Hey Bill, throw me a line

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Rain is in the forecast this week in Linn County. That is good news. Rain gauge totals have sputtered around here this past winter. 
We even got that early fire-season wakeup call March 19 and 20 at the North Santiam State Recreation Area. High winds and dry conditions got the blame. The Salem Statesman Journal reported April 2 it cost $332,000 to fight the fire.
Some tree farmers are still putting seedlings into the ground, including chapter past President Bill Bowling. He notes that planting seasons vary depending on ground moisture and other issues.
This Thursday he is helping to plant 7,000 Noble firs on the north side of a hill on some higher elevation property. This past Saturday and Sunday he planted 500 western red cedars on some wet ground he has near Berlin Road. He is replanting that spot and is hoping for the best.

“By planting late the new trees have almost a whole year to grow before they have to learn how to swim,” said Bowling with a chuckle.

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