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Hunters reminded to heed firewood quarantines

MADISON — The Department reminds Wisconsin hunters heading out to deer camp to use firewood where they are camping or to purchase wood from a certified dealer. This is crucial so that hunters do not bring emerald ash borer (EAB) or gypsy moth into the woodland area through their firewood, which could destroy those woods or those nearby.

“EAB and gypsy moth are two of the most destructive forest pests in North America. Add in oak wilt and other diseases and you have a real risk of losing a lot of trees where you hunt,” says Melody Walker, chief of the Pest Survey program at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “The deer that like to graze on acorns on your land might not be around if the trees that produced those acorns are dead and gone.”

It is illegal to move firewood out of areas that are quarantined for either of those insect pests, because the wood could be harboring eggs or immature insects called larvae. Pests and diseases that kill trees can move from place to place on firewood. EAB and gypsy moth, as well as other pests, can easily survive Wisconsin winters.

Fifty-one counties in Wisconsin are quarantined for one or both pests. a map showing the quarantined counties is available online. Although firewood can be moved within the quarantine area, it is best to buy it where you are camping or from certified dealers.

Remember:

Gather or buy your firewood at your destination.

Use all the firewood you obtain and don’t take any home with you.

Consider buying firewood from state-certified dealers. A list is available online.

If camping on DNR-managed land, firewood cannot come from more than 25 miles away unless it is state-certified.