University plans for timbering come to a stand-still
Heidi Hickle
Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: News
Since the last meeting concerning the timbering plans for RMU, a "task force" has been created to oversee this project and to follow through with any plans that will be put into action in the future.
The university woodlot's timbering plans have been put to a stand still. There have been many issues and topics that have come up over the discussing of this timbering.
"We plan to do it, it is just a matter of getting everyone to agree on what to do after we get it timbered," stated Professor Buxton, who is part of the opportunities for student participation task force.
The first step for the task force is to come up with a mission statement so they can get approval from Moon Township for the logging to begin.
Dr. Marc Seamon, part of the task force, said that he and others would like to see it certified as well.
The certification process forester, Tom Anundson, had suggested calling it the Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program. To gain a title like this, the State Forester would have to come check the land and approve it. Then the Forest bureau would have to send a forester, such as Anundson, in to make a management plan for the land. Additionally, if the bureau approves of the management, the University would follow the plans for forest management.
According to some individuals on the task force, the land should not be urbanized.
"It makes a statement that we want to keep it a forest and preserve it forever. That is what forest certification does. University forest, is what we want it to be recognized as from here on out," replied Seamon.
"The land should be timbered every ten to fifteen years, it should be checked at ten years, and definitely managed by the fifteenth year for best results," stated Anundson, in accordance with Seamon.
The task force has not come up with any permanent ideas for the land, but ideas are being thrown around. Thoughts of resembling a challenge course for students and athletic teams, a running or nature trail, or an outdoor classroom, but nothing is definite.
The university woodlot's timbering plans have been put to a stand still. There have been many issues and topics that have come up over the discussing of this timbering.
"We plan to do it, it is just a matter of getting everyone to agree on what to do after we get it timbered," stated Professor Buxton, who is part of the opportunities for student participation task force.
The first step for the task force is to come up with a mission statement so they can get approval from Moon Township for the logging to begin.
Dr. Marc Seamon, part of the task force, said that he and others would like to see it certified as well.
The certification process forester, Tom Anundson, had suggested calling it the Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program. To gain a title like this, the State Forester would have to come check the land and approve it. Then the Forest bureau would have to send a forester, such as Anundson, in to make a management plan for the land. Additionally, if the bureau approves of the management, the University would follow the plans for forest management.
According to some individuals on the task force, the land should not be urbanized.
"It makes a statement that we want to keep it a forest and preserve it forever. That is what forest certification does. University forest, is what we want it to be recognized as from here on out," replied Seamon.
"The land should be timbered every ten to fifteen years, it should be checked at ten years, and definitely managed by the fifteenth year for best results," stated Anundson, in accordance with Seamon.
The task force has not come up with any permanent ideas for the land, but ideas are being thrown around. Thoughts of resembling a challenge course for students and athletic teams, a running or nature trail, or an outdoor classroom, but nothing is definite.
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