Natural Resource Management Tips

Not more than a year ago, a cornfield grew for decades right to the edge of the stream. The potential effects were clear as stream banks were mostly barren, with steep sides and undercut banks. Through a partnership with the Pennsylvania USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the landowner was able to acquire funding and technical assistance with Northeast Land Management, LLC through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative.   

Benefits of Forest Buffers in Pennsylvania

Forest buffers can significantly improve stream health by reducing erosion, controlling sediment and nutrient runoff and stabilizing water temperatures. Not only does the forest buffer protect streams but it increases wildlife habitat. Wildlife use stream buffers as feeding areas, nesting locations and travel corridors. 

Success with Forest Buffers

Successful forest buffers do not just happen. Planning the right species mix to plant, proper protection from deer browse and on-going maintenance all are part of establishing an effective forest buffer. Planting native trees and shrubs are only the first step in creating a buffer. Maintenance of the buffer for the first 5 years is the most critical and perhaps the main reason why stream protection projects fail. Far to often you drive through central Pennsylvania and see tree tubes on the ground within a weed infested strip of uncultivated land next to a stream. With proper planning and the right technical assistance, protecting streams can be a beautiful and sustainable addition to your agricultural operation and your overall property's wildlife habitat management in Pennsylvania. 

Today our stream restoration project in Franklin County, Pennsylvania is showing success. Native trees and shrubs are peaking out from their tree tubes, already filtering nutrient runoff and capturing excess sediment. Soon these trees will be dropping fruit and mast for wildlife and given larger species a protective corridor to travel. Have a stream on your property or looking for a sustainable solution to increase wildlife habitat? Take the first steps to evaluate your property and plan for its future.

Knives come in all shapes and sizes. The most common knives are fixed blades and folding knives. Fixed blade knives are usually stronger and come with leather or cordura sheaths that can be attached to your belt. Fixed blades are usually used for hunting and skinning game. Folding knives, usually called every-day-use knives are carried in the pocket. I never go anywhere without a small utility or pocket knife. A knife always comes in handy for something, like cutting rope and opening boxes. Fixed blade knives usually have drop point blades, and are very sturdy and constructed of stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless Steel is more durable, very sturdy and resists rust. Carbon Steel is much softer, holds an edge for a long time and much easier to sharpen. Some fixed blades even have a hook (gut hook), which can be used to open up the cavity of game without puncturing the insides. These gut hooks are very useful when skinning deer. Knife blades are made of numerous material such as stainless steel, carbon steel, tool steel, alloy steel, ceramic and some are even made of plastic. 

Most of the knives I use are made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. I am partial to carbon steel, because of the ease of sharpening and the ability to hold an edge. I also have a few survival knives, and always have one of these attached to my backpack. You never know when you might need it. These knives are durable and strong. They can be used to cut rope, vines, branches, slicing food, skinning game, digging and just about anything. 

The most important thing about any knife is to keep it clean and sharp. There are many means of keeping your knife sharp. You can use diamond honing stones, or ceramic sticks, they both work well. 

Just recently I discovered the “Havalon Knife”. This is a knife that has a stainless steel or carbon replaceable blade. They make 16 different color and styles of the Piranta, and 5 different models of the Baracuta, a fillet knife with a long handle. Havalon has also just added a bone saw blade to fit the Baracuta. I am still testing this knife, but things look good so far. It is sure nice not to have to worry if you knife is sharp. When it gets dull, you just have to replace the blade. No need to carry a sharpening stone in your pack. These Havalons are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and extremely well made. They come with a quality knife case that fastens easily to your belt, and has a place for extra blades.