TREE PLANTING PROGRESS REPORT

Tree planting progress report

by Shiyin Siou, January 24, 2001

Dear Friends of Kham Aid Foundation,

Some time ago I sent out a letter to call for help on our tree-planting activities in Kham. I have received many response from lots of warm hearted people. I want to thank you all for your interest and support. With the generous donation from quite a few supporters, we are able to move on in the project such as hiring a local forest expert to examine the area and planning the time table for planting, as well as determining choices of seeds. April is near, I am very excited to see our pilot program is moving positively towards our goal. Following is a brief report updating our plans for year 2001.

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On Dec 11, 2000, Mr Zheng Heping, a local forestry expert hired by KAF, accompanied by Mr. Wu Bangfu KAF's field director, examined the future tree planting site. The following is their trip report. Wu Bangfu (left) and Zhang Heping

Planting site

Orlong (or Oro) village belongs to Yajiang (Nyachuk) county, Sichuan province. The planting slopes are located along the left side of state highway 318 near Orlong village. Elevation of local area is about 3600 meters above sea level. Original forest here was destroyed by wild fire in 1994. No replanting activities has been carried out since. The selected replanting sites are half-sunny, half-shadow slopes with brown soil, inclination 20-30 degree. Base on original plants habitats, we recommend use of a mixture of spruce, fir, masson pine, poplar, and birch.

Planting procedures

1. Site preparation is the first step to prepare for replantation. This procedure is beneficial both for ease of planting seeds and subsequent maintenance. Task includes weeding, removing dead vegetation, tree branches, burnt trees, and lying logs. It is easier to utilize "stripping cleansing method" such that reserved areas and cleansed areas interleave parallel along the horizontal direction against the slope, with width ratio of 1.5 meters to 1.5 meters. Material removed from cleansed region can be piled on the reserved region.

2. Soil preparation. After the initial land cleansing, small holes to host tree seedlings are dug along the cleansed region. Dimension for each hole is 30cm x 30cm x 25cm (depth 25cm). Grass roots and small rocks need to be removed and the soil in the hole must be loose.

3. Planting density is about 200 trees per mu (.0667 hectares), organized in triangular pattern.

4. Spring is the best season for planting. Due to high elevation, the best time to plant is mid April. As temperature rises, soil become warmer and moister, ensuring higher survival rates of the young plants.

5. Maintenance and monitoring. The current plan is to hire a full time ranger to manager the reforested slopes. His work is to keep animal away from the new trees, and to prevent fire.

Planting schedule

March 5-31 Site preparation.

April 1-20 Soil Preparation

April 5-30 Tree planting

Soil preparation is staggered with tree planting to make sure we can utilize the April window for tree planting. Dates are subject to change due to weather condition and worker availability.

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Even though we have got some donations to move ahead, the project funding is still seriously under budget for our 20,000 tree goal this year. Small and large donations alike show that you care. One dollar means one more tree to be planted (as we are perfecting the system, we may be able to beat one dollar one tree estimation.) Also, don't forget to check your employer's policies on matching contributions. Kham Aid Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit, so your donation is tax deductible.

For a donation of $100 or more, you can join our volunteer program and stay at Orlong village as an observer, and if you like you can even pitch in and plant trees yourself. Our partners in Orlong village have got large beautiful 3-story Tibetan homes and are looking forward to hosting program supporters. Your participation sends an important message to local people that there are many outsiders who care. We will organize plenty of sightseeing activity for you to explore the beautiful scenery of Kham. We can host 10-15 people this year, please apply soon.

best regards,

--shiyin siou, planttrees@khamaid.org