Last week in the Logging community, members engaged in lively discussions about practical challenges and solutions in the field. A key topic was the effective management of logging slash to minimize Ips beetle infestations during harvest. There was also a conversation about the role of forest regeneration in supporting wildlife, particularly focusing on how saplings can attract songbirds. Additionally, members explored strategic route planning in anticipation of spring weight limits, sharing tips and tools that could streamline operations.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Managing slash to limit Ips during harvest
This discussion tackles the challenge of controlling Ips beetle populations through slash management. It’s a practical concern for many during harvest season, aiming to protect forest health.
Members are sharing insights into how fall planting of saplings can create habitats for songbirds. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of forestry and wildlife conservation.
That’s it for this week’s digest. Hope you find these updates useful and engaging as you continue your work. Until next time, take care and stay safe out there.
On our last thin, we cut in October and either chipped or hauled green tops within 10–14 days; leaving 3–8" slash was an Ips buffet. The trick that helped most was scattering fine material in full sun and bucking anything over 3" off the ground, but if a hard freeze is coming that timing window isn’t as critical. As my old boss said, “chip it or dry it fast,” and it’s held up.
We’ve had good luck staging a few “trap logs” in the shade upwind right as flights start, then chipping/burning them 3–4 weeks later — it’s like hanging a “vacancy here, not there” sign for Ips and keeps the rest of the slash quiet. Caveat: miss the pickup window and you’ve just farmed beetles; if timing’s tight, lean into winter felling instead (good overview: Page Not Found | Utah State University).
We’ve been parking slash on the sunniest, windiest landing and making two skidder passes to scuff bark; it dries fast enough that Ips mostly ignore it, which helps beat that 10–14‑day clock. Doesn’t replace chipping/hauling, but when burn bans hit () it buys time; CSU’s quick guide backs the “dry, small-diameter, full-sun” approach: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ips-beetles-5–558/. Anyone tried pairing this with a weekly mini-chip to reset the freshest stuff?