CONTROL OF INVASIVE BLACK LOCUST (ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L.) WITH SMALL-SCALE HARVESTING AND PROCESSING FOR LOCALLY MARKETED FOREST PRODUCTS: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0218771
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2009
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2011
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF CONNECTICUT
438 WHITNEY RD EXTENSION UNIT 1133
STORRS,CT 06269

Performing Department
Natural Resources & the Environment

Non Technical Summary
The goal of this project is to test for the feasibility of controlling the invasive black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L., by using small-scale, low-impact harvesting and on-site processing techniques to manufacture and market sawn products. The renowned rot-resistance of black locust provides a naturally advantageous alternative to chemically treated posts, poles and timbers. Locally grown, harvested and manufactured black locust items are products for which local markets should be explored. The species is considered undesirable by public land managers and its harvest and removal would enhance native habitats and improve timber stands. Because of poor form, small average sizes and limited volumes, traditional full production logging, transport and processing is not viable, and the economics of scale-appropriate harvesting, processing and local marketing are to be studied. An instructional DVD about small scale, low-impact harvesting and processing techniques produced as part of this project will have value for small landowners and forest practitioners who operate at the rural/suburban interface, or who wish to engage in value-added production activities.

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	0699	1140	70%
123	0699	3010	30%

Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
1140 - Weed science; 3010 - Economics;

Keywords

black locust

robinia pseudoacacia

invasive species

forest management

local forest products

low impact harvesting

value added products

Goals / Objectives
Goal 1: Control an invasive species (black locust) by creating a local market for useful products manufactured from it. Objective 1: We will explore development of naturally rot-resistant posts, poles, stakes and other products that could be manufactured and sold locally as a natural, local alternative to chemically treated products. Objective 2: We will investigate the possibility of using black locust stands, normally considered low grade and low value, as local market products for land managers and timber producers. Goal 2: Examine the logistics of small scale, low-impact harvesting and on-site processing techniques for handling low-volume harvesting of low-grade material, as is often the case with standing black locust, and to perform value-added operations. Objective 1: We will test using light equipment for small-scale harvesting techniques. Objective 2: To save on raw-material transport we will use on-site portable band-saw milling. Objective 3: Video footage will be recorded to produce an instructional DVD about small scale harvesting and processing techniques for landowners and foresters. Goal 3: Determine the economic viability of integrated small scale harvesting, processing and local marketing of a locally harvested and manufactured forest product. Objective 1: Production rates and expenses for materials, labor, supplies and maintenance will be tracked for each phase of harvesting, processing and marketing. Objective 2: Price comparisons will be made and reported for alternative product choices. Objective 3: Potential raw material values (stumpage rates and/or logs-delivered prices) will be estimated.

Project Methods
Principle Investigators during the summer 2010 will locate and identify forest stands containing a black locust that meet the following criteria: The black locust component is considered undesirable and is designated for removal in the management plan. The site is accessible to small scale harvesting equipment. Local state-certified forest practitioners will be contracted to harvest and transport the designated black locust trees to a landing area, making use of small-scale harvesting equipment as appropriate, applying Best Management Practices and implementing prescribed regeneration suppression treatments. In the event that a suitable contractor cannot be engaged, then the desired harvesting equipment will be leased or otherwise acquired from local suppliers and a crew of state certified forest practitioners or state employees will be trained individually, by project personnel, in its use for the harvesting portion of this project. Material, labor and administrative expenses will be tracked along with time and production rates. A local portable sawmill operator will be engaged to process the harvested black locust material into sawn products. Relative production rates (harvesting vs. processing), material, labor and administrative expenses will be tracked along with product quantity yields. Once harvesting and processing operations are underway at least one demonstration field day at each harvesting site will be promoted and advertised for the public to visit the site and view the harvesting and processing techniques. The implementation, demonstration and documentation of harvesting and on-site processing techniques in an integrated and value-added operation is an example of using new technology to improve competitiveness and profitability, and will bring information about processing, marketing and business-related skills to those who wish to make use of these technologies. Utilizing an undesirable species to manufacture desired products, at scales appropriate to the small landowner, independent contractor, and forests at the rural/suburban interface improves stewardship options, forest health and the use of low-value woody biomass. Research on the wholesale and retail prices paid by the public for posts, poles, stakes, etc., especially for pressure-treated material and/or products shipped from distant locations, will be conducted to establish a basis to determine the value required for locally produced black locust products to be viably marketed. Products produced will be offered for sale during the winter 2010 and spring and summer of 2011, either directly to individuals or through established local retailers to determine the relative demand for locally produced alternative products. From this information a determination can be made as to whether a local market for a locally-produced, value-added forest product can be developed and maintained, and whether a market for black locust timber and logs in suitable quantities can be established to the benefit of timber harvesting industry members. Video footage will be recorded throughout the project and will be edited for use in an educational DVD for landowners and forest practitioners.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project explored the feasibility of controlling black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L., a species considered invasive in Connecticut, using small-scale, low-impact harvesting and on-site processing techniques, manufacturing and marketing sawn products, and whether the value of such products was sufficient to defray the costs associated with control activities. The species is considered undesirable by public land managers and its harvest and removal is considered to enhance native habitats and improve timber stands. Because of poor form, small average sizes and limited volumes, traditional full production logging, transport and processing is not viable, and the economics of scale-appropriate harvesting, processing and local marketing were studied. The renowned rot-resistance of black locust provides a naturally advantageous alternative to chemically treated posts, poles and timbers for certain soil-contact uses, and whether such products could be successfully marketed directly from the harvesting site was studied. Three project goals were addressed as follows: Goal 1: A local market for useful products manufactured from black locust was investigated as an impetus for controlling and invasive species. 1: Rot-resistant posts, poles, stakes and other lumber products intended for use in contact with the soil were manufactured and sold locally as a natural, local alternative to chemically treated products. Customers were found for all wood products manufactured. 2: A market for standing black locust normally considered low grade and low value was demonstrated for land managers and timber producers. 3: A habitat enhancement activity was demonstrated during the removal and suppression of black locust in favor of various native species as an example of a "multiple objective". A two-acre opening with brush piles and native species release was accomplished as an example of a wildlife habitat enhancement feature. Goal 2: The logistics of small scale, low-impact harvesting and on-site processing techniques for handling low-volume harvesting of low grade log material and to perform value-added operations was investigated. 1: Small scale harvesting techniques using low-impact equipment were tested and production rates tracked in relatively low standing volume situations. 2: Portable band-saw milling was used on-site to perform value-added activity and to demonstrate efficiencies by avoiding raw-material transport, and production rates were recorded. 3: Video footage was recorded to produce an instructional DVD about small scale harvesting and processing techniques for landowners and foresters. Goal 3: The economics of integrated small scale harvesting, processing and local marketing of locally harvested and manufactured forest product were studied. 1: Production rates and expenses for materials, labor, supplies and maintenance were tracked for each phase of harvesting, processing and marketing. 2: Price comparisons were investigated and tracked for alternative product choices. 3: Potential raw material values (stumpage rates and/or logs-delivered prices) were estimated, based on production costs and prices received for products actually sold. PARTICIPANTS: Two graduate students participated in this project, as well as four undergraduate students working as student labor. CT DEEP Forestry Division staff and USDA NRCS staff members also participated in outreach events associated with the project (field workshops). Woodland owners and other members of the public participated in field workshops. TARGET AUDIENCES: Woodland owners, students and professional forest practitioners are included as target audiences for project outreach events. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Early data from project site vegetation inventories led to an observation that a greater abundance of other invasive shrub and vine species was associated with the black locust stands as compared to other overstory types nearby. This observation in turn led to a separate, ongoing investigation about this phenomenon, the separate investigation produced one successful MS thesis to date. Early product marketing data from this project also helped inform survey development for another MS thesis research project that investigated opinions and attitudes about locally-produced wood products. Early analysis of processing and marketing of products from work done on this project provides the following indications: Products sawn from black locust utilized immediately in a soil-contact use, such as for deer-fencing with no further treatment show no sign of decay or weakening after three growing seasons, supporting natural rot-resistance claims. A high degree of interest in products sawn from black locust exists. From one 2-acre harvesting area, with no formal marketing effort (word-of-mouth only) twelve prospective customers expressed interest and/or actually purchased, will purchase or want to purchase sawn products for various purposes. Prices received for products were at or slightly above retail prices for alternative chemically treated products in the same geographic area. Total value received for products produced is very close to an estimate of total cost to harvest the black locust and create the habitat feature, with the techniques used. The limited data collected on the small-scale, low impact harvesting techniques used were sufficiently promising (costs and impacts) to warrant further investigation and data collection in different settings. This project produced opportunities for two public field workshops where black locust was harvested about the treatments applied and techniques used. Early results from this project also led to the application of the harvesting techniques used in other forest improvement settings that included two additional public workshops. A total of 72 individuals attended the four workshops. Results from this project have also led to: Two public school district and UCONN College of Agriculture collaborations involving sustainable woodland management/forest improvement treatments/wood products produced from school district woodlands and utilization in school wood shops. These collaborations demonstrate a model for sustainable management and locally grown, harvested, processed and utilized wood products. Experiential learning opportunities for six or more UCONN undergrad students. Outdoor lab site visit opportunities for several academic classes. Preliminary data to support the successful application for an AFRI seed grant (underway). Data and experience to support the successful application for a state-level NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG - underway). Support from CT DEEP Forestry division in a USDA Forest Service Competitive grant application.

Publications

• Rand, C. 2011. Buy Local, consumer behavior and wood products: a case study. M.S. Thesis, University of Connecticut.
• Dreiss, L. 2010. Differential canopy leaf flushing and site nitrogen status facilitate invasive species establishment in temperate deciduous forest understories. M.S. Thesis, University of Connecticut.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We examined the logistics of using small scale, low-impact harvesting and on-site processing techniques for handling low-volume harvesting of low-grade material. In this study, our low-grade material was the invasive black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L. In addition, various techniques for the control of invasive exotic shrub and vine species were tested. The treatment site was a stand dominated by a black locust overstory in the UConn Forest. Site preparation was carried out with chainsaws, weedwackers, brush cutters, propane torches with water extinguishers, and manual tools such as rakes and axes. Site preparation consisted of eradication of existing invasive species and preparation and clearing of walking paths and paths for vehicle access. Log landing areas were also cleared using this equipment. Chainsaws were used for harvesting and sectioning logs and trimming branches. For transporting logs to landing sites located uphill of the harvest site, a John Deere Gator with winch attachment was used for the most inaccessible logs located on steep slopes and interior, wet areas. For logs located in the middle and edge sections of the site (the majority of trees felled), we experimented with two arches of different sizes, which were attached to the Gator with Clevis hooks and chains in order to transport logs uphill. Peaveys were used to position and arrange logs in piles. At each stage, all personnel were supplied with and required to wear personal protective equipment equivalent to professional logging (OSHA) standards. A portable band-saw mill was transported to the site. A portion of the black locust log material harvested was sawed into 4"x4" posts, 1-inch thick boards and other products for potential sale. Additional harvested material has been cut and stacked for sale as fuelwood. Video footage and still photographs were taken throughout each stage. High quality video editing software was obtained and options for creating a professional-quality educational DVD were explored. Members of the public were invited to attend a field workshop at the site in early December of 2010. Educational objectives for the workshop were as follows: The development of management objectives and treatment recommendations in a management plan were presented; attendees viewed the creation of a canopy opening and other wildlife habitat enhancement techniques; small-scale, low impact harvesting techniques were demonstrated; chain saw safety was discussed and proper felling technique demonstrated; invasive plant control techniques were demonstrated; on-site processing and product manufacture as value-added operations were discussed and products displayed. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen members of the general public, mostly other forest landowners, learned about techniques that could be applied on their own land to accomplish similar habitat or product objectives (see "target audiences" for workshop details). TARGET AUDIENCES: Members of the public were invited to attend a workshop at the project field site in early December 2010. Educational objectives for the workshop were as follows: The development of management objectives and treatment recommendations in a management plan were presented; attendees viewed the creation of a canopy opening and other wildlife habitat enhancement techniques; small-scale, low impact harvesting techniques were demonstrated; chain saw safety was discussed and proper felling technique demonstrated; invasive plant control techniques were demonstrated; on-site processing and product manufacture as value-added operations were discussed and products displayed. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Five students, two graduate and three undergraduate, were trained in small scale harvesting techniques. As such, they were fully involved in site preparation, harvesting, milling, video documentation, etc. Prior to the study, none of the students had significant knowledge or expertise on small scale harvesting techniques. Eighteen members of the general public, mostly other forest landowners, learned about techniques that could be applied on their own land to accomplish similar habitat or product objectives. A 1.5-acre wildlife opening has been created, along with brush piles, release of native vegetation and other enhancements. Approximately 24 4"x4" posts, 500 board feet of sawn lumber and 4 cord of fuelwood has been produced from the site to date. An estimated additional 500+ board feet of logs remain to be processed, along with fuelwood to be cut and stacked. Follow-up (flame) treatments for invasive species control are planned for the spring of 2011.

Publications

• No publications reported this period