State and Feds combine forces to keep invasive insects at bay

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Green Mountain National Forest have both established policies prohibiting firewood from entering state and federal campgrounds this summer unless the firewood originates from the local area. These measures are needed to reduce the likelihood of non-native insects and diseases being imported into Vermont.

“The Asian Long Horned beetle and the Emerald Ash borer are two pests known to be transported in firewood that pose a serious threat to the future of our forests,” said Green Mountain National Forest Supervisor Meg Mitchell.

Both of these insects are known to “hitchhike” in firewood from infested areas. In most cases the person moving the wood has no idea that their firewood is infested because the insects are hidden under the bark or deep in the wood. During the summer months the adult stage of the insect emerges from the wood and can easily find a maple, ash or other host tree. In as little as two years trees can start to die in large numbers.

“This is a huge alarm bell. Vermont’s forest and shade trees are facing a critical threat from non-native forest pests,” said Vermont State Forester Steven Sinclair. “We risk losing large populations of ash, maple and other tree species.”
 
The Green Mountain National Forest firewood policy allows only kiln-dried firewood with its original packaging and label to enter federal campgrounds and recreation areas. Campers are still allowed to bring in firewood purchased locally or originating from other in-state sources. Starting July 17, people caught transporting untreated firewood from out of state to the National Forest could face penalties of up to $5 thousand dollars or up to 6 months in prison.(READ ORDER HERE)

For Vermont State Parks, firewood will not be allowed to be brought in to any campground or recreation area if it originated from an area more than 50 miles away. For the 2009 season, visitors who arrive at a State Park with firewood from outside the 50 mile radius will not be turned away. Instead they will be asked to exchange their firewood for an equal amount of park firewood. The confiscated firewood will be sealed in plastic bags and properly disposed of in the fall by forestry division staff. As with the National Forest campgrounds, campers are welcome to bring in firewood purchased locally.

The Emerald Ash borer is a tree killer from Asia that has already killed tens of millions of ash trees in North America. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002, the Emerald Ash borer has spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces. Over 80% of new infestations have started by moving firewood. Last summer the insect was discovered 30 miles from Vermont’s northern border in the province of Quebec. It was also detected for the first time less than a month ago in New York State.

The Asian Long Horned beetle, which kills maple and other hardwood trees, is currently infesting a large area around Worcester, MA, 50 miles from Vermont’s southern border. If this insect arrives in Vermont and is allowed to escape to forested areas, one-third of all Vermont trees would be at risk. The consequences would be enormous for the timber, tourism and maple industry and could indeed change the very face of our forest and urban landscape.

Local wood providers:

For more information please visit the state website at: http://www.vtfpr.org/Firewood/index.cfm

http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/