Deadline for EQIP applications is Dec. 21, 2012

The NRCS is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for next year.  

Why the Northwest Wildfires Still Rage

Destruction following a wildfire in north central WA leaves few opportunities for recreation. Unlike thousands of human-caused fires, this one was caused by lightning.

California and the Pacific Northwest will most likely be fighting wildfires into November. By enacting some straightforward measures, the severity of future wildfire seasons could well be lessened.

Starter assembly service on Stihl Easy2Start chainsaw

Linda uses a 2012 Stihl MS180C-BE saw. This saw has the two-stage starter spring that makes it easy to start, thus the name "Easy2Start" indicated by the "E" model letters. The internal differences become clear when you break a starter rope, as I did this morning. I took the opportunity to see what the innards look like and to clean out the cooling fan and spring housing.

The Stihl Easy2Start saws like our MS 180C have thin pull ropes. If you have one of these saws, here are step-by-step instructions for how to replace the starting rope.

Logging Camp 2012 Video: "Pinball Wizard"

Video not playing? View it on YouTube, it's bigger there anyway.


This goofy video began when Linda wanted to film my "pinball flipper" techniques with the log forks on our tractor. I thought we should also show more of what we do on our weekends in the summer. It quickly devolved into this silly flick to the music from "Tommy" by The Who. Tommy, as you may recall, was the pinball wizard-turned-deity in the 1970s musical.

Biomass Energy In or Out? 2013 Farm Bill Under Consideration

Biomass energy is getting attention in forestry circles. The Senate farm bill could defund a successful assistance program that encourages biomass production and creates jobs.

Interactive Early Warning Maps for Forests

ForWarn is a satellite-based mapping system for monitoring drought and forest stress.

This ForWarn map of the Pacific Northwest shows growth (green and blue) and decline (yellow and red) of vegetation over the course of 8 years, as of early April, 2012. (Purple is snow.) The losses can be due to global warming, drought, harvest, or other causes. Source: forestthreats.org.

"Why Trees Matter"

Jim Robbins, author of the forthcoming book “The Man Who Planted Trees,”wrote this op-ed in the New York Times.

Small-Scale Logging Classes in WA

Precision tree felling & low-impact yarding classes in McKenna, Washington, for the do-it-yourself small woodland owner.

The hills are alive with the sound of crackling slash piles

It's spring, and time to get rid of last year's slash piles by fire. In early March we made our way up to the property and ignited piles.

"Head Crushing Guy" Joins Timber Industry

If you remember the Canadian TV comedy "Kids in the Hall," you surely remember this guy:

Three Things You Need to Know About Forests and Climate Change

Paula Melton of BuildingGreen posted an interesting essay about climate change and the role of forests -- specifically, harvesting them to improve their carbon-sequestration capacity.

Pacific Northwest Trees and the Role They Play - radio series

As a "tree guy" I've been enjoying a week-long series of KUOW radio segments about trees in the Northwest and the role they play in our lives. Sarah Waller's reporting helps listeners understand more about trees and forestry.

A nurse log on Vancouver Island. Photo by Larissa Sayer.

Jim Jack Dies in Stevens Pass Avalanche

In 2001, when we bought our timber property, I met a guy named Jim Jack. He was one of the many big-hearted local people who offered their expertise and service. Jim's summer business was to maintain the FireWise defensible perimeters that protect homes from forest fire.