Invasive species and firewood

[Codger_64]

I recently had a discussion with friends on my canoeing site about the current prohibitions in Arkansas and elsewhere on transporting firewood onto Federal lands. In Arkansas the most current problem is the infestations of the emerald ash borer and it's spread in the multi-state area. Here is my post on that topic. I hope you can add to this topic about your concerns in your areas about invasive species of plants, animals and insects, and what your State and what you personally are doing about it.

We have the same prohibitions on firewood transport here in SW Idaho. It makes good sense. In fact we have "port of entry" inspections of any boat coming into the state checking for invasive species (aquatics). Moving out here pulling my canoe trailer I had to stop for inspections at the borders of Montana, Utah and Idaho for an inspection. And here in Idaho I am supposed to buy an annual "Invasive species" sticker each year to help fund the inspection and eradication efforts.

Beetle infestations are a concern most everywhere now. Our National Forests here all preclude importing firewood from outside. Luckily, most float areas have plenty of downed wood and driftwood that carrying in wood isn't needed. And high traffic campgrounds have local suppliers so that you can buy local wood if needed. I've personally gone to using a small collapsible titanium twig stove so that the wood needed is down to a double handful of twigs easily collected anywhere, even in high traffic areas. It is the small stuff most folks either overlook or consider firestarting tender. Plus the stove concentrates the heat, limits sparks and burns with little smoke. It also has a bottom baseplate so it doesn't leave soot and fire scars on rocks and gravel bars. One of my contributions to LNT backcountry ethics. It doesn't always comply with fire bans, but one Ranger in a Tennessee State Park agreed it was good enough and gave me permission to use it during a fire ban there. I usually also carry a backpacker's mini gas stove just in case though.

 

[Inazone]

The situation is virtually identical in Minnesota. Between the numerous invasive aquatic species (zebra mussels, Asian carp, Eurasian watermilfoil) and the emerald ash borers you mentioned, every park, trail head and campground is plastered with warning signs. Last fall, the wife and I went camping in a state park, and had to buy firewood at the park office due to a ban on bringing in your own. Sort of a pain since we have a substantial amount of our own, but it is what it is. However, I have a no-name folding twig stove similar in appearance to yours (steel vs. titanium) and we used that for everything except bonfires. I supplemented our park-bought wood with dead wood near our site.

I understand the reasons for concern, although I do have to wonder if there have been any documented cases of ash borers in particular being spread via firewood in parks and campgrounds. However, so many little stoves available using a variety of fuels, it's not much of a concern for me except when I need a fire for heat.

 

[mete]

Remember the gypsy moth caterpillar ? Somehow they went all the way from east coast to west coast ! Did they fly ? No they just hitch hiked on peoples cars !!
Invasive species are very hard to deal with. Many hemlocks are gone , not too much ash damage in the Catskills but you never know whats coming. Lumber industry has been hurt adding to already serious problems .

 

[mewolf1]

Invasive species are a concern for sure. I remember what happened to the American Elm.

Ash seem to be next. No matter how they travel, it's just a matter of time, so no point in hurrying things along.