No images? Click here ESFPA E-NewsVolume 3 - Issue 25July 22, 2022 DEC Tracking New Threat to Beech Trees Public Encouraged to Report Potential Beech Leaf Disease Infections The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which affects all species of beech trees, was identified in 35 counties in New York State to date. DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified. "Many American beech trees are already heavily impacted by beech bark disease, but Beech Leaf Disease appears to be an even bigger threat," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The decline of beech in New York could have far-reaching consequences, including significant changes to the composition of our northern hardwood forests and the loss of a valuable food source for wildlife. Beech Leaf Disease affects all beech, so the impacts would also be felt in our urban forests where ornamental beech trees, including the popular copper beech cultivar, are widely used for landscaping and street trees." Much is still unknown about BLD, including how it spreads, but it can kill mature beech trees in six to 10 years and saplings in as little as two years. There is no known treatment for infected trees. BLD symptoms are associated with the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. It is unknown whether the nematode causes all of the damage, or if it is in association with another pathogen such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus. DEC is working with the Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, neighboring states, and New York's Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) to survey for new infections, track disease progression using long-term monitoring plots, and investigate the nematode's role in the disease. More information is needed to develop an effective treatment. DEC's Forest Health Diagnostic Lab is experiencing a recent surge in requests for BLD diagnosis and treatment options as landowners begin to notice a rapid decline in the health of their beech trees. Most of the reports are from Suffolk and Westchester counties where BLD is widespread. DEC is asking the public to submit reports through NYimapInvasives if they encounter a beech tree showing signs of BLD, especially for counties where BLD has not yet been confirmed. The main symptom to look for on beech foliage is darkened striping between the veins, which is best seen when looking up through the canopy. Leaves with severe symptoms can be heavily banded and crinkled, with a thickened leathery texture.
ESFPA On The RoadESFPA Executive Director, John Bartow, traveled to Asheville, North Carolina this week to attend the National Council of Forestry Association Executives (NCFAE) and Forest Industry Associations Council (FIAC) Annual Meetings. NCFAE provided the opportunity to network with 34 State Association Directors and to share initiatives. Some of these initiatives can be brought back to NY and ESFPA. FIAC provided the opportunity for updates on major federal issues such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), endangered species, and climate change. ESFPA Director of Communication, Gabriella Ferrera, traveled to Syracuse to meet with General Manager of Wagner Lumber and ESFPA Board Member, Tom Gerow. Together they attended New York Farm Bureau's Future of Agriculture Summit on Wednesday, July 20th. This summit addressed a number of issues critical to agriculture's success in New York, including access to skilled labor and workforce development, addressing climate change, engaging with non-farm, urban constituencies, and enhanced investment in agricultural education and applied research. It hosted an array of panelists, including Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, as well as Keynote Speaker Kevin King, Deputy Secretary for Food and Agriculture for Governor Hochul, and former ESFPA employee for nearly 20 years. This conference was designed to engage leaders in moving past the challenges presented to farming in the state and proactively address pathways to success. House Lawmakers Pivot to FY 2023 Spending BillsThe legislative “sausage making” process really kicks into high gear when Congress exercises its “powers of the purse.” During the annual “appropriations” process, federal lawmakers carry out their most basic duty, which is to fund the annual budgets of the agencies that make up the federal government. The Forest Resource Association has provided this summary. On Wednesday, the House passed a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 spending bill that will fund USDA, Interior and other agencies that oversee key programs that have a major impact on the industry: • Export Promotion – The USDA spending bill will fund the agency’s Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program which support the American Hardwood Export Council's (AHEC) promotion of U.S. hardwood exports. The Federation has met with the House and Senate Ag Committee chairs and panel members to advocate for maintaining … or increasing funding for these key programs. • Biomass – Although spending bills are mainly known as the vehicles that deliver dollars to the agencies, they also present an opportunity for creative lawmakers and lobbyists to push priorities unrelated to dollar amounts going to federal programs. Nowhere is this more evident than the industry’s efforts to enshrine “the carbon neutrality of biomass” into federal law. Since enactment of a spending bill in 2017, there has been a statutory directive renewed each year instructing federal agencies to recognize the carbon neutral nature of forest-based biomass in any federal energy or environmental policymaking. The House-passed FY 2023 Interior appropriations measure includes watered down language that acknowledges the “carbon benefits” of biomass energy, but stops short of declaring this type of energy that we deploy in our mills as carbon neutral. The Hardwood Federation worked last year to defeat identical language and preserving the carbon neutrality directive through FY 2022. We are working with our champions in the Senate to secure a similar outcome for FY 2023. • Forest Inventory – The hardwood sector relies on USDA’s Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) to inform sound forestry management practices. This information is critical for decisions regarding carbon stocks, sustainability, and existing and expanding markets. The bill includes a significant funding boost for the FIA, a $15.5 million increase over FY22 levels. What’s the Latest on Federal BBB?Late last week Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), announced that he would not support the latest Build Back Better (BBB) plan, citing concerns about lingering high inflation and the bill’s potential to exacerbate inflation. The bill is now in a holding pattern, and the road to passage has now become even more complicated than before as the ability to pass the legislation through the “reconciliation” process expires at the end of September. Wednesday, President Biden states that he would use presidential authority to push through portions of his climate agenda that Congress cannot pass, including expanded offshore wind, energy efficient air conditioning and more funding for “resilient” infrastructure that can withstand heat waves. Log-A-Load for Kids Fund Drive Begins at BoonvilleFor 25 years, New York State Log-A-Load for Kids has participated in a nationwide program to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the NYS Committee (i.e. the Mowrey Family) is once again reaching out to the forestry community for support. One way to participate is at the 2022 NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days. There will be many events going on, including fund drives and raffles. The Committee is looking for donations of goods, services, or loads of firewood to be raffled off at the Woodsmen’s Field Days as well as time at any of the booths. Any and all items donated are greatly appreciated and help raise thousands of dollars for children in need. Promotional items with company logos are popular and make excellent game prizes. Monetary donations will be used either for the purchase of supplies or will go directly to your local CMN Hospital. In celebration of New York Log-A-Load for Kids’ 25th anniversary, we are also asking our donors to please consider an additional 25% contribution. We’d like to make this a big year! Every donation makes a difference. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact Gabriella Ferrera at gabriella@esfpa.org or Eileen Mowrey at emowrey12@gmail.com . |