Yesterday, we published a story and short video about this year's maple syrup yields, which some astute observers estimate are down 80% in the Catskills region.
We got an email from forester Peter Smallidge, who directs the maple program at Cornell University. Smallidge writes:
I have not talked systematically with producers in any region of NY. However, in casual conversation the syrup yields in the south-central Finger Lakes (near Ithaca) are down considerably. The production at the Cornell University facility at Arnot Forest is currently about 40% of average. The cold weather this weekend increase production a bit. Conversely, I have heard that production in northern New York is good. I haven’t heard from western NY.
The primary determinant, from year to year, of syrup production is the pattern of freeze/thaw oscillations during the sap season. As you likely know sap flow is best with freezing night time temperatures and warming temperatures during the day. There are other events that can also reduce syrup production. The “maple worm” is a bit of a generic term, but most likely describes the forest tent caterpillar (FTC). The FTC is different from the eastern tent caterpillar that makes tents each spring on cherry and apple trees you see along the roadsides. The FTC does not make tents. In some large regions of NY during the last few years, the FTC has defoliated large areas of woodlands. I have heard of significant defoliation in south central Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence county and the western Catskills. I’m sure there are other locations. Trees respond differently to defoliation, depending on the intensity and timing of the insects. Tree responses might include retaining the partially chewed leaves to dropping the leaves and forcing new leaves. In either case, the concentration of sugars are likely to be reduced. Multiple years of defoliation, or defoliation linked with another significant stress in the same year, can result in tree mortality. Reduced sugar in the sap will also reduce the volume of syrup produced. Here is a link for more information about FTC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7111.html.
Smallidge is also active on an online discussion forum on maple sugaring and other forestry issues: the Woodland Owners' Forum. They're interested in hearing from local foresters and maple producers.
