[Scott G]

Hey everyone,

I tracked down and cornered the forester from RMNP at an agency meeting today to see what direction he wanted to go. At this point he was non-committal so I am calling it a no-go.

There are, however, many other possibilities coming down the pike. The USFS Region-2 has received a significant amount of funding for mitigating issues related to mountain pine beetle; specifically hazard trees and fuels reduction. Much of this project work will occur in sensitive sites such as campgrounds and stands with a mixed species component where residual damage is a real concern.

Since I meet with most of these folks from the Front Range Districts on a regular basis at inter-agency meetings, I am constantly working on them to consider draft animals for extraction with some of this work. I have most of the folks attention & respect from both a personal and agency perspective.

We’ll see how it goes, stay tuned.

[Scott G]

Ahh… the benefits of some serious ground driving for a while… then with some ground shafts…then some patience…

[Scott G]

@Carl Russell 14648 wrote:

Please tell me the member name that was used. Was it Ladyxadmin?

Carl

Yup… It was.

[Scott G]

I’m on board with that, Rick. I think bringing anyone in who is associated with business that directly affects draft powered forestry and could further our cause would be more than acceptable. There are a few folks from different professions/vocations that are critically involved before/during/after a logging operation.

I am begining to wonder if bringing the sub-forums onto the public site might be worthwhile. We might get some new & fresh input. It would also demonstrate that this effort is progressive and trying to get somewhere. If we could get the other sub-topics we discussed up & running that would be helpful as well.

-Scott

[Scott G]

Rick, all,

They use to run Nazi POW camps out here in the woods doing thinning and TSI work. There are a couple of places where you can see old Nazi Swhastikas (sp?) carved into aspen. The old stories say they were decent woodsmen and seldom tried to make a run for it. Probably too scared of the vast wide open area we had here at the time. I’m sure the old guards told them more than one ‘griz’ or ‘big cat’ story… 😉

[Scott G]

You mean I shouldn’t have given them my checking account information?? Hell, I already bought the new GN Stock/combo trailer I wanted in anticipation of the funds from Nigeria!

[Scott G]

I do both. Slide it on without a pad, open it when I’m using one.

[Scott G]

I like that idea, Guy. Some folks are already following that model in the form of forest management co-ops.

Google “forest co-ops” and you’ll find quite a few.

[Scott G]

My condolences to you, friend. The best people sometimes pass in the worst ways…

While I have never been there I have heard multiple times what Jen referred to. Folks from Haiti are really great people living in a very desperate situation.

All of our prayers should go out to those folks. It is truly a tragic situation…

[Scott G]

Joel,

The majority of pastures I have used had at least partial forest cover. Preferred for shelter…

The majority of federal grazing leases I have worked in the past or known of were forested. Great grass in those…

I don’t feel like an idiot and a lot of the ranchers I’ve worked with would probably take that personally.

If your statement reflects on root compaction = reduced stand growth potential and stem damage; that comes more from grazing pressure, too many head on an area, and not moving critters around to mitigate those issues.

Controlled grazing to keep understory in check can potentially benefit incremental growth.

Anytime we can integrate trees into agricultural practices without adversely affecting primary production/health I’m all for it.

You want to expand on your cordial comment?

[Scott G]

If you need to get back to the contact list just click on http://sites.google.com/site/draftanimalpoweredforestry/

You might want to file it under your favorites for future ease of access.

[Scott G]

It’s out there folks! Most of you should have received the e-mail. If not let me know. We’ll see what kind of response we receive and that will probably tell us alot about our future…

Check out the DAPFI public forum to see my welcome post and please monitor it to welcome folks as they come on.

[Scott G]

@Scott G 14449 wrote:

You should be receiving the e-mail as well. If not, let me know as something went terribly wrong…

…and it did. My server is kicking back the e-mail group list. Says some of the addresses are improperly formed.

So… I’ll look at it tommorow with fresh eyes and hopefully get the bulk e-mail out then.

In the meantime enjoy the site/list and give me feedback.

http://sites.google.com/site/draftanimalpoweredforestry/home

[Scott G]

@Carl Russell 14347 wrote:

Scott, are you thinking of individual operations, or as a community marketing initiative?

Carl

All of the above, Carl. Could be individual operation based or a local marketing co-op model. Strictly a wide-open brainstorming session at this point.

It would be nice to get more professional craftsmen/artisians, like Kevin, to weigh in on this as well.

The agroforestry component intrigues me …

[Scott G]

@blue80 14339 wrote:

My first question is, what is the easiest way in an auction setting to “know” what size is a given set of harness? I believe I could muddle through the condition/quality of the harness, but am a little apprehensive about purchasing harness that “won’t fit” Having said that, we don’t even have a draft team yet, but this is an excuse for me to ask what to look for when I see harness for sale…

Kevin, measuring the hames is a good place to start. That will give you the collar size that the previous owner used. Then looking at the harness see how it was adjusted. Note where all of the adjustment buckles and corresponding punched holes are relative to each component. Is everything stretched out as far as it can go? Is it in the middle? Short? You get the picture…

For a comparison, my boy that I use single for skidding is 16hh, ~1600# and I use a 23″ collar, 24″ with the pad would be better.

You need a rail where you can stretch the harness out full length to inspect it. Start bending leather and looking for cracks. If the thing is as dried out as an old boot that you would find at the dump I would move on. If it has any mold, excessive dirt/oil/grease the same would apply. Once harness leather gets like that it seems it never comes back good even when cleaned/oiled. Check tugs/traces really carefully. Much of that type of harness in your and my region comes from old barns that haven’t been cleaned out since grandpa died of old age 20 years ago. Stuff goes south pretty fast if you don’t take care of it routinely.

When I first got back into this in 1990 I was scavenging the local draft auction for used harness and parts. Long story short I broke alot of leather harness that I thought was workable harness. I ended up taking every harness and all spare parts I had gotten and boxed ’em up and sold them at the auction for salvage parts with a disclaimer on it. I then purchased a brand new nylon harness that I still use today for logging.

@blue80 14339 wrote:

Also, how does one know if a collar past its “due date” I figure I am looking for smooth density of padding, no rips and tears, but anything else to watch for?http://www.brianniaauction.com Jan. 16

Thanks, Kevin

Buy a new collar(s) for your horse/team. To me collars are the same as worn boots. They conformed to the old user and are awfully hard to get a good fit for the new user. All of the pressure from your load is transferred through that collar. Be kind to your horse and start off with a new one.

I would caution you when purchasing old harness, if you’re new to driving and you’re horse becomes “undressed” in a hurry from a busted harness pulling a load there is a good chance that it won’t be a good day for all involved.

You might be able to get a really good deal on a forecart there. Just give it a really good once over long before the auctioneer steps up to it…

These type of auctions are a blast and a great place to network if nothing else.

I’d love to join you up there but 1) daughter working market steer at National Western Stock Show that weekend, 2) Draft Show at same, and 3) wifes b-day weekend.

I’m surprised they are holding this auction during Stock Show…

Take care and have fun.
-Scott

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