In many homes across America, crackling fires bring warmth and comfort, especially during the cooler months. It’s a delightful tradition that often includes roasting chestnuts, sharing stories, and creating cozy memories. While some people prefer to gather their own firewood, many simply purchase it without thinking much about its source. However, the origins of our firewood are more important than we might realize.
According to the U.S. National Parks Service, it’s best to source firewood locally—ideally within 10 miles, but definitely no more than 50 miles from where you plan to use it. Transporting firewood over long distances can introduce invasive pests into new areas, potentially causing significant harm to local forests. These pests can be tough to detect and might stay hidden under the bark of the wood, making them easy to unknowingly transport.
In suburbs like those in New York, several pests are already causing concerns. The Asian long-horned beetle, emerald ash borer, and spotted lanternfly pose serious threats to local trees. Moving untreated firewood from one area to another can spread these pests, worsening the impact across communities.
To counter this problem, many states have implemented laws that limit the movement of untreated firewood. These regulations often require that firewood remains within a certain distance from where it was harvested unless it has been treated to eliminate pests.
Even firewood that has been seasoned for a while can still house hidden pests. Once transported, this wood can help these pests establish themselves in new locations, which may lead to new infestations that could decimate local wildlife.
The consequences of these invasions have been severe, as past cases have shown. Invasive species have already led to the decline of native trees such as the American chestnut and American elm.
Additionally, buying local firewood has other benefits. It helps maintain the health of your garden and protects property values. Trees that are infested or diseased can become costly to remove and detrimental to the landscape you’ve worked hard to create—a landscape you surely want to enjoy pest-free.
The "Don’t Move Firewood" campaign, supported by The Nature Conservancy, promotes awareness of the dangers of moving firewood and emphasizes the importance of making informed choices. Here are a few simple tips from the campaign:
- Buy Local: Always source your firewood within your county or no more than 50 miles from where it will be burned.
- Examine Your Wood: Just because firewood looks clean doesn’t mean it is pest-free. Small pests or spores can hide within the wood, potentially causing new infestations when transported.
- Be Cautious with Seasoned Wood: Even if wood has been around for a while, it can still carry pests.
- Burn Promptly: If you’ve moved firewood, use it soon and dispose of it by burning it entirely to prevent the spread of pests.
- Educate Others: Share what you know about the dangers of moving firewood—keeping everyone informed helps protect our shared environment.
Lastly, remember to check local regulations before building any outdoor fires, ensuring that you’re not inadvertently contributing to a bigger problem.
Becoming a vigilant firewood consumer helps protect our forests and the beauty they provide. Let’s work together to keep our landscapes healthy for generations to come.
