The camping season is in full swing, and a Forest Service spokesperson says don't bring in firewood unless it's certified.
The Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of ash trees in the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada. It has slowly infiltrated into Wisconsin, including Oneida county.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spokesperson Hilary Markin says firewood restrictions are in place on all of the forest. Firewood cannot be brought in from more than 25 miles from where a person is camping...
"....get your firewood locally, gather it on the forest if you can, if you have a valid firewood permit, which you can get from any of our ranger district offices. The other option we have is for visitors, if they stop at a place that sells certified firewood, meaning certified by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection...."
Since 2002, the borer has spread to 22 states, including Wisconsin and two Canadian provinces. In spite of state and federal quarantines that limit the movement of wood products and nursery stock, the insect continues to be discovered in new locations. Movement of infested firewood is the likely cause of new infestations beyond normal dispersal patterns of the insect. More information is on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
