[Tim Harrigan]

Ed,
This can be an interesting project but certainly different from the other events that have more of a public participation focus because the site is so remote and difficult terrain. It would be good if we could capture it on film for educational use but that may or may not be a possibility. I guess in all our P&E discussions so far the crosscutting themes have been education and budget. So maybe there should be some planning for how the educational component will be captured and developed, and who might cover the additional teamster costs? Perhaps there is a conservation group with a strong interest in that area that might help with fund raising or provide grant funds? It looks like the project is moving forward in any case, (or maybe the mileage reimbursement just refers to the initial site visit) so where does DAPNet support come in and what exactly are they asking of us?

Maybe the P&E committee should discuss these different types of events and give some thought to what our role should be in events that we sponsor ($ support?) versus support (limited $ support?) versus encourage (moral support). I do not think we can work through that soon enough to provide guidance for this event, but down the road.

TMH

[Tim Harrigan]

Bailey’s online has a big selection.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Ridge 31434 wrote:

Poison wth the herb idea is not humane…

I agree, this could be very drawn-out and painful.

[Tim Harrigan]

Looks great, Ed. Wish I had one like it!

[Tim Harrigan]

@Does’ Leap 31242 wrote:

Tim:

…Who is your cameraman/woman? How long and thick are your chains for cross-chaining…?

George

George, that is a weakness in the system. I just have a 5 inch flexible tripod and I set the camera on a stump or log if I am lucky, but usually just on the ground. So I guess there is no camera operator. Upside, a stump is steady and holds it where ever I point it. I think you are referring to cross chaining for stacking. I use my 1/2 inch arborist rope. Length depends on how strung out the pile is. In this case I probably had 100 ft out. Basically, by the time you run out and around the log at the ramp and back to the team you have about 4 times the width of the pile plus ramp.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Vicki 31113 wrote:

…Getting him into the trimming chute at Tillers is what comes to mind, Tim; you were there. We did force him by dragging him with a rope. That is the first time I have ever forced him like that.

Sorry, Vicki, I missed this post earlier. About the chute, you may not have noticed an adjustment that made it easier for him (was it Silas?). I asked someone to get a long rope for a lead (about 30 ft) and had him run it through the chute opening, and then to step to the side so Silas could not see anything but open space at the other end. Then I got behind the point of his shoulder to encourage him but not have him feel like he was being forced, although there was enough tension in the lead to keep him focused in that direction. Once we gave him that open space he walked in quite easily.

[Tim Harrigan]

Thanks for the complements everyone. Will is smart and he has always been will…ing. I always see things we need to work on but I am really pleased so far. Looking forward to getting back out there this week. 😀

[Tim Harrigan]

@Carl Russell 31213 wrote:

Santa ate almost all of their cookies with them sleeping only inches away, and they never moved…

Carl

That’s pretty good. They will remember that for a long time.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Carl Russell 31197 wrote:

…My boys have a serious trap set for Santa. It might be an interesting night around here.:eek:

So did they spring the trap?:eek:

[Tim Harrigan]

Good load for those boys. How big are they now?

[Tim Harrigan]

They like to talk when they drive.

[Tim Harrigan]

I was thinking incorrectly that this was an Exec Mtg and I wanted to inform the members because there are only 4. I am not very comfortable asking the entire board to reschedule for my benefit, so if this inconveniences anyone please stick with the 7 pm time.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Kevin Cunningham 30953 wrote:

… I hope I can learn to act as a firm, steady, and confident driver, but not let my agenda cloud my perception…

Rock on! There will be no return from that spot.

[Tim Harrigan]

I have been laying low on this thread because did not want it to be another case where I jumped on the soap box but I guess I will anyway. Recently, in another thread, I pointed out that our animals have limited ways of communicating with us. So we sort of walk the line between providing firm but gentle leadership and being open to the possibility that the animals might have greater awareness of their environment than we do. And they have a somewhat different set of concerns than we might. Where to put down a foot is important for them. So while some of these things may annoy you a little you might want to see it as contributing to the safety and well being of the team. You know it is a puddle and it is only 3 inches deep. They don’t know that for sure so they rely on their instincts. You do not want to suppress their instincts and natural behavior. You are all better off if you learn to read it, and don’t sweat the small stuff. When you get off the driveway and start doing real work there will be many times when they have better information and a clearer understanding of potential hazards than you do. If you develop the attitude that they should go where you say without hesitation you are not using all your senses. If you have that attitude, why should they trust you? And, sometimes, you will be wrong. In you continue to insist, you will regret it. You can bring a sense of humility to the team, or they can introduce you to it. Your choice.

[Tim Harrigan]

The only time I am fussy about them walking a straight line is when they have to for cultivating, plowing, etc. In the woods, if I want a straight line I think it is my responsibility to swamp out a clear path with good footing. I also do not want them drifting into me or away from me. Other than that, I trust in their ability to walk a comfortable line. They will shift a little to avoid holes or puddles, or multi-flora rose, so do I. I do not want them stepping in holes, and if they have some awareness about specific locations that I might not be aware of, I respect their attempt to communicate that. There is such a thing as driving too much.

[Author]

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