[env-trinity] Water takes center stage at logging conference

[Tom Stokely]

http://www.redding.com/business/local/water-takes-center-stage-at-logging-conference-2b6de945-bdc6-7196-e053-0100007f1b3b-368556611.html


Water takes center stage at logging conference
By David BendaTwo-thirds through Thursday's talk on forests and water yields at the Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference, moderator Jim Ostrowski asked the audience about the governor's mandate for a 25 percent statewide water use reduction."Maybe we need to tell the governor we got a better a deal," Ostrowski said.He was referring to the PowerPoint just given by Rob York, a UC Berkeley adjunct professor who for years has been studying the role of sustainable timber harvesting as way to reduce fire risk, restore the forest and increase water available for agriculture and residential users.Reducing the forest canopy cover by 30 percent can mean an extra 6 inches of water, York said."When you think about it, 6 inches, that's a big storm," York said.Ostrowski, a consulting forester, said 75 percent of the state's drinking water comes from timberlands."When we look at what we do, we understand that. But does the public understand that?" Ostrowski told the audience. "People will say what do I care about the forests in Northern California? Well, next time you jump in the swimming pool, think about where the water comes from."York and Ostrowski were joined on Thursday's panel by Ray Haupt, a Siskiyou County supervisor who spent more than 30 years with the Forest Service; and Sara LaPlante, deputy district ranger on the High Sierra District of the Sierra National Forest.The afternoon presentation at the Shasta District Fair grounds was titled "Forestry and California's Water Supply – Connections and Solutions."Both Haupt and Ostrowski have been involved in a research project on water yields in Siskiyou County.Haupt also has worked with North State Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, on forest management legislation."It's a tough hill to climb, and what is most difficult, I guess, is that we out here in the West are probably at the forefront of most of the (forest management and water) issues and the magnitude of those issues are really hitting us hard," Haupt said.York is the research stations manager for Berkeley's Center for Forestry.Drawing on pop culture and the Taylor Swift lyric "haters gonna hate," York said among the counter arguments that forest harvests can increase water yields are the yields are too small and they are short-lived.But channeling Swift again, York told the crowd you have to "shake it off" because the value of water is only increasing and the sustainable management of our forests is possible."When we talk about water yield, it's tough to convince people that (harvesting) alone" will get it done, York said.That's why you have to bring up how forest management with sustainable harvests can reduce fire risk and restore timberlands, York said.Meanwhile, also at Thursday's logging conference was education day. Fourth-graders from 13 schools toured the Shasta District Fair grounds to learn more about forest management and the timber industry.The conference continues Friday with the public exhibits opening at 9 a.m.
Schedule Of Events
What: 67th annual Sierra-Cascade Logging ConferenceWhere: Shasta District Fair grounds in AndersonWhen: Public exhibits open 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday.More info: Full schedule at sierracascadeexpo.com.
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