Why You Shouldn’t Take Firewood With You on a Hike
If you’re planning on camping, having a bonfire on the beach, or even heading to a backyard bonfire, bringing some firewood you already have lying around might seem like a great idea. After all, finding a source of wood near your event can be challenging, and you may have to do extra preparation. But you shouldn’t travel more than a few miles with firewood: you could inadvertently spread tree-eating pests.
Firewood is not as dead as it seems
Firewood may appear completely lifeless by the time it is cut and processed, but it is actually a living ecosystem that can support many relatively harmless species, as well as wood-boring beetles, insect eggs and larvae, and mold spores. Although you can’t see them, these tiny hitchhikers can cause a lot of trouble to trees in your surrounding area. Insects and mold can infest trees and in some cases kill them, so don’t give them a free ride.
Do not carry firewood over long distances
Using firewood that is sourced within 10 miles of your destination will help ensure that your wood does not introduce invasive species into the area where you plan to use it. A good way to find locally sourced firewood is to check with your campground or local National Park Service office for suitable firewood sourcing locations. Don’t forget that the same rule applies on the way back: if you’ve traveled more than 10 miles from home, don’t take firewood with you.
Get certified heat-treated wood
If you buy wood that is certified by the USDA APHIS (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) as heat-treated and inspected, you can be relatively confident that you won’t be bringing any pests with you. Wood that is USDA APHIS certified is usually packaged and has a seal certifying that it has been inspected. If you are not sure, you can ask the seller for clarification. If you plan to travel with wood, certified heat-treated wood is the safest option.
Invasive Species That May Accompany Your Firewood
The biggest threats to U.S. forests from invasive species are the emerald ash beetle, Asian longhorned beetle, and sponge moth. In addition to insects, mold spores can grow on or in firewood and can cause beech leaf disease, Dutch elm disease, and oak wilt. There are dozens of other, lesser-known pest species that can spread through the transfer of eggs or live borer beetles in untreated wood. To curb the spread of these foreign and dangerous insects, follow the 10-mile radius rule.
Know before you go
Some states have stricter quarantines that limit how far people can travel to get firewood, as well as other restrictions that can help stop the spread of plant diseases and invasive species. Before you travel, it’s a good idea to check with your local state government for firewood regulations. Be sure to note where you are located and where you are not allowed to collect firewood, as well as any other restrictions. You can also visit the Don’t Move Firewood website for local updates and news on how to help control the spread of invasive species.