This Protector’s Activity was contributed by Laurel Downs, the Forest Health Conservation Coordinator with The Nature Conservancy.
What's The Issue?
Did you know that transporting firewood can unknowingly spread invasive forest pests and diseases to new areas? Invasive species like the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), invasive longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), and spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) can hide within firewood for months, even surviving harsh winters. When firewood is moved from one location to another, these species often emerge and cause devastating damage to forests.
Due to the prevalence of hitchhiker pests, many states and parks have rules to encourage the use of local and/or certified, heat-treated firewood. For example, here in New York it is against the law to move untreated firewood more than 50 miles from where it originated. To be considered “treated” in New York, a government certified facility must subject the firewood to a heat-treatment process that is hot enough – and for long enough – to kill any pests in the wood (in New York this standard is 71° C (160° F) for 75 minutes). The state prohibits the entry of firewood that does not meet this standard! (View Firewood Regulations).
What Can You Do to Help?
Your firewood choices matter and you can help slow the spread of tree-killing pests and diseases by following some best practices, no matter where you are!
- Buy or source firewood from where you’ll burn it.
- Buy certified, heat-treated firewood (it’s the ONLY safe firewood to travel with).
- Responsibly gather firewood on-site when permitted.
By sourcing your firewood locally, and keeping it local, you dramatically reduce the risk of accidentally transporting invasive species that could go on to decimate tree populations in new areas.
What to Look For
It’s nearly impossible to tell if firewood contains harmful insects. If you need to travel with firewood, make sure to purchase certified, heat-treated firewood (in New York, look for the label “New York Approved Heat-treated Firewood/Pest Free” with the producer’s name and address), or keep the firewood as close as possible to its original source.
Follow the rules to protect our trees! Any firewood you transport in New York should include documentation of its source, origin, or heat treatment. Even if you’re traveling with firewood cut for personal use, carry a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin – this can save you from losing your firewood or facing a hefty fine!
Use these tools to learn more about firewood regulations and where to source local firewood.
Help Spread the Word
Help spread the word! October is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors in New York and a popular season for camping. It’s also the perfect time to remind friends and family about the risks to forest health caused by moving firewood.
Use the premade graphics and captions below to encourage others to buy firewood near their destination. Many parks sell firewood at the campground store or can direct you to nearby vendors. This helps protect trees—and saves space in your trunk! (Get more graphics and sources in the Don’t Move Firewood Resource Library)
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