Seedlings available to local landowners

In partnership with the USFS Malheur National Forest, ODF’s John Day Unit will be redistributing surplus tree seedlings to local private landowners for planting.  Seedlings will be redistributed on a first come first server basis, with a 500 seedling per landowner limit.  Landowners who are interested in more seedlings will be considered after the initial distribution.  Seedlings will be available for pick-up starting May 2nd, at 9:00 am.  Details are available by contacting Shelly Speakman at ODF’s John Day Unit at 541-575-1139.

This is a unique opportunity for landowners in Grant County and the surrounding Blue Mountains to have access to seedlings grown for the region. The seedlings are bare root ponderosa pine.  These seedlings provide a perfect chance to reforest lands which have been affected by recent wildfires.

Store seedlings in a cool moist environment, and plan to plant the seedlings soon after picking them up.  Do not allow the roots to be exposed to air for a prolonged period.  To improve seedling survival carefully select the microsite by considering the following site conditions:

• Plant in mineral soil, not duff.
• Plant near an existing stump.
• Avoid areas with compacted soil.
• Use slight depressions where moisture may collect if available, avoid soil mounds.
• Scrape away existing vegetation near planting site.

For more information on ODF’s Central Oregon District visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.