Will's Climb   Robert Leverett
  Oct 31, 2006 10:03 PST 
ENTS,

   Will Blozan has so far climbed the following northeastern trees.

    Ice Glen Pine - Oct 2006

      Jake Swamp Pine, MTSF
      Joe Norton Pine, MTSF
      Saheda Pine, MTSF,
      Tecumseh Pine, MTSF
      Thoreau Pine, MSF.
      Massassoit Pine, MTSF
      Ice Glen Pine, Ice Glen
      Cornelia Sargent Pine, Claremont, NH
      Longfellow Pine, PA
      Seneca Pine, PA

   This is quite an accomplishment and one not matched by any other
person of whom I am aware. If Will's more numerous southeastern climbing
accomplishments are tallied and added to the above, the number of trees
of significant stature that Will has seen from inside the upper most
branches gives him a perspective that is shared by only a tiny handful
of others. He has been able to observe canopy architecture and judge its
complexity across a fairly wide span of tree ages. What lessons can be
or have been learned? Of particular interest to me is how does the
habitat value changes for a tree as it gains height and increases its
crown complexity? I would be interested in hearing the comments of
those whose experience has given them a direct understanding.

Bob
   
Re: Will's Climb    Andrew Joslin
   Oct 31, 2006 21:10 PST 

I'm new to climbing conifers, I've climbed a handful of tallish white
pines and other conifers in eastern Mass, nothing approaching Will's
accomplishments.

I think the habitat effect in a complex conifer crown will be more
pronounced in a Pacific Northwest rainforest or coastal zone where
mosses, lichens and other canopy dwellers will have the best
opportunity to thrive in the structure in older tall trees. I'm sure
there are ENTS with direct knowledge who can comment. In eastern
Massachusetts the tall white pines are fairly "clean" at the top.
They do have effect on the local woodland habitat, the understory is
more open, they may give adjacent hardwoods some wind protection to
grow their tallest and the right conditions for shade tolerant
species of hardwood saplings to grow nearby. Certainly with more
vertical trunk there is more habitat for Pine Warblers to nest and
feed and food for all the aviasn and four-footed cone seed lovers and
prime nesting real estate for Cooper's Hawks and other woods raptors.

Here's an odd habitat use for you. This white pine (broken top, only
90 ft.) is a favorite hangout for raccoons who enjoy leaving their
gifts artfully placed at 65 ft.:
http://tinyurl.com/y8zebs

There were several such placements in the tree. Interesting that they
put their scat so carefully on a branch rather than overboard, modesty perhaps.

Andrew Joslin
Jamaica Plain, MA
Tree climbs   tree_hunter
  Nov 03, 2006 09:56 PST 
ENTS,



Yes, I have climbed many trees for ENTS events but I cannot claim full
credit. Although many of the climbs could have been done "solo" they truly
were a team effort. The many folks behind the climbs- be it in cyberspace or
in person- really drive the inspiration for the climbs. The climbs and the
knowledge we have gained from them are the result of the ENTS team. Just as
I cannot devise the math to interpret the results, those who can do not
necessarily climb the trees. Our collective skills work together to produce
the best tree data currently available. ENTS RULES!

Other climbers who deserve credit include Michael Davie, Ron Busch, Ed
Coyle, Michael Diethelm, Dr. Bob Van Pelt, Jason Childs, Brian Hinshaw, and
the newly initiated Jess Riddle. Others have assisted on the ground
including Paul Jost, Randy Cyr, Dale Luthringer, Bob Leverett and the late
Colby Rucker. I don't mean to leave anyone out, but the list would be quite
long. I think that fact shows how important these events are.



Will
Re: Will's Climb   Michele Wilson
  Nov 08, 2006 14:06 PST 

It would seem that habitat value increases in areas where tree crowns
intertwine with each other enough so that a critter can escape, if need be,
from its "home tree" (if it has one)... or go looking for food "next
door"... of course, in forestry, we are trying to free many tree crowns from
each other. Hmmm...
Michele
RE: Will's Climb   Robert Leverett
  Nov 09, 2006 05:17 PST 

Michele,

The upper canopy of old-growth trees in both West and East is truly
remarkable habitat. I marvel at the images that Will captures in the
crowns of the older trees.

Bob