TIMBER TRACKING: EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 2022
A partnership with the U.S. Forest Service
Celebrating Five Years of Timber Tracking Big Leaf Maple
Coast Redwood
Western Redcedar
(2018)
(2019)
(2019-2020)
972 trees
1,219 trees
1,115 trees
Alaska Yellow-Cedar
Eastern Black Walnut
Eastern White Oak
(2019-2020)
(2021)
(2022)
908 trees
932 trees
1,567 trees
Timber Tracking Samples from 2018 to 2022
Volunteer Elizabeth Davidson-Lowe obtains a branch of eastern white oak leaves in the Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina. Cover: Emily Shenaut collects two eastern white oak leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
CONTENTS SUMMARY
1
PROJECT CONTEXT
2
PROJECT DESIGN
4
DATA COLLECTION AND RESULTS
6
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
8
OUR SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS
11
PROJECT PRESS
12
VOLUNTEER QUOTES
13
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
14
REFERENCES & PHOTO CREDITS
15
TIMBER TRACKING: EASTERN WHITE OAK 235
14
Successful Volunteers
1026
541
Growing Season Collections
Dormant Season Collections
Average Miles Hiked
104
Tree Cores Collected
34
1,567
States Sampled
Trees Sampled
SUMMARY
PREPARED BY JESSICA EGGERS AND ALISON ORMSBY, ADVENTURE SCIENTISTS
Adventure Scientists celebrated its fifth year of the Timber Tracking project in 2022 Quercus alba) alba sampling across the eastern with the completion of eastern white oak (Quercus United States. The Timber Tracking project is an ongoing, multiyear effort to mobilize, train, and equip volunteers to collect tree samples for scientific partners in order to create key research databases on multiple tree species that will help protect forests, promote sustainable harvest, and conserve biodiversity. Adventure Scientists' volunteers collected leaves, twigs, acorn caps, and tree cores from eastern white oak trees in 34 states across the eastern United States. Adventure Scientists secured permits for public land sampling, created online training materials, recruited volunteers across the species range, and supplied field protocols and gear. To ensure data quality, Adventure Scientists’ staff inspected all samples that were returned to our office and reviewed data submitted by volunteers. From May through December 2022, 147 volunteer teams collected 4,228 samples of leaves, twigs, acorn caps, and cores from 1,567 trees. This surpasses the project’s sampling goal of between 800 and 1,200 trees! Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and Morton Arboretum in Illinois are using these samples to build a comprehensive genetic and chemical reference library to help law enforcement combat illegal logging. The library is also valuable to inform research on oak phenology or seasonal changes, and how such changes affect oaks' adaptation to climate change.
EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 1
PROJECT CONTEXT Quercus alba) alba is a deciduous tree native to the Eastern white oak (Quercus eastern United States, highly valued for its strong, straight-grained hardwood. White oak is commonly used in flooring, furniture, and one of the most commercially sought distillery products, making it sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ssssssssssssssssssssss after timber species from the United States.
Increasing demand for white oak has driven up global prices, in turn fueling its its illegal illegal harv fueling harvest to the point of global concern. Nationally, a survey of federal law enforcement officers from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified eastern white oak as one of the two most common targets of timber poaching east of the Rocky Mountains. In order for law enforcement to prove that a white oak tree was illegally harvested and to prosecute violations of local, national, and international timber harvest, species identification and individual tree locations are required. 2 EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT
To address these needs, our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland, Oregon, and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, are working to iSSSSSdentify genetic identify genetic markers to predicttothe geographic origins individual eastern white oak trees. markers predict the geographicof However, white oak specimens available for this research were too sparse to create a comprehensive, region-wide database. The “Timber Tracking: Eastern White Oak” project was created to collect produce aa comprehensive comprehensivegenetic genetic the required density of samples to produce reference library. library. These data will provide prosecutors with the information needed to demonstrate with high certainty the identities and source origins of white oak trees. Precision of source location is essential for cases where wood products are transported across country lines for milling or shipping purposes. tool in inthe thefuture futureprosecution prosecutionofofwhite white This database will provide a key tool oak timber theft theft cases. cases. EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 3
SPOTLIGHT ON WHISKEY In the eastern United States, the recent high demand for white oak barrel staves is driving timber theft in whiskeyproducing regions.
Stave: a narrow length of wood used to form the side of barrels
PROJECT DESIGN Where were eastern white oak sampled? This project was designed to fill data gaps of eastern white oak samples and collect detailed population level location information for our scientific partners. We achieved this through recruiting, training, and mobilizing volunteers to collect approximately 1,000 samples across public and private lands in each of the 34 states spanning the species’ native range. Permits required for sampling in public lands were obtained from the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state parks, and state Forestry Departments.
How were volunteers trained? Chattanooga Times According to Chattanooga Times FreeFree Press Press in 2021, the theft of white oak trees has skyrocketed in the last decade due to a booming Tennessee and Kentucky whiskey market. 4 EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT
All volunteers were required to complete a comprehensive online training prior to data collection. Training modules included background on illegal timber harvest, eastern white oak ecology and identification, the data collection technology, and a detailed walkthrough of project data collection steps.
What samples were collected? During the growing season – May through September – volunteers collected five mature leaves, one 4” long terminal stem, and one acorn cap. During the dormant season – October through December – after leaves began changing color, an additional stem was collected and only 2 leaves were sampled. Tree cores were also collected from a minimum of 20 trees throughout the native range during the growing season. Volunteers used the ArcGIS Survey123 phone app to enter a precise GPS location, diameter at breast height, and photos of each eastern white oak tree they sampled.
Growing season samples
Eastern white oak tree core
How were samples analyzed? Project protocols were developed in collaboration with Dr. Richard Cronn, Research Geneticist at the U.S. Forest Service, who used the samples to perform genetic analyses and create a reference library of tree DNA for white oak. This genetic database allows any confiscated timber to be traced to its original location where it was harvested.
Entering data on the Survey123 app EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 5
1553 leaves
1557 twigs
1072 acorn caps
DATA COLLECTION & RESULTS How many samples were collected?
How did we meet project goals?
Adventure Scientists volunteers sampled 1,553 leaves, 1,557 twigs, 1,072 acorn caps, and 104 cores from 1,567 trees that were distributed across the species range in all 34 states. Volunteers collected the most samples during the growing season, from May through September 2022.
Dr. Richard Cronn, our U.S. Forest Service partner, advised that sampling between 800 and 1,200 trees would fill data gaps to determine the geographic origin of any confiscated eastern white oak wood sample at a resolution required for law enforcement and prosecutors. With the incredible efforts of our volunteers, we surpassed project goals and created an extensive reference library of eastern white oak.
From each of the 1,567 eastern white oak trees sampled, our partners at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois received 2 leaves and 1 acorn cap. Also, the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Genetics Lab in Corvallis, Oregon received 3 leaves, 1 twig, and 1 core from each white oak. 6 EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT
QUERCUS QUEST Adventure Scientists partnered with the National Phenology Network (NPN) to have volunteers report white oak phenology while doing their sample collection. Phenology means information about the timing of the oak’s flowering, seeding, and aging.
1,567 TREES SAMPLED
Partners in Place, LLC
These data are being used by NPN’s Quercus Quest project to understand the relationship between oak phenology and oak populations’ adaptation to climate change.
EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 7
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE For feedback on volunteer experience, Adventure Scientists surveyed eastern white oak volunteers in January 2023, through an online form following project completion. There were 124 responses, representing 55% of volunteers. Highlights included the following: First, 36% of volunteers stated that their primary motivation to participate in the project was because they “care about forest conservation, illegal logging, and eastern white oak.” Second, volunteers felt that their efforts had an impact locally, nationally, and in their community. In addition, 97% of volunteers felt that they are making direct contributions to science.
Nkrumah Fraizer at a volunteer event in Mississippi.
Third, after participating in the project, volunteers took greater conservation action. For example, 81% of survey respondents said they are taking greater daily conservation actions following project completion. In terms of long-term actions, one volunteer said, “I have started an educational program to change my career to something more conservation-oriented.”
8 EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT
97% had the necessary training materials and resources to be a successful volunteer
78% felt that they protected a place that was important to them
93% gave Adventure Scientists a 5/5 experience rating
Mississippi Volunteer Event
In November 2022, Adventure Scientists partnered with The Piney Woods Conservation Group and Pinebelt Blueways in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to hold a multi-day volunteer event. Adventure Scientists had a blast training new volunteers to identify eastern white oaks and collect samples in the De Soto National Forest. Together, we sampled 17 trees and filled a crucial data gap in the southern range of eastern white oak.
The moment I recognized the shape of the silvery white leaves high in the canopy was definitely a win and had me and my collecting partner jumping up and yelling with joy!” - Sayde Ridling, volunteer
EASTERN WHITE OAK PROJECT REPORT 9
"My mom and I loved adventuring with a purpose, identifying oak trees in all different growing stages. It is such a fun and unique activity to share while getting outside together." Natalie and Margie Henson exploring Cathedral State Park, WV.
- Natalie Henson
"I learned a lot and it has made a difference in my life learning about so many kinds of oak trees. I see all trees differently now!" - Dennette McDermott 10 E A S T E R N W H I T E O A K P R O J E C T R E P O R T
Dennette McDermott sampling white oaks in northern Louisiana.
OUR SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS Richard Cronn Research Geneticist, United States Forest Service
Dr. Richard Cronn is a research geneticist at the Pacific Northwest Research Station. He uses genomic approaches to identify the species and geographic source of plant products. These approaches are used to define taxonomically and spatially informative genetic markers that can be used to track and manage wood products from economically and ecologically significant trees.
Andrew Hipp Senior Scientist in Plant Systematics, Morton Arboretum
Dr. Andrew Hipp directs research into the evolution and ecological implications of plant diversity at the Morton Arboretum. He employs the tools of molecular systematics, genomics, community ecology, and herbarium study. Current research focuses on oaks, sedges, and the use of phylogenetic and trait diversity to inform questions in ecological restoration and community ecology. E A S T E R N W H I T E O A K P R O J E C T R E P O R T 11
PROJECT PRESS
August, 2022 - Issue 250
“Until recently, tracking stolen trees was very difficult — especially once the lumber is milled and distributed. But the genetic analysis of tree samples is changing that.”
“Genetic testing confirms that random matches between DNA profiles in trees is less than one in a trillion. With DNA profiling, it is possible to match logs, boards and sawdust to their tree of origin.”
You Can Help Timber Tracking Researchers Protect Eastern White Oak Trees
Decoding the Fingerprints of Trees Through Their DNA
September 22, 2022
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VOLUNTEER QUOTES “This project gave me the opportunity to contribute back to my local community through nature conservation research, but it also has built a lot of pride in myself. I'm proud of the skills I've gained during the project and I'm proud to be a part of something bigger than my daily life that truly benefits the natural spaces around me.” “After talking with friends about this project, I had several join me on my hikes to collect. This was a great way to get people outside and to raise conservation awareness. I love hiking, but this took being in the woods to the next level. I now find myself taking more time to observe what is around me and this enhances the experience.” “As a leader in a local conservation organization, prior to Adventure Scientists, I was involved in volunteering and leading volunteer conservation activities, but the Timber Tracking project lit a fire under me to do more and gave me information on impactful ways we can partner in conservation projects through citizen science.” “I absolutely loved my volunteer experience and can't wait to participate in another project. The whole experience was very rewarding and inspiring. It really energized me to think about how else I can contribute and make an impact. I have started exploring the possibility of pursuing a naturalist certification and finding additional volunteer opportunities.” E A S T E R N W H I T E O A K P R O J E C T R E P O R T 13
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project was funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the Clif Family Foundation, the Cornell Douglas Foundation, and private donors who support Adventure Scientists. We are grateful for their generous support of this work. We would also like to thank MiiR, Sunski, Outdoor Research, AllTrails, and GaiaGPS for helping us express appreciation to our volunteers with great incentives throughout the field season. Special thanks to our scientific partners and their dedicated teams of researchers: Richard Cronn at the United States Forest Service, and Andrew Hipp at the Morton Arboretum. Finally, we couldn’t have gathered this critical data without our amazing volunteers — their time and effort has been instrumental to protecting the forests we love, and we are thankful for their enthusiasm and dedication to our mission.
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REFERENCES American Hardwood Export Council. 2022. American white oak. https://www.americanhardwood.org/en/american-hardwood/american-white-oak Benton, Ben. 2021. White oak poaching on increase amid rising popularity of Tennessee, Kentucky spirits. Chattanooga Times Free Press. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2021/apr/04/white-oak-poachingincrease-amid-rising-popul/544525/ Horn, Christopher. October 1, 2018. Notes of oak: the journey of white oak from acorn to cask. American Forests. https://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/notes-ofoak/ Ober, Holly. 2020. The value of oaks to wildlife. University of Florida, IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW292
PHOTO CREDITS Cory Crouser, Maris Fessenden, Natalie Henson, Dennette McDermott, The Morton Arboretum, Isabella Pritchard, Michelle Toshack E A S T E R N W H I T E O A K P R O J E C T R E P O R T 15
PO BOX 1834 | BOZEMAN, MT 59771 406.624.3320 | info@adventurescientists.org For more information: www.adventurescientists.org