01-21-2017, 05:37 AM
know anything about soils? ...planetary function....Yoga retreats....European female herbalists...petroleum products...
ohiagrrl, if one of your points is that scientists don't have all the answers, I think as a group they'd be the first to agree with you. Sometimes non-scientists don't have the answers either, they are just as capable of getting it right or wrong.
Let's say your ideas about ohia ash are correct. If you burn diseased wood in place (as it's currently recommended not to move diseased trees) you could conduct your tests as thoroughly as if you did cut and move logs, but with minimal risk of spreading the fungus. Just disinfect your boots and saws.
However, if your initial results are promising but not proven, and you and others start moving untreated ohia wood around the island to burn areas because you're convinced your theory is correct even before you have 100% certainty, you run the risk of spreading ROD if it turns out sawdust is a serious transmission vector. Yes, you can spray the sawdust, treat log ends, etc, but I've cut wood to heat my home for over 15 years and I can tell you without a doubt, you are not going to get it all. Wind, boots, pant cuffs, dust, it doesn't drop neatly into one easily treatable pile.*
I think you have a good idea, and should pursue further tests. The regulations in place don't prevent you from doing so.
Edited to add:
* Most people would use a chainsaw to cut up sections of tree trunks. Sawdust from the chain can easily be thrown 10 feet in front of, and behind the cut when going full throttle. I did much of my wood cutting in the snow, which allows the length and breadth of the trails to readily and accurately be seen both directions.
ohiagrrl, if one of your points is that scientists don't have all the answers, I think as a group they'd be the first to agree with you. Sometimes non-scientists don't have the answers either, they are just as capable of getting it right or wrong.
Let's say your ideas about ohia ash are correct. If you burn diseased wood in place (as it's currently recommended not to move diseased trees) you could conduct your tests as thoroughly as if you did cut and move logs, but with minimal risk of spreading the fungus. Just disinfect your boots and saws.
However, if your initial results are promising but not proven, and you and others start moving untreated ohia wood around the island to burn areas because you're convinced your theory is correct even before you have 100% certainty, you run the risk of spreading ROD if it turns out sawdust is a serious transmission vector. Yes, you can spray the sawdust, treat log ends, etc, but I've cut wood to heat my home for over 15 years and I can tell you without a doubt, you are not going to get it all. Wind, boots, pant cuffs, dust, it doesn't drop neatly into one easily treatable pile.*
I think you have a good idea, and should pursue further tests. The regulations in place don't prevent you from doing so.
Edited to add:
* Most people would use a chainsaw to cut up sections of tree trunks. Sawdust from the chain can easily be thrown 10 feet in front of, and behind the cut when going full throttle. I did much of my wood cutting in the snow, which allows the length and breadth of the trails to readily and accurately be seen both directions.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves