The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging individuals to keep firewood local.
October is National Firewood Awareness Month, and the DNR wants to remind Wisconsinites and state visitors that harmful invasive species could be camping out on or inside firewood.
Taking firewood from one location to another could introduce one of these invasive species to an environment they were not previously established.
Tree-killing pests such as the spongy moth and emerald ash borer as well as the fungus responsible for oak wilt are quite common in the state but the spread can be contained.
The DNR and Don’t Move Firewood suggest leaving your wood at home when camping and instead buying firewood onsite.
Wisconsin has laws in place, as do many county, federal, and private campgrounds, which prohibit firewood from more than ten miles away from being brought on site.
However, firewood treatment certified by the DATCP is allowed to be brought anywhere statewide.
More information on these firewood regulations, invasive species, and National Firewood Awareness Month can be found online at dnr.wisconsin.gov.
