guideline application, implementation rates should increase over time.

Publications

• Blinn, C. R., M. J. Phillips, T. Webb, R. Rossman, and A. Jones. 2002. Forest management guideline development through consensus: Important factors to consider. International Journal of Forest Engineering 13(2):77-81.
• Eliason, S. K., C. R. Blinn, and J. A. Perry. 2002. Evaluating natural resource professional education needs using focus groups: A Minnesota case study. Women in Natural Resources 23(1):36-45.
• Kilgore, M. A., and C. R. Blinn. 200x. Policy tools to encourage the application of sustainable timber harvesting practices in the United States and Canada. Journal of Forest Policy and Economics. (In press)
• Phillips, M. J., and C. R. Blinn. 200x. Compliance monitoring approaches for forestry in the eastern United States. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution: Focus. (In Press)
• Skally, C. W., and C. R. Blinn. 2002. An evaluation of the native plant communities management guide for mesic and dry-mesic white-red pine in northern MN. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, Staff Paper Series No. 156. 36 p.
• Smidt, M. F. and C. R. Blinn. 2002. Harvest caused soil disturbance decreases suckering capacity of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) following growing season harvests in Minnesota, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 163(1-3):309-313.
• Ukaga, O. M., M. R. Reichenbach, C. R. Blinn, D. M. Zak, W. D. Hutchinson, and N. J. Neil. 2002. Building successful campus-field faculty teams. Journal of Extension (On-line). 40(2). Available at: http://joe.org/joe/2002april/a3.html.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
(1) A decision-making key was developed to assist on-the-ground resource managers in making better decisions about managing within forested riparian areas. The key integrates information from a number of riparian issue areas (e.g., vegetation, topography, soil, management objective) and research studies. This field key became the focal point of a day-long workshop which overviewed its application and provided time to demonstrate its use within a field setting. A study of riparian management guidelines across the United States found regional differences in recommendations. While the guidelines tended to recommend higher levels of protection in the West, the lowest levels were found in the South. Differences in topography, ecosystems, and political frameworks may be important reasons for this differentiation. (2) A telephone survey was developed to solicit information from state forestry agencies and Extension personnel concerning the presence of forestry cooperatives within the States. Once that information is collected, specific cooperatives will be studied to evaluate their contributions toward achieving sustainable forest management and increasing forest productivity. (3) A study was implemented to assess the effectiveness of forest riparian zone management guidelines in northern Minnesota. Treatment areas are being identified in five different forested locations in northern Minnesota. Information from this long-term study will help decision-makers further revise Minnesota's forest management guidelines. (4) A process was also initiated to modify some of Minnesota's forest management guidelines using existing research and monitoring information. More than 60 suggested changes have been identified and efforts are underway to make appropriate modifications. Graduate student=1.

Impacts
Efforts from a number of projects is helping to fine tune Minnesota's forest management guidelines to make them more effective at mitigating impacts from timber harvesting operations.

Publications

• Blinn, C.R., A.M. Alden, and P.V. Ellefson. 2001. Timber harvester perceptions of costs and benefits from applying water quality BMPs in Minnesota. International Journal of Forest Engineering 12(1):39-51.
• Eliason, S.K., C.R. Blinn, and J.A. Perry. 2001. Evaluating natural resource professional education needs using focus groups: A Minnesota case study. Women in Natural Resources. (In press)
• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 2001. Riparian management practices: A summary of state guidelines. Journal of Forestry 99(8):11-17.
• Eliason, S.K., C.R. Blinn, and J.A. Perry. 2001. Natural resource professionals continuing education needs in Minnesota: Focus on forest management guidelines. Northern J. of Applied Forestry. (In Press)
• Ukaga, O.M., M.R. Reichenbach, C.R. Blinn, D.M. Zak, W.D. Hutchinson, and N.J. Neil. 2001. Building successful campus-field faculty teams: A summary of focus group and faculty surveys in Minnesota. Journal of Extension. (In Press)
• Blinn, C.R. 2001. Managing water: Locate roads, landings, skid trails and crossings to cut costs and reduce erosion. Tree Farmer 20(2):20.
• Blinn, C.R. 2001. Temporary stream crossing options: Minimize the impact and cost of harvest. Tree Farmer 20(2):27.
• Blinn, C.R., and M.A. Kilgore. 2001. Riparian management practices in the United States: A summary of state guidelines. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, Staff Paper 154. 27 p.
• Perry, J., C. Blinn, R. Newman, N. Hemstad, E. Merten, K. Frederick, M. Fox, B. Palik, J. Mattson, M. Thompson, S. Verry, L. Johnson, C. Richards, K. Stroom, J. Shoenberg, R. Dahlman, and P. Emerson. 2001. Evaluating riparian area dynamics, management alternatives, and impacts of harvest practices. Final Report submitted to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St. Paul, MN. 131 p.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Data was collected from 37 field sites in northern Minnesota to facilitate an on-the-ground assessment of factors which impact blowdown of residual trees within forested riparian management zones that are adjacent to clearcut areas Where blowdown occurred, factors that were assessed included tree species and diameter, residual volume, hillslope position, distance from the water's edge, and direction of the clearcut with respect to the riparian management zone. Because the field sampling was limited in terms of the number of sites, a survey has been developed for mailing in early 2001 to on-the-ground managers. The survey will solicit information from their experiences about blowdown. A survey of forest management agencies within the states and Canadian provinces found that technical assistance and educational programming are used most frequently and have the highest reported effectiveness in encouraging landowners, foresters, and loggers to apply timber harvesting guidelines. However, the survey also found that few other programs are being applied. Case studies of individual states suggest that tax incentives and cost-share programs are a new and emerging too for encouraging application of forest management guidelines. A literature review found that many studies have documented additional costs associated with applying forest management guidelines. Because most of the studies were conducted in areas that are not similar to Minnesota conditions, their results have limited application here. Additional studies which assess Minnesota conditions and forest management practices would be needed to more fully understand the local impacts. A study was initiated to evaluate the contributions currently being made by forestry landowner cooperatives in the North Central region toward achieving sustainable forest management and increasing forest productivity. Discussions were initiated about the development of a decision-making key to assist on-the-ground resource managers in making better decisions about managing within riparian areas. The key would attempt to integrate information from a number of riparian issue areas (e.g., vegetation, topography, type and size of water body, management objective). Graduate student=1.

Impacts
Impact: Minnesota is gaining a better understanding about how to manage within forested riparian areas. This information will result in information for on-the-ground managers to prescribe more effective riparian management zone treatments. There is still a need to further assess the costs and benefits of applying forest management guidelines within Minnesota. Securing that information would be beneficial to policy makers who are seeking solutions to questions about payments for applying guidelines.

Publications

• Blinn, C. R., A. M. Alden, and P. V. Ellefson. 2001. Timber harvester perceptions of costs and benefits from applying water quality BMPs in Minnesota. International Journal of Forest Engineering. (In press)
• Smidt, M. F. and C. R. Blinn. 2001. Harvest caused soil disturbance decreases suckering capacity of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) following growing season harvests in Minnesota, USA. Forest Ecology and Management. (In press)
• Blinn, C. R. 2000. Minnesota's forest management guidelines. pp. 31 - 36. In Woodland Owners and Users Conference Proceedings, February 26, 2000. University of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, MN. 62 p.
• Blinn, C. R., S. J. Taff, M. J. Thompson, M. Mlinar, and N. Townsend. 2000. Assessing the financial effects associated with implementing Minnesota's timber harvesting and forest management guidelines. Department of Forest Resources, College of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Staff Paper Series No. 149. 160 p.
• Eliason, S. K. 2000. Forest management guidelines educational needs of Minnesota's natural resource management professionals. Master's of Science Plan B Paper (unpublished), Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. 45 p.
• Updegraff, K., and C. R. Blinn. 2000. Assessment of water diversion options on forest roads and trails in the United States and Canada. Department of Forest Resources, College of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Staff Paper Series No. 140. 124 p.
• Updegraff, K., and C. R. Blinn. 2000. Applications of small-scale forest harvesting equipment in the United States and Canada. Department of Forest Resources, College of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Staff Paper Series No. 141. 35 p.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
A mail survey of was conducted of public and private timber sale administrators and consultants in the United States and Canada regarding their personal experiences applying standard and alternative water diversion methods. The 144 survey responses were summarized over each of four US and two Canadian regions. Survey results indicated that water diversions are used most frequently on active and closed haul roads and least frequently on active skid trails. Loggers are frequently unaware of the need for water diversions or do not use them because they feel that the situation does not require them. Road operability and access requirements as well as equipment availability determine the choice of diversion options on active roads or skid trails. Many respondents noted that one of the most effective methods for protecting the road surface was to time operations to coincide with dry or frozen road conditions. In many cases good road layout and careful timing can obviate the need for water diversion structures. Information gleaned from the study will be summarized into an article to provide pratitioners with information about the variety of options that are available as well as situations where one option may work better than another. While a number of small-scale timber harvesting equipment options were identified, little information exists about the costs and productivity of that equipment. A survey of knowledgeable researchers and industry personnel throughout the US indicated that many felt that this type of equipment was best-suited for use by part-time operators and not the high production operators that industry has come to rely on in their wood procurement strategies. This may present a barrier to the further application of small-scale equipment in many areas. A study of factors leading to blowdown of residual trees in riparian management zones was initiated. Data was collected within one large study area this year. Additional data will be collected in other areas and then analyzed to assist field practitioners when making decisions about residual tree selection to enhance long-term windfirmness. Initial designs of a survey that would identify factors used by other states and provinces to increase voluntary compliance of forest management guidelines were developed for review. Graduate student=1

Impacts
Demands for environmental protection focused attention on effects of timber harvesting practices on site productivity, water quality, wildlife, recreation, and other forest outputs. Thus, Minnesota developed voluntary forest management guidelines to mitigate impacts. Cost and benefits of complying with these restrictions are not well understood. New (to MN) and emerging harvesting technologies may achieve the intent of mitigation strategies at an acceptable cost. Improved cost-effective equipment and practices will result in harvesting practices that help sustain our forest resources.

Publications

• Bates, P. B., E. I. Sucoff, and C. R. Blinn. 1999. Soil flooding effects on root suckering in aspen. Northern J. of Applied Forestry 15(4):169-173.
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, L. Hislop, and M. A. Thompson. 1999. Options for temporary wetland and stream crossings. Journal of Forestry 97(8): 7-page insert.
• Mattson, J., J. E. Baumgras, C. R. Blinn, and M. A. Thompson. 1999. Harvesting options for riparian areas. In: Proceedings of Riparian Management in Forests of the Continental Eastern United States, 433-464. Columbus, OH, March 23-25, 1998. USDA Forest Service. 742 p.
• Minnesota Forest Resources Council. 1999. Sustaining Minnesota forest resources: Voluntary site-level guidelines for landowners, loggers, and resource managers. Minnesota Forest Resources Council, St. Paul, MN. 472 p.
• Phillips, M., L. Swift, and C. R. Blinn. 1999. Best management practices for riparian areas. In Proceedings of Riparian Management in Forests of the Continental Eastern United States, 465-489. Columbus, OH, March 23-25, 1998. USDA Forest Service. 742 p.
• Smidt, M. F., and C. R. Blinn. 1999. Soil disturbance and productivity from wide-tired skidder trials in Minnesota aspen harvests. In: Proceedings 12th Central Hardwood Conference, eds. Stringer, J. W., and D. L. Loftis, 115-120. February 28 - March 2, 1999, Lexington, KY. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, General Technical Report SRS-24. 293 p.
• Blinn, C. R. 1999. Riparian zone management: Fall field session program curriculum. Fall Field Session Curriculum Committee. 26 p.
• Blinn, C. R., and R. A. Dahlman. 1999. Small-scale timber harvesting equipment: New machines for changing times. University of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, MN. (Video)
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, J. Mouelle, J. A. Mattson, and M. A. Thompson. 1999. Small-scale timber harvesting equipment options. In Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, 337. Duluth, MN, December 1-3, 1998. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota. 360 p.
• Blinn, C. R., T. Webb, D. Rossman, A. Jones, and M. Phillips. 1999. Forest management guideline development through consensus in Minnesota: A review of the process. In: Proceedings of the 1998 Society of American Foresters National Convention, 237-241. September 19-23, 1998, Traverse City, MI. 407 p.
• Mattson, J. A., M. Thompson, C. Blinn, and R. Dahlman. 1999. Harvest site impacts of cut-to-length and full-tree harvesting systems. In Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, 339. Duluth, MN, December 1-3, 1998. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota. 360 p.
• Thompson, M. A., J. A. Mattson, C. R. Blinn, and R. A. Dahlman. 1999. Impacts associated with cut-to-length and whole-tree harvesting in a study of riparian zone management. In: Proceedings of the Forestry Engineering for Tomorrow Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 28-30, 1999. Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Silsoe, Bedford, UK. 13 p.
• Thompson, M. A., J. A. Mattson, R. Dahlman, and C. R. Blinn. 1999. Case studies of cable yarding on sensitive sites in Minnesota. In: Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, 143-149. Duluth, MN, December 1-3, 1998. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota. 360 p.
• Blinn, C. R. 1999. Temporary wetland and stream crossing options. In: Proceedings Maintaining Water Quality in Woodlands Operations Conference, August 11-12, 1999, Moncton, New Brunswick. Canadian Woodlands Forum. (In press).
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, J. A. Mattson, and M. A. Thompson. 1999. Overview of approaches to sustain forest productivity during forest road development and timber harvesting activities. In: Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, 135-140. Duluth, MN, December 1-3, 1998. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota. 360 p.
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, L. Hislop, and M. A. Thompson. 1999. Stream and wetland crossing options. In: Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, 336. Duluth, MN, December 1-3, 1998. St. Paul, MN: Department of Forest Resources, Univ. of Minnesota. 360 p.
• Blinn, C. R. 1999. Temporary stream and wetland crossings. Forest Resources Association Inc., Rockville, MD. Technical Release. (In press)
• Greene, W. D., and C. R. Blinn. 1999. Logging and logging on: Using computers in business decisions. Forest Resources Association Bulletin, Forest Resources Association Inc., Rockville, MD. (In press)

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
An assessment of timber harvester education programs within North America was completed. The study revealed that many programs include training on safety as well as forest management topics. Program funding is provided through a variety of mechanisms including mill assessments, attendee registration fees, annual dues, and grants. A survey of Minnesota timber harvesters which assessed factors such as their 1997 production levels, season of operation, firm size, equipment spread, and level of investment was summarized. Among the respondents, larger firms tended to operate year-round, to have newer equipment, and to have the most recent harvesting technologies. Peer review comments of riparian forest management guidelines were addressed and incorporated into a public review document. Those guidelines were then integrated with guidelines from other topical areas (e.g., water quality, soil productivity, cultural resources, wildlife habitat, aesthetics). After making changes in response to public review comments, the integrated forest management guidelines were approved by the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Eleven focus groups were conducted to assess educational needs for the forest management guidelines. Participants indicated a strong interest in interactive, classroom and field sessions which allowed cross training between disciplines and professions. Draft summary book chapters of riparian zone management best management practices and timber harvesting options were developed and presented at a national conference and are currently under editorial review. An overview paper identifying approaches to sustain timber productivity during forest road development and timber harvesting was presented at a conference and submitted as a proceedings paper. A study of North American forest management organizations was initiated to identify options for diverting water off of roads, skid trails, and landings during timber harvesting activities. A number of small-scale timber harvesting equipment options were identified through a literature review and contact with equipment vendors. Some of those options were demonstrated during a two-day active timber harvesting operation. A study was initiated to assess the costs and productivity of some of the small-scale equipment.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Turner, M. G. 1998. Evaluation of logger education programs in the US and Canada. Final Report to the US Forest Service for USFS Grant No. NA-95-0239. 66 p.
• Turner, M. G. 1998. Survey and analysis of logger education programs in the US and Canada. College of Education and Human Services Professions, University of Minnesota, Duluth. (Masters Thesis) 66 p.
• Bates, P. B., E. I. Sucoff, and C. R. Blinn. 1998. Soil flooding effects on root suckering in aspen. Northern J. of Applied Forestry. (In press)
• Mattson, J., J. E. Baumgras, C. R. Blinn, and M. A. Thompson. 1998. Harvesting options for riparian areas. In Proceedings of Riparian Management in Forests of the Continental Eastern US. Columbus, OH, March 23-25, 1998. USDA Forest Service. (In press)
• Phillips, M., L. Swift, and C. R. Blinn. 1998. Best management practices for operating within riparian areas. In Proceedings of Riparian Management in Forests of the Continental Eastern US. Columbus, OH, March 23-25, 1998. USDA Forest Service. (In press)
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, and L. Hislop. 1998. Temporary stream and wetland crossing options. In Proceedings of the 1997 Society of American Foresters National Convention, 366-367, October 4 - 7, 1997, Memphis, TN. 422 p.
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, J. A. Mattson, and M. A. Thompson. 1998. Overview of approaches to sustain forest productivity during forest road development and timber harvesting activities. In Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, Duluth, MN December 1 - 3, 1998. (In press).
• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, L. Hislop, and M. A. Thompson. 1998. Temporary stream and wetland crossing options for forest management. USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, General Technical Report GTR NC-202. (In press)
• Blinn, C. R., T. Webb, D. Rossman, A. Jones, and M. Phillips. 1998. Forest management guideline development through consensus in Minnesota: A review of the process. In Proceedings of the 1998 Society of American Foresters National Convention, September 19 - 23, 1998 Traverse City, MI. (In press)
• Puettmann, K. J., C. R. Blinn, H. W. McIver, and A. R. Ek. 1998. Status of timber harvesting and silvicultural practice in 1996: A report to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Minnesota Forest Resources Council Report MP0698, St. Paul, MN. 49 p.
• Thompson, M. A., J. A. Mattson, R. Dahlman, and C. R. Blinn. 1998. Case studies of cable yarding on sensitive sites in Minnesota. In Proceedings of the Improving Forest Productivity for Timber: A Key to Sustainability Conference, Duluth, MN December 1 - 3, 1998. (In press).

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
New strategies for accomplishing stream and wetland crossings were presented to Minnesota timber harvesters. Methods for reducing impacts to those water bodies were emphasized. Information about low-impact wetland crossing options was presented to timber harvesters in British Columbia. Through a consensus-based process, new guidelines for reducing impacts resulting from forest management activities were drafted and are undergoing peer review from scientists and practitioners. An assessment of timber harvester education programs within North America was initiated. A survey of Minnesota timber harvesters was conducted to determine the current status of factors such as production, season of operation, firm size, equipment spread, and investment. Information from that survey is being analyzed. Draft summary book chapters of riparian zone management best management practices and timber harvesting options were developed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Blinn, C. R., R. Dahlman, and L. Hislop. 1997. Temporary stream and wetland crossings: A review of some of the options and reported impacts. In: Certification - Environmental Implications for Forestry Operations, E61-E65. Montreal, Quebec: Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, Canadian Woodlands Forum. 130 p.
• Bates, P. B., E. I. Sucoff, and C. R. Blinn. 1997. Soil flooding effects on root suckering in aspen. Northern J. of Applied Forestry. (In press)
• Blinn, C. R. 1997. Farmer-to-Farmer travelers to Uruguay. Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of the Americas. July issue. 4 p.
• Blinn, C. R. 1997. Natural resources and environment/Farmer-to-Farmer committees. Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of the Americas. October issue. 8 p.
• Blinn, C. R., and R. Dahlman. 1997. Temporary stream crossing options. University of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, MN. 2 p. (Fact sheet) (In press)
• Blinn, C. R., and R. Dahlman. 1997. Fords. University of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, MN. 2 p. (Fact sheet) (In press)

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
A review of pertinent literature and personal contacts identified a variety of alternative options for crossing streams and wetlands during forest management activities. Two active field demonstrations of several of those options were conducted. Numerous contacts resulted from those demonstrations, requesting additional information. A field demonstration of cable yarding on level upland sites was conducted to display a low impact harvesting system. Cost-effective methods for estimating standing timber volume and building water bars were demonstrated to Minnesota timber harvesters. New strategies for timber management were presented to timber harvesters. The status of ownership fragmentation (subdivision) on nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) lands in four Minnesota case study counties was presented to a national audience interested in management of those lands in the US. An international conference to present and discuss a variety of options for planning and implementing forest operations to achieve sustainable forests was conducted.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Blinn, CR, RA Dahlman. 1996. Riparian harvesting with a soft footprint. In: At the water's edge: The science of riparian forestry, conf. proc., June 19-20, Duluth, MN, 76-81. Minnesota Extension Service BU-6637-S.
• Dahlman, R, B Barker, CR Blinn, M Turner. 1996. The Minnesota Logger Education Program. Journal of Forestry 94(7):28-29.
• MacKay, DG, PV Ellefson, CR Blinn. 1996. Registration, certification, and licensing programs: Creating better timber harvesters. Journal of Forestry 94(7):27-31.
• Blinn, CR. 1996. Sustainable forestry and logging: What they have in common in Minnesota. Minnesota Forest Products Marketing Bulletin 39(1):5.
• Blinn, CR. 1996. Temporary stream and wetlands crossings demonstration. Timber Bulletin 52-29. Minnesota Timber Producers Association, Duluth, MN.
• Blinn, CR, R. Dahlman. 1996. Temporary stream and wetland crossing options. In: Proc. planning & implementing forest operations to achieve sustainable forests, eds. Blinn CR, MA Thompson, 151-59. Gen.Tech. Rept NC-186.
• Blinn, CR, R. Dahlman. 1996. Timber harvester perceived costs and benefits of applying water quality best management practices in Minnesota. In: Proc. planning and implementing forest operations to achieve sustainable forests, eds.
• Blinn CR Blinn, CR, R Dahlman, M Thompson, J Sturos. 1996. Cable yarding. St. Paul, MN:.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Analysis of a survey of some Minnesota timber harvesters concerning water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) was completed. Results indicate that (1) respondents are generally well acquainted with the BMPs; (2) many harvesters were applying those BMPs before they became a voluntary program in 1990; (3) many felt that additional costs are incurred when applying BMPs and that these costs exceed any benefits they might receive from their use; and (4) harvesters that attended BMPs workshops tended to be more willing to apply the BMPs. Two publications were produced that review forest ecology and regeneration and which recommend timber harvesting practices that can help minimize impacts to those resources. Recommendations were presented for minimizing impacts within forested riparian areas during timber harvesting operations. A video was developed for depicting the application of cable yarding in steep slopes in southeast Minnesota was completed. A survey of Minnesota timber harvesters using high flotation tires identified the types of specific conditions where use of those tires provide benefits to the operation. That survey also identified some of the more commonly experienced problems with the use of those tires.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• BLINN, C.R. 1995. Leaving a soft footprint: Technology, equipment designed to operate light on the land. Growing Times (Potlatch Corporation, Cloquet, MN) 1(2):6,8.
• BLINN, C. R. 1995. Leaving a soft footprint on the land. Growing Times (Potlatch Corporation, Cloquet, MN) 1(4):6,8.
• BLINN, C.R. 1995. Leaving a soft footprint. Timber Bulletin 50:18. Duluth,MN: Minnesota Timber Producers Association.
• ALDEN, A. M., C. R. BLINN, P. V. ELLEFSON, P. NORDIN. 1995. Timber harvester perceptions of benefits and costs of applying water quality best management practices in Minnesota. Staff Paper Series no. 108. St. Paul, MN: Dept.ForRe.
• DAHLMAN, R., C. R. BLINN. 1995. Cable yarding in southeastern Minnesota blufflands. (video) St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• SMIDT, M. F., C. R. BLINN. 1995. Logging for the 21st century: Forest ecology and regeneration. FO-6517-F. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Extension Service.
• SMIDT, M. F., C. R. BLINN. 1995. Logging for the 21st century: Protecting the forest environment. FO-6518-F. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Extension Service.
• SMIDT, M. F., C. R. BLINN, R. DAHLMAN. 1995. High flotation tire research project. Final project report submitted to the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund, Little Falls, MN.
• SMIDT, M. F., C. R. BLINN, R. DAHLMAN. 1995. Response of aspen suckering to sta.

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Different approaches to examining costs and benefits associated with implementing water quality best management practices were identified. A survey was conducted to better understand the extent to which those practices were being applied in Minnesota before and after the voluntary program was implemented in 1990. The survey also assessed the extent to which costs and benefits associated with implementing this voluntary program had changed since 1990. Responses are being analyzed. A field study comparing the production and site impacts of high flotation tires on skidders vs. conventional tires on skidders is nearing completion. The study has identified conditions under which high flotation tires are most appropriate, as well as strategies for reducing harvesting impacts. Additional effort is being conducted to determine actual benefits and disadvantages of high flotation tires in day-to-day operation from many operators in the state. A cable yarder was studied on steep slopes in southeast Minnesota to determine its productivity, costs, and site impacts. Site impacts will be compared to traditional methods of harvesting in that area.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• SMIDT, M. E.; BLINN, C. R. 1994. Evaluation of logger continuing education needs in Minnesota. Forest Products Journal 44(3):57-62.