Year 1

1. North Carolina Forest Service Orange County Office Jake Pressley: County Ranger Justin Bennett: Assistant County Ranger 5 Year Report July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2011 Forest Management Assistance • One of the tasks of the NC Division of Forest Resources is to provide forest management assistance to landowners. • Private homeowner/landowner consultations • Development of forest management plans that meet landowner objectives of forest stewardship, timber production, wildlife management, recreation, urban forestry and aesthetics. • Perform water quality inspections on forestry operations • Identifying forest health issues to prevent disease and control the spread of insects • Between July 1, 2006 and April 28, 2011, 388 management plans have been prepared for Orange County landowners. During that same period 1899 acres (827,964 trees) were regenerated. Southern Pine Management Year 5 Year 18 Year 1 Hardwood Management • Urban Forestry Assistance • -Make recommendations for the appropriate tree planting species in the urban environment • -Diagnose sick and diseased trees • -Identify Hazard trees • -Landowner education on tree maintenance and care • -Identify and recommend control and eradication of Exotic and Invasive species • -Assist landowners with controlling sedimentation and preventing soil erosion • In the last 5 years we have written 29 Urban Forestry Plans and conducted 157 shade tree exams

2. The Forest Stewardship Program • Water Quality Inspections on Forest Harvesting Operations • The NC DFR is responsible for conducting logging inspections to ensure the NC Forest Practice Guidelines that Relate to Water Quality are met. These are rules that all forest management activities must meet. We emphasize being onsite while the operation is active and follow up once the operation is completed. We also assist the NC Division of Water Quality in monitoring the Neuse and Jordan Lake Buffer Rules on forestry operations. • In the last 5 years, Orange County personnel conducted 371 logging inspections. The North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program is a cooperative effort to help owners realize the objective of managing their forests for the benefits they desire. The program is voluntary, and participants receive recognition for achievements in promoting total forest resource management. Landowners receive technical assistance in developing a stewardship management plan. The forest stewardship plan is based on the landowner's objectives, and activities are scheduled to enhance the forest for wildlife, soil and water quality, timber production, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty. The forest stewardship plan is action oriented and follows a time schedule that is compatible with the owner's resources and ability to conduct the work. Recommendations are made by agency and resource professionals, and the landowner then decides which activities to pursue. The recommendations focus on practical modifications of existing conditions rather than costly investment. Stewardship practices do not need to be expensive to be beneficial. In fact, many landowners already practice good stewardship in many of their management activities. Conclusion The NC Division of Forest Resources provides a vital role in the management and protection of Orange County’s natural resources. We provide a variety of assistance to Orange County landowners, at no cost, and have access to resources from all across the state for both firefighting and forest management activities. The Orange County Ranger, Jacob Pressley, or the Assistant County Ranger, Justin Bennett, can be contacted for further information at their Hillsborough office in Daniel Boone Square at 919-732-8152. The Water Quality Forester/Service Forester for Orange County, John Mcbryde, can be contacted at the District Office, also located in Hillsborough, at 919-732-8105. Forest stewardship: protects water quality Improves fish and wildlife habitat enhances soil productivity and minimizes erosion keeps forests productive and healthy enhances natural beauty supports recreational activities In the last 5 years 20 Stewardship Plans have been completed for a total of 8947 acres. Feel Free to Call Us Anytime (919) 732-8152 Jake & Justin