Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 37(3): May 2011 fungi are easily transported on wood without detection, which make control attempts difficult (Rossman 2001). However, be- cause fungi can survive in dead wood, people may transport vi- able fungal tree pathogens to new areas via firewood, especially those species with insect vectors. Examples of exotic pathogen transport on firewood include the insect vectors and pathogen of Dutch elm disease (Allen and Humble 2002), the pathogen caus- ing oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum) (Lewis 1987; Juzwik et al. 2008), the vascular fungus and exotic insect vector causing laurel wilt (Raffaelea spp. and Xyleborus glabratus, respectively) (Mayfield 2007), and the pathogen causing sudden oak death (Rizzo and Garbelotto 2003; Cushman and Meentemeyer 2008). Exotic species can have widespread and long-term deleteri- ous effects on urban and forest ecosystems; examples include chestnut blight (caused by Cryphonectria parasitica), gypsy moth, and Dutch elm disease (Liebhold et al. 1995; Allen and Humble 2002; Lovett et al. 2006; Crocker et al. 2007; Beck et al. 2008). Besides the loss of ecosystem function, wildlife habi- tat, timber production, or recreational opportunities in naturally forested systems, impacts of invasive tree pests on urban forests include the costs for active management, tree removals/replace- ments, loss of real estate value, and loss of recreation fee rev- enues (Liebhold et al. 1995; Pimentel et al. 2005; Sydnor et al. 2007; Beck et al. 2008). As of 2005, Pimentel et al. determined total costs for exotic forest arthropod pest damage and subse- quent control were $2.1 billion, forest plant pathogen costs were $2.1 billion, costs of Dutch Elm Disease alone was $100 million, and gypsy moth control was $11 million. The ongoing economic and ecological impacts of EAB dam- age in Midwestern communities are substantial (Poland and McCullough 2006). EAB is expected to expand to 37.9 million ash trees in urban areas in a 25-state area in the eastern U.S. by 2019 (Kovacs et al. 2010). The cost of treating, removing, and replacing ash trees has been estimated at $10.7 billion (Kovacs et al. 2010); however, those costs have been estimated at $1.8 and $7.6 billion in Ohio com- munities alone (Sydnor et al. 2007). It is proposed that camper move- ment of firewood has the potential to be a high risk pathway of both native and exotic insects and pathogens with- in and into western states, especially if campers come from infested areas. The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify the proportion and numbers of National and State Park campers in the southern Rocky Mountain region (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming) bringing firewood from out of state; 2) determine the state origins of the firewood; and 3) determine other risk factors associated with firewood including wood gen- era, presence of bark, and presence of previous insect or fungal infestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Colorado State and Western U.S. National Parks Surveys Campers in 15 campgrounds in seven Colorado State Parks were surveyed in 2008 (Figure 1; Table 1). Parks were strati- fied across Colorado to cover three geographic areas: the eastern plains, the mid-state Front Range areas and areas west of Front Range (Figure 1; Table 1). In 2009, 30 camp- grounds were surveyed in 13 National Parks or National Rec- reation Areas in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyo- ming (Figure 1; Table 1). In 2007, 2008, and 2009, surveys were conducted in three campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park and one campground in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve each year (repeated surveys). Multiple campgrounds were surveyed in most parks and a campground was defined as having at least 30 camping sites. A pair of researchers visited campgrounds in June, July, or August in 2007 and 2008 (Colorado State Park surveys and re- peated surveys at two National Parks) and between March and August in 2009 (National Park surveys) to ask campers a series of predetermined voluntary questions regarding firewood transport. The number of missed contacts (where campers were not present at occupied campsites) was also recorded. Personal identifica- tion information (e.g., names, vehicle license numbers) was not collected so the survey remained anonymous. Data collected in- cluded: camper home state, type of camping (recreation vehicle, 127 Figure 1. Map of 13 National Parks or Recreation Areas (NPs or NRAs) and seven Colorado State Parks (in italics) surveyed in five states in 2007, 2008, or 2009. ©2011 International Society of Arboriculture
May 2011
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