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Show Kenneth Ready, regional silviculturlst from the Ogden office of the U.S. Forest Service is shown here demonstrating various types of augars used in the reforestation program. Ready, assisted by Jim Bran- Approximately 20 foresters and forestry technicians with the U.S. Forest Service Region 4 District gathered recently for two intensive "reforestation training" sessions in Panguitch. Reforestation training la required to be renewed every three years as It is a ; vital part of U.S. Forest Services management program. Kenneth Ready, regional silviculturist from the Ogden area along with Jim Brannon, contracting officer for the Wasatch National Forest of Salt Lake City conducted two days of classes. Trainees from throughout Region 4, which includes all of Utah and Nevada and parts of Idaho, Wyoming, California and Colorado, withstood sometimes bitterly cold winds during outdoor training received during the two day period. The first day session consisted mainly of In-class study and instruction for the practical portion of training to be held the following day. Ready assembled at the forest's edge near Pangutich and began his instructions by distributing .various samples of root configurations which have proven to hamper the growth rate of trees. Reasons for the distorted or ."j" rooted configurations were discussed and also ways in which to remedy this particular problem. Ready stated that "survival" rate of newly planted seedlings, had ranged from 88-96 percent in past years due primarily to ongoing research into better planting technology. Most involved in this training were due to receive shipments of seedlings to be used in reforestation programs in each of their own areas. Ready discussed some background information about the seedlings to. emphasize to those who would be handling these sensitive starts, how very fragile they can be. It was pointed out that seedlings are grown in nursery conditions for a period of about two years after which time they are uprooted and approximately 800 to 1200 young seedlings are packed securely In wooden lettuce crates and stored In refrigeration units at about 33 degrees. As needed, the crates are loaded aboard refrigerated trucks and transported to their various locations. non, contracting officer for Wasatch National Forest conducted "reforestation training" to approximately 20 foresters and forestry technicians from throughout Region 4. Reforestation Training Held Upon arrival, seedlings experience a period of acclimatization or adaptation to new envirnoment, altitude and temperatures. This period of time is especially important before handling so as not to damage fragile seedling tissues. Once acclimatization requirements had been met which can vary up to two ' full days time, the seedlings are then able to be handled and prepared in bundles or "jelly rolls" for future planting projects. Answering any questions throughout the procedure, both Ready and Brannon discussed and demonstrated various techniques for preparing a planting site and actual planting of the 12 inch tree seedlings. Following active participation by trainees in this planting procedure, Instructors outlined and again demonstrated just how, forestry representatives would be required to carry out on-site inspections of con- traded workers and fellow forests technicians involved in the planting programs. Even with instruction and participation difficult because of chilling winds, those in attenance were well prepared to go forth and administrer the reforestation programs in their own areas. |