On
Sunday, December 5, 2004, our chapter did an oak thinning
project in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
on the Stanislaus National Forest. We worked with Aileen Palmer,
a USFS biologist, all day on the Domingo Oak Thinning Project.
Palmer directed us on what she wanted us to do. The project
was cutting down clumps of oak trees and thinning them out
so that bigger and stronger more acorn-producing oak trees
could grow We cut or "lopped off" the limbs and
trees into 18" to 24" pieces. By doing so we helped
the environment by helping to prevent erosion, providing cover
for quail, turkey, etc., providing more food for the deer
herd right now and in the future, and helped the ecosystem
in that area.
The project was located on
the Stanislaus National Forest, on the north side of Highway
4 near Hathaway Pines in California's Calaveras County. The
project involved 3+ acres of land. The land was very steep
and difficult to work. We cut back trees and brush from the
Forest Service road leading into the semi-secluded project
area also. This road was about 3/4 mile long. All work done
on the project was supervised by Palmer and we could not damage
any green trees and flowers in our cutting process other than
when opening up the road. This was extremely hard for us to
do, as you might imagine, but Palmer was very pleased with
our work when we were through with the project.
The oak clumps or clusters
- whatever you want to call them - were numerous an very thick.
All chapter members worked very hard, believe me.
We were given instructions
in safety, and the used of the chainsaws, axes, and loppers,
as well. All members had to wear protective cuttings chaps
and eye protection. As a FOrest Service biologist and representative,
Palmer saw to it that the project was done in a very organized
manner. She said she was very, very, very pleased with the
job that our chapter did. She thanked us and the California
Deer Association for our efforts and concerns about our wildlife
and its habitat.
After the project wad done,
all members enjoyed a steak lunch. The members taking part
in the project were Ronnie Hobbs, Bob Klein, Gale Steagall,
Burt Abreo, Ruth Abreo, Larry Allen, Gary Slowinsky, Phil
Leffman, Kevin Townsend, Terry Eckles, and Ron Colombani Lunch
was prepared by Xavier Tanya and was delicious. Everyone had
a hearty appetite, so it was greatly appreciated. We worked
hard, but we had a great time (with our camaraderie and joking).
The weather really helped us, too. It was supposed to snow,
but it was instead sunny and cold... we were very lucky!
The road to the area had to be cleared
before the work could start. |
Aileen Palmer of the USFS gives CDA
members final instructions. |
