Save the Big Trees of the ‘Inimim Forest

Our goal is to implement a strategy recommended for management of old growth forests in fire prone ecosystems. This will give an edge to the most valuable asset at risk in a wildfire, large older trees. This strategy is borrowed from Dr. Jerry F. Franklin, the premier old growth forest ecologist in the world. He is a professor of Ecosystem Analysis at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Durring lunch we will hear a brief natural history of the Shields Camp area by one long-time neighbor and observant biologist, Jerry Tecklin. Mr. Tecklin discovered a rare dwarf form of Oregon white oak on the Shields Camp parcel and has been studying a local pond examining its frogs and their life history.

Len Brackett, well-known falconer and Japanese temple builder, will show his goshawk and describe his unique form of bird training which involves free flying the bird without a radio or jesses.  Shields Camp has become the home to several goshawks over the last decade.

Bureau of Land Management fire and fuels director, Brian Mulhollen, will describe the BLM’s plans for fire hazard reduction in the Shields Camp area. Their work will be a follow up to the 1995, 1996 prescribed fires. This will be a good opportunity to see the legacy of a prescribed burn 15 years later.


Here is what we have in mind in regard to work in the headwaters of Spring Creek which include the Shields Camp Parcel & Spring Creek Parcel:
    1. In the drip line of >30" diameter at breast height, remove all fire hazard vegetation up to 6" in diameter.

        This includes all species of hardwoods and conifers.
    2. Leave certain species that are determined to not be a significant fire hazard like hazel and dogwood.
    3. Treat up to 5 trees per acre, the density of "old growth" as stated in our Implementation Plan.
    4. Slash will be removed from the drip line of the trees and treated in accord with BLM directions at the appropriate time.
    5. Locate, map, and remove scotch broom where ever possible by pulling with weed wrenches.

R.S.V.P. to Bob Erickson at 530.292.3777