[Scott G]

Carl, all,

I usually like to put the questions out there for a bit and listen rather than talk. That said I can step in as a facilitator as well, but in order to do that job I need a lively discussion to facilitate.

I like Carl’s mission statement; it is focused and has good flow…

“To promote the use of draft animal powered timber harvesting methods that support positive impact forest management”

… has my vote. It is inclusive without being exclusive of acceptable methods that remain within the context of what we all believe in .

[Scott G]

Rod,

I’ve done it on occassion but it feels awkward, hard to maneuver/control my load when its behind me and out of sight. Oh yeah, the getting run over when things go bad could really ruin your day too…

In short, I just don’t feel like I have total control of the “big picture” when I’m up there.

[Scott G]

Chocust… its a mutant. The bark looks like cherry to me, but as Carl said, wood structure does’nt lie (nor do the compound leaves and thorns if I had been paying attention).

Acacia psuedoprunus or Prunus psuedoacacia….. that is the question…

I’ll just mumble while I stumble back into my high elevation conifer thickets….:(

[Scott G]

@Carl Russell 12427 wrote:

This is not something that we have talked about yet, but it seems right that we should set up some mechanism so that we can be sure that we have gotten some consensus on an issue before we move on. I don’t like rigidity, but it might be plausible that we agree to all weigh in on a question, so that even if it is just a whole lot of agreement, at least we can see that.

Carl

Carl,
Even with the “Bumpus” adventure wearing thin on me; what about using the poll tool with an end date?

Thanks everyone for the increased input, it keeps my enthusiasm up.

[Scott G]

Rod & all,

Here you go…

http://www.castleplastics.com/snoballpads.htm

[Scott G]

Carl,
Even when I run 3/4″ calks for ice I have balling issues without pads if the snow has any moisture in it. I get really tired of picking up feet and smacking the balls loose.

You must have “magical” snow in Vermont… 😉

[Scott G]

…..as a side note, I’ve used full teflon pads in the past. Pine tar, packing, and still get thrush. It could/would get really nasty in there. That’s why I am so thrilled with these.

[Scott G]

I use 20′ for ground skidding with a single.

[Scott G]

Hey Jim,

Who did you buy your nylon D-ring from? I’m going to get a set sometime in the future. It could end up being the only set in this region that I know of.

Love nylon harness, hate nylon lines. Too stiff for my liking. Sold on biothane…

[Scott G]

Even from the Rockies it looks like cherry to me…

[Scott G]

Ditto,

Our place has been in the program about 20 years. Great program but what I do goes far above and beyond the ATF program. One of the best aspects of being a Tree Farmer is networking with other Tree Farmers. You definitely have an in and most of those folks are landowners that are more concerned with sound conservation practices than strictly growing timber. There is a wholistic concept with the program; wood, wildlife, water, and recreation. With most of these folk’s concerns regarding esthetics, you have an “in” when it comes to harvesting.

The certification system is one of many; not at the forefront. May be of benefit in the future but I’m not very high on certification systems in their present form.

All that said; I’m proud to have the TF sign on a post at the entrance to our property. If nothing else it shows that people care enough about their forest to have a plan and manage it on a sustainable yield basis.

[Scott G]

Thanks everyone for reengaging. Thoroughly understand the time issue. As Rick mentioned, when I was running a big show for years I was in base camp a long distance from home all week long. When I did come home on Sunday I was in my office doing books with not much time for anything else, including family. Not exactly a high quality existence. Anyway, I digress…

I think there is room for both visionary and practical application for this group. Topics like insurance are real and affect us all. There are solutions. The primary aspect is that it varies by State, Province, or Country. Even though some folks may not embrace it, there is an existing Forest Industry out there where we can fit in nicely, fill a niche, and be fully accepted if we take the right approach. “Membership has its privileges”.

Our group is fiercely independent by nature. But as everyone is aware, hence the reason we are all participating in this, established groups and networks must be utilized as available resources if we are going to be able to move forward at any scale with respect and credibility as a “tool in the tool box” for forest management in the 21st century.

I have contacted Doug Joiner of the BHL and he will be joining us soon. I will also follow up on Jason’s attempts to contact FECTU. Effective networking is the most potent way to get this off the ground. Our numbers are small, therefore being inclusive rather than exclusive, and pulling in all interested parties that have a vested interest in this is paramount. We can all learn from one another, even though thousands of miles and national borders may separate us. The solutions to the issues and the key to moving forward are already out there, in the minds of fellow practitioners throughout the world. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, only to improve the efficiency and practicality of it.

I firmly believe that “appropriate technology” is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked. The truth is that most of us, whether we want to admit it or not, already use it in some form or to a certain degree.

I am going to start another thread in our forum to toss this around as it is something I think we need to banter back & forth.

For now, I am going to be in & out of it for a few days. We just got hammered by a large storm. At my place we got 40” of snow on the level and now the wind is hitting 50mph with severe drifting. I will not only be using a shovel but also other “appropriate technology” to get the place and operation up and functional again….

[Scott G]

I would be interested in plans as well. Might like to get a set of nylon D-ring made up by the local harness shop. Nobody out here has used it that I know of. Having a good set of workable plans would be great.

I got so excited when Joshua bought harness/collars from Troyer’s out here and had it shipped back to Vermont. I’d hate to buck the trend! 😉

ABC = Always Buy Colorado 😀

[Scott G]

I have heard about using a jerk line and had a picture in my mind how they might work. This is the first time I’ve actually seen one used though. Not aware of anybody in my area that uses one.

There could definitely be some application in the forestry world. Especially in the tight, steep, & nasty.

One question I have though; I am all about soft mouths and feeling the contact and pressure with any horse I’m working with. Do you lose any of that “connection” with a jerk line?

Cool thing about horses & forestry; there is something new to learn everyday no matter how long you’ve been it.

BTW, its dumping here. “They” say we’re in for about 2 feet and 40mph winds…

[Scott G]

@Joshua Kingsley 12139 wrote:

I just got my order from Toyer Harness and It looks Nice. The collars were for my ponies and cost a bundle less from him than anything I found in the more “local” area. They are of good quality and the other harness parts seem well made. Shipping from Co to VT was about a week from order date. Not bad it seemed to me. Thanks for the list which made the purchess possible.
Joshua

Joshua,
I’ll pass on the nice comments to Harley the next time I see him. Kinda nice see draft supplies shipping back east for a change instead of the norm which is coming from the other direction! 😉

[Author]

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