Black Locust Lumber’s Post

Grass verges, open land, woodland and individual trees have all been counted in an independent audit, commissioned to assess the potential of our land to absorb carbon from the atmosphere (sequestration). This is the first time a UK local authority has looked at its land in this way. Initial results show that our land is sequestering 1,192 tonnes of CO2 annually. This represents almost 20% of our latest reported emissions and is expected to increase further once soil sequestration data is added and additional tree data is complete. These results will form an essential part of our carbon calculations as part of its aim to become carbon neutral by 2040. We have a target of 40% carbon emissions reduction every five years until 2040. So far, we have reduced emissions by more than half from baseline levels. This trajectory will still leave around 1000 tonnes of residual emissions to offset each year. Other ways need to be found to offset this carbon – the findings from the survey show that the carbon sequestration from council land will make up for the 1,000 tonnes shortfall in its carbon calculations. Origin Amenity Solutions was appointed to study the carbon sequestration potential of the land holdings. Landscape & Environmental Service Ltd analysed the carbon sequestration of the land using its carbon audit methodology specifically developed for green infrastructure. The carbon audit measured the council’s carbon footprint against the natural process of carbon accumulation in growing vegetation and soil. The land surveyed included: grassland, cultivated land, woodland, grass verges and individual trees as well as trees that have been planted as part of the council’s ambition for 100,000 trees by 2031. Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy said: “We have already made good progress towards our carbon neutral ambitions – reducing our carbon emissions by more than half since 2010. In our strategy we are aware we need to use carbon offsetting to reach our target by 2040. This means looking at alternative ways to reduce our carbon footprint and starting close to home with our own land is an ideal fit. “These are exciting times, and I am pleased to see that we are taking the lead by looking at different areas where we can make carbon savings and gains towards achieving our ultimate goal of reaching carbon neutral by 2040.” The full survey results are available at https://lnkd.in/ekapCaVW

The main types of land and their uses: 1. Residential Land Used for building homes, apartments, and other dwellings. 2. Agricultural Land Used for farming, livestock grazing, and other agricultural purposes. 3. Commercial Land Used for businesses, offices, shopping centers, and other commercial activities. 4. Industrial Land Used for manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial purposes. 5. Recreational Land Used for parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and other recreational activities. 6. Conservation Land Protected for environmental or ecological purposes, such as nature reserves or wildlife sanctuaries. 7. Mixed-Use Land Combines multiple uses, such as residential, commercial, and recreational. 8. Rural Land Used for farming, ranching, or other rural activities. 9. Urban Land Used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes within city limits. 10. Public Land Owned and managed by government agencies for public use, such as national parks or forests. 11. Wetland Protected areas with unique ecosystems, often used for conservation or environmental purposes. 12. Mineral Land Used for extracting natural resources, such as oil, gas, or minerals. 13. Forest Land Used for timber production, conservation, or recreational purposes. 14. Waterfront Land Located near water bodies, often used for recreational or commercial purposes. 15. Brownfield Land Previously developed land that may require remediation or redevelopment. These categories are not exhaustive, and land uses can vary depending on local regulations, zoning laws, and cultural contexts.

5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE REFORESTATION 1. KNOW THE REFORESTATION SITE: Conduct a thorough site visit to assess the soil type, existing vegetation, and overall conditions. Gather information about the site's history, including past land use and any potential disturbances. Analyze climatic data, such as rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight exposure. 2. SELECT APPROPRIATE SPECIES: Prioritize native tree species that are well-adapted to the local soil, climate, topography, and water availability. Consider factors like growth rate, mature size, and ecological benefits when choosing species. Consult with local experts or nurseries to obtain suitable and high-quality seedlings or saplings. 3. ELIMINATE WEEDS AND UNDESIRABLE VEGETATION: Thoroughly clear the planting area of weeds, competing vegetation, and any other potential threats to the newly planted trees. Use appropriate methods, such as manual removal, herbicides, or controlled burning, to eliminate unwanted plants. Consider using mulch or cover crops to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. 4. DESIGN AN EFFECTIVE PLANTING LAYOUT: Determine the optimal spacing between trees based on their mature size, growth habits, and desired canopy cover. Consider the terrain and slope of the land when arranging the planting pattern to prevent erosion and optimize growth. Take into account the purpose of the reforestation project, whether it's for ecological restoration, timber production, or aesthetic enhancement. 5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTING SEASON: Plant trees at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for establishment and root development. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall to minimize stress on the young trees. Consider factors like soil temperature and day length when determining the optimal planting time for specific species.

5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE REFORESTATION 1. KNOW THE REFORESTATION SITE: Conduct a thorough site visit to assess the soil type, existing vegetation, and overall conditions. Gather information about the site's history, including past land use and any potential disturbances. Analyze climatic data, such as rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight exposure. 2. SELECT APPROPRIATE SPECIES: Prioritize native tree species that are well-adapted to the local soil, climate, topography, and water availability. Consider factors like growth rate, mature size, and ecological benefits when choosing species. Consult with local experts or nurseries to obtain suitable and high-quality seedlings or saplings. 3. ELIMINATE WEEDS AND UNDESIRABLE VEGETATION: Thoroughly clear the planting area of weeds, competing vegetation, and any other potential threats to the newly planted trees. Use appropriate methods, such as manual removal, herbicides, or controlled burning, to eliminate unwanted plants. Consider using mulch or cover crops to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. 4. DESIGN AN EFFECTIVE PLANTING LAYOUT: Determine the optimal spacing between trees based on their mature size, growth habits, and desired canopy cover. Consider the terrain and slope of the land when arranging the planting pattern to prevent erosion and optimize growth. Take into account the purpose of the reforestation project, whether it's for ecological restoration, timber production, or aesthetic enhancement. 5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTING SEASON: Plant trees at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for establishment and root development. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall to minimize stress on the young trees. Consider factors like soil temperature and day length when determining the optimal planting time for specific species.

5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE REFORESTATION 1. KNOW THE REFORESTATION SITE: Conduct a thorough site visit to assess the soil type, existing vegetation, and overall conditions. Gather information about the site's history, including past land use and any potential disturbances. Analyze climatic data, such as rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight exposure. 2. SELECT APPROPRIATE SPECIES: Prioritize native tree species that are well-adapted to the local soil, climate, topography, and water availability. Consider factors like growth rate, mature size, and ecological benefits when choosing species. Consult with local experts or nurseries to obtain suitable and high-quality seedlings or saplings. 3. ELIMINATE WEEDS AND UNDESIRABLE VEGETATION: Thoroughly clear the planting area of weeds, competing vegetation, and any other potential threats to the newly planted trees. Use appropriate methods, such as manual removal, herbicides, or controlled burning, to eliminate unwanted plants. Consider using mulch or cover crops to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. 4. DESIGN AN EFFECTIVE PLANTING LAYOUT: Determine the optimal spacing between trees based on their mature size, growth habits, and desired canopy cover. Consider the terrain and slope of the land when arranging the planting pattern to prevent erosion and optimize growth. Take into account the purpose of the reforestation project, whether it's for ecological restoration, timber production, or aesthetic enhancement. 5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTING SEASON: Plant trees at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for establishment and root development. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall to minimize stress on the young trees. Consider factors like soil temperature and day length when determining the optimal planting time for specific species.

Atmospheric river about to slap the coast of California. What a good time to plant water! Planting water is a practice of working with keyline design to help infiltrate water into the soil through sub surface non-inversion keyline ploughing. In order to do so you need to understand, key points, and how to work with nature in a very intimate and intricate way. This is a technique that I have worked intensively with for the last 16 years after having some intensive study and download from Darren J. Doherty. Once you know what a keypoint is and where to look, it's hard not to design an assist from these points. It is the true essence of working with nature rather than against it, and taking nature lead when implementing design onto land. The attention to the details and what you want the water to do then becomes very dynamic Are you collecting it into a pond or are you distributing it out onto the ridge? You put the water where you want plants to grow but you have to make sure you don't oversaturate areas, and if you do you collect it, can you ask for what. There are so many factors to take into consideration. Form follows function What ploughing pattern are you engaging with? How are you terminating the lines and are they infiltrating or intercepting with on contour swales, perennial plant, in conjunction with your annual production These are all concepts and decisions to be made when designing and planning out abroad acre or farm. Super stoked to be finally connecting with Dave Shaw and the Santa Cruz Permaculture project/farm he has going on south of Pescadero. I'll be teaching a two day/two-part workshop coming right up this weekend on the heels of our first atmospheric river. Working with nature, we got out there today to do the initial key line work so David could plant a cover crop in this 9 acre field. With the change of the weather also comes a bitter cold wind, which I always joke is my kryptonite. Still grateful that this is the work I do and look forward to sharing with those who come to the workshop. Truly an awesome work with it slopes and different soils. We still have a few spots available if you want to bring your inner five year-old well bring your boots and gear. Nothing beats playing in the rain sometimes. #PlantingWater #RegenerativeAgriculture #PermacultureDesign #WeCanFarmIt https://lnkd.in/gVdETTvY

Keyline Design is a technique for designing context-specific water management patterns that slow water down, spread it out evening across the landscape, and soak it into the soil. Subsoiling along these patterns before large precipitation events is a great way to increase water infiltration, reduce erosion, mitigate floods, and recharge ground water supplies. 👍✊🙌

5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE REFORESTATION 1. KNOW THE REFORESTATION SITE: Conduct a thorough site visit to assess the soil type, existing vegetation, and overall conditions. Gather information about the site's history, including past land use and any potential disturbances. Analyze climatic data, such as rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight exposure. 2. SELECT APPROPRIATE SPECIES: Prioritize native tree species that are well-adapted to the local soil, climate, topography, and water availability. Consider factors like growth rate, mature size, and ecological benefits when choosing species. Consult with local experts or nurseries to obtain suitable and high-quality seedlings or saplings. 3. ELIMINATE WEEDS AND UNDESIRABLE VEGETATION: Thoroughly clear the planting area of weeds, competing vegetation, and any other potential threats to the newly planted trees. Use appropriate methods, such as manual removal, herbicides, or controlled burning, to eliminate unwanted plants. Consider using mulch or cover crops to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. 4. DESIGN AN EFFECTIVE PLANTING LAYOUT: Determine the optimal spacing between trees based on their mature size, growth habits, and desired canopy cover. Consider the terrain and slope of the land when arranging the planting pattern to prevent erosion and optimize growth. Take into account the purpose of the reforestation project, whether it's for ecological restoration, timber production, or aesthetic enhancement. 5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTING SEASON: Plant trees at the beginning of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for establishment and root development. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall to minimize stress on the young trees. Consider factors like soil temperature and day length when determining the optimal planting time for specific species.

[Foresters' Tools and Equipment Guide] Foresters' Tools and Equipment Guide Foresters' tools and equipment emerge as silent architects of our woodland conservation efforts. In . . . https://lnkd.in/gGHmuPNt

The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Softwood Lumber Board, are accepting applications for the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator. The Accelerator will support the growth of sustainable development in Georgia by increasing utilization and awareness of mass timber. According to an analysis by Oregon State University, mass timber both stores carbon and reduces GHG emissions by 60 percent when compared to traditional building materials. Architecture, engineering and development teams who submit applications for pending mass timber construction projects by July 2 will be evaluated by a panel of wood design, engineering, and construction experts. Up to six selected teams will be awarded a $25,000 grant and a suite of expert technical assistance to support the advancement of the project, including: design and planning, carbon assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Applicants should be in the early stages of planning and permitting with sufficient staffing capacity to fulfill the Accelerator requirements. Applicants must also have a commitment to sustainable development, with preference given to projects that plan on using regionally sourced mass timber made with Southern Yellow Pine. Sustainable mass timber construction is advantageous for Georgia because of the regenerative, privately-owned, managed forests that blanket two-thirds of the state. https://lnkd.in/gNnrSFR4