Planning a camping trip in the Adirondacks this spring or summer? The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding campers to be careful when it comes to firewood in an effort to keep the Adirondacks safe from tree diseases and invasive insects. Here are more details on firewood regulations and some ways that you can help!
The Regulation
This summer, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos is reminding campers to keep their untreated firewood at home. The reason? Untreated firewood brought in from another location could carry its own happy campers: insects and diseases that could harm our local forests. Some of the biggest threats include the invasive Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt.
The regulation specifically prohibits:
- Bringing untreated firewood into New York State from other areas, and
- Transporting firewood grown in New York State more than 50 miles
Homeowners should not move wood from trees that died on their property for use while camping.
If you are planning to bring firewood with you on your next camping trip, remember that you must have documentation of its source, origin, or treatment. If you cut your own firewood for personal use, a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin can be found on the official DEC website: dec.ny.gov.
Purchasing firewood? Make sure the source of the wood is clearly labeled. This will let you know how far it can be transported. Wood labeled “New York-Approved Heat Treated/Pest Free” can be moved anywhere without restriction as it has met the heat treatment standard. Again, just be sure to check for a label.
In some areas, invasive species quarantines may also restrict the transport of firewood. But keep in mind that even as these quarantines are lifted, the state firewood regulation will still be in effect.
“Everyone loves sitting around the campfire on a summer evening,” said Seggos in a statement, “but I urge campers to leave untreated firewood at home. Using local firewood is an easy way to help protect our forests.”
