Hunters reminded not to move firewood around state
Weekly News Article Published: November 11, 2008 by the Central Office
MADISON – Deer hunters packing up to head off for deer camps across the state are being reminded by state forestry officials that firewood can transport dangerous pests. They are asking hunters to get their wood near where they will camp and avoid moving it long distances or across state lines.
“Many invasive, destructive pests and diseases can travel on firewood,” says Andrea Diss-Torrance, forest health specialist with the state Department of Natural Resources. “Unsuspecting hunters can introduce these pests to the places and trees where they love to hunt.”
The emerald ash borer larvae make characteristic S-shaped feeding tunnels in the trees they have infested.
WDNR Photo
“While insects are not active this time of year, it is possible that pests and diseases such as the emerald ash borer or oak wilt are present inside the wood in a dormant state. They can hitch a ride on firewood to your home, cabin or campsite and emerge next spring from leftover wood,” Diss-Torrance says.
To help protect state parks, forests and natural areas, state rules prohibit firewood being brought into any DNR managed property if it is cut more than 50 miles from the state land where it will be used or from outside of Wisconsin. In addition, hardwood firewood from Wisconsin counties quarantined for emerald ash borer will be confiscated at campgrounds outside the quarantined area. Counties in Wisconsin quarantined for emerald ash borer are Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac.
The rule means that people who camp this year on state-managed land while hunting will need to buy firewood at the campground, from a nearby Wisconsin firewood dealer, or obtain it from land located less than 50 miles from the campground, within Wisconsin and outside the quarantined area if the campground is also outside the quarantined area. All other firewood will be confiscated upon entry to the park and destroyed.
“The idea is to get the word out in as many ways as possible before people plan and pack for their camping trip,” says Diss-Torrance.
Due to the devastation caused in other states by emerald ash borer, Federal quarantines have been placed on firewood from Illinois, lower Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, the four Wisconsin counties listed above and parts of the upper peninsula of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Missouri. Anyone moving firewood from out of these areas and into the state of Wisconsin is subject to federal fines starting at $1,000.
More information about Emerald Ash Borer, what’s being done, and what people can do to prevent its spread is available on the [Emerald Ash Borer [exit DNR] Web site. More information about Wisconsin’s firewood rule is available on the DNR Web site or by calling the firewood hotline at 1-877-303-WOOD (9663).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Diss-Torrance - (608) 264-9247
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