Guide Suspends the Requirement to Treat for Annosum Root Rot During This Winter

PRESS RELEASE
12-06-12
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Henry Schienebeck
715-282-5828
Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
www.timberpa.com

Annosum Winter Treatment Suspension

This press release was origionally created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and is being distributed by the Great Lakes Timber Professional Association (GLTPA) on behalf of Executive Director Henry Schienebeck

DATE: December 1, 2012

TO: Forestry Supervisors

FROM: Paul DeLong, Administrator, Division of Forestry

SUBJECT: Guide suspends the requirement to treat for annosum root rot during this winter

I am following up my November 18, 2012 message to you and the Council on Forestry regarding my decision to suspend the requirement to treat for annosum root rot on affected state lands from December 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013. The basis for this decision is the reduced risk of infection during this time period (according to recent research results), the challenge of spray treatment in cold weather, and overall concerns about treatment. This guide replaces the previous exemption that was based on forecasted daily-high temperatures and snow coverage.

Some additional information for you to use in implementing the guide on affected state lands:

The guide: The requirement to treat for annosum root rot will be suspended from December 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.

Effective date of implementation: December 1, 2012

The guide will apply only to:

· State DNR timber sales currently under contract or those proposed for sale that have provisions for annosum treatment.

· Timber sales sold with the option of using Cellu-treat OR sporax application (timber sale bids specifically requiring a hand application of Sporax will still require treatment as prescribed in the contract).

In case of unusual weather conditions, the discretion to deviate from the guidance if conditions warrant will be left with the property manager. Examples of unusual weather conditions include but not limited to prolonged unusually warm weather patterns during the suspended periods and heavy snow coverage outside of the suspended periods. I have included a form which must be filled out and signed if a deviation is to be granted on a particular timber sale. I encourage the property manager to work with local forester(s)/forest health specialist(s) and affected loggers to determine if such an adjustment is needed and if it can be practically implemented. Please help your staff to ensure a smooth implementation of this guide.

Thank you

Paul DeLong

Administrator, Division of Forestry

Chief State Forester

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

P.O. Box 7921

Madison, WI 53707

phone: (608) 264-9224

fax: (608) 266-8576

e-mail: paul.delong@wisconsin.gov

Visit our website:dnr.wi.gov

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIDNR.

The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) is a non-profit organization that is committed to leading the Forest Products industry in sustainable forest management through advocacy, professionalism, service to members, education and training. 

The GLTPA has represented members in Wisconsin and Michigan for over 65 years. GLTPA members include loggers, truckers, sawmills, paper manufacturers, private and commercial forest landowners, forestry professionals and outdoor recreational enthusiasts.  

Together, with sustainable forestry practices, we will protect our forests' renewable resources for generations to come.