2014 Northeast Draftwood and Biological Woodsmen

Northeast Draftwood and Biological Woodsmen

Now that 2014 is under way it is time to update plans for Northeast Draftwood and Biological Woodsmen programs. To me the development of these programs is not just a catchy strategy to improve profitability for horse-loggers by marketing source-differentiated lumber. It is an effort to upgrade the application of forestry in the region by improving viable implementation of restorative silvicultural practices using draft animals, increasing profitability through the delivery of quality services.

After thirty years in the industry, most of that using draft animals in forestry, I am confident that the most effective way to implement sound ecological and forest improvement practices is by using draft animals. As a forestland owner and forestry consultant I am certain that harvesting practitioners with advanced skills in the implementation of silvicultural methods provide expert services that translate into valuable investments toward long-term multiple-use forestry objectives.

Biological Woodsmen following Draftwood standards can deliver legitimate forestry services through harvesting, providing investment in ecosystem services, biological productivity, timber-stand improvement, low site-disturbance, and craftsmanship, resulting in a naturally vibrant, financially productive, and aesthetically pleasing forest.

To me, the key to making Draftwood into a successful program in the Northeast is the establishment of a network of Biological Woodsmen who are committed to working under an agreed upon set of standards that separate their work from conventional practices. To do this we will have to change the way that forestry and timber harvest are being applied on lands where Biological Woodmen work. The first line of profitability must come from customers who want to see their forestland improved under these principles, and who value the expert services implemented by highly skilled practitioners.

During the Spring of 2014 I will convene a one-day Draft Animals in Forestry Summit to discuss what is needed in order to establish a model that is effective and attractive to draft-loggers and their clients. The economic viability of NE Draftwood will require a network of Biological Woodsmen practitioners doing authentic work, and this summit will be a critical first step.

In the Fall of 2014, in cooperation with Draft Animal Power Network, Russell Forestry Services will host a NE Biological Woodsmen’s Week. This event will be an opportunity for regional operators to work together on a legitimate forest improvement operation where they can reinforce their shared professional and social connections, and test, through use, the model and standards that will be established during the Spring summit.

I have been in contact with several forestland owners in the central region of New England who are interested in having their land used during a Biological Woodsmen’s week. The ideal property will have the need for forest improvement harvest, and access to accommodations for teams, teamsters, and cutters who will work on the project over the period of the week. There will also be group gatherings for meals, communal development, and education, as well as interaction with the general public through work-site tours, trade exhibits, and presentations.

The objectives of the gathering include; development of an effective association between practitioners who work throughout the region, validating the work of individuals through practices shared by the group; to implement methods of harvest on a commercial scale demonstrating the viability of draft animal power in modern forestry; to highlight silvicultural practices that maximize the capacity of draft animals in forestry, addressing fundamental ecological principles, forest improvement, and investment in long-term assets that are often overlooked in lieu of financial consideration of competitive harvesting production; and to provide educational and social opportunity for practitioners, students, foresters, landowners, and the general public.

This will be a collaborative effort, bringing as many people and organizations together as possible. We have full endorsement from Jason Rutledge and Healing Harvest Forest Foundation, the originator of Draftwood and Biological Woodsmen certification. We recognize that there may be regional differences in how the program is instituted in the Northeast, but ultimately this effort will expand opportunities for practitioners in both regions and beyond. We will also include educational organizations and institutions that offer draft animal, logging, and forestry training, bringing as many interested parties to the table as we can.

Donn Hewes (DAPNet Pres.) and I have fleshed out some basic concepts of how Draft Animal Power Network will play an important role in co-organizing this effort to increase the effective and practical application of draft animal power in sustainable land-use. We are going to need support from many people. If you are interested in being involved please contact me so that you will receive notifications as dates and locations take shape. I can be reached by direct reply to this posting, through e-mail earthwise@hughes.net, or by phone 802-234-5524.

Thank you, Carl Russell