Treesearch

A synthesis of several studies highlights above-average performing seed sources (n = 108) of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), which practitioners can utilize for restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, and operational planting programs. It is the first report of this magnitude of blister rust resistance for this species. Whitebark pine does have genetic variation and demonstrated resistance to white pine blister rust, increasing from the southeast to the northwest in the Inland Northwest. Early outplanting reports have shown that some seedlings have frost damage or exhibit increased...

The USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) offers technical expertise, technology transfer, and new equipment development to Federal, State, and private forest nurseries. Current and recently completed projects at MTDC include a nursery soil moisture meter, remote data collection systems, low cost weather stations, electronic soil penetrometers, reforestation toolbox Web site, shielded herbicide sprayer, synthetic fabrics to wrap seedlings, Styroblock™ sterilizer, whitebark pine seed scarifier, improved forbs seed harvester brushes, economic fencing to...

High elevation sites are ecologically fragile. When disturbed, these sites can take a long time to recover. However, native plant seeds are often unavailable and little is known about growing many of these plant species. This paper describes the cooperative restoration of a high elevation meadow in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area after a severe disturbance. The methods are presented for others who may be faced with a similar situation or working with the same native plant species.

In 1999, the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission began the Provo River Restoration Project to create a more naturally functioning riverine ecosystem between Jordanelle Dam and Deer Creek Reservoir. The purpose of the project was to mitigate for past impacts to riverine, wetland, and riparian habitats caused by the Central Utah Project and other Federal reclamation projects in Utah. Project implementation followed a management model where a great deal of planning and study preceded construction, which was closely followed by monitoring. Lessons applied to habitat...

Although results of chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) measurements in nursery seedlings are becoming widely reported in the literature, the theory, terminology, and interpretation of these data are often obscure and confusing to nursery practitioners. This report outlines the underlying physiological basis for chlorophyll fluorometry and discusses measurement protocols and equiment. Interpretations of CF emissions are elucidated using heretofore unpublished data derived from Douglas-fir nursery seedlings.

The Colville Confederated Tribes Nursery grows conifers, native shrubs and grasses, and root and stem cuttings in three cavity sizes of Styroblock™ containers, including 5.5, 10, and 20.5 in3 (90, 164, and 336 cm3). The choice of container size is based on client request and the requirements of the outplanting sites.

Container types and sizes vary depending on the requirements of the target seedling and the nursery culturing regime. Containers designed specifically for root pruning are available, as well as different types, sizes, and shapes for various species and objectives. With more options accessible to the grower, container use has changed over time.

The tribal lands of the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians are comprised of four districts in north central Minnesota. The Diminished Reservation, where most tribal members live and work, is approximately 532,000 ac (215,290 ha) in size and includes forests, wetlands, and grasslands. An additional 262,000 ac (106,030 ha) comprise ceded lands, called the Northwest Angle, that are geographically isolated by water and international boundaries from the State of Minnesota.

Critical knowledge gaps exist regarding vegetative recovery in aridic, monotypic saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) stands with no desirable understory plants. Formulation of revegetation strategies that provide site stabilization, resistance to further saltcedar and secondary weed infestation, and acceptable habitat values for affected wildlife species becomes particularly problematic in monotypic saltcedar stands under biological, fire, and herbicidal (that is, nonmechanical) control scenarios. Amount and density of standing biomass (live and dead) remaining after control pose limitations in...

Native forbs are an increasingly important component of container production for many public and private nurseries. Propagators are often called upon to grow species with unknown requirements. A systematic approach is required to obtain plants from seeds of these species, beginning with determining what is a propagule and evaluating seed quality. Next, seed dormancy status must be determined, and appropriate dormancy-breaking treatments applied. Finally, germinable or germinated seeds must be sown into a propagation system that maximizes chances of survival and growth. The propagation...