1. Presentation 5.2: Firewood Movement

2. Outline Invasive Species and Firewood Movement Preventing Firewood Movement

3. Section 1: Invasive Species and Firewood Movement

4. Outline Introduction Types of firewood Invasive pests Firewood movement Ecological, economical, and social effects Invasive pests in interface areas Summary

5. Introduction Invasive species are one of the greatest concerns for management! Firewood movement has the potential to be a high-risk pathway for invasive species to enter a new ecosystem.

6. Types of Firewood Green firewood – Freshly cut wood Great survival rate of invasive species Seasoned firewood – Air dried wood Contain secondary pests Treated firewood – Heat treated, kiln sterilized, or debarked wood Decreases risk of transporting pest

7. Invasive Pests Invasive species that damage natural resources and agricultural crops. – Insects Invasive insects travel on or in firewood 1.Wood borers 2.Tree Defoliators – Pathogens Organisms that can cause disease or damage in a plant 1.Redbay ambrosia beetle 2.Thousand cankers disease

8. Firewood movement Short distance – Recreational transport Expands pests range into new areas Long Distance – Commercial or retail distributors Long distance spread of pests

9. Ecological, Economical, and Social Effects Ecological consequences – Affects the structure of forest ecosystems Economic costs – Significant cost is associated with control and eradication of pests Social effects – Ecosystem services that affect humans well-being can be affected

10. Invasive Pests in Interface America Urban areas are at greatest risks – Threatens quality of life – Threatens property values

11. Summary Firewood movement is a major pathway for the introduction of invasive pests! These invasive pests can have ecological, economical, and social consequences. Recognizing invasive pathways can help with the management of invasive species.

12. Section 2: Preventing Firewood Movement

13. Outline Introduction Basics of invasive pests infestations Communicating with and engaging different audiences Regulation of firewood movement Summary

14. Introduction Natural resource professionals can play an important role in protecting forests from the introduction of invasive pests through – Communication and outreach – Regulation – Voluntary compliance

15. Basics of invasive pests infestations Increase knowledge to minimize the effect of invasive pests – Tree species affected – Effects of invasive pests on tree species – Signs and symptoms of infestation or infection – Existing and potential range of the pest – Invasive pest management options and approaches – Who to contact if something suspicious is found

16. Communicating with and engaging different audiences Consistent and simple message Tailored for different audiences – Interface homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts – Park and campground staff – Arborists and green industry professionals – Wood processors and producers

17. Interface homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts Use consistent messaging, social marketing, and media kits Attend community meetings and events Give presentations to youth groups Provide suggested firewood sources Provide brochures, posters, and flyers Submit articles to local newsletter and use existing networks to send out information

18. Park and campground staff Display firewood information to visitors Ban all firewood that is not treated or produced locally Develop firewood policies Share examples of “wood swaps or exchanges” with staff Sell locally produced or treated firewood on-site and suggest incorporating cost into access fee Develop a recommended list of nearby producers and retailers

19. Arborists and green industry professionals Stay up to date on invasive pests Host annual “Invasive Pest Field Day” Avoid transporting firewood more than 50 miles

20. Wood processors and producers Become familiar with the guidelines and regulations Inform about firewood movement compliance agreements Adopt best management practices Adopt a voluntary certification program

21. Regulation of firewood movement Federal and state department regulations – Quarantines Stipulations – Compliance agreements – Broader firewood regulations

22. Summary Natural resource professional can play a significant role in preventing firewood movement and thus the introduction of invasive pest by educating the public and environmental professionals.

23. Credit Ladyheart, everystockphoto.com Robert Trickel USDA Agricultural Research Service Larry Korhnak Steve Beattie Carl Firley