ThinkingAfield.org

GW: Good advice for anyone storing anything with today’s gasoline.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.- Boaters and anglers will soon be putting away their boats for the season. But before they do, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has some tips learned from fuel industry insiders on how to store a boat with E-10 gasoline (containing 10% ethanol) over the winter.

The Octane issue:

Over long winter storage periods, E-10 gasoline loses octane at about the same rate as non-ethanol gasoline. So leaving the gas tank mostly empty – and then refilling in the spring in the hopes of “refreshing” the fuel to regain any octane loss – is not necessary. However, a nearly empty gas tank introduces another problem: the strong possibility of phase separation.

Ethanol (an alcohol) attracts water. It also absorbs water – about 10 times more than regular gasoline. When ethanol can no longer absorb the water, it will “phase separate” from the gasoline. Should phase separation occur, the (water soaked) ethanol will settle to the bottom of the tank, which is where the engine’s fuel system pick-up is located.

The problem with leaving a tank mostly empty is that it increases the tank’s “lung capacity” to breath in moist air (water) through the vent. If the tank is mostly empty over the winter, there will also be less E-10 gas in the tank to absorb the moisture. This combination of more water and less absorption greatly increases the chances of phase separation. Adding fresh gasoline in the spring would not remedy the problem – the phase-separated ethanol would remain separated at the bottom of the tank.

The Water Separator issue:

Any moisture in a tank will be readily absorbed by the ethanol. E-10 can hold up to 1/2 percent of water by volume and up to that concentration the water molecules will dissolve in the gasoline forming a soluble mixture that will pass through a water separator and burn harmlessly in your engine.

The only time water will collect in a tank and not be absorbed is if phase separation has occurred, and by then it will be too late. A water separator is not a solution to the phase separation problem.

The Fuel Additive issue:

Fuel additives are good for many reasons and should be used when laying up a boat for winter, but no additive will stand up to a good-sized slug of water. And once too much water has entered the tank and the gas has begun to phase separate, no additive will return the fuel to its original state. The only solution to phase-separated gas is to have a professional drain the tank and start anew.

The best advice for storing E-10 in your boat’s gas tank over winter:

Keep the tank nearly full. This greatly reduces the volume of moist air that can enter the tank via the fuel tank vent when temperatures fluctuate in the fall and spring. With any fuel, an antioxidant will help keep it fresh during lay-up. Finally, never plug up a fuel tank vent – it creates pressure that could cause dangerous leaks in the fuel system.

For more information including free downloadable winterizing checklists, go towww.BoatUS.com/winter. To watch a short video on ethanol and winterization, go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/BoatUSvideos#p/u/44/QWgLHTkDhYU.

About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
Contact:
D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

EDGEFIELD, S.C. – The National Wild Turkey Federation distributed and facilitated the contribution of more than $25 million during the 2010 fiscal year toward its mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting heritage. “NWTF volunteers and partners are the best, without a doubt,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The fact that they raised and invested $25 million in conservation and outreach projects – especially when times are tough economically – proves they are willing to work hard to conserve wildlife and preserve our hunting heritage.”

During the 2010 fiscal year, the NWTF and its partners supported projects that helped improve 689,903 acres of habitat and reached 90,000 people through NWTF outreach programs.

Some projects included improving wildlife habitat, supporting hunter education and providing opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities to experience outdoor fun through outreach programs.

To date, the NWTF and its partners have invested more than $331 million in upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 15.9 million acres of wildlife habitat.

Projects included:

* Habitat Enhancement, Wild Turkey Restoration, Management and Research: Helped improve wildlife habitat by supporting the NWTF’s fall seed subsidy and Conservation Seed programs, purchased equipment to improve habitat, created wildlife openings, purchased trapping, law enforcement and research equipment, and provided research grant support

* Youth Education: Funded scholarships and educational projects, introduced youth to shooting sports, provided NWTF Wild About Turkey Education Boxes and conducted 4-H and teacher workshops

* JAKES: Introduced youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting through the JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program

* Volunteer and Professional Education: Provided educational opportunities, purchased staff equipment and more

* Hunting Heritage: Protected and promoted our hunting heritage by contributing to organizations including the National Shooting Sports Foundation and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

* Land Purchases: Purchased land or conservation easements to conserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas

* Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF: Purchased materials and equipment to provide opportunities for women and people with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife conservation through Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF outreach events across North America

* Hunter Safety: Supported hunter safety classes and initiatives and purchased hunter safety materials and equipment such as interactive shooting systems

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C.

Contact:

September 7, 2010

Two Inverness, Florida residents were arrested when an investigation uncovered they had illegally taken a deer and then posted the photos on Facebook.

William Andrew Buchanan (DOB 08/26/89) and Tara Anne Carver (DOB 09/06/82) were cited for possession of wildlife taken illegally, according to investigators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

“FWC officers received information that the photos had been published on Facebook and investigated the tip,” said Lt. Steve Farmer, investigations supervisor. “Investigators then interviewed Buchanan and Carver.”

Buchanan confirmed he was in the photographs, helping skin the deer. He also stated he used his mother’s truck to move the deer when he received a call from Carver, and he provided the chain to hang the deer. However, he wouldn’t admit to shooting the deer or being present when the deer was killed, said Investigator Jim Smith, lead investigator on the case.

“Carver said she published the photographs on her Facebook page and that the deer was killed sometime in May,” Smith said.

Carver blamed Buchanan for killing the deer but confirmed she had skinned it and stored some of the meat in her uncle’s freezer.

“Fortunately for investigators, pictures can say a thousand words,” Smith said.

Farmer said there was a third person involved in the case, but he wasn’t charged because he was in county jail awaiting transport to state prison on multiple felony charges.

In a technologically advanced society, Internet websites provide opportunities for the collection of evidence when Florida’s wildlife is illegally killed. The FWC has created a specialized Internet Crimes Unit to monitor and collect evidence when Florida’s wildlife is exploited. Possession of illegally taken wildlife is a second-degree misdemeanor.

“This case is an excellent example of the FWC’s teamwork and shows our commitment to protecting the natural resources of Florida,” Farmer said.

GW: Bad economy? Tired of cheaters? These measures should help the sportsmen and women and if were up to me in Michigan, I’d make the fines heavier.

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said, starting today, the Commonwealth has begun to reverse its reputation of being a state with minimal risks for chronic poachers as new penalties – including higher fines and possible jail time – go into effect.

“Some chronic or commercial poachers considered Pennsylvania’s previous fines as merely a ‘cost of doing business,'” Roe said. “However, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Rendell – with the support of the Game Commission and law-abiding hunters and trappers – pulled the welcome mat back from those who would consider poaching Pennsylvania wildlife when they enacted a law establishing a new slate of fines and penalties for those convicted of various poaching-related offenses.”

Act 54 of 2010 was introduced as House Bill 1859, and sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3, which sent the bill onto Gov. Rendell, who signed it on July 9.

“We want to thank Rep. Staback for his hard work and diligence in getting House Bill 1859 through the system,” Roe said. “It was not an easy task, but a needed one.

“Increasing penalties for serious violations is one of the operational objectives within the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Strategic Plan. This marks the first comprehensive piece of legislation to increase Game and Wildlife Code penalties since 1987, and we believe it will significantly enhance wildlife protection in the Commonwealth, especially since this marks the first time that some poachers could actually face prison time for their actions.”

Rep. Staback noted that, from Day One, when he first sat down with Carl Roe to talk about putting an anti-poaching bill together, he wanted the penalties to be so tough that they would become a deterrent, keeping people from committing the crime in the first place.

“I wanted that shooter to know that he faces high fines and jail time for breaking wildlife laws, not just a slap on the wrist like before,” Rep. Staback said. “After three years of effort, working side by side with the Game Commission, the new laws on the book treat poachers and black marketers just as they are – criminals who deserve the stiff penalties that they now will face in the court of law.”

Roe noted that, before the passage of this bill, a poacher could kill every big game animal – which includes deer, elk, bear and turkey – in Pennsylvania and the penalty was the legal equivalent of a traffic ticket with no possibility of jail time.

“Under this legislation, those convicted of killing five or more big game animals, or three big game poaching offenses within seven years, will face possible felony-level penalties ranging from $1,000 to up to $15,000, loss of license privileges for 15 years, and up to three years in prison,” Roe said. “In fact, even the poaching of a single deer now carries a minimum of a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail, with five years license revocation.

“This is an enormous step forward in creating deterrence to poaching. It treats the theft of wildlife, which is what poaching is, similar to the theft of anything else in regards to punishment, and ultimately enhancing the protection of the Commonwealth’s wildlife resource.”

As examples of how the new law would be applied, Rich Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection director, noted that a case from last December in which two individuals who went on a two-day poaching spree that resulted in at least eight dead deer were liable for up to $6,400 in fines and three years of hunting license revocations. Under the new law, for committing the same offense a violator would be looking at up to $15,000 in fines, up to three years in jail, and up to 15 years of license revocation.

In another example, two individuals were found guilty of killing a black bear out of season last year. They were each charged with committing a summary offense, with fines up to $1,500 and three years license revocation. Anyone caught committing the same crime now is facing a misdemeanor offense with fines up to $3,000, up to six months imprisonment, and five years of hunting license revocation.

The new law also includes heightened penalties for the buying and selling of game; increased fines for summary offenses, such as using unlawful methods or devices; increased penalties for the killing of threatened or endangered species; and increased jail time for non-payment of fines from 120 days to six months.

“For the person who jacklights a couple of deer, kills a bear to sell its gall bladder or claws, or goes on a killing spree for some twisted reason, Pennsylvania’s wildlife protection laws now for the first time include felonies and misdemeanors that fit the crime,” Rep. Staback said. “Sportsmen are the most vocal group demanding tough treatment of poachers because they know that not only does poaching deplete a resource, it gives a black eye to the sport that we all enjoy and respect.”

Roe noted that a second bill, Senate Bill 1200, would complete the state’s effort to discourage would-be poachers from committing their crimes in Pennsylvania. SB 1200 is Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard Alloway’s measure to enroll Pennsylvania in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. This bill passed the Senate unanimously on March 23, 2010, and presently is awaiting a final vote in the House of Representatives.

“By having Pennsylvania part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, anyone convicted of poaching-related offenses in Pennsylvania also would lose their hunting privileges in other IWVC-member states,” Roe said. “Similarly, those convicted of poaching-related offenses in other IWVC-member states would not be able to lawfully hunt in Pennsylvania.”

Given the variations of hunting laws from state to state, SB 1200 spells out the specific hunting violations that would place someone who loses their hunting privileges in another state on the Pennsylvania list of ineligible license buyers. This list also represents the only violations committed in Pennsylvania that will be added to the IWVC database. Those specific offenses listed in Senate Bill 1200 include: unlawfully using lights to take wildlife; buying and selling game; hunting or furtaking under the influence of drugs or alcohol; shooting at or causing injury to a human; counterfeiting, altering or forging a license or tag; committing violations related to threatened or endangered species; assaulting/interfering or causing bodily injury to a Wildlife Conservation Officer; hunting or furtaking while on revocation; and illegally taking or possessing big game in closed season. The list also would include those convicted of other wildlife crimes classified as fourth-degree summaries or greater, such as road hunting, if there are two convictions within a 24-month period.

“Enactment of these two bills will go a long way toward closing Pennsylvania’s borders to those who have proven themselves to be unrepentant poachers,” Roe said. “House Bill 1859 already has been enacted. The second bill, Senate Bill 1200, is nearing the finish line, and I urge our state legislators to enact this bill to improve the Game Commission’s ability to protect wildlife.

“Also, I thank the many sportsmen’s organizations for once again standing up for wildlife and for law-abiding and ethical hunters and trappers for supporting these two measures.”

With the increased penalties and the possibility of Pennsylvania soon joining the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, Roe noted that there is yet a third reason that poachers need to be wary of perpetuating their illegal practices in Pennsylvania: the general public.

“The Game Commission is noticing a renewed ‘we’re-not-going-to-take-it-anymore’ attitude from concerned residents and law-abiding hunters who are taking the initiative to report what they are seeing and hearing, and we applaud them for their efforts,” Roe said. “Calls and e-mails to our Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) Hotline have increased and resulted in several solid convictions. In fact, some of the information is so overwhelming that defendants simply pled guilty rather than having the embarrassment of going to court to try and defend their indefensible actions.

“The bottom line is that Pennsylvania will no longer be walked on – like a welcome mat – by those who abuse their hunting and trapping privileges in our state or other states.”

Contact: Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us

A Michigan taxidermy company is to be sentenced in November, after pleading guilty to possessing dead animals on the endangered species list.

The Wildlife Gallery acknowledged that it failed to file documents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

The Wildlife Gallery has Michigan locations in Blanchard, St. Louis, Indian River and Gladwin. Court records show it is expected to be placed on probation and will be ordered to pay a minimum of a $10,000 fine when sentenced Nov. 22 in Bay City.

Gallery president Bradley Eldred will not be prosecuted, if the company follows the sentence and remains out of trouble during probation period, according to the plea agreement.

By combining the Lead Sled system of recoil reduction with the groundbreaking performance of the Fire Control mechanism, Battenfeld Technologies has introduced the industry’s most advanced shooting platform ─ The Lead Sled Fire Control Xtreme (FCX).

Lead Sled recoil reduction technology captures recoil energy from firearms, and then transfers it through the frame system to the weights in the weight tray. By eliminating up to 95% of felt recoil, Lead Sleds enhance accuracy by helping to prevent flinching which promotes smooth trigger pulls.

The Fire Control mechanism is an advanced alignment system actuated by a “joystick” style control arm. The control arm can be moved 360 degrees to perfectly align the crosshairs. When released, it holds the rifle in that exact position. This precision alignment prevents leaning, pushing or pulling the gun, allowing for a completely relaxed shooting posture resulting in enhanced accuracy.

For more information about Battenfeld Technologies and Caldwell Shooting Supplies visit www.BattenfeldTechnologies.com, or call 573-445-9200.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

To seed or not to seed, that was the question. The hit and miss showers over the past month or so had an uncanny nature to miss our precious food plots, which were seeded according to the book on the first of August. As a result, I became nervous whether all the hard work and expense would bear fruit – or in this case, turnips, rape, and biologic maximum. With only a small fraction of brassica seed having germinated, I placed a call to food plotter extraordinaire, Ed Spinnazola three weeks ago.

Although Ed was away on a field day demonstration, his wife was able to relay a return message to me: Wait it out. Ed indicated that the drought conditions, although unfortunate, would not harm the seed and that patience was required. I took his advice and wondered why I never learned to dance – rain dance, that is.

Week after week the minor amounts of precipitation never penetrated the desert-like soil conditions. I then wondered if it were possible that the little bit of moisture we had received, may have caused the shallow-planted seed to germinate and then succumb to the high heat. After discussing this possibility with several farmers, I became convinced that it was likely and ordered more seed.

The next issue was how to proceed. I chose not to spray again for newly sprouted weeds that never seem to need rain. A closer look at the volunteer vegetation revealed that deer had been browsing on the pigweed, so killing it off didn’t make sense. Plus, unless a spot spray was used, I’d have killed off the desirable brassica plants, sparse as they were. So, on September 1, I broadcast over the top of it all just ahead of a rain-producing cold front moving in from the west.

I ruled out cultipacking the seed this time around to avoid damaging existing plants during the process. My theory was that merely broadcasting seed would produce less germination, thus not overcrowding what has been growing. In addition, any seed planted a month ago, that may still be lying dormant and in need of a good soaking to germinate, may sprout.

With the high temperatures and lack of rain, this season’s food plots are not expected to be a strong as in years past. Even if all goes well with the weather from this time forward, the growing season will have been shortened by one month. No doubt, that means smaller plants but I am wondering what the net effect will be.

If we were selling turnips, they’d probably be laughable; however, the deer won’t be as judgmental. And, since several acres have been planted, there just may be enough to go around for the harsh winter months ahead. In years past, we have had an over-abundance of brassicas – so much so that a fair amount actually rots in the field in the following spring. Of course, the decayed matter creates better soil for future plantings. This time, we’ll just have to wait and see.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK-VERSUS, the most-watched sports cable network in the country for outdoor programming, will debut six season premieres of heart-pounding hunting shows on Friday, September 3. New episodes of Winchester World of Whitetail with Larry Weishuhn, Winchester Whitetail Revolution, Remington’s The Buck Stops Here with Mike Hanback, The Bucks of Tecomate featuring Jeff Foxworthy and David Morris, Elk Fever and The Best and Worst of Tred Barta begin tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Viewers can watch all of VERSUS’ respected hosts and outdoor authorities hunt various kinds of game, including whitetail in Kentucky, Colorado and Montana and elk in Colorado. Descriptions for the premiere episodes are below. For a full schedule please visit www.VERSUS.com.

7:00 p.m. ET Winchester World of Whitetail
Track along with Larry Weishuhn as he works with new ammo, attends a Dallas Safari Club event and hunts for whitetail.

7:30 p.m. ET Winchester Whitetail Revolution
Hunter and host Joe Codd is in Kentucky, where he is in the thick timber pulling out all the stops to score a trophy buck.

8:00 p.m. ET The Buck Stops Here with Mike Hanback
Mike heads to Montana to pursue whitetail deer on the famous Milk River.

8:30 p.m. ET The Bucks of Tecomate featuring Jeff Foxworthy and David Morris
David Morris and friends hunt the vast open prairies of Eastern Colorado for monster bucks.

9:30 p.m. ET Elk Fever
Guide Kessler Canyon takes out a first time elk hunter through the beautiful mountain-lined terrain of Colorado.

10:00 p.m. ET The Best and Worst of Tred Barta
Tred is back in action and he’s heading out to hunt for elk in this action-packed episode.

GW: Much easier than anything being done in Michigan. I like the concept.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters again will be able to provide deer meat to anyone willing to accept it, thanks to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission program.

Nebraska has an ample deer population, as well as many hunting opportunities. The Deer Exchange is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. Hunters who have filled their freezers may still bag a deer and have somewhere to take the meat.

Deer Exchange participants may register by visiting OutdoorNebraska.org, and then selecting Hunting, Programs, and then the Deer Exchange Program link.

Here is how the free program, which runs through March 1, 2011, works: Donors and recipients of deer meat register, search a database for participants in their area, and then make contact by telephone to set up the transfer of deer meat. Deer meat may not be sold.

The recipient may accept field dressed deer, skinned and boned deer, or wrapped and frozen deer meat. The donor is responsible for properly field dressing and checking the deer before transfer.

Game and Parks is not responsible for the quality of the meat or failure of the donor or recipient to follow through with the transfer. The agency provides the necessary transfer cards online.

Other benefits of the program include:

— Venison is a good source of protein in a diet.

— The interaction increases communication between hunters and nonhunters.

— Opportunities exist to recruit new hunters.

GW: I was not aware that this rule has been effective in Michigan, as well. We sure don’t want to lose another valuable resource such as has been done with our ash trees.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has issued an emergency rule banning the transportation of walnut products from nine western states and Tennessee to prevent the introduction of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) that afflicts black walnut trees and other walnut species, including butternut.

The emergency rule, issued by the DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology, became effective yesterday and will help protect Indiana’s black walnut trees from the disease.

The rule applies to walnut products from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington.

Banned products originating from or traveling through the affected states include walnut nursery stock, unprocessed walnut lumber, or any other walnut material, such as logs, stumps, roots, branches, mulch, wood chips, other products created from walnut trees, and hardwood firewood.

Products exempt from the rule include nuts, nut meats, hulls, kiln-dried lumber with squared sides and no bark, and finished products such as furniture, instruments, and gun stocks.

Indiana joins Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska in banning the transport of walnut products from the infested states.

Although TCD has not been found in Indiana, it is a major threat to the state’s black walnut resource. Black walnut is the most valuable tree in Indiana based on the dollar value of wood produced, mainly walnut veneer, as well as timber and nuts.

There are an estimated 31.5 million walnut trees in Indiana. Approximately 17.7 million board feet of black walnut is harvested annually with a value of $21.4 million. If all forest walnuts in Indiana were lost because of TCD, it would represent a $1.7 billion loss. State Forester John Seifert, director of the DNR Division of Forestry, said the estimates do not include the value of urban trees and investments landowners have made for black walnut plantations and tree improvement over the past 30 years.

“We have much to lose from the spread of TCD,” said Phil Marshall, state entomologist and director of the DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology. “It is crucial that we avoid its introduction into Indiana. This rule essentially protects our state, allowing us to prevent potentially infected material from entering Indiana.”

Forest landowners do not need to harvest or cut their black walnut trees as a result of the disease or the emergency rule. If you notice a suspicious decline in black walnut trees or otherwise suspect an infestation of TCD, call 1-866-663-9684 (1-866-NO EXOTIC). If approached by individuals offering to cut a black walnut because of the disease, contact the DNR or a consulting forester to have the tree checked for disease.

Originally found in Arizona, TCD affects many types of walnut trees to varying degrees but is lethal to black walnuts, which often are grown in plantations in Indiana but also are common in the state’s urban and rural forests.

TCD is spread by walnut twig beetles carrying a newly identified fungus. Smaller than a pinhead, the beetles bore into walnut branches, feeding on the tree’s tissues and depositing the fungus that creates a canker, or dead area, under the bark. Multiple feedings cause the formation of thousands of cankers under the bark and destroys the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Gradually, branches die, and then the entire tree.

Walnut trees affected by the disease typically die within two to three years after symptoms are noticed.

“It is amazing that this much destruction could come from such a tiny beetle,” Marshall said. “The walnut twig beetle is just the latest invasive pest to threaten Indiana’s forests and our $8 billion timber industry. Indiana already has issues with the gypsy moth and emerald ash borer. It’s fairly simple. To preserve our forests, people must not bring destructive insects and diseases into Indiana, and we need to do our best to inform the public and take management steps to protect our forests.”

More information on TCD can be found at www.dnr.IN.gov/entomolo or at www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/current_interest.html#WTCD. The timber industry businesses needing assistance with this rule need to contact the Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology at (317) 232-4120.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has issued an emergency rule banning the transportation of walnut products from nine western states and Tennessee to prevent the introduction of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) that afflicts black walnut trees and other walnut species, including butternut.

The emergency rule, issued by the DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology, became effective yesterday and will help protect Indiana’s black walnut trees from the disease.

The rule applies to walnut products from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington.

Banned products originating from or traveling through the affected states include walnut nursery stock, unprocessed walnut lumber, or any other walnut material, such as logs, stumps, roots, branches, mulch, wood chips, other products created from walnut trees, and hardwood firewood.

Products exempt from the rule include nuts, nut meats, hulls, kiln-dried lumber with squared sides and no bark, and finished products such as furniture, instruments, and gun stocks.

Indiana joins Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska in banning the transport of walnut products from the infested states.

Although TCD has not been found in Indiana, it is a major threat to the state’s black walnut resource. Black walnut is the most valuable tree in Indiana based on the dollar value of wood produced, mainly walnut veneer, as well as timber and nuts.

There are an estimated 31.5 million walnut trees in Indiana. Approximately 17.7 million board feet of black walnut is harvested annually with a value of $21.4 million. If all forest walnuts in Indiana were lost because of TCD, it would represent a $1.7 billion loss. State Forester John Seifert, director of the DNR Division of Forestry, said the estimates do not include the value of urban trees and investments landowners have made for black walnut plantations and tree improvement over the past 30 years.

“We have much to lose from the spread of TCD,” said Phil Marshall, state entomologist and director of the DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology. “It is crucial that we avoid its introduction into Indiana. This rule essentially protects our state, allowing us to prevent potentially infected material from entering Indiana.”

Forest landowners do not need to harvest or cut their black walnut trees as a result of the disease or the emergency rule. If you notice a suspicious decline in black walnut trees or otherwise suspect an infestation of TCD, call 1-866-663-9684 (1-866-NO EXOTIC). If approached by individuals offering to cut a black walnut because of the disease, contact the DNR or a consulting forester to have the tree checked for disease.

Originally found in Arizona, TCD affects many types of walnut trees to varying degrees but is lethal to black walnuts, which often are grown in plantations in Indiana but also are common in the state’s urban and rural forests.

TCD is spread by walnut twig beetles carrying a newly identified fungus. Smaller than a pinhead, the beetles bore into walnut branches, feeding on the tree’s tissues and depositing the fungus that creates a canker, or dead area, under the bark. Multiple feedings cause the formation of thousands of cankers under the bark and destroys the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Gradually, branches die, and then the entire tree.

Walnut trees affected by the disease typically die within two to three years after symptoms are noticed.

“It is amazing that this much destruction could come from such a tiny beetle,” Marshall said. “The walnut twig beetle is just the latest invasive pest to threaten Indiana’s forests and our $8 billion timber industry. Indiana already has issues with the gypsy moth and emerald ash borer. It’s fairly simple. To preserve our forests, people must not bring destructive insects and diseases into Indiana, and we need to do our best to inform the public and take management steps to protect our forests.”

More information on TCD can be found at www.dnr.IN.gov/entomolo or at www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/current_interest.html#WTCD. The timber industry businesses needing assistance with this rule need to contact the Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology at (317) 232-4120.