Purdue News

September 11, 1998 Wildlands exhibit to be part of Farm Progress Show WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Managing timber just isn't the same as it used to be. It used to be that firewood and lumber were about all anyone could expect to harvest from their woodlands. But in today's world, there are many new and valuable uses for woodlands. That's why the Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is offering advice on new management options and strategies at the 1998 Farm Progress Show, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 in Windfall, Ind. For the first time, this year's show will feature a major demonstration area with a typical farm woodlot and grassed stream-side buffer. Farm woodlots, tree- and grass-lined streams and ditches, and other non-cultivated or non-built on lands are becoming more and more important to woodland owners, said Bill Hoover, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service coordinator in the forestry and natural resources department. "These 'wildlands' continue to provide traditional benefits, like firewood, poles and lumber for farm use, timber sale income and hunting opportunities," Hoover said. "But the importance of your farm's wildlands has increased because of the focus on environmental quality in agricultural areas." Implementing good management practices can have a big payoff for woodland owners, Hoover said. Without good management, a poor quality forest will produce only about 200 board-feet of lumber per acre per year. That lumber will be worth about $100 per 1,000 board-feet, Hoover said, for an average value of about $20 per acre. Contrast that to a forest with good management, Hoover said, and there's a big difference. A managed forest will produce about 400 board-feet of lumber per acre per year, worth about $600 per 1,000 board-feet. That averages about $240 per acre per year. Wildlands demonstrations will be located just east of tent city at the Farm Progress Show, accessible by a 10-minute wagon ride from the northeast gate of tent city. During the wagon ride, Purdue Extension educators will brief guests on the sights they will see enroute to the demonstration and what to expect at the site. At the demonstration area, guests will see displays on tree planting, woodlot management, timber sales and improving wildlife habitat. There also will be information on the use of wildlands to buffer the environmental impact of crop and livestock activities. Forestry and wildlife experts from Purdue will be on hand to answer visitors' questions. Visitors can then take either a self-guided tour or a guided tour with a professional forester or wildlife scientist. Tours will take approximately 30 minutes and will include both woodlot and riparian areas. Signs along the tour path through the woods will explain the features of the tour and different management options based on the landowner's objective, such as building a wildlife habitat, harvesting timber, developing a buffer zone or other possibilities. Special emphasis will be placed on wooded areas providing habitat for plants, amphibians and other animals needing standing water or saturated soils. A map and additional details about the wildlands demonstration area will be available at all tent city stops dealing with forestry, wildlife, conservation and environmental activities. Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources also will have information at their display in Purdue's School of Agriculture tent in tent city. The Farm Progress Show will be held on 1,100 acres of farmland owned by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. along Indiana Hwy. 213 near Windfall, Ind. Windfall is located in Tipton County near the Howard County/Tipton County line. Exhibits will highlight various aspects of agriculture in the tri-state area. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 per person, and free to those under 18. Programs are $2. For more information on the Farm Progress Show, visit Purdue's Farm Progress Show web site. Source: William Hoover, (765) 494-3580; e-mail, billh@fnr.purdue.edu Writer: Jane Houin, (765) 494-8402; e-mail, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page