Agenda - 05-26-2015 - C-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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159 Pine Beetle infestations can become severe and widespread, killing pines on several hundred acres at a time. The best way for landowners to prevent large scale Southern Pine Beetle damage is by maintaining vigorous growth through all stages of stand development. Typically, a pre - commercial thinning by age fifteen, and commercial thinnings around ages twenty and thirty, will offer the remaining trees the resources necessary to keep their natural defenses high. Government cost share is frequently available for completion of pre - commercial thinning in plantations that meet certain criteria. Archeological, Cultural and Historic Sites Cultural resources refer to landscapes, structures, archeological artifacts, and vegetation that represent a culture or society. These remains are pieces of history that can provide a glimpse into the technology, culture, and environment of earlier societies and reveal much about our country's origins and development. Make sure you alert your forester or ranger to any such sites as they begin to develop your Forest Stewardship Plan. If you have specific questions about such sites, it may also be possible to work with a trained expert from the North Carolina Cultural Resources staff. It is especially critical to understand where such sites may be located prior to conducting ground disturbing projects. Information concerning Archeological, Cultural and Historic sites can be found at these websites: • ham: / /www.ces.ncsu.edu/ forestry /resourcesTublications /documents /won45.pdf • North Carolina Cultural Resources (ham:/ /www.ncdcr.gov/) • North Carolina Office of Archives and History htlp://www.history.ncdcr.gov/ / Archeological Cultural and Historical Sites on This Property: A comprehensive assessment of archeological, cultural, and historical sites was not conducted during the site visits for this Forest Stewardship Plan. There is clear evidence of past agricultural use, and an area that was probably an old homesite was noted near the center of the property. This area will be addressed in more detail later in the plan. Wetlands Wetlands are highly productive areas for timber production, water quality protection, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. Due to their wet - natured soils and unique species composition, these ecosystems need to be managed carefully to maintain the full breadth of benefits that they provide. Some of the forestry activities done on "high ground" may still be carried out in wetland areas, but others practices may not. It is the responsibility of the landowner to understand the regulations related to forestry before engaging in forestry practices or contracting with a forest management service to work on their land. This can seem a daunting responsibility, especially when it comes to wetland areas, but many resources are available to answer questions. The NCFS; private consulting foresters; the NC Forestry Association; and the NC Forestry Extension Program can be good sources of information on allowable forestry practices in wetlands. The two primary agencies that regulate activities in wetlands are the NC Division of Water Quality and the US Corps of Engineers. More information on North Carolina wetlands, as well as forestry activities that may be carried 12