| Vol. 9 | No. 4 | Fall 2007 |
 |
Dialogue
How serious is the problem of invasive species in firewood? |
Transporting firewood, even across county lines, is one way in which people can inadvertently facilitate the spread of invasive species such as insects, fungi, and plant pathogens. When introduced into new ecosystems, non-native species can crowd out or kill native plants and animals, and wood-borne invasive species can be devastating to U.S. forests.
For example, the emerald ash borer, an insect naturally found in Asia, has already killed more than 20 million ash trees in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio since it was first discovered in the United States in 2002. Other invasive species found in firewood include the Sirex woodwasp, which carries a fungus that kills pine trees, and the pathogens that cause sudden oak death and pitch canker. These pests pose such a threat that federal and state agencies have established quarantines and taken other emergency steps to regulate the movement of infested and susceptible wood and trees from infested areas.
To help prevent the spread of invasive species, use only locally harvested firewood. This is important not only during the camping season but also in winter, because some invasive species such as the emerald ash borer can survive cold temperatures. If you have already transported firewood to a campsite, your cabin, or home, leave it there and burn it as soon as possible.
Also in this issue of Earthwise:
Close to Home
Saving Energy by the Numbers
