When early settlers moved into Michigan, they brought with them the knowledge of which fence posts last a long time in the ground.  This turned out to be wood from the Black Locust tree (Robinia Pseudoacacia).  Since Michigan was not the tree’s native range, folks moved to propagate it here.  Other benefits of Black Locust are erosion control, fast early growth, nitrogen fixation, as well as one of the hardest and most rot resistant woods growing in the US.  What we know now however, is that the Black Locust tree is a non-native invasive species that is hard to eradicate.  Once cut, the tree sends out vigorous runners & shoots.  When the conditions warrant, the Black Locust tends to crowd out native trees.  Well, when God gives you lemons, you make lemonade.  It may take years to fully eradicate this persnickety tree, if we choose to do so.  How can we best utilize this limited resource?   Well, we have a need to continue our agricultural and construction work in a manner that does the least damage to the environment.   This wood is grown in Michigan, so transportation costs are manageable.  Research at MSU and elsewhere suggest that some Black Locust posts have  been known to last as long as 100 years in the ground!  Chemical treatment is unnecessary, further ecological contamination is avoided.  The need to replace rotted posts is greatly reduced.