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Project - Native Trees
Bags with tree seedlings in rectangular structure, holding about 500 bags per structure. An Exploration of Propogating (Native) Trees on the YWAM Base in Heredia, Costa Rica February 1, 2008 By Craig and Marjan Willett Objective The objective of this plan is to investigate the possibilities to add a tree nursery to the base. This plan will lead towards a decision in this matter. Preferably we will be looking at native trees to Costa Rica and to the specific altitude of the base being around 1500 meters above sea level. Purpose The purpose of a tree nursery is to work alongside the EARS school and God’s creation; to further/beautify the Kingdom for the general health and well-being of all nations, and assist in generating another source of income for the base. This income will enable the base to cover basic costs as well as use additional funds to bless the needy around us. (Example: Just think how many school uniforms can be purchased for children who are orphans or cannot attend school now because they are unable to purchase a uniform).
Means The setup of a professional tree nursery will allow dedicated staff of the base to store, propagate and grow tree seedlings to the stage to which the seedlings will be sold. The nursery will consist of a shade structure, elevated propagation beds and access to water. The nursery has to be located in a sunny area and be especially dedicated for this purpose. CATIE´s Forest Seed Bank offers locally collected seed to landowners and government agencies at a specific cost per kilo. CATIE'S (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza) In English this stands for the Tropical Agricultural Center for Research and Higher Education. CATIE's Forest Seed Bank (BSF) can be a sufficient seed source that mandates to contribute to sustainability and increased forest production through genetically and physiologically well-adapted seed. On January 22, 2008 a team of staff visited Finca Leola S.A. to learn about the propagation of tropical hardwoods. The team met with the owners and listened about their propagation techniques and nursery practices. Craig and Marjan applied their knowledge and experience on this subject where possible as the species are different than they've worked with previously. A valuable find was the book ´Timber trees of Costa Rica´ as it describes the characteristics, ecology and silviculture of timber trees.
Markets Our most likely market for the tree seedlings will be private landowners who are willing and capable of replanting and/or reforesting their land(s). These private landowners can obtain financial support through a government program called Fondo Nacional de Financiamento Forestal (FONAFIFO). At this point we will have to do more research on this program, however we know through our visit to Naciente Palmichal, of it’s existence. Possibly the community of Naciente Palmichal could well be our first customer. Furthermore, conservation areas, national and municipal parks, and other government bodies with an interest in trees and reforestation are likely to be potential customers. It would be advisable to first explore and secure markets before proceeding. According to Hernan, the Manager of Naciente Palmichal, the government will pay up to USD 1.30 per tree in FONAFIFO projects. A visit to Trimbala, a private ecological forest reserve, taught us a tree seedling will sell for USD 3.00 in the private sector. At Trimbala about 40,000 native trees are being grown in Jiffy peat pots. Further research needs to be conducted to find out what other nurseries sell their tree seedlings for.
Time line At this stage of the project we will investigate the possibilities. The interested and dedicated base staff/leaders will have to decide on when and how to proceed, if so desired. The time of propagation of individual hardwood species will vary and will determine the total production time involved.
Foundations of success First of all a decision needs to be made in regards to commitment on the setup and operation of a tree nursery. Furthermore the base leadership needs to assign an ‘owner’, who is fully responsible and dedicated to the daily operation and nursery’s purpose. Propagation area The proposal for the nursery is based on the production of 50,000 tree seedlings per year. The revenue generated will sufficiently help the base operational costs. To support the 50,000 trees we would need a secured area of approximately 150’ by 200’ completely covered with shade cloth, held up by bamboo poles. The area will accommodate 100 rectangular wood structures (approx. 5’ by 18’) to hold 500 bags. A bag measures 4 by 8 inches. (See picture above). Within the secured area will be a potting shed and propagation seed beds. The covered potting area will be approx. 40’ by 40’ and the seed beds will take up 40’ by 160’. We believe that the base should construct the secured area first even though the first year’s production will be lower than the projected production. We propose the propagation area is located, attached and immediately behind the vegetable garden, making use of the existing fence.
Seed and seed source CATIE has many seed species available, however, as of today, we are waiting for prices of seed. They will send a pro-forma invoice for you to use to make the final calculations. The seed CATIE will quote on is suitable for propagating and growing in this altitude. We chose seeds that are larger in size because they are easier to handle and work with.
Conclusion Depending on the capacity setup of the nursery, the base will either break even in the first year or have surplus of approximately USD 8,000. Craig & Marjan Willett would like to be informed when a decision has been reached, weather or not and to what extent the base will proceed in this proposal of macro-economics. They are more than willing to help in detailing the proposal and the set-up, in person or by distant communication.
Contacts and resources Finca Leola S.A. ; Fred and Amy Morgan (506) 2-464-1031) www.fincaleola.com CATIE BSF; Mario (506) 2-558-2374) www.catie.ac.cr Local suppliers for materials (ask Mario Sibaja) ONF (Oficina Nacional de semilla) www.ofinase.go.cr Craig and Marjan Willett craigawillett@sympatico.ca Closing comments by Craig & Marjan Willett We strongly recommend your sharing and communicating the findings of this exploration so that other individuals and/or other groups may benefit - if and when the exploration will not be implemented. We therefore clearly state that this exploration does not specifically belong to the YWAM base in Los Angeles de San Rafael de Heredia - but to the Kingdom of God in general. (You can see other details concerning budget calculations and tree types below).
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