On November 5, at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources in Montpelier, NSRC Researcher Abby van den Berg of the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center presented her research findings to a conference room full of agency field staff. She provided new information on the sustainability of growth rates of trees tapped with high-yield sap collection practices. Her work is part of the revision of the North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual due out in 2016.
Abby demonstrated an interactive tapping zone model that can be used by maple producers, foresters, and managers to estimate the proportion of clear, conductive wood in the tapping zone of a tree each year based on tree and tapping values input by the user. The model is available on the Proctor website and can help growers determine the sustainability of their tapping practices.
Her presentation induced many engaging and practical questions from the audience of county foresters and field staff eager to bring new information to Vermont landowners and maple producers.