For many, Memorial Day weekend means loading up the car for a camping trip — just leave the firewood at home.
State officials urge campers to purchase and burn local wood near their campsite or vacation home to reduce the introduction and spread of destructive wood pests, such as the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer.
“Harmful forest insects often spend a portion of their life cycle as larvae inside the trunk and branches of trees and folks transporting infested firewood from one location to another may unknowingly move insect pests,” Robert Klee, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said in a news release. “Purchasing firewood locally rather than transporting it from home is a best management practice that reduces the risk of spread of these destructive pests.”
The Asian longhorned beetle is the greatest threat to Connecticut trees. The insect targets and kills hardwood trees, which are often found in Connecticut.
Areas around Worcester Mass. and New York City are being treated for the beetle. No untreated hardwood firewood is allowed to leave these regulated areas.
“The spread of this pest is a direct result of wood transport, specifically the movement of untreated firewood” said Chris Martin, DEEP Director of Forestry.
The state is also trying to stop the spread of emerald ash borers, a beetle already in Connecticut. There are restrictions for bringing untreated firewood to New York and Rhode Island. Many state and national campsites in New England prohibit out-of-state firewood.
Out-of-state firewood could be confiscated and campers could be fined.