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AUGUST 2015 FEATURES
Notes and tips for woodland stewardship in Minnesota's forests

Using citizen science to combat EAB
The Wasp Watchers program received some well-deserved media attention recently, including stories in the Star Tribune and the Post Bulletin. Volunteers will be working this summer at sites throughout Minnesota, collecting beetles at smoky winged beetle bandit wasp nests and monitoring for the presence of emerald ash borer. Click here to read more about the coverage and find links to more information about EAB and Wasp Watchers.
Firewood: All of your questions answered
Do you know how much firewood is in a cord? How to reduce the spread of insects and disease in your wood? What about how best to store your wood to reduce risk of fire to your home? We answer these questions and more in this feature on firewood. Click here to read the article and download a handy factsheet on firewood.
Beavers: Nature's tenacious habitat engineers
Our largest North American rodent, the beaver (Castor canadensis), can be hailed as one of our greatest, if not the greatest, engineers of habitat, while simultaneously being a tenacious rascal. It depends on where he does his handy work and how affected landowners perceive it. Click here to read more.
Managing Your Woodlot: Join us Sept. 12 in Cloquet
Ever wondered how to be a steward of your woods? Understanding the diversity of tree species and their sizes can give insight into what kind of wildlife may be present, can inform forest stewardship planning, and leads to a deeper appreciation of forests. Click here to learn more and register for the class.
EAB confirmed in Chisago County
The emerald ash borer was recently found in Chisago County , making it the ninth county to be quarantined for the invasive insect. If you think your ash tree is infested, go to the  Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer guide available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. 
Revised oak wilt fact sheet
Oak wilt is responsible for killing large numbers of oaks annually across Minnesota. A recent confirmation of oak wilt in Morrison County near Little Falls makes it the most northwestern find in Minnesota. Researchers and forest health specialists recently published an updated fact sheet on oak wilt in Minnesota.
Meet a Minnesota logger: Doug Hustad 
With thirty years in logging, Doug Hustad and his company has seen the ups and downs of the business. "It's good most days. Some days are tough. But that's just the way it is. This is fun." Click here to read more about Doug .
IN THE NEWS
  • Forest edibles: You can find an array of edibles in MN forests if you know where to look: mprnews.org
  • Storm cleanup: The Brainerd area is still cleaning up from recent storms. Here's info for dealing with storm-damaged woods: extension.umn.edu/extreme-weather/
  • Trees and smartphones: How a half-fallen tree inspired one of the hottest smartphone games right now: businessinsider.com
  • DNR newsletter: White-spotted sawyers, budworm, and oak problems: the MN DNR Forest Insect and Disease News is out: dnr.state.mn.us
  • Research update: Great summary of ongoing research on the northern long-eared bat and Minnesota forests from Duluth News: duluthnewstribune.com
     
UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Historic Perspective on Forest Health: What Killed Trees in the "Good Old Days"?
    • Online (August 18)
  • From Tree to Lumber to Finished Product
    • St. James, MN (August 19)
  • Aronia Berry Tour
    • Waseca, MN (August 25)
  • Forest Health: Practical Management Options for Local Issues
    • Two Harbors, MN (September 10)
    • International Falls, MN (October 6)
    • Grand Rapids, MN (October 7)
  • Managing My Woodlot
    • Cloquet, MN (September 12)

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