Natco Forestry Services

09/17/2026

Pawpaws have grown in North American forests for millions of years, cultivated for centuries by Indigenous tribes and praised for their rich tropical flavor. But just as America's largest native fruit experiences a massive resurgence—fueled by craft foods and regional harvest festivals—an invasive enemy has arrived.

Invasive ambrosia beetles are killing trees at record rates, wiping out nearly 70% of some local orchards.

Click the link in the comments to read the full story on the pawpaw's Indigenous roots, its modern revival and the battle to save it from invasive pests

09/16/2026

Spotted Lanternflies are a hot topic lately, and we love seeing the public take interest in invasive species! We are ALL citizen conservationists (yes, you too!), and we ALL are responsible for the ecosystems we live in.

This colorful leaf-jumper drinks sap from its host plants, which can damage native trees and woody flora that haven't co-evolved to handle the pressure from SLFs. They threaten crops such as cultivated grape vines, with some farmers reporting a 90% decrease in crop production due to SLF infestations. 🤯

Trees can suffer from leaf wilting, reduced crowns, and eventual death as a result of prolonged infestations. The sappy residue SLFs leave behind can increase the possibility of black mold growth, as well (but more research is needed here to understand the full implications!). Their eggs are well-camouflaged, making it hard to find and remove them.

Some stages of SLFs show a strong preference for the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). There is some evidence that removing the ToH can help combat Spotted Lanternflies, too!

Plus, researchers are beginning to observe several NATIVE species who are learning to eat SLFs! Several species of bats, spiders, the Carolina Chickadee, and the Red-bellied Woodpecker are slowly learning to treat the SLF as a food source. This could help keep their numbers from exploding too far out of control, but certainly isn't a cure for the problem.

Removal of SLFs is still encouraged, but not all methods are equal! For example, do NOT USE GLUE TRAPS! Sticky traps are indiscriminate and inhumane, even when they have a "wildlife guard" over them.

09/16/2026

09/11/2026

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09/08/2026

Let’s Talk Timber!🌳🪵

The timber market in the U.S. and around the world has been a major topic of conversation lately. With markets constantly changing, one question we often hear is: “When is the right time to harvest my timber?”

The Ohio State University, in collaboration with the Ohio Division of Forestry, produces a Timber Price Report that can provide valuable insight into Ohio’s timber market. The report is published twice a year, in January and July, using information gathered from Ohio forest product companies.

By collecting and analyzing data from these companies, these organizations can provide landowners and the public with a better understanding of current trends and what is happening within Ohio’s timber industry.

Interested in harvesting your timber or learning more about the timber-harvesting process?

Before making any decisions, reach out to the Ohio Division of Forestry’s Call Before You Cut program or work with a reputable consulting forester. A professional can help you evaluate your woodland, understand current market conditions, develop a harvesting plan, and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Good timber management starts with good information. Think before you cut!

08/30/2026

What if you could stop a desert… with trees? China is doing exactly that.

They’ve planted nearly 100 BILLION trees to slow the spread of the Gobi Desert, creating what’s known as the “Great Green Wall.” Stretching over 3,000 miles, it’s one of the most ambitious environmental projects in human history.

This isn’t just about planting trees, it’s about protecting cities, restoring ecosystems, and giving future generations a fighting chance against desertification.

It’s proof that when humans work with nature, incredible things can happen.

Imagine the impact if more countries invested in projects like this…

08/19/2026

The USDA is actively working to help landowners with clean up expenses from the tornados. They are not paying for the actual timber loss.

We can complete appraisals and documentation of your damaged timber. This can then be claimed as a casualty loss due to the official disaster declaration. The loss appraisal can they be used to offset taxable income for the current tax year.

Feel free to reach out if we can be of assistance. Thank you

08/19/2026

Today, U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to rescind the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule in its entirety.

For over 25 years, this rule has restricted road construction and limited the Forest Service's ability to carry out critical active management work within inventoried roadless area.

The rescission intends to prioritize local agency decision-making over regulatory rules that are the same across the country, regardless of specific land management issues and needs.

🔗 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/08/18/usda-acts-remove-roadless-rule-restrictions-exacerbate-rising-wildfire-risk

08/19/2026

Today’s adventure. While looking at a gentleman’s property to determine the feasibility of a timber harvest G.W. the dog found a nice pond to cool off in. I found a nice batch of Chanterelle mushrooms and some pretty timber. It is always a blessing to spend the day outdoors.