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The Rural Voice, 2001-03, Page 491 Andrew Grindlay Growing utility poles provides opportunities By Andrew Grindlay The demand for red pine logs for utility poles is strong. Indeed, there is a shortage of tall, straight red pines in this area. According to Craig Frolich, Operations Manager of Guelph Utility Pole Company Limited, the company has to import about half its red pine logs from New York State to satisfy its market. If the company learns of a nearby red pine plantation that has trees that are 12" or more in diameter it will, if asked, send its Resource Manager, Brian Kington, to have a look. If Mr. Kington finds trees that he considers suitable for poles, he will mark them and offer a price for them. As well, he will mark any other trees that he thinks could be sold for lumber and will even help to find a buyer for them. Four or five decades ago, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources became concerned about wind and water erosion on land that had been cleared for farming but was not suitable for agriculture. "The wind and rain took their greatest toll in areas with light, sandy soil, which became deserts of shifting sand in only a few years," said an Extension Note published by the Ministry. The Ministry urged farmers to plant red pine trees on marginal farm land, mainly because of the red pine's unique characteristics.' "The red pine grows quickly when young", says biologist Jean Lauriault of the National Museum of Natural Sciences, "and is resistant to wind, L•1\1()%5 3 •OT3 .O1SUUIN6 Tree Marking Woodlot Assessments Management Plans Aggregates 1-888-923-9995 Serving Ontario WINGHAM FORESTRY SERVICE R.R. #1, Wingham ' Ontario NOG 2W0 TREE MARKING FOR TIMBER SALES OR FUEL WOOD CALL (519) 335-6768 MURRAY HALL - FORESTRY TECHNICIAN 2001 GREY -BRUCE WOODLOT ffJCONFERENCE fz64t- "Forest $ense" Elmwood Community Centre - Saturday, March 24, 2001 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. • View Displays (9:00 a.m. ) • Participate in Conference (9:30-3:30) • Tree Cutting By-laws • Alternative Forest Crops • Marketing Trends & Projections • Woodland Ponds • Woodlot Associations • Hiring a Forestry Consultant • Trespass & Your Property Rights • Cedar Bough Industry Pre -registration Cost - $20.00 per person, payable to Grey -Bruin Woodlot Conference (includes hot meal) Registration at the door $25.00 (includes hot meal) For More Information or to register contact: Saugeen Valley Conservation 519-364-1255 or svca@bmts.com Those who wish to set up an agroforestry display, please contact Jim Penner 519-364-1255 or jpforest@bmts.com Those who wish to set up an agroforestry display, please contact: The 2001 Grey -Bruce Woodlot Conference & Exhibition is hosted by; Grey Sauble Conservation L SAUGEEN CONS! KVAIION OMAFRA " 'ONT/ O :jams MARCH 2001 45