I'm pretty sure I know what this is, but wanted to submit to this group for confirmation. Not gonna say my guess, as I don't want to sway anyone with suggestion. What do you think?
I'm in southern NY (Westchester county). Boxelder sounds plausible. Will check out the leaves in the spring to confirm.Its box elder looks like maple, skin like ash but the red tinge gives it away. Box elder is in the maple family.
If it wasn't so darn cold and dark I'd go outside take pictures of some for you.
Edit: I manned up photo got white washed by the flash sadly... I've got better pieces that look exactly like yours and live trees with same bark. What area are you in?
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