[Carpenter] Burr oak savanna

[John Murphy]

Kevin,

First, we have to operate under the idea that no 2 biologists can agree on what exactly a savanna looks like. Stocking rates, forb diversity, and grass densities can vary dramatically, and we still lump these areas into a "savanna" - good, bad, or indifferent. Generally, we concur on what species go into a standard "savanna", and bur oak would be a good choice. If you look at what your farm has currently, you will see a good amount of post and a few bur, similar to Joshua's across the road.

Looking at things long term (you and I will both be dead before planted bur oaks reach any maturity) I think field 1, or the east slope of 5 might be your best option. Field 1 already has oak encroachment; however, it also has m. rose and locust. I would suggest getting the fescue/brome, and invasive woodies under control before considering a planting. Whatever you do to kill locust will kill young bur oak. Field 5 is already thin due to poor soil. These areas lend themselves to good forb expression and potential tree growth (although slow). You must allow the cambium of these burs to thicken enough to withstand fire if you intend to manage for forb diversity underneath. This might take 5 - 10 years depending upon how well they do. Try to keep these trees off of the ridgetops as you have invested quite a bit of $ into tree removal for that purpose.

Start selectively killing trees in field 1, suppress grass, promote broadleaves, and you may have some volunteer oaks get you started without a planting.

John



-----Original Message-----
From: carpenter-bounces at mysticplains.org [mailto:carpenter-bounces at mysticplains.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Carpenter
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 5:40 PM
To: carpenter at mysticplains.org
Subject: [Carpenter] Burr oak savanna

In some corner or unused section of my property, someday I'd like to establish a Burr Oak savanna - just an acre or three (or so).

Any suggestion on how to start, and where an appropriate spot on our place may be?  Maybe in a corner against some existing forest?

I noticed the MDC Seedling site still has some available...

Comments, suggestions?

Kevin