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1 (P) (F) Background Rethinking Firewood: Implications of applying firewood restrictions to non-timber forest products Steve Gabriel, Agroforestry Extension Specialist Cornell Small Farms Program, Cornell University - sfg53@cornell.edu Forest products other than timber and firewood are on the rise, as farmers and landowners seek alternative income opportunities from wooded lands in the Northeast. As these new products and markets emerge, it is become critical to consider how to support economic growth and development while protecting our future forests from threats of invasive and exotic species that may threaten future health and productivity objectives. Currently, many of these products would be considered firewood, and, depending on the state, are subject to restrictions for transport. For the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on two woodland products currently of prominence; logs for forest mushroom cultivation and poles for fenceposts and hop poles. Critical to the analysis is the understanding that there is no way to completely avoid any risk of spreading insects or disease, but rather to consider the relative risk these activities pose. At the small farms program we commonly receive inquiries at classes and workshops about the regulations surrounding the movement of these products. We believe that in addition to regulation, ongoing education and perhaps even more in depth training can not only reduce the risk, but provide an opportunity to improve public awareness of these threats, as well. Products for Consideration Mushroom logs are increasingly in demand as more landowners and farmers become interested in cultivation of forest mushrooms. Cornell University, along with partnerships with University of Vermont, and Chatham University have assisted in developing management methods, markets, and economic development tools for growers. Species commonly in production include shiitake, oyster, and lions mane, which are grown on a variety of hardwoods (see species table below). Shiitake mushrooms are by far the most profitable, and commonly cultivated in this way. A 2014 marketing survey by Chatham University found there are currently 57 growers in the Northeast US, of which 51 are currently marketing log-grown shiitake off of 17,968 inoculated bolts. These 57 growers alone are projecting an increase of inoculated bolts to 59,575 by 2018, a number that does not include the prospect of new growers. We project that the eastern US could easily see numbers ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 bolts in the next 3 5 years.

2 Fenceposts and Hop Poles are another emerging niche product, as sources for sustainable and rot-resistant wood are rising alongside growing markets for microbrewed beer, home gardens, and more livestock farmers. The main species of concern for these uses are black locust, cedar, and larch, though other hardwoods such as oak are also sometimes used. It should be noted that most landowners and farmers procure logs from their own woods or close-by. However, there is growing interest in selling logs suitable for mushroom cultivation, as well as pre-inoculated logs, possibly for longer distances (and even in some cases, across state lines). This is a small scale issue and most distances are within 50 miles of the source. Another important point is that logs are harvested in a fresh state for these end uses, and growers are deliberately scouting their woods for live, healthy trees in many cases the opposite of a tree that was infested by an insect or disease of concern. The vested interest and expertise of these individuals who are taking active interest in forest health and management differentiates them significantly from an average consumer carrying firewood around. Engaging with, and supporting mushroom growers offers an opportunity for education and to have more boots on the ground to observe population dynamics. Species of Concern for Mushroom Cultivation & Fenceposts/Poles Tree Species Used for Invasive Species of Concern Maple (Acer spp.) Shiitake, Lions Mane Asian Longhorn Beetle (very good host) Oak (Quercus spp) Shiitake oak wilt (only in PA, WV, OH), sudden oak death (not on east coast currently), Asian Longhorn Beetle (questionable host) Beech (Fagus spp.) Shiitake, Lions Mane None Birch (Betula spp.) Shiitake Asian Longhorn Beetle (good host) Hop Hornbeam (Ostraya Virginia) Shiitake None Ironwood Shiitake None Poplar, Cottonwood (Populus spp.) Oyster Asian Longhorn Beetle (occasional host) Black Locust Fence Posts/Hop Poles Asian Longhorn Beetle (questionable host) Cedar Fence Posts/Hop Poles None Tamarack/Larch Fence Posts/Hop Poles None Sources used: (1) Annotated Categorization of ALB Host Trees, Alan Sawyer, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Otis Plant Protection Laboratory, Revised Feb, 2010, (2) New York Invasive Species Information:

3 It should be noted that the following insect/disease species are NOT of concern for the above species used in mushroom cultivation and fence post production: Emerald Ash Borer - Ash Hemlock Wooly Adelgid - Hemlock Sirex Wood Wasp - Softwood Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) affects Walnut (Juglans spp.) Therefore, when we look at the bigger picture, the major concern in Eastern States (with the exception of Oak Wilt in just a few) lies with Asian Longhorn Beetle. This is a relatively easy pest to identify and monitor for. Additional education/certification programs (see below) Current Regulations for Firewood Transport Definitions vary by state. All states in the NE prohibit transport across state lines unless heat treated. Some allow interstate transport but all states are under federal EAB quarantines. (Not an issue as Ash is not used in these practices. As an example, in New York: For the purposes of these regulations, "firewood" is defined to be " all wood of any species, cut or not cut, split or not split, regardless of length which is (a) in a form and size appropriate for use as a fuel, or (b) which is destined for use as fuel." Log-length material is not automatically covered under this regulation, unless it is used to produce firewood (that is, 'cut and split, or not split, into a form and size appropriate for use as fuel") In 2012, regulations were updated (see references) to clarify the definition of firewood as: (3) "Firewood" shall mean all wood of any species, cut or not cut, split or not split, regardless of length which is (a) in a form and size appropriate for use as a fuel, or (b) which is destined for use as fuel. (a question of INTENT) New York Regulations: NYS update: Other States: State Bring firewood from out-of-state? Movement within state PA NO (unless heat treated) Some county and regional quarantines NY NO (unless heat treated) Yes, if less than 50 miles, need certificate of origin MA NO Some ALB quarantine zones, general recommendation to buy and burn RI

4 CT Requires certification or documentation to move firewood NH NO (unless heat treated), EAB quarantines in Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Rockingham counties VT NO (on state parks and lands) OK unless heat treated ME NO (unless heat treated) Loose recommendation to not move more WV MD DE NJ than 50 miles From: Don t Move Firewood.org: What about transportation of mushroom spawn? APHIS: Mushroom spawn consists of pure cultures fungal mycelium inoculated onto a growing substrate such as sawdust, grains, etc. The substrate is customarily sterilized prior to inoculation, to prevent contamination. The spawn is used to grow fruiting bodies of the fungus, mushrooms. The four main species in cultivation are shiitake (Lentinula edodes), lions mane (Hericium spp.), Oyster (Pleurotus spp.), and Stropharia (Stropharia Rugoso-annulata). All of these except shiitake are native to North America. Shiitake has been cultivated for hundreds of years in asia and for at least 30 years in North America. Each of these mushrooms are saprophytes, meaning they decompose decaying (dead) organic matter. They do not pose any threat or dispersion or invasion as do some pathogenic fungi. Spawn producers are currently able to ship mushroom spawn nationally, and internationally with little paperwork. As long as substrate is wood based, and sterilized (necessary for production) t is ok.

5 Q. I would like to import mushroom spawn for mushroom production. Do I need a permit? A. If it is not spawn of a harmful species, no PPQ 526 Permit is required from us. Please let us know what species you want to import, and we will tell you whether a PPQ 526 Permit is required. (From APHSIS -- PPQ 526 permit: Opportunities Since farmers and woodlot owners are invested in their wooded property, and will only be interested in scouting for pests and diseases more as these economic incentives increase. They should be seen as a potential opportunity to help increase public monitoring efforts. Education, coupled with communication, can reasonably reduce the potential risks associated with moving materials for mushroom cultivation and fenceposts/hop poles. Most invasive species of concern have been found by industry people. It is vital to keep them involved in monitoring efforts. The Cornell Small Farms Program ( is available along with natural resource specialists to help in education and outreach efforts. Considerable work is already being done to help landowners and farmers scout for pests ( In New York, we are considering developing a program to offer an online tutorial on forest-pest scouting. Growers and landowners could complete the training and be issued a certificate acknowledging their identification competency. This, in conjunction with a simple form for source-documentation offers a pathway for those transporting logs for mushroom cultivation and/or other purposes (other than firewood) to clarify their intent in transporting these materials. Recommendations 1. Consider farmers and woodlot owners engaging in these products a different audience than the general consumer public 2. State regulators should offer clear positions on policies for mushroom logs, fence posts, and other non-timber and non-firewood forest products to the public 3. Continue to restrict movement of materials to within state boundaries 4. Target education efforts to farmers and landowners near state lines, to ensure the regulations are clear. 5. Offer training to educate farmer/landowners and use source documentation if deemed necessary Additional Reviewers: Peter Smallidge, State Extension Forester, NY, pjs23@cornell.edu Brett Chedzoy, SCNY Ag Team-Forestry Specialist, CCE Schuyler, bjc226@cornell.edu Mark Whitmore, Extension Associate, mcw42@cornell.edu Ethan Angell, Senior Horticulture Inspector, NYS Ag & Mkts, ethan.angell@agriculture.ny.gov