Appendix A

Primary Goal: Businesses recycle ash removals into useable products.

Assumptions:

  1. Typical ash log is low to medium quality.
  2. Primary products produced are for industrial products such as wood packaging materials, railroad ties, etc
  3. Logs processed are at least 6 inches (DIB) at the small end.
  4. Smaller material is chipped. Chips are used for mulch, compost, or energy purposes.
  5. All slabs from converted logs are chipped.
  6. Work initially with existing mills in local area.

Steps to Achieve Primary Goal:

  1. Identify all existing primary processing facilities within the surrounding area.
    • Identify production capabilities,
    • raw material requirement,
    • willingness to purchase ash removals, log specifications, and price
  2. Obtain clear specifications on APHIS sanitation definitions/requirements.
  3. Assess the types of ash removals that will be generated in terms of diameters, lengths, quality, foreign material, rot, etc.
  4. Identify organizations that will be involved with ash removals, what their knowledge level is in regards to manufacturing saw log materials, transportation capabilities, training needs.
  5. Identify most interested businesses and provide economic incentives for processing this material.
  6. Provide appropriate training.

Targeting Michigan's core emerald ash borer infestation area of Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties.