New “Tick App” available

Posted on by jodieellis
Ticks pose increasing health threats throughout North America

Ticks pose increasing health threats throughout North America. Photo: WI DNR

from the May 2018 edition of RECReport, for the WI DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, a partner in the Midwest Center of Excellence (Center) in Vector-Borne Diseases, has announced that “Tick App” is now available for download. Tick App is a phone application that is part research tool and part educational tool with the goal to transition towards a preventative tool over time.

The Center would like to enroll people, by the app, in their study to determine the risk for tick encounters, assess the success/failure of self-reported prevention strategies, and educate people at the same time. Participation is entirely voluntary. When people download the app, they will go through a sign-up process—and about 5 minutes of questions—so the researchers can assess risk factors for tick exposure.

When people are in the app they can complete daily tick diaries (asking about activities and tick exposure) and can report a tick. Users can even send in an image for identification after the report is completed. For more information on the Tick App, visit http://www.thetickapp.org or tickapp@wisc.edu.

Browning on spruce and other conifers due to winter drying

Posted on by jodieellis
Deep snow during the winter covered the lower branches, protecting them from the drying effects of dry air, wind, and sun throughout the winter, while the top of the tree experienced significant winter desiccation and browning.

Deep snow during the winter covered the lower branches, protecting them from the drying effects of dry air, wind, and sun throughout the winter, while the top of the tree experienced significant winter desiccation and browning. Photo: Bill Ruff

By Linda Williams, forest health specialist, Woodruff. Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov; 715-356-5211 x232

Recently, several reports of evergreens turning brown have come in from around the state. Spruce trees seem to be the most commonly reported species, as well as being the most severely impacted. We’re also seeing this on white pine, balsam fir, and white cedar, with some areas more heavily impacted than others. Forest health specialists in northeast, central, and southern Wisconsin have received many reports, with reports being submitted in other areas of the state as well. This appears to be a widespread problem: a recent article from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Health unit outlined the same issue. Continue reading “Browning on spruce and other conifers due to winter drying” →

White pine blister rust

Posted on by jodieellis
On this white pine, you can see on the lower left a branch recently killed by blister rust; on the lower right is a branch that is slightly off-color. The off-color branch also had a canker but it had not yet completely girdled the branch.

On this white pine, you can see on the lower left a branch recently killed by blister rust; on the lower right is a branch that is slightly off-color. The off-color branch also had a canker but it had not yet completely girdled the branch. Photo: Linda Williams

By Linda Williams, forest health specialist, Woodruff. Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov; 715-356-5211 x232

White pine blister rust is a fungus that causes cankers on white pine. The cankers can girdle and kill branches or the main stem of the tree. White pine blister rust infections create “dead spots” or cankers that continue to expand each year on the branches or main stem. Eventually, orange pustules develop which erupt around the edges of the canker; this is how the fungus reproduces. Continue reading “White pine blister rust” →

White pine weevil – old and new damage

Posted on by jodieellis

By Linda Williams, forest health specialist, Woodruff. Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov; 715-356-5211 x232

The terminal leader of this young white pine was killed by white pine weevil.

The terminal leader of this young white pine was killed by white pine weevil. Photo: Linda Williams

White pine weevil is an insect that can attack and kill the terminal leader on white pine, jack pine, and spruce trees. Terminal leaders killed last year may remain on the tree until spring, although they commonly break off during winter. Adult weevils are now out laying eggs on terminal leaders, just below the expanding buds. After the eggs hatch, the larvae will bore just under the bark of the terminal and feed, moving downward as they progress. As buds expand this spring, they will quickly run out of water and food due to damage caused by larval feeding, and the terminal leader will begin to wilt, curl, and die. Continue reading “White pine weevil – old and new damage” →

Draft forest management guidelines update

Posted on by Kirsten Held

A draft update of Wisconsin’s Forest Management Guidelines is available for public comment.  See a description of the proposed changes and an updated draft of the publication here.  Submit your comments to Rob Anderson by June 6, 2018. This revision focuses on updating outdated information and adding relevant new information. Future updates of the publication will be made on a chapter-by-chapter basis to reflect recommendations from the Wisconsin Forest Practices Study.

Wisconsin delegation explores China market

Posted on by Kirsten Held

A delegation of six forestry businesses from Wisconsin, along with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection and Scott Lyon from the Department of Natural Resources, participated in a trade mission to China on March 20-April 4, 2018. The purpose was to explore and expand markets for Wisconsin’s forest products. Continue reading “Wisconsin delegation explores China market” →

Midwest Biomass Exchange

Posted on by Kirsten Held

Looking for outlets for selling mill residues this year? Check out the updated Midwest Biomass Exchange – a free online marketplace designed to help buyers and sellers of woody and agricultural biomass. Users can place ‘For Sale’ and ‘Wanted’ ads for selling biomass that can be used as fuel for heating and power generation, or as feedstock for other manufacturing processes.

The site is hosted by Heating the Midwest, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of woody and agricultural biomass for thermal energy and power. Updated from the old Minneapolis Biomass Exchange, the new site focuses more closely on biomass that can be used for fuel, and on serving the Midwestern area in the USA and Canada. For more information, visit the site or contact Dave Neumann at neumannd@michigan.gov.

By Forest Products Specialist Sabina Dhungana, Sabina.dhungana@wisconsin.gov, (608) 220-4531

Survey coming for secondary wood manufacturers

Posted on by Kirsten Held

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and University of Wisconsin-Wood Products Extension will be conducting a survey with Wisconsin’s secondary wood products manufacturers. This survey will be used to update the Wisconsin Wood Users Industry Directory.  The directory, last updated in 2009, is not currently available, but we plan to have the updated version online at our forestry products section of the DNR website.

The goals of this survey are to determine the impact of the secondary wood industry on Wisconsin’s economy, update the Wisconsin Wood Using Industry Directory, determine residue availability, and develop an understanding of educational and training needs for the success of your business.

If you are a secondary wood manufacturer, please be on the lookout for a survey to arrive in the mail over the next few weeks. If you do not receive a survey and would like to be part of the directory, please contact Scott Lyon at scott.lyon@wisconsin.gov or (920) 360-3722.

Written by Forest Products Specialist Scott Lyon

Upcoming forest products events

Posted on by Kirsten Held

72nd Forest Products Society International Convention
June 11-14, 2018
Madison, WI
Registration information here

National Firewood Workshop
June 20 – 21, 2018
Frankenmuth, MI
Registration information here

The International Woodworking Fair
August 22 – 25, 2018
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, GA
Registration information here

Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo
September 6-8, 2018
Sunnyview Expo Center
Oshkosh, WI
Registration information here

Wildfire danger begins to change with weather conditions

Posted on by laurahayes
Wildfire danger starts to decrease as vegetation greens up and we get regular rainfall.

Wildfire danger starts to change as the vegetation greens up and we get regular rainfall.

Green up of vegetation and regular rains have kept fire danger Low to Moderate in southern Wisconsin. Fire danger ranged from Moderate to Very High in northern Wisconsin. The progression of green up statewide and predicted rain over the weekend is expected to quell the fire danger even further. Over the past week, 72 wildfires burned 147 acres in DNR Protection Areas. Recent wildfire causes have been equipment, debris burning, fireworks, power line, railroad and campfires.

Firewise Tip: Make sure campfires are made in a fire-safe pit or container. Clear an area 10 feet around the fire pit and never burn when it’s windy. Before leaving, drown your campfire thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and add more water until it’s out cold.

This concludes the wildfire report until conditions cause the fire danger to rise. As a recap, 639 wildfires burned 1,802 acres this spring; 53 structures were destroyed and another 441 were threatened, but saved with firefighter assistance. Be mindful of the weather and any drying conditions as we head into summer. Stay informed of statewide fire danger by checking our Fire web page as a part your outdoor work and recreation routine.