State's Firewood Regulations Limit Firewood Movement to
Protect New York Forests
With the start of the 2021
camping season underway, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Basil Seggos and Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today encouraged campers to use local
firewood and follow New York State firewood regulations to help prevent
the spread of invasive species. Untreated firewood - firewood that has
not met the state's heat treatment standard - can contain invasive pests
that kill trees. To protect New York's forests, untreated firewood should
not be moved more than 50 miles from its source of origin.
"Using local firewood is
an easy way to help protect our forests from invasive pests and diseases," said Commissioner Seggos. "Moving untreated
firewood is one of the main ways invasive pests spread to new areas. I
urge all campers to help stop the spread of invasive species and protect
the places we love by leaving untreated firewood at home and using
firewood from local sources."
"We all have a role to
play in protecting our parks and forests from the risks of invasive
species that can be carried on firewood," said Commissioner Kulleseid. "By leaving
their firewood at home and using only local sources, campers can help
slow the spread of disease and protect our precious natural
resources."
Many people take campfire
wood from their backyards or neighborhoods as they head out to a favorite
camping spot, not realizing the wood may be hiding the eggs, larvae,
spores, adults, or even seeds of invasive threats. Hitching a ride on
infested or infected firewood allows these pests to spread faster and
farther than they could have on their own. A variety of invasive species
can be transported on firewood, from wood boring beetles and defoliators
to fungi and diseases.
New York State firewood
regulations:
·
Prohibit untreated firewood from being
brought into New York State from other states or countries;
·
Prohibit untreated firewood grown in the
state from being transported more than 50 miles from its source or
origin; and
·
Require that people carry source, origin,
or treatment documentation whenever transporting firewood.
The origin of the wood is
where it was grown. Anyone that cuts firewood for personal use is
required to fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF), available
on DEC's website. Producers of untreated firewood for sale must obtain
wood grown within 50 miles of their business but may then declare the
business as the source of the firewood. Examples of the source documentation (PDF) are also
available on DEC's website. Consumers purchasing untreated firewood
should make sure the source is clearly labeled to know how far the wood
may be transported.
Firewood that meets the
state's heat treatment standard (160 degrees Fahrenheit core temperature
for 75 minutes) needs to be labeled "New York-Approved Heat
Treated/Pest Free," and can be moved without restriction.
Heat-treating to this standard has been proven to kill insects and
diseases that may be in firewood. Kiln-dried only means the wood was
heated to dry it out so it will burn well, but it may not have reached
160 degrees Fahrenheit for 75 minutes. Purchasers of heat-treated
firewood are encouraged to look for the appropriate label indicating the
wood meets the standard. Pressure-treated firewood should never be burned.
Quarantines for individual
invasive species, such as oak
wilt and the Asian longhorned beetle, may further
restrict the transport of firewood in specific areas. As quarantines are
lifted, expanded, or tightened, the firewood regulation will continue to
remain in place. For more information on Firewood
and Invasive Insects or to see DEC's PSA, visit DEC's website or
contact DEC's Forest Health Division at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov.
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