The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s “Hungry Pests” campaign has partnered with the Nature Conservancy’s “Don’t Move Firewood” initiative to declare October as the first-ever “Firewood Awareness Month.”
Designed to raise public awareness about firewood movement as a pathway for forest pests and diseases, Firewood Awareness Month is also an opportunity for citizens to better understand how their firewood choices can slow the spread of forest pests.
Moving firewood long distances can spread invasive forest pests hidden in or on the wood. For example, the appearance of the emerald ash borer in new locations throughout North Carolina is a reminder of what can happen when invasive pests are inadvertently moved with firewood.
The USDA, APHIS, and the Nature Conservancy are urging citizens to recognize their firewood choices matter and understand they can help slow the spread of tree-killing pests by following these steps:
- Always buy firewood that was cut locally or that has been properly heat-treated to kill any pests that may have been in or on it. If you’re unsure if the firewood is local or treated, ask the seller.
- When traveling, buy firewood at your destination or purchase firewood that is labeled treated and certified. Many recreational areas have firewood for sale. Inquire when you make your reservations.
- When you purchase firewood at your destination, burn it all—don’t take it back home with you.
For more information, including free resources for Firewood Awareness Month, visit www.dontmovefirewood.org/blog/free-resources-firewood-month.html and follow the Wake Forest Urban Forestry Board on Twitter at @ufb4trees.
