Seedling program off to fast start

No minimum acreage requirement

It’s spring in the Gunnison Valley and though it hasn’t happened yet, the cottonwoods, aspens, alders and willows will soon be leafing out and lending their shade, color and specific beauty to the high country.

For residents and land owners wanting to take a tangible role in this awakening, and in the conservation of native flora, the Gunnison branch of the Colorado State Forest Service is currently accepting orders for its 2014 seedling program, and for the first time in the program’s history there is no minimum acreage requirement for property owners wanting to purchase trees.
“We believe in this program and its purpose,” said state forester Sam Pankratz. “In recent years there have been several major shifts in land use and land ownership. We’re seeing more small ranchettes and waterfront developments that might be under the previous acreage requirements, but that could still experience real benefits from the program. We want land owners to think long-term and be sustainable in their plantings.”
Each year the Colorado State Forest Service produces about three million seedlings for purchase by land owners who want to plant new forests; establish effective wind breaks; protect their homes, crops, livestock and roads; and enhance wildlife habitat. The seedlings are grown specifically for conservation purposes and the program should not be used for ornamental decoration or landscaping.
A majority of the young plants and trees are started in Fort Collins then shipped to the various field offices including the Gunnison Field Office, however, there are a handful of species grown in the state greenhouses in Gunnison with seed collected from local areas.
“For the last several years I’ve collected seed from specific sites in the Kebler Pass and Carbon Creek areas,” said Pankratz. “All the aspen for sale is from that seed. It allows us to maintain the genetics of the area, which should lead to increased survival rates and an increased suitability for high altitude plantings.”
Besides the locally produced aspen, seedlings available for purchase include conifers like spruce, pine and fir, and deciduous varieties including willow, alder, sumac, chokecherry and cottonwood.
“These are not large trees and shrubs; most are one to two years old and between six and 30 inches,” said Pankratz.
“If people are looking for a large tree to plant in their yard there are several very good nurseries in the valley where bigger trees can be purchased. We’re selling quantity, and people should not plan on buying one tree that looks nice from us. This program is for the people who want to buy 30 seedlings and take care of 30 trees. It’s a long-term investment.”
The majority of seedlings are being sold in lots of 25, 30 or 50 trees with a few extra large potted species being sold individually. Prices vary depending on species and the size of the seedlings being purchased, but as an example, a lot of 25 bare-root cottonwoods averaging eight inches per seedling can be purchased for $26.50, just a bit more than a dollar a tree.
“People should be picking trees that are suited to the property and not every piece of property is suited to every species we have available,” said Pankratz. “However, for most people there is certainly a species that will work for them and their conservation objectives on their property.”
Along with the seedlings the Gunnison Field Office is also selling a variety of “seedling survival supplies” to help landowners better ensure the survival of their purchases. According to state forest service staff these products may “increase seedling survival rates by 40 percent or more.”
Orders for seedlings and survival products should be placed by May 9, and seedlings will be available for pickup on May 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gunnison Field Office.
For more information about the seedling program, and for seedling order forms and descriptions visit the Gunnison Field Office website at http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/gunnisondist.html or contact Sam Pankratz at sam.pankratz@colostate.edu.