Spread the word in New York State

DO NOT TRANSPORT FIREWOOD!!  (or any local wood)

Yesterday, I attended the annual New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation’s annual Environmental Management Councils’ meeting, where I learned a lot about green initiatives that are taking off within NYS.  Unfortunately, I also learned of several terrible afflictions that are currently killing off our native trees.  As I had not yet heard much about these issues, I felt the need to share them with you so that we can spread the word.

The largest threat at the moment seems to be the Emerald Ash Borer.   The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species of insect that is native to Asia that is a threat to all of our New York ash trees.  It is very hard to quarantine or control, and affected wood MUST NOT BE MOVED from its source, otherwise it will cause the pest to spread much more quickly.  Click here for more info.

Other threats include the Asian Longhorned Beetle:

the Sirex Woodwasp:

and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid disease:

In order to prevent the spread of these invasive pests and disease, please DO NOT TRANSFER FIREWOOD or ANY wood that you have sourced from within New York more than 50 miles from its original source.

Some tips from the DEC:

“A REGULATION is in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source.

By transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help STOP THE SPREAD and obey the Firewood Regulation:

• It is best to leave all firewood at home – please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
• Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor – ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood’s local source.
• If you choose to transport firewood within New York State:
  • It must have a receipt or label that has the firewood’s source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source.
  • For firewood not purchased (i.e. cut from your own property) you must have a Self-Issued Certificate of Source (PDF, 100 kB), and it must be sourced within 50 miles of your destination.
  • Only firewood labeled as meeting New York’s heat treatment standards to kill pests (kiln-dried) may be transported into the state and further than 50 miles from the firewood’s source. Acceptable firewood heat treatment must raise the core temperature of the firewood to 71 degrees C, or 160 degrees F, and hold it there for at least 75 minutes. Most “kiln-drying” processes that reduce the moisture content to less than 18% achieve this sterilization standard.
  • For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Firewood Regulation. For additional questions regarding this regulation, please call this toll-free number: 1-866-640-0652 or e-mail: firewood@gw.dec.state.ny.us.”

Info provided by  NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html

New York State has some of the most beautiful, pristine forests in the U.S.  Please help save our trees by spreading the word!