Going camping? It’s important to remember not to move firewood. Instead, buy it within 10 miles of where you will use it. This will help to prevent the spread of invasive pests. / Photo Credit: Istockphoto.com
By Wisconsin DNR
Camping season is about to enter full swing, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple.
That makes this a good time for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remind the public of the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s forests and trees by not transporting firewood long distances.
Even after a tree has died, firewood can carry pests or diseases — on its surface or inside the log — which can attack or infect other trees. To help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, always get your firewood near where you will use it.
Bringing firewood from a different location or taking it home from a faraway campsite can also cause harmful tree problems in your backyard, street or favorite campsite.
All staffed Wisconsin state parks and forests offer a firewood purchasing kiosk. Campers are urged to purchase firewood near the site where it will be used, to fight the spread of pests and diseases. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Just one firewood log can easily hide insects such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth or the tiny spores of a tree-killing fungal disease such as oak wilt. By using local firewood, you avoid moving pests to new places.
“Buying local firewood is one way everyone can do their part to protect Wisconsin’s forests. Remember to ‘Buy It Where You Burn It’ and ‘Don’t Move Firewood,’” said Mike Hillstrom, DNR forest pest and disease specialist.
To prevent the spread of emerald ash borer and other invasive insects and diseases in Wisconsin state parks and properties, visitors are prohibited from bringing firewood from locations further than 10 miles away from the property.
Treated, pest-free wood from state-certified vendors is exempted from this regulation, though campers should carry a tag or receipt that confirms the firewood’s exempt status.
However, all staffed state parks and forest campgrounds have firewood for sale. Hours of firewood sales vary by property. Check the DNR webpage for each campground for details.
If you do not know where to get local firewood, check Firewood Scout for a list of vendors near your home, cabin or camping destination. This tool is at no cost, and firewood vendors may add themselves to the list for free.
For more information on the risks of moving firewood, visit the DNR’s Firewood Rules and Resources webpage.
A firewood log at Kettle Moraine State Park – Southern Unit carries two spongy moth egg masses. Bringing this log to or from a campground could lead to an infestation of the invasive insect in a new location. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR