With the start of camping season underway, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded campers that the New York State firewood transportation regulation is still in effect. Untreated firewood may contain invasive pests that kill trees, and to protect New York’s forests, untreated firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles from its source of origin.
“Using local firewood is a simple act that everyone can do to help protect our forests from invasive insects and diseases,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Moving untreated firewood that could be contaminated is one of the main ways that invasive pests are spread to new areas. To help stop the spread, I urge all campers to leave untreated firewood at home and use firewood from local sources.”
Homeowners should not move firewood from trees that died on their property for use while camping. By moving untreated firewood, invasive pests are able to hitch rides to new areas, spreading faster and farther than pests could have on their own. A variety of invasive species can be transported on firewood, from wood boring beetles and defoliators to fungi and diseases.
The New York State firewood regulation:
Prohibits untreated firewood from being brought into New York from other areas;
Prohibits untreated firewood grown in the state from being transported more than 50 miles from its source of origin; and
When transporting firewood, documentation of the source, origin, or treatment is required.
The origin of the wood is where it was grown. Anyone that cuts firewood for personal use is required to fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF), available on DEC’s website. Producers of untreated firewood for sale must obtain wood grown within 50 miles of their business but may then declare the business as
