Publications, etc. -- Nebraska Forest Service

Nebraska Forest Service: Your Christmas Tree

Sandy Lineberry et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:13:49 PST

Trees are the centerpiece for many Christmas celebrations, but proper care is necessary to ensure the safety of your tree and other seasonal decorations. Keep the holidays merry by following some simple fire prevention tips to protect your family and home! Natural Trees; Artificial Trees; Lighting; Holiday Decorations

Guide to Woody Plants of Nebraska

Justin Evertson et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:11:02 PST

Species diversity is the cornerstone of a healthy community forest. In an effort to increase species diversity, this publication provides a nearly complete list of woody plants that can be grown in Nebraska communities. Each plant is keyed to the hardiness zone map on this page to show where it will grow best in Nebraska. It should be noted, however, that many plants need extra care and protection to survive certain climates. Conversely, many plants may do well outside of their recommended zone if the proper microclimate exists.

How to Manage Your Woodlands for Sustained and Maximum Benefits

Steven D. Rasmussen — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:08:07 PST

Nebraska's forest lands comprise less than 2 percent of the total land base in the state (7 18,300 acres). However, on an acre by acre comparison, woodlands provide more associated benefits for society, the environment and our quality of life than most other land uses. Trees provide soil protection from wind and water erosion. Woodlands help protect the quality of adjacent water resources by eliminating contaminates, shading for cooler water temperatures and contributing organic matter for use by aquatic life at all levels. Trees and shrubs also trap snow for spring moisture. Woodlands are necessary areas for many wildlife species at different times of the year and for some species year-round . These areas produce renewable wood resources while at the same time store carbon and produce oxygen. Finally, many of the most popular outdoor recreation activities are associated with trees and woodlands.

Nebraska Forest Service: Windbreak & Shelterbelt Appraisal

Gary Naughton et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:07 PST

Living windbreaks and shelterbelts are important assets in rural areas of the Great Plains that protect homes, crops and domestic animals from wind throughout the year. They offer a safe haven for wildlife and provide attractive visual barriers. Windbreaks and shelterbelts can have measurable monetary value, and if they are damaged or destroyed, a professional appraisal may be necessary to determine their value. This publication is designed for professionals who are involved in windbreak and shelterbelt appraisal. It is also meant to show the complexity of appraisal work and the need to have professional help.

Trees and Ice Storms: The Development of Ice Storm–Resistant Urban Tree Populations

Richard J. Hauer et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:01:10 PST

Severe ice storms occur every year in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Midwestern and eastern regions of the United States. Along with fires and wind, ice storms are a frequent and major natural disturbance factor in eastern deciduous forests. Likewise ice storms are responsible for deaths and injuries of people and cause dramatic damage and tree loss to urban forests. Ice storms annually result in millions of dollars in loss, and potentially billions of dollars in losses for extreme and widespread ice storms. Damage to electric distribution systems, blocked roadways, and property damage from fallen trees and limbs pose safety concerns and disrupt normal community functions.

Tree species vary in their resistance to ice accumulation. Certain characteristics, such as weak branch junctures indicated by included bark, dead and decaying branches, a broad crown, and fine branching, increase a tree’s susceptibility to ice storm damage.

Planting a diverse urban forest that includes trees resistant to ice storms and performing regular tree maintenance to avoid or remove structural weaknesses will reduce damage caused by severe ice storms. Management plans for urban trees should incorporate information on the ice storm susceptibility of trees in order to: limit potential ice damage; to reduce hazards resulting from ice damage; and to restore urban tree populations following ice storms. Susceptibility ratings of species commonly planted in urban areas are presented in this publication for use in developing and maintaining healthy urban tree populations.

Susceptibility of Trees to Ice Storm Damage in the Great Plains

Justin Evertson — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:55:16 PST

The following lists of trees were compiled from various sources and should be considered an average for trees in Nebraska and the Great Plains. Susceptibility can vary greatly depending on the time of year, geographic location and overall health of the tree. Trees susceptible to ice damage (* indicates trees with most susceptibility);Trees With Exceptional Resistance;

Trees for Nebraska Ice Storm Recovery

Justin Evertson — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:51:25 PST

Geographic Adaptability;Drought/Wet Adaptability;Size Range;Ice Damage Susceptibility;Large Deciduous Trees (typically over 40 feet tall at maturity);Medium Deciduous Trees (20 to 40 feet tall at maturity);Small Deciduous Trees (under 20’ tall);Evergreen Trees;

Nebraska Forest Service: Avoiding the Top 10 Mistakes of Tree Planting

Eric Berg et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:48:32 PST

1. Poor Selection;2. Inadequate Root System;3. Poor Planting Site;4. Pot Bound / Girdling Root;5. Planting Hole is Too Small;6. Planted Too Deep;7. Improperly or Not Mulched;8. Not Staked;9. Improper Watering;10. Failure to Monitor

Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry: Don't Top Trees

William Elmendorf — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:45:48 PST

What Is Topping? Topping Hurts a Tree In Many Ways; How to Prevent Topping

A Technical Guide to Urban and Community Forestry

World Forestry Center — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:41:31 PST

Trees growing within cities and towns form a forest-an urban forest. But urban trees require special attention, because they are expected to exist within the urban environment. With its infrastructure of streets, sidewalks, curbs, buried utilities, overhead power lines and buildings, the urban environment places tremendous stresses on trees. With proper care, trees become assets which grow in value over time. Without care, tree value declines, eventually becoming a liability to the community. The Technical Guide to Urban Forestry was produced to help communities develop, manage and protect their urban forest resources. The purpose of this publication is to provide technical information about growing trees in the relatively adverse urban environment.

Nebraska Forest Service: Storm Damage Series

Nebraska Forest Service Storm Damage Bulletins — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:38:01 PST

Immediate Care for Storm Damaged Trees; How to Select an Arborist or Tree Service; Pruning Storm Damaged Trees; Large Tree Pruning and Care; Don’t Top Trees; Recognizing and Correcting Tree Hazards; Tree Selection and Placement; Tree Planting; Care of Newly Planted Trees; Storm Damage Resources;

Nebraska Forest Service: Determining Fire Department Operating and Suppression Costs

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:30:44 PST

Determining Fire Department Operating Costs; Fire Equipment Examples For Each Category; Determining Fire Department Suppression Costs

Nebraska Forest Service: Responsibilities of the Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:28:10 PST

As a member of the Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors, you are one of five people responsible for providing district residents with the best fire protection the district can afford. It is the board’s responsibility to see that members of your volunteer fire department(s) have the proper equipment and training necessary to serve district residents;Powers and Responsibilities of the Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors;Effective Management;Master Planning;Fire Prevention;Fire Suppression

Selected Law Pertaining to Nebraskas Firefighters and Fire Departments

Nebraska Forest Service et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:25:54 PST

The Nebraska statutes contained in this handbook reflect actions taken through the end of the 2009 regular legislative session; Nebraska Laws: Cities, Counties and Political Subdivisions.[13-303] Nebraska Budget Act.[13-501 - 13-601] Interlocal Cooperation Act.[13-801 - 13-807] Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act.[13-901 - 13-903, 13-1801] Local Government Miscellaneous Expenditure Act.[13-2202 - 13-2204] Emergency Response Systems, Employment of Full-time Fire Chief .[16-222.01 – 16-222.03] Serving Outside City Limits; Contracts.[18-1706 - 18-1710] Fire Training School.[18-1712 - 18-1714] Sinking Funds, Cities and Villages .[19-1301 - 1304] Annexation of Territory by a City or Village.[31-763 - 31-766] Multiple office holding; when allowed.[32-604] Fire Companies and Firefighters.[Chapter 35] Volunteer Fire Companies .[35-101 - 35-108] Hours of Duty Of Firefighters.[35-302] Rural and Suburban Fire Protection Districts.[35-501 - 35-536] Emergency Firefighting.[35-601 - 35-603] Clothing and Equipment.[35-801] Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments.[35-901] Death or Disability as a result of cancer.[35-1001] Fire Recognition Day.[35-1101] Mutual Assistance Finance Act.[35-1201] Volunteer Emergency Responders Recruitment and Retention Act.[35-1301 - 35-1330] Volunteer Emergency Responders Job Protection Act.[35-1401 – 35-1408] Worker’s Compensation.[48-115] Liquors.[53-186] Military Leave of Absence.[55-160 - 55-165] Exemption.[55-174] Proof of Financial Responsibility (Vehicle Liability.[60-528] Individual Liability.[71-5194] Automated External Defibrillator; Use; Conditions; Liability.[71-51,102] Property Tax Levies.[77-3442 - 77-3446] Fires;investigation by city or county authorities;reports to State Fire Marshal required [81-506] Open Burning.[81-520.01 - 81.520.02] State Administrative Department.[81-829.65] Public Meetings.[84-1401 - 84-1414] In the Line of Duty Dependant Education Benefit.[85-2304 – 2306] Telecommunications, 911 Emergency Telephone Systems.[86-435] Federal Laws: Mutual Aid.[Public Law 46, Chap 105] Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974.[Public Law 95-313]

ReTree Nebraska’s 10 for 2010

ReTree Nebraska — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:16:01 PST

The Trees Around Us; Importance of species diversity; ReTree Nebraska’s TEN for2010; Choosing now, planting for the future; Report your tree planting! What is ReTree Nebraska?

Pruning Trees

David Mooter — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:11:33 PST

Pruning is one of the most important tree maintenance practices. Over the years, the way in which we, as foresters, have approached pruning has changed dramatically. Today pruning is a science that, if not done properly, can be very damaging to a tree.

Here are some tips that may be of help to you before you take the saw to the tree. First, large tree pruning can be very dangerous work. Even the most highly skilled arborists have been seriously injured while pruning a large tree. This is especially true if climbing is involved. It is best to leave major large tree pruning to professional arborists. When selecting an arborist give strong consideration to whether or not the arborist is certified by a professional organization. Certification is a good indication of knowledge and commitment to the profession.

Nebraska Forest Products Manufacturers - Primary Processors

Dennis Adams — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:09:15 PST

This directory includes Nebraska forest products businesses that manufacture wood products from roundwood. It was developed from the “Nebraska Primary Wood Processors Survey” conducted in June, 2007 and includes only businesses that request to be listed. . Corrections and/or additions are periodically incorporated. Endorsement of listed individuals or firms by the Nebraska Forest Service is not intended or implied. Corrections and/or additions may be submitted to: Marketing & Utilization Forester, Nebraska Forest Service, 203E Forestry Hall, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583-0815. Phone: 402-472-5822; FAX: 402-472-2964; E-mail: dadams2@unl.edu

Nebraska Forest Service: Pine Wilt A fatal disease of Scotch pine

Laurie Stepanek — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:07:33 PST

Scotch pine, a popular tree for ornamental plantings, windbreaks and Christmas trees is rapidly disappearing from Nebraska’s landscape. The tree is susceptible to pine wilt, a disease that has killed thousands of Scotch pines in the southeastern part of the state since the mid-1990s. This pamphlet discusses pine wilt and how to control the disease.;Symptoms of Pine Wilt;What Causes Pine Wilt?;Susceptible Trees;Control of Pine Wilt;How to Identify Scotch Pine;Pine Wilt in Nebraska

Land Cover Inventory of the Niobrara River Watershed

Patti R. Dappen et al. — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:05:03 PST

The Niobrara River watershed covers a large area in northern Nebraska, and neighboring parts of South Dakota and Wyoming, and is an important component of statewide natural resources management. Under ongoing agreements with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BoR), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are charged with the development of management plans for various BoR projects in the Niobrara River watershed in Nebraska. A detailed delineation of land use and land cover patterns was needed in order to define and implement effective management strategies.

Nebraska Forest Service: Forest Fuels Treatment Program

Nebraska Forest Service — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:02:09 PST

The Growing Risk; What Can Homeowners Do?; Cost-Share Assistance From NFS; To Learn More