Department of Natural Resources Urges Use of Local Firewood

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging people to use locally sourced firewood to crack down on invasive species spread.

According to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources, firewood is one of the most common ways for invasive species to spread throughout the state. Among those invasive species are the spongy moth and emerald ash borer, which have proven particularly troublesome to deal with across the state.

Over the summer, Burnett County announced it had confirmed its first emerald ash borer infestation. Prior to the June infestation, it had been the last county in Wisconsin that had not been infected by the invasive beetles. Taylor and Washburn Counties also had their first confirmed infestations earlier this year.

Department of Natural Resources officials expect that the emerald ash borer will eventually kill over 99% of the white, black and green ash trees in the state. A number of municipalities have turned to cutting down the ash trees on public property in an effort to halt their spread. Residents should be on the lookout for infected trees, which will typically show signs of woodpecker damage as the birds search for the larvae.

Wisconsin also has laws to prevent the spread of the spongy moth through firewood. A state quarantine prohibits the movement of firewood to counties on or near the state’s western border. Bringing uncertified firewood from over 10 miles away into a state park or forest property is also prohibited.

Since October is National Firewood Awareness Month, Department of Natural Resources officials are asking residents to “buy local, burn local.” Residents should try to purchase firewood for their camping trips on site.