― NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ―
Use Local Firewood this Camping Season
Many people like to take firewood from their homes before traveling
to a campsite. Invasive pests like the emerald ash borer or Asian
longhorned beetle often hitch a ride to new areas in untreated firewood.
Transport of untreated firewood across the state has caused outbreaks
of these damaging pests.
Since 2009, New York State has regulated the movement of firewood to
keep the spread of invasives down. Untreated firewood must have been
grown in NY and cannot be moved more than 50 miles from where it was
grown or its source. Producers of firewood for sale are allowed to
declare their business as the source provided the wood was grown within
50 miles of their business and they must maintain documentation. Those
moving untreated firewood for their own use must fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF).
Treated firewood, which has been heated to a core temperature of 160° F
for 75 minutes and labeled as “New York Approved Heat-treated
Firewood/Pest Free,” can be moved without restrictions. DEC has an
interactive map that shows if firewood’s source and its destination are
within 50 miles. View the map.
Violation of firewood regulations can result in fines, penalties, and
the potential destruction of beloved trees and habitats. The safest way
to enjoy a campfire and protect New York forests is to buy and burn
local firewood at your destination. Read more about New York’s firewood regulations on DEC’s website.