Jeff wrote:
> If we view this area from local politics and economics it is
> a disaster. The owner is not following the law about
> replanting, the adjoining park is not happy about the fire
> danger, unappealing view, and rampant weed problem. Water
> quality concerns want more trees around the creeks. The
> taxing and zoning concerns want the land to be used in the
> same way neighborhood land is used (we were required to
> submit a plan about how the property was to be used before it
> could be purchased). Also, tansy and possibly thistle are
> illegal plants in this area. The penalties for not dealing with
> these issues mostly involve money.
These sound like the real problem, not that your trees aren't growing. It
must also be a problem for others in your area who bought similar land.
How do they comply with the rules and regulations? (Beside spraying?)
> From my perspective, i'm unhappy that my plans were not working.
> Clearly, my model of nature was incorrect, and it was time to
> adjust it. Also, things were happening at a much faster pace than
> expected.
This sounds like a secondary problem, unmet expectations. On a large
scale, in an naturally disturbed sight, I wouldn't expect the climax forest
to reassert itself very successfully, or at least very quickly. What were
your expectations? Plant Douglas Fir seedlings and sit back? (I don't
mean this to sound sarcastic, though on rereading it I can see how it
might. It's a real question.)
> It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people
> providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material
> and non-material needs in a sustainable way.
Is this what you want? How does this fit with the rules and regulations?
> So, here we stand looking at a stump farm. We have not heard of
> Permaculture yet, and the local forester just left. His advice
> was to spray everything, then plant douglas fir. A farmer down
> the road said to take advantage of the tax incentives and plant
> Christmas trees. He knew someone that would remove the stumps.
What did you do?
> The unique problems here might be logging and non-native plants.
> Nature has not had to deal with these problems before. Many plants
> lose their habitat and the fungi that support forest trees only
> survives for a few years. If you don't replant the forest will not
> regenerate for a long time. Some plants will never come back,
> others will take over their niche. So, there isn't a normal step
> that nature is following, this is somewhat new.
>One of the most common forms is a cleared
> area with a big boxy thing on it.
I think I might disagree with the first part of that on a technicality, but
I see what you mean. Are there standing forests adjacent to you; if so,
the fungi will recolonize, I would expect. 30 acres is a large area and
would take a while to fill in. Perhaps scattered island of native
vegetation could act as "seedlings" for you land. The humor was
appreciated, but it was a real question. What happens in a smaller natural
clearing like a land slide, flood, fire, meadow, etc? How does the forest
close in? What species are the native pioneers. Are there successful
examples of the Douglas Fir being successful?
> Anyway, back to the question: What do we do with our stump farm?
How much are stumps going for in your area? We don't have much of a market
for them around here. <grin> It seems like you need to find out how to
appease the rules and regulations and then fit in your desires. Do the
stumps sprout out? I've seen Christmas Tree farms that work that way. How
long ago was the area logged? I assume you are talking about clear cut
land. Keep us posted on your progress. You make me feel better; I have
felt a little overwhelmed by our two acres of old apple orchard <grin>.
Eric:
