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Rural tree plantings can be science at workKansas Tourists and urban dwellers may find it curious that rural Kansans plant rows and rows of trees alongside roads, crop fields and livestock facilities, as well as in windbreaks near their homes. "In the past, rural dwellers may have been marking the edges of their property," said Joshua Pease, conservation forester with the Kansas Forest Service. "Now, however, they're usually applying scientifically proven principles." Trees that protect crops from Kansas' winds, for example, not only reduce the odds for crop damage but also reduce soil erosion and moisture stress, Pease said. Tree stands also have a proven ability to promote livestock health and feeding efficiency. Well-planned plantings provide wildlife habitat, cover and food, he said. They stabilize stream banks and filter runoff--thus helping ensure the state has a sustainable, quality water supply. "Of course, trees are pretty to look at, too," Pease said. "For rural residents, though, they can provide a source of some extra income, which can range from selling quality black walnut timber to providing firewood, Christmas trees or access for fee hunting." The state forest service provides low-cost tree seedlings twice each year to help Kansans continue such conservation efforts, he said. The 2008 Conservation Tree Planting Program began taking orders in December, with order forms available at any local USDA or K-State Research and Extension office. This year, the program also started offering its trees on-line. More information about that and the species of trees available for 2009 is available at http://www.kansasforests.org/conservation/. 1/12/09 Date: 1/8/09
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