a big year his skid loader and splitter on the smaller trees and trimmed the brush on his beloved trail system, which he re-opened in December. “I’ve put in well over 200 hours already, and the loggers had over 200 hours,” Springsteen said. “It’s a lifetime commitment now. I’ll be pulling trees out of there for the rest of my life.” On May 8, Boy Scouts from Troop 66 in Monticello helped plant 1,500 trees on Springsteen’s property, including 700 red oak, 500 swamp oak and 300 walnut. Piper’s stepson Blake Barkley has been kept busy by the derecho, too. Barkley owns Complete Land Management, and his work includes forestry mulching and invasive species removal, especially in the hard-hit Cedar Rapids area. Forestry mulching can help remove smaller, damaged timber, making it easier to remove larger pieces without damaging remaining trees. Dragging logging equipment through timber can damage living oaks by harming their bark, leaving them susceptible to oak wilt. Act now, manage for future While there’s still time to harvest derecho-damaged timber, the window is closing for both economic and ecological benefit. Downed trees start to lose their value, even as salvage. “In two to three years you won’t get anything for them,” Bruggeman said. When assessing the damage, be careful. Watch out for “widowmakers,” and look down just as much as you look up. Bridges warns landowners to be careful in dangerous situations with storm-damaged trees. “Even for people who’ve been doing it for years, it’s dangerous work,” he said. “A busted-up tree is better than a busted-up person.” Those looking to buy young trees can also check out 40 native species of <strong>Iowa</strong> trees and shrubs at Nursery.<strong>Iowa</strong>DNR. gov. The nursery re-opened for orders Sept. 1. Widner of the National Wild Turkey Federation hopes that active management will better prepare forest landowners for Ben Bruggeman, Fourth-generation logger, Monticello, IA the next disaster. “<strong>Farmer</strong>s have this stand of trees, and they can either let nature take its course or productively manage the forest,” he said. “We can mimic these natural disturbances so that when disaster comes through, we can be prepared to withstand it.” Bruggeman said he worked with one landowner whose land has been in the family for more than 100 years. “His grandfather planted trees,” Bruggeman said. “The storm came through and destroyed the whole woods.” Now, that landowner has a vision for the next 100 years. “We came, got it cleaned up and replanted,” Bruggeman said. “When they see it cleaned up and young trees starting to grow, it’s a glimmer of hope.” n A loving tribute to your loved ones Using our custom software, we can help you design a cherished memorial set in stone — in one visit. Stop by to see our indoor show room. If you can’t make it, we’ll come to you! We offer in-home deSign by appointment We offer a computer generated drawing with every order and we can do this while you wait! and monumentS 17672 IA-64, Maquoketa, IA 563-652-2557 80 <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Iowa</strong> <strong>Farmer</strong> | <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2021</strong> eifarmer.com <strong>Eastern</strong><strong>Iowa</strong><strong>Farmer</strong>_<strong>Fall</strong><strong>2021</strong>.indd 80 9/15/21 10:25 am
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